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Dell™ Dimension™ 2300C front door power button hard-drive light * On computers with integrated IEEE 1394 connectors. ** On computers with integrated PC Card connectors. parallel connector serial connector video connector diagnostic lights (4) keyboard connector USB 2.0 connectors (4)
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation;...
Contents CAUTION: Safety Instructions General ......When Using Your Computer When Working Inside Your Computer Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Ergonomic Computing Habits Battery Disposal...
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Copying CDs ......Using Easy CD Creator Basic Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Helpful Tips .
CAUTION: Safety Instructions Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage. General • Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician.
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CAUTION: Safety Instructions • To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network jack, and then into the network adapter.
When Using Your Computer As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines. CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed. • Your computer is equipped with one of the following: –...
Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated. CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in your online Dell™ documentation or in instructions otherwise provided to you by Dell. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.
When Using Your Computer • Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins. CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed.
(continued) When Using Your Computer Battery Disposal Your computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, see page 93. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste.
• How to set up a printer • How to troubleshoot and solve problems • How to add parts • How to contact Dell • Warranty information Find it Here R e s o u r c e C D You can use this CD to access documentation and reinstall drivers (see page 61).
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The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including: • Knowledge Base — hints, tips, and online courses • Customer Forum — online discussion with other Dell customers • Upgrades — upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system •...
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What Are You Looking For? • How to set up my computer • Tips on using Windows • How to clean my computer • How to use my mouse and keyboard • How to use Windows XP • Documentation for my computer and devices Find it Here S e t u p D i a g r a m...
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F i n d i n g I n f o r ma t i o n f o r Yo u r C o m p u te r...
S E C T I O N 1 S e t t i n g U p a n d U s i n g Yo u r C o m p u t e r Connecting the AC Adapter Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand Setting Up a Printer Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional)
Connecting the AC Adapter Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer Connect the AC adapter to the plug on the AC power cable. CAUTION: If you decide to connect the green ground wire to an do not permit electrical outlet, wire and power leads because electrical shock, fire, or damage to your computer can occur (see the following figure).
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand To attach the stand: Rotate the computer to an upside-down position. Insert the screw into the bottom of the stand. Align the two tabs and the screw on the stand with the tab holes and screw hole in the bottom of the computer.
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To remove the stand: Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer Turn the computer over so that the stand is at the top. Loosen the screw and lift the stand away. Place the computer in a horizontal position until you reattach the stand.
Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer. See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to: • Obtain and install updated drivers • Connect the printer to the computer •...
Connecting a USB Printer HINT: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on. Setting Up and Using Yo ur Computer screws (2) parallel printer cable notches (2) Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
USB printer cable Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional) IEEE 1394 devices can move large amounts of data between computers and devices and are ideal for use with multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras. Your computer provides an IEEE 1394 connector on both the front and back panels.
HINT: The connector can accept six-pin IEEE 1394 devices with the use of an adapter. Transferring Information to a New Computer Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data, such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks, from one computer to another.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Before you connect your computer to a network, it must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it. To connect a network cable: Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection To set up an AOL or MSN connection: If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:...
Click Set up or change your Internet connection. In the Internet Properties window, click Setup and then click Next. The New Connection Wizard appears. Click Connect to the Internet. In the next window, click the appropriate option: • If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs).
The Easy CD Creator Basic documentation is located in the Microsoft documentation is also provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, which is included with your computer. Each Easy CD Creator Basic project program also has thorough online help files.
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Your CD-RW drive writes to two different types of recording media—CD-R and CD-RW discs. Use blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) disks to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R disc, you cannot write to that disc again without changing your method of recording (see the Roxio documentation for more information).
Roxio documentation for problems, first check for instructions on how to copy CDs from a CD drive to a CD-RW drive. available software patches at the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and if necessary, the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com.
Turning Off the Computer NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather than by pressing the power button. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer. Click Turn off.
S E C T I O N 2 S o l v i n g P r o b l e m s Finding Solutions Finding Help Information Battery Problems Drive Problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error Messages General Problems IEEE 1394 Problems Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems...
So l vi n g Pro b l em s See page 49. Press a key or move the Tell Me How mouse. See the help file for information on standby mode. Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 95. See page 41.
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See page 54. See page 53. See page 51. See page 39. See page 46. See page 45. See page 37. See page 48. See page 52. See page 41. See page 42. See page 39. See page 39. See page 42. So l vi n g Pro b l em s...
Drive Problems CD drive problems D J U S T T H E I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L the lower-right corner of your screen. • Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.
DVD drives. Computer on the desktop. If the DVD drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems H E C K T H E T E L E P H O N E L I N E C O N N E C T I O N line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.) Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.
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directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties. Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet.
General Problems A program stops responding to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then press the power button again to turn on the computer. You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
A solid blue screen appears — If the computer does not respond to a U R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F keystroke or a proper shutdown, press the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off.
Service and Support Guide that came with your computer for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell. website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see psge 93). See the Service and Support Guide that came with your computer for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
Windows recognizes the device. F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A — Contact Dell (see page 95). D E V I C E F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A N —...
computer, and try using the keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the original keyboard is faulty. Mouse Problems C O M P U T E R So l vi n g Pro b l em s H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E •...
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F Y O U C O N N E C T E D T H E M O U S E A F T E R T U R N I N G O N T H E C O M P U T E R R E M O V E T H E P O W E R C A B L E A N D T H E N R E C O N N E C T T H E M O U S E —...
Network Problems cable is connected as shown on page 25. No light indicates that there is no network communication. Try replacing the network cable. A G A I N or the person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.
PC Card Problems P C C — Ensure that the PC Card is properly inserted into H E C K T H E A R D the connector. N S U R E T H A T T H E C A R D I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar.
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(see page 77). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 95). F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S S T E A D Y A M B E R •...
— Ensure that the electrical outlet is ® I N D O W S — See page 61. — See page 64. HINT: Dell does not cover the printer’s warranty. If you need technical assistance for your printer, call the printer’s manufacturer.
Scanner Problems HINT: Dell does not cover the scanner’s warranty. If you need documentation for setup and troubleshooting information. technical assistance for your scanner, call the scanner’s manufacturer. See the scanner locking tab or button. documentation for the correct phone number.
Sound and Speaker Problems H E C K T H E S P E A K E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. N S U R E T H A T T H E S U B W O O F E R A N D T H E S P E A K E R S A R E T U R N E D —...
Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank HINT: See the monitor documentation for troubleshooting the monitor has power. If the power light is blinking, press a key on the keyboard procedures. or move the mouse. ensure that the monitor is turned on. bent or broken pins.
If the screen is difficult to read H E C K T H E M O N I T O R S E T T I N G S instructions on adjusting the contrast and brightness, demagnetizing (degaussing) the monitor, and running the monitor self-test. O V E T H E S U B W O O F E R A W A Y F R O M T H E M O N I T O R system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the monitor.
S E C T I O N 3 A d v a n c e d Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Diagnostic Lights Drivers Using System Restore Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Microsoft®...
• If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see page 87). • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 95). • Ensure that there are no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements (see page 82).
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Continue until you have identified a faulty connector or reinstalled all modules without error. • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see page 95). Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card and then restarting the computer.
Drivers What Is a Driver? A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program. A driver acts like a translator between the device and the programs that use the device.
Reinstalling Drivers NOTICE: The Dell Support website and your provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.
Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore (see page 62) does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD: HINT: The ResourceCD displays drivers only for hardware that came on your computer.
Creating a Restore Point Click the Start button and click Help and Support. Click System Restore. Follow the instructions on the screen. Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State If problems occur after installing a device driver, first try using Device Driver Rollback (see page 13) to resolve the problem.
Undoing the Last System Restore Enabling System Restore 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: If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system.
Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager. In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices. Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point ( conflicting device or a red Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window. If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.
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Windows XP . The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative. NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP , disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP .
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Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and then follow the instructions on the screen. The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer restarts multiple times. Completing the GUI Setup NOTICE: When the computer restarts, the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
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Completing the Operating System Setup Reinstalling Drivers and Software Advanced Troubleshooting NOTICE: When the computer restarts, the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD. message appears. When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next. When the How will this computer connect to the message appears, click Skip.
S E C T I O N 4 A d d i n g Pa r t s Front and Back View of the Computer Reattaching the Front Door Opening the Computer Cover Looking Inside Your Computer Adding PC Cards (Optional) Adding Other Cards Adding Memory Closing the Computer Cover...
Front and Back View of the Computer Front View HINT: The front door does not close when you are using certain PC Cards or the IEEE 1394, USB, or headphone connector(s). breakaway hinges (2) To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is opened too far.
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USB 2.0 connectors (2) For quick connections, Dell recommends using the front USB connectors for USB devices such as digital cameras, gaming controllers, and scanners. Use the back-panel USB connectors for USB devices that are seldom disconnected, such as USB mouse and keyboard devices.
Back View 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. mouse connector Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer.
11 USB 2.0 connectors (4) For quick connections, Dell recommends using the front USB connectors for USB devices such as digital cameras, gaming controllers, and scanners. Use the back-panel USB connectors for USB devices that are seldom disconnected, such as USB mouse and keyboard devices.
HINT: The top hinge arm clicks when it is moved to the closed position—the bottom hinge arm does not. Opening the Computer Cover A d d i n g Par ts Move the hinge arms to the closed position. Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge arms.
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Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board. Remove the computer stand (see page 19). NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.
Looking Inside Your Computer heat sink and blower assembly card slots A d d i n g Par ts CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Adding PC Cards (Optional) You can add PC Cards to computers with integrated PC Card connectors. PC Card Types The PC Card slot has two connectors that support four combinations of HINT: "Type" of card refers to its thickness, not cards: its functionality.
If you encounter too much resistance when you insert the card, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation, and try again. Your computer recognizes most PC Cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver for use with the computer. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, install them with the CD that accompanied the PC Card.
Adding Other Cards The computer’s card connectors allow you to install different types of devices such as modems and network adapters. A d d i n g Par ts CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7.
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If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, look under "Memory" in "Technical Specifications" on page 86. HINT: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty. A d d i n g Par ts CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7.
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Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. notch memory module cutouts (2) NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.
Closing the Computer Cover A d d i n g Par ts Close the computer cover (see page 84). Attach the computer stand (see page 19). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
S E C T I O N 5 A p p e n d i x Specifications Standard Settings Clearing Forgotten Passwords Replacing the Battery Dell Technical Support Policy Contacting Dell Regulatory Information...
Specifications Microprocessor Microprocessor type L1 cache L2 cache System Information System chip set DMA channels Interrupt levels System BIOS chip System clock Expansion Bus Bus types Bus speed PCI connectors PCI connector size PCI connector data width (maximum) Appendix ® ®...
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Memory Architecture Memory connectors Memory capacities Minimum memory Maximum memory Memory type Drives Externally accessible Internally accessible Available devices Ports and Connectors Externally accessible: Serial Parallel IEEE 1394 Video Keyboard Mouse Headphone Audio DDR SDRAM 128-, 256-, and 512-MB non-ECC DDR SDRAM 128 MB NOTE: Between 32 and 64 MB of system...
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Ports and Connectors Internally accessible: Audio Audio controller Controls and Lights Power control Power light Hard-drive access light Diagnostic code lights Power DC power supply: Backup battery Appendix (continued) Network one 10/100 Ethernet network connector Primary IDE channel 40-pin connector on PCI local bus Secondary IDE channel 40-pin connector on PCI local bus ADI 1981A...
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Physical Height x Width x Depth (With stand) Weight Environmental Temperature: Operating Storage Relative humidity Maximum vibration: Operating Storage Maximum shock: Operating Storage Altitude: Operating Storage 32.3 x 9.5 x 35.6 cm (12.7 x 3.8 x 14.0 inches) 33.8 x 18.0 x 35.6 cm (13.3 x 7.1 x 14.0 inches) 7.43 kg (16.4 lbs) 10°...
Standard Settings The system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer. NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, don’t change the settings for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly. See the following figure for an example of the main program screen. Appendix...
Viewing Settings Turn on (or restart) your computer. When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft down your computer and try again.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords If you forget your user or setup password, you cannot operate your computer or change settings in the system setup program until you clear the forgotten password(s). Appendix CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions on page 7.
Attach the computer stand (see page 19). NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Turning on your computer with the PSWD jumper installed reenables the password feature.
Dell Technical Support Policy See the Service and Support Guide supplied with your computer. Appendix NOTICE: To avoid damage to the system board while you pry the battery loose, be sure to insert the plastic screwdriver between the battery and the socket (not the system board).
Contacting Dell When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers, codes, and electronic addresses provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator. See the Service and Support Guide supplied with your computer for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
• • • • If necessary, consult a Dell Technical Support representative or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. Dell computer systems are designed, tested, and classified for their intended electromagnetic environment. These electromagnetic environment classifications generally refer to the following harmonized definitions: •...
I n d e x audio. See sound battery replacing, 93 BIOS, 90 cards adding, 80 connectors, 77 CD drive fixing problems, 37 CD-RW drive fixing problems, 37 copying, 27 Easy CD Creator Basic, 28 Check Disk, 38 computer back view, 72 closing cover, 84 error messages, 41 front door, 70...
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I n d e x start-up error messages, 41 video and monitor, 54 front door reattaching, 73 hard drive fixing problems, 38 hardware drivers, 60 Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 help file accessing, 36 IEEE 1394, 23, 45 Internet fixing problems, 39 Internet connection about, 26 options, 26...
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specifications, 86 system board, 77 System Restore, 62 system setup program, 90 Tell Me How help file accessing, 36 troubleshooting, 34 conflicts, 64 Device Driver Rollback, 61 diagnostic lights, 58 drivers, 60 Hardware Troubleshooter, 64 reinstalling Windows XP , 65 System Restore, 62 turning off the computer, 31 video...