Dell™ OptiPlex™ 755 Quick Reference Guide Models DCTR, DCNE, DCSM, and DCCY w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l .
Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. ____________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 10 . . . . . . . . . 11 Set Up Your Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Power Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Set Up Your Keyboard and Mouse Before You Begin Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . 14 . . . . . . . .
Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 System Board Components . Jumper Settings Ultra Small Form Factor Computer System Views . . . . . . . . . . . 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Cable Cover (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 System Board Components Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer. What Are You Looking For? Find It Here • A diagnostic program for my computer Drivers and Utilities Media • Drivers for my computer NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media may • Desktop System Software (DSS) be optional and may not ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here • How to set up my computer Owner’s Manual • How to run the Dell Diagnostics NOTE: This document may be optional and • Error codes and diagnostic lights may not ship with your computer. • Tools and utilities • How to set up a printer • How to troubleshoot and solve problems • How to remove and install parts NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com. • Warranty information Dell™ Product Information Guide • Terms and Conditions (U.S.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here • Service Tag and Express Service Code Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License • Microsoft Windows License Label These labels are located on your computer. • Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact support. • Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting support.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here • Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked questions Dell Support Website — support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the appropriate support site.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here • How to use Windows XP Windows Help and Support Center 1 To access Windows Help and Support: • In Windows XP, click Start and click Help and Support. • In Windows Vista™, click the Windows Vista Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. Your operating system product key label is located on your computer. NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you ordered. Setting Up Your Computer CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in Product Information Guide.
3 Connect the monitor. Align and gently insert the monitor cable to avoid bending connector pins. Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable connectors. NOTE: Some monitors have the video connector underneath the back of the screen. See the documentation that came with your monitor for its connector locations. 4 Connect the speakers. 5 Connect power cables to the computer, monitor, and devices and connect the other ends of the power cables to electrical outlets.
Set Up Your Monitor Power Connections 12 Quick Reference Guide
Before You Begin This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: • You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 13 and "Mini Tower Computer" on page 16. • You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide. • A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
NOTICE: Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for about 4 seconds to turn them off. Before Working Inside Your Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover. 6 Remove the computer cover. • For a mini tower computer, see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 22. • For a desktop computer, see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 32. • For a small form factor computer, see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 43. • For an ultra small form factor computer, see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 55.
Mini Tower Computer System Views Front View 1 2 3 11 4 5 10 6 9 7 8 16 1 5.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive. 2 5.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
3 3.5-inch drive bay Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional media card reader. 4 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see your online User’s Guide for more information on booting to a USB device). It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
8 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating modes: • No light — The computer is turned off. • Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state. • Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode • Blinking or solid amber — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem may exist (see "Power Problems" in the User’s Guide).
Back View 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 cover-release latch This latch allows you to open the computer cover. 2 padlock ring Insert a padlock to lock the computer cover.
3 voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch. To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage-selection switch, set the switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position. Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
2 link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer. • Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. • Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network and the computer. • Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
8 video connector Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector. NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove the cap. NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable that came with your computer. 9 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.
1 2 3 1 security cable slot 3 padlock ring 2 cover release latch Quick Reference Guide 23
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.
System Board Components 1 3 2 4 22 21 5 20 19 6 18 7 17 16 15 8 14 13 12 11 10 Quick Reference Guide 9 25
1 speaker connector (INT_SPKR) 12 RTC reset jumper (RTCRST) 2 fan (FAN_CPU) 13 intrusion switch connector (INTRUDER) 3 processor connector (CPU) 14 battery socket (BATTERY) 4 processor power connector (12VPOWER) 15 PCI Express x16 connector (SLOT1) 5 memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2, DIMM_3, DIMM_4) 16 PCI Express x1 connector (SLOT4) 6 password jumper (PSWD) 17 PCI connector (SLOT2) 7 SATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA1, SATA2, SATA3) 18 PCI connector (SLOT3) 8 front-panel con
Jumper Setting Description RTCRST The real-time clock has not been reset. The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily). jumpered unjumpered Desktop Computer System Views Front View 2 1 11 1 10 USB 2.0 connectors (2) 9 8 7 6 3 5 4 Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup" in the User’s Guide for more information about booting to a USB device).
3 power button Press this button to turn on the computer. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Turning Off Your Computer" in the User’s Guide for more information. NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown. 4 Dell badge This badge can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer.
8 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. 9 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone. 10 3.5-inch drive bay Can contain an optional floppy drive, second hard drive, or optional media card reader. 11 5.25-inch drive bay Can contain an optical drive. Insert a CD or DVD (if supported) into this drive.
4 voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage selection switch. To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set the switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. NOTICE: In Japan, the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115-V position. Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
2 link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer. • Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. • Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1-Gbps (or 1000-Mbps) network and the computer. • Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
8 video connector Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector. NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove the cap. NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable that came with your computer. 9 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.
1 2 3 1 security cable slot 3 padlock ring 2 cover release latch Inside Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the 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.
2 3 1 4 5 6 7 34 1 drive bays (media card reader or floppy drive, optical drive and hard drive) 2 power supply 3 optional chassis-intrusion switch 4 system board 5 card slots 6 heat sink assembly 7 front I/O panel Quick Reference Guide
System Board Components 1 2 3 22 21 20 4 19 18 5 17 6 16 7 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 Quick Reference Guide 35
1 internal speaker (INT_SPKR) 12 intrusion switch connector (INTRUDER) 2 processor connector (CPU) 13 battery socket (BATTERY) 3 processor power connector (12VPOWER) 14 PCI Express x16 connector (SLOT1) 4 memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2, DIMM_3, DIMM_4) 15 PCI connector (SLOT2) 5 password jumper (PSWD) 16 PCI connector (SLOT3) 6 SATA connectors (SATA0, SATA1, SATA2) 17 riser connector (uses PCI-E port/SLOT1 and PCI port/SLOT2) 7 front-panel connector (FRONTPANEL) 18 serial connec
Jumper Setting Description RTCRST The real-time clock has not been reset. The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily). jumpered unjumpered Small Form Factor Computer System Views Front View 2 1 3 4 5 6 11 1 10 USB 2.0 connectors (2) 9 8 7 Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup" in the User’s Guide for more information about booting to a USB device).
2 power button Press to turn on the computer. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not turn off the computer by pressing the power button. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. See "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 13 for more information. NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown. 38 3 Dell badge Can be rotated to match the orientation of your computer.
7 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different operating states: • No light — The computer is turned off. • Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state. • Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving mode. • Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" in the User’s Guide. To exit from a power-saving mode, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager.
Back View 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 card slots (2) Access connectors for any installed PCI cards, PCI Express cards, PS/2, eSATA, and so on. 2 back panel connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Back Panel Connectors" on page 41). 3 power connector Insert the power cable. 4 voltage selection switch Your computer is equipped with a manual voltage-selection switch.
Back Panel Connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 1 8 7 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector. NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically disabled if the computer detects an installed card containing a parallel connector configured to the same address. For more information, see "System Setup Options" in the User’s Guide.
3 network adapter connector To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached. NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector. Remote management features require use of the onboard NIC.
8 video connector Plug the cable from your VGA-compatible monitor into the blue connector. NOTE: If you purchased an optional graphics card, this connector will be covered by a cap. Connect your monitor to the connector on the graphics card. Do not remove the cap. NOTE: If you are using a graphics card that supports dual monitors, use the y-cable that came with your computer. 9 serial connector Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port.
1 2 3 1 security cable slot 3 computer cover 2 cover release latch Inside Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the 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.
3 4 2 1 5 6 1 drive-release latch 2 optical drive 3 power supply 4 hard drive 5 system board 6 heat sink assembly Quick Reference Guide 45
System Board Components 1 2 3 21 20 19 4 18 5 17 6 16 15 7 14 46 13 12 11 Quick Reference Guide 10 9 8
1 internal speaker connector (INT_SPKR) 12 RTC reset jumper (RTCRST) 2 processor connector (CPU) 13 intrusion switch connector (INTRUDER) 3 processor power connector (12VPOWER) 14 battery socket (BATTERY) 4 memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2, DIMM_3, DIMM_4) 15 PCI Express x16 connector (SLOT1) 5 password jumper (PSWD) 16 PCI connector (SLOT2) 6 SATA connectors (SATA0, SATA1) 17 serial connector (SERIAL2) 7 front-panel connector (FRONTPANEL) 18 system board speaker (BEEP) 8 power
Jumper Setting Description RTCRST The real-time clock has not been reset. The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily). jumpered unjumpered Ultra Small Form Factor Computer System Views NOTICE: Do not place your monitor on the computer. Use a monitor stand. NOTICE: When setting up your computer, secure all cables toward the back of your work area to prevent the cables from being pulled, tangled, or stepped on.
1 USB connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup" in the User’s Guide for more information about booting to a USB device). It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards. 2 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a microphone.
8 hard drive access light The hard drive access light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when devices such as your CD player are operating. 9 vents The vents help prevent your computer from overheating. To ensure proper ventilation, do not block these cooling vents. Side View 1 50 1 vents 2 mounting For mounting optional stand. holes 2 The vents located on each side of the computer help prevent your computer from overheating.
Back View 1 5 2 3 4 1 diagnostic lights See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 66 for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer. 2 computer cover release knob Rotate this knob in a clockwise direction to remove the cover. 3 back panel connectors See "Back Panel Connectors" on page 52 for a description of the connectors for your computer. 4 power connector Insert the AC power adapter plug. 5 vents The vents help prevent your computer from overheating.
Back Panel Connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 9 10 8 7 1 parallel connector Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector. 2 link integrity light • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer. • Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. • Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer.
4 network activity light The amber light flashes when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state. 5 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector to attach an amplified speaker set. 6 linein/microphone connector Use the blue and pink line-in/microphone connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
1 1 cable adapter 3 monitor cable 2 VGA connector Connecting Two Monitors 1 1 cable adapter Use the cable adapter to connect a VGA monitor and a DVI monitor to the DVI-I connector on the back panel.
When you connect two monitors, the video driver will detect this connection and activate the multimonitor functionality. Removing the Computer Cover 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.
1 release knob Inside Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the AC power adapter before removing the cover. 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.
1 2 6 3 5 4 1 fan shroud/heat sink assembly 2 speaker (optional) 3 memory modules (2) 4 hard drive 5 security cable slot 6 chassis intrusion switch Cable Cover (Optional) Attaching the Cable Cover 1 Ensure that all external device cables are threaded through the hole in the cable cover. 2 Connect all device cables to the connectors on the back of the computer. 3 Hold the bottom of the cable cover so as to align the tabs with the slots on the computer’s back panel.
1 2 1 cable cover 2 security cable slot Removing the Cable Cover 1 If a security device is installed in the security cable slot, remove the device. 1 1 release button 2 Slide the release button, grasp the cable cover, and slide the cover sideways as shown until it stops, and then lift the cable cover up and away.
System Board Components 1 2 3 4 5 6 14 7 8 13 9 12 10 11 Quick Reference Guide 59
1 fan connector (FAN_FRONT) 8 password jumper (PSWD) 2 internal speaker connector (INT_SPKR) 9 hard drive fan connector (FAN_HDD) 3 system board speaker (BEEP) 10 clear CMOS jumper (RTCRST) 4 channel B memory connector (DIMM_2) 11 hard drive power connector (SATA_PWR) 5 channel A memory connector (DIMM_1) 12 fan connector (FAN_REAR) 6 SATA data cable connector (SATA0) 13 intrusion switch connector (INTRUDER) 7 battery (BATT) 14 processor (CPU) Jumper Settings Jumper Setting PSWD Desc
Jumper Setting Description RTCRST The real-time clock has not been reset. The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily). jumpered unjumpered Solving Problems Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media (an optional CD). See "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive" on page 62 or "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD (Optional)" on page 63 for more information. Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive. NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD (Optional) 1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD (optional). 2 Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only.
Option Function Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run. Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having. 2 If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
4 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD. 5 When the tests are complete, close Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen. System Lights Your power button light and hard drive light may indicate a computer problem.
Power Light Problem Description Solid green and a A problem was detected while beep code during the BIOS was executing. POST Solid green power light and no beep code and no video during POST Suggested Resolution See "Beep Codes" on page 70 for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 66).
Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution The computer is in a normal off • Plug the computer into a condition or a possible pre-BIOS working electrical outlet (see failure has occurred. "Power Problems" in the User’s Guide). The diagnostic lights are not lit after the system successfully boots to the operating system. • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in the User’s Guide). A possible processor failure has occurred.
Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution A possible graphics card failure has occurred. • Reseat any installed graphics cards (see the "Cards" information for your system). • If available, install a working graphics card into your computer. • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in the User’s Guide). A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred. Reseat all power and data cables. A possible USB failure has occurred.
Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error has occurred. • Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see "Memory" in the User’s Guide). • Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see the specifications for your system). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in the User’s Guide). A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
Power Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution Another failure has occurred. • Ensure that all hard drive and optical drive cables are properly connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" for your system). • If there is an error message on the screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
Code Cause 1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used 4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh If you experience any of the following beep code errors, see "Contacting Dell" in the User’s Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Code Cause 4-2-1 No timer tick 4-2-2 Shutdown failure 4-2-3 Gate A20 failure 4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode 4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh 4-3-3 Timer-chip counter 2 failure 4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped 4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure 4-4-2 Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory 4-4-3 Math-coprocessor test failure 4-4-4 Cache test failure Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities If a device is either not detected during the opera
Restoring Your Operating System You can restore your operating system in the following ways: • System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files. • Dell PC Restore by Symantec (available in Windows XP) and Dell Factory Image Restore (available in Windows Vista) returns your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
Starting System Restore Windows XP: NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete. 1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Restore. 2 Click either Restore my computer to an earlier time or Create a restore point. 3 Click Next and follow the remaining on-screen prompts. Windows Vista: 1 Click Start .
Enabling System Restore NOTE: Windows Vista does not disable System Restore; regardless of low disk space. Therefore, the steps below apply only to Windows XP. If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ System. 2 Click the System Restore tab and ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press . If you do not press in time, let the computer finish starting, and then restart the computer again. NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot. 3 Click Restore and click Confirm. The restore process takes approximately 6 to 10 minutes to complete. 4 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer. NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
3 Double-click the filename DSRIRRemv2.exe. NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears stating that you that you must log on as administrator. Click Quit, and then log on as a local administrator. NOTE: If the partition for PC Restore does not exist on your computer hard drive, a message appears stating that the partition was not found. Click Quit; there is no partition to delete. 4 Click OK to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.
6 Click Next. The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears. NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel. 7 Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition, then click Next. The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete. A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed applications have been restored to factory condition.
Microsoft Windows Vista™ 1 Click the Windows Vista start button , and right-click Computer. 2 Click Properties→ Device Manager. NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue. Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.
3 Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties. 4 Click the Drivers tab→ Roll Back Driver. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 73) to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.
5 Click the Driver tab→ Update Driver→ Browse my computer for driver software. 6 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files. 7 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click the name of the driver→ OK→ Next. 8 Click Finish and restart your computer.