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Model DCTA

August 2006 P/N FH434 Rev. A01

Tools to Help Solve Problems

Solving Problems

Obtaining Assistance

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

Glossary

Table of Contents

Summary of Contents for Dell Precision 390

Page 1: Abbreviations And Acronyms
Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide Information About Your Computer Tools to Help Solve Problems Copying CDs and DVDs Solving Problems Advanced Features Obtaining Assistance Removing and Installing Parts FCC Notices (U.S. Only) Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations Glossary Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
Page 2: Advanced Features
Back to Contents Page Advanced Features Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide LegacySelect Technology Control Manageability Security Password Protection System Setup Clearing Forgotten Passwords Clearing CMOS Settings Power Management Hyper-Threading IEEE 1394 About RAID Configurations LegacySelect Technology Control LegacySelect technology control offers legacy-full, legacy-reduced, or legacy-free solutions based on common platforms, hard-drive images, and help desk procedures. Control is provided to the administrator through system setup, Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant, or Dell™ custom factory integration.
Page 3: Dell Openmanage Client Instrumentation
Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation is software that enables remote management programs such as IT Assistant to do the following: Access information about your computer, such as how many processors it has and what operating system it is running Monitor the status of your computer, such as listening for thermal alerts from temperature probes or hard-drive failure alerts from storage devices 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.
Page 4: Password Protection
Password Protection NOTICE: Although passwords provide security for the data on your computer, they are not foolproof. If your data requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs. ...
Page 5: Typing Your System Password
Typing Your System Password When you start or restart your computer, one of the following prompts appears on the screen. If Password Status is set to Unlocked: Type in the password and - press <ENTER> to leave password security enabled. - press <CTRL><ENTER>...
Page 6: Disabling A Forgotten Password And Setting A New Password
The computer prompts you to type and verify the password. If a character is not permitted, the computer emits a beep. 3. Type and verify the password. After you verify the password, the Admin Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter system setup, the computer prompts you for the setup password.
Page 7: System Setup Options
Options List — This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The Scroll up and down the list by using the up and down arrow keys. As field is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your an option is highlighted, the Option Field displays more information computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features.
Page 8 Determines whether to limit the number of CPUID functions reported to the operating system. On limits CPUID reporting. Off Limit CPUID Value disables CPUID report limiting. This feature is only needed for older operating systems. Determines whether each physical processor appears as one or two logical processors. The performance of some applications Hyper-Threading improves with additional logical processors.
Page 9: Changing Boot Sequence For The Current Boot
press <F1> to continue or press <F2> to enter system setup. When set to Do Not Report (disabled), if an error is detected during POST, the BIOS will not display the error message and will continue booting the computer. Determines whether the sign-on screen displays a message stating the keystroke sequence that is required to enter system POST Hotkeys setup or the Quickboot feature.
Page 10 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: This process erases both the system and setup passwords. 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. ...
Page 11: Clearing Cmos Settings
11. Replace the computer cover. See Replacing the Computer Cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the computer. 12. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. NOTE: This procedure enables the password feature.
Page 12: Hyper-Threading
Hibernate Press the power button Auto power on Power management event Shutdown Press the power button Auto power on Power management event NOTE: For more information on power management, see your operating system documentation. Hyper-Threading Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously.
Page 13: Raid Level 1
Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full capacities of the drives. If you have two 120-GB drives installed, you have 240 GB on which to store data. NOTICE: Because RAID level 0 provides no data redundancy, if one drive fails, then the data on the other drive is also inaccessible. Therefore, ensure that you perform regular backups when you use a RAID level 0 configuration.
Page 14: Setting Your Computer To Raid-Enabled Mode
RAID Level 10 RAID level 10 uses a data-staging storage technique known as "data parity." When data is written to the primary drive, the data is then duplicated on four other drives. As opposed to a RAID level 1 setup which writes to one other volume that acts as a data mirror, a RAID level 10 configuration writes data to each drive in increments which places data from each segment across multiple drives.
Page 15 3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Create RAID Volume, and press <Enter>. 4. Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>. 5. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID0(Stripe), and press <Enter>. ...
Page 16: Configuring Your Computer For Raid Using The Intel Matrix Storage Manager
6. Press the up- and down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the three or four drives you want to use to make up your volume, and then press <Enter>. 7. Select the desired capacity for the volume, and press <Enter>. The default value is the maximum available size. ...
Page 17 two new drives into a RAID volume. You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into a volume, but you still have some space left on the volume that you want to designate as a second RAID volume. Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration NOTE: When you perform this operation, all data on the RAID drives will be lost.
Page 18: Migrating To A Raid Level 0 Configuration
3. On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume to launch the Create RAID Volume Wizard. 4. Click Next at the first screen. 5. Confirm the volume name, select RAID 5 as the RAID level, and then click Next to continue. ...
Page 19: Migrating To A Raid Level 1 Configuration
NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled mode. 3. On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard Drive to launch the Migration Wizard. 4.
Page 20: Migrating To A Raid Level 10 Configuration
2. Click the Start button and point to All Programs® Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager® Intel Matrix Storage Console to launch the Intel Storage Utility. NOTE: If you do not see an Actions menu option, you have not yet set your computer to RAID-enabled mode. ...
Page 21: Rebuilding A Degraded Raid Level 1 Configuration
To mark a drive as a spare hard drive: 1. Click the Start button and point to Programs® Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager® Intel Matrix Storage Console to launch the Intel Storage Utility. 2. Right-click the hard drive you want to mark as a spare hard drive. ...
Page 22: Fcc Notices (U.s. Only)
Back to Contents Page FCC Notices (U.S. Only) Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide FCC Class B FCC Class B This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Page 23: Information About Your Computer
Back to Contents Page Information About Your Computer Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide Finding Information System Board Components Front View (Tower Orientation) Specifications Back View (Tower Orientation) Caring for Your Computer Front View (Desktop Orientation) Cleaning Your Computer Back View (Desktop Orientation) Floppy Drive Back Panel Connectors CDs and DVDs Inside View...
Page 24 Safety instructions Regulatory information Ergonomics information End User License Agreement How to remove and replace parts User's Guide Specifications How to configure system settings ® ® How to troubleshoot and solve problems Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center 1.
Page 25: Front View (Tower Orientation)
Your operating system product key label is located on your computer. NOTE: The Operating System CD and the Drivers and Utilities CD are optional and may not ship with all computers. NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you ordered.
Page 26: Back View (Tower Orientation)
plastic handle behind the badge. power button Press to turn on the computer. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the system or to place it into a power-saving state.
Page 27: Front View (Desktop Orientation)
NOTE: Check the documentation for cards to ensure that you can accommodate them in your configuration. Some cards that require more physical space and power (such as PCI Express graphics cards) may restrict the use of other cards. Front View (Desktop Orientation) upper 5.25- Holds a CD/DVD drive.
Page 28: Back View (Desktop Orientation)
light 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer. Back View (Desktop Orientation) 1 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards. NOTE: Check the documentation for cards to ensure that you can accommodate them in your configuration.
Page 29: Inside View
network. network To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one adapter end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or connector broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your computer.
Page 30: System Board Components
processor airflow shroud primary hard drive bay card fan processor fan lower 3.5-inch drive bay upper 3.5-inch drive bay 10 lower 5.25-inch drive bay 11 upper 5.25-inch drive bay 12 drive cage System Board Components power connector (12VPOWER) memory module connectors battery socket (BATTERY) memory fan connector (FAN_MEM) front panel connector...
Page 31 technology) Cache 2MB or 4MB (depending on your configuration) Memory Type 533-MHz and 667-MHz ECC and non-ECC DDR2 SDRAM NOTE: Ensure that you do not mix ECC and non-ECC memory. NOTE: Your computer does not support registered or buffered memory.
Page 32 Hard drive integrated serial ATA (4), with RAID 0/1/5/10 and command queuing integrated ATA-100 (1 channel) Expansion Bus Bus type three PCI 2.2 one PCI Express x16 up to 150 W one PCI Express x8, wired as x4 one PCI Express x1 eight USB 2.0 (2 front, 5 back, 1 internal) Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz...
Page 33 Video VGA or DVI connector on graphic card Network adapter RJ45 connector PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) two 6-pin mini-DIN two front-panel, one internal, and five back-panel USB 2.0–compliant connectors Audio two rear connectors for line-in and line-out; two front-panel connectors for headphones and microphone System board connectors: Primary IDE drive...
Page 34: Caring For Your Computer
Environmental Temperature: Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration: Operating 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min Storage 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1 octave/min Maximum shock: Operating bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 50.8 cm/sec (20 inches/sec) Storage 27-G faired square wave with a velocity change of...
Page 35: Floppy Drive
3. Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint. 4. If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol. 5. Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers. ...
Page 36: Obtaining Assistance
Back to Contents Page Obtaining Assistance Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide Online Services AutoTech Service Automated Order-Status Service Support Service Problems With Your Order Product Information Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Before You Call Contacting Dell CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer covers, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. ...
Page 37: Autotech Service
support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) support.euro.dell.com (Europe only) Electronic Quote Service apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only) AutoTech Service Dell's automated support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their portable and desktop computers. When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions. The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access this service through the support service. For the telephone number to ...
Page 38: Before You Call
Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. You may also be asked for your Service Tag (located on the back or bottom of your computer). Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist).
Page 39 Technical Support Services toll-free: 0-800-444-0724 Sales 0-810-444-3355 Aruba General Support toll-free: 800-1578 Australia (Sydney) Website: support.ap.dell.com International Access Code: 0011 E-mail: support.ap.dell.com/contactus Country Code: 61 General Support 13DELL-133355 City Code: 2 Website: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com Home/Small Business Sales 0820 240 530 00 Austria (Vienna) Home/Small Business Fax...
Page 40 Technical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com Technical Support Fax 592 818 1350 Technical Support (Dell™ Dimension™ and Inspiron) toll-free: 800 858 2968 Technical Support (OptiPlex™, Latitude™, and Dell Precision™) toll-free: 800 858 0950 Technical Support (servers and storage) toll-free: 800 858 0960 toll-free: 800 858 2920 Technical Support (projectors, PDAs, switches, routers, and so on) Technical Support (printers) toll-free: 800 858 2311 China (Xiamen) Customer Care toll-free: 800 858 2060 Customer Care Fax...
Page 41 0825 004 701 Country Code: 33 Fax (calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 01 City Codes: (1) (4) Corporate Technical Support 0825 004 719 Customer Care 0825 338 339 Switchboard 01 55 94 71 00 Sales 01 55 94 71 00 01 55 94 71 01 Website: support.euro.dell.com E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 06103 766-7222 Germany (Langen) Technical Support for all other Dell computers...
Page 42 Website: support.euro.dell.com Home and Small Business Technical Support 02 577 826 90 Italy (Milan) Customer Care 02 696 821 14 02 696 821 13 International Access Code: 00 Switchboard 02 696 821 12 Country Code: 39 Corporate Technical Support 02 577 826 90 City Code: 02 Customer Care 02 577 825 55 02 575 035 30 Switchboard 02 577 821 Jamaica General Support (dial from within Jamaica only) 1-800-682-3639...
Page 43 Corporate Sales toll-free: 1 800 888 213 001-877-384-8979 Customer Technical Support or 001-877-269-3383 50-81-8800 Mexico Sales or 01-800-888-3355 International Access Code: 00 001-877-384-8979 Customer Service Country Code: 52 or 001-877-269-3383 50-81-8800 Main or 01-800-888-3355 Montserrat General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6822 Netherlands Antilles General Support 001-800-882-1519 Website: support.euro.dell.com ...
Page 44 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: Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault) toll-free: 1800 394 7478 Country Code: 65 Customer Care toll-free: 1 800 394 7430 (option 6) Transaction Sales toll-free: 1 800 394 7412 Corporate Sales toll-free: 1 800 394 7419 Website: support.euro.dell.com...
Page 45 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: toll-free: 1800 006 007 Customer Care (option 7) Country Code: 66 Corporate Sales toll-free: 1800 006 009 Transaction Sales toll-free: 1800 006 006 Trinidad/Tobago General Support 1-800-805-8035 Turks and Caicos Islands...
Page 46 Back to Contents Page ...
Page 47 Back to Contents Page Glossary Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 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. ACPI —...
Page 48 CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a CD. Data can be written to a CD-RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten). CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can write to CD-R discs only once.
Page 49 EMI — electromagnetic interference — Electrical interference caused by electromagnetic radiation. ENERGY STAR® — Environmental Protection Agency requirements that decrease the overall consumption of electricity. EPP — enhanced parallel port — A parallel connector design that provides bidirectional data transmission. ESD — electrostatic discharge — A rapid discharge of static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits found in computer and communications equipment. expansion card —...
Page 50 I IC — integrated circuit — A semiconductor wafer, or chip, on which thousands or millions of tiny electronic components are fabricated for use in computer, audio, and video equipment. IDE — integrated device electronics — An interface for mass storage devices in which the controller is integrated into the hard drive or CD drive. IEEE 1394 —...
Page 51 measured in MHz. Mini PCI — A standard for integrated peripheral devices with an emphasis on communications such as modems and NICs. A Mini PCI card is a small external card that is functionally equivalent to a standard PCI expansion card. Mini-Card —...
Page 52 RAID — redundant array of independent disks — A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50. RAM — random-access memory — The primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you shut down your computer. readme file — A text file included with a software package or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide installation information and describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented.
Page 53 SXGA — super-extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024. SXGA+ — super-extended graphics array plus — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1400 x 1050. system board —...
Page 54 wireless routers to provide Internet access. write-protected — Files or media that cannot be changed. Use write-protection when you want to protect data from being changed or destroyed. To write- protect a 3.5-inch floppy disk, slide its write-protect tab to the open position. WWAN —...
Page 55: Copying Cds And Dvds
Back to Contents Page Copying CDs and DVDs Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CDs and DVDs Helpful Tips NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs. This section applies only to computers that have a CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive. NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country.
Page 56: Helpful Tips
CD-R CD-RW DVD+R DVD-R DVD+RW DVD-RW DVD+R DL DVD-R DL Maybe No DVD-RAM Maybe No Helpful Tips Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Roxio Creator Plus and open a Creator project. Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos.
Page 57: Removing And Installing Parts
Back to Contents Page Removing and Installing Parts Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide Before You Begin Cards Recommended Tools Installing the Optional Speaker Turn Off Your Computer Processor Before Working Inside Your Computer Battery Removing the Computer Cover and Front Panel I/O Panel Chassis Intrusion Switch Power Supply Memory...
Page 58: Removing The Computer Cover And Front Panel
Turn off your computer. NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network port or device. 2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. 3.
Page 59: Removing The Front Panel
7. Release the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside in a secure location. Removing the Front Panel CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. ...
Page 60: Replacing The Chassis Intrusion Switch
Replacing the Chassis Intrusion Switch 1. Gently slide the chassis intrusion switch into its slot and reconnect the cable to the system board. 2. Replace the computer cover. See Replacing the Computer Cover. 3. Attach the computer stand, if it is used. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the computer.
Page 61: Addressing Memory With 4-Gb Configurations
NOTE: Always install memory modules in the order indicated on the system board. The recommended memory configurations are: A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 ¡ A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 and another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM_3 and ¡...
Page 62 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. 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 63: Removing Memory
The computer should have changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to step 10. 9. If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and devices from their electrical outlets, remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover), and check the installed memory modules to ensure that they are seated properly in their sockets.
Page 64: Desktop Computer Drives
serial ATA hard drive) 4 secondary hard drive 5 primary hard drive lower 3.5-inch drive bay (holds floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader) 7 upper 3.5-inch drive bay (holds optional third serial ATA or SAS hard drive, floppy drive, or Media Card Reader) ...
Page 65: General Installation Guidelines
Removing and Replacing an Upper Drive Bay Metal Shield To remove a metal shield from one of the upper drive bays: c. Grasp the metal shield by it's tab located in the center of the front surface. d. Pull the shield out by the tab in a straight motion to avoid tearing the tab from the shield. To replace a metal shield from one of the upper drive bays, align the shield so that it fits snugly with the drive bay and press in gently until it is flush with the surface of the bay.
Page 66: Removing A Hard Drive (Tower Or Desktop Computer)
power cable 2 SAS connector SAS drive SAS data cable 5 SAS connector optional PCI Express SAS controller card Drive Cable Colors Device Color Hard drive blue cable Floppy drive black pull-tab CD/DVD drive orange pull-tab Hard Drive ...
Page 67 SATA0 connector SATA1 connector power cable serial ATA cable To remove a SAS hard drive: a. Disconnect the power cable from the SAS drive. b. Remove the SAS connector from the hard drive. c. Disconnect the SAS cable from the SAS controller card. 1 SAS connector on SAS 2 SAS connector on SAS 3 hard drive in secondary...
Page 68: Installing A Hard Drive Or Adding A Second Optional Hard Drive (Tower Or Desktop Computer)
Installing a Hard Drive or Adding a Second Optional Hard Drive (Tower or Desktop Computer) 1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation. 2. Check the documentation for the hard drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. NOTE: If a hard-drive bracket is still installed in the inside of the hard-drive bay, remove the bracket before you install the new hard drive with the new or old hard-drive bracket.
Page 69: Removing An Optional Third Hard Drive (Tower Computer)
b. Connect the SAS connector to the hard drive. c. Connect the other end of the SAS cable to the SAS controller card. g. Ensure that all connectors are properly cabled and firmly seated. h. Replace the computer cover. See Replacing the Computer Cover.
Page 70: Installing An Optional Third Hard Drive (Tower Computer)
6. Set the drive aside in a secure location. 7. If you are removing a hard drive that has a metal shield, and are not going to install a replacement drive in the drive bay, reinstall the shield in the empty bay (see About the Metal Shields Present in Some Drive Configurations).
Page 71: Installing An Optional Fourth Hard Drive (Tower Computer)
2. Disconnect the power cable from the back of the hard drive. 3. Disconnect the serial ATA cable from the back of the hard drive and from the SATA connector on the system board. sliding-plate lever optional fourth hard drive ...
Page 72: Removing An Optional Third Hard Drive (Desktop Computer)
5. Connect the serial ATA cable to the back of the drive and to the SATA3 connector on the system board. Removing an Optional Third Hard Drive (Desktop Computer) 1. Remove the front panel. See Removing the Front Panel.
Page 73: Installing An Optional Third Hard Drive (Desktop Computer)
empty bay (see About the Metal Shields Present in Some Drive Configurations). Then, install a drive-panel insert (see Replacing a Drive-Panel Insert). Installing an Optional Third Hard Drive (Desktop Computer) CAUTION: For configurations with three SAS hard drives, you must install an additional fan. See Installing an Additional Fan.
Page 74: Installing An Additional Fan
1 sliding-plate 2 hard-drive holder with hard drive lever NOTE: The optional third hard drive is located in the lower 5.25-inch drive bay for desktop computers. 6. Connect a power cable to the hard drive and to the power supply. ...
Page 75 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). NOTICE: When placing the fan in the computer, ensure that the cables of other components, such as the power supply, remain in their proper position. fan slots (3) fan release tab fan cable...
Page 76: Removing A Drive-Panel Insert
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. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing the Drive Panel (Tower Computer) ...
Page 77: Replacing A Drive-Panel Insert
1. On the inside of the drive panel, pinch the two drive-panel insert release tabs together and pull the insert out and to the right just enough to release it from the drive panel. 2. Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location. ...
Page 78: Removing A Floppy Drive Or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening 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.
Page 79: Installing A Floppy Drive Or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer)
Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader (Tower Computer) NOTICE: In a tower configuration with 4 hard drives, there can only be one floppy drive or Media Card Reader which must be installed in the lower 3.5- inch drive bay. In this case, the 4th hard drive (which must be a SATA drive) will occupy the upper 3.5-inch drive bay. ...
Page 80: Removing A Floppy Drive Or A Media Card Reader (Desktop Computer)
drive-conversion latch power cable floppy-drive cable floppy-drive connector (FLOPPY) 9. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents. 10. Replace the front panel. See Replacing the Front Panel.
Page 81: Installing A Floppy Drive Or Media Card Reader (Desktop Computer)
power cable floppy-drive cable floppy-drive connector (FLOPPY) 6. Pull the desktop drive retention insert by the handle and set it aside in a safe place. 7. Slide the sliding-plate lever to the right to release the shoulder screw and slide the drive out of the 3.5- inch drive bay. drive retention insert sliding-plate lever floppy drive...
Page 82: Cd/Dvd Drive
drive screws (2) 5. Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed. 6. Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive or Media Card Reader. 7. Connect the other end of the data cable to the system board connector labeled "FLOPPY" (for a floppy drive) or "FLEXBAY" (for a Media Card Reader). To locate system board connectors, see System Board Components.
Page 83 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. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing a CD/DVD Drive (Tower Computer) ...
Page 84 3. Remove the front panel. See Removing the Front Panel. 4. If you are installing a new drive, 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 85 2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). 3. Remove the front panel. See Removing the Front Panel. 4. Disconnect the power cable from the back of the drive and the CD/DVD-drive cable from the back of the drive and the system board. 1 CD/DVD-drive cable 2 power cable system-board CD/DVD- drive connector...
Page 86 3. Gently slide the drive into place until the drive securely clicks into position. 4. Connect the power cable to the drive, and connect the CD/DVD-drive cable to the drive and to the system board. CD/DVD-drive cable 2 power cable system-board CD/DVD-drive connector ...
Page 87: Installing A Pci Card
Three PCI card slots One PCI Express x16 card slot One PCI Express x8 card slot (wired as x4) One PCI Express x1 card slot PCI Cards If you are installing or replacing a PCI card, see Installing a PCI Card.
Page 88 release tab card retention mechanism card retention door 4. If your computer includes a card retention mechanism to secure the card in place from the top: a. Pivot the mechanism upward and gently press the release tab downward to release the mechanism from the two tab slots holding it in place. b.
Page 89 card retention door release tab 11. Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the card(s). 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 90: Removing A Pci Card
b. Connect the network cable to the network adapter cards connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the network connector on the back panel. 19. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation. ...
Page 91: Installing A Pci Express Card
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network adapter and then plug the cable into the computer. 7. Replace the computer cover, (see Replacing the Computer Cover), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. ...
Page 92 release tab card retention mechanism card retention door 4. If your computer includes a card retention mechanism to secure the card in place from the top: a. Pivot the mechanism upward and gently press the release tab downward to release the mechanism from the two tab slots holding it in place. b.
Page 93 alignment guide bracket caught outside of slot bracket within slot alignment bar fully seated card not fully seated card 10. If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the retention mechanism, you may reinstall the retention mechanism. ...
Page 94: Removing A Pci Express Card
Removing a PCI Express Card 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). release tab card retention door alignment bar alignment guide filler bracket 3. Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.
Page 95: Installing The Optional Speaker
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network adapter and then plug the cable into the computer. 9. Replace the computer cover, (see Replacing the Computer Cover), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. ...
Page 96: Removing The Processor
1 speaker (optional) 2 latch release tab 3 speaker slots with tabs (3) 4 speaker cable 5 speaker connector on system board 5. Replace the computer cover. See Replacing the Computer Cover. Processor CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. ...
Page 97: Replacing The Processor
heat-sink assembly captive screw housing (2) NOTICE: If you are installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original heat-sink assembly. If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat-sink assembly when you install your new processor. ...
Page 98 4. If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position. 5. Orient the front and rear alignment notches on the processor with the front and rear alignment notches on the socket. ...
Page 99: About The Battery
1 heat-sink assembly 2 heat-sink assembly bracket 3 captive screw housing (2) 11. Replace the computer cover. See Replacing the Computer Cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug the cable into the computer. ...
Page 100: Replacing The Battery
2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). 3. Locate the battery socket. NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system board with the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt to pry out the battery.
Page 101: I/O-Panel Components
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. 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 heat-sink assembly captive screw housing (2) 5. Place the heat-sink assembly on its side in a safe place. 6. Disconnect the system fan cable from the system board. fan release lever 7. Lift the fan release lever and slide the fan toward the back of the computer to release it from the bottom and remove it from the computer. ...
Page 103: Replacing The I/O Panel
I/O panel mounting screw 14. Remove the mounting screw from the I/O panel. 15. Remove the I/O panel from the computer. Replacing the I/O Panel Follow the removal procedure in reverse order, ensuring that the tabs on the top panel, bottom panel, and front panel are secure. Power Supply ...
Page 104: Replacing The Power Supply
1 power supply screws (4) 5. Slide the power supply toward the front of the computer by approximately one inch. 6. Lift the power supply out of the computer. Replacing the Power Supply 1. Slide the power supply into place. ...
Page 105: Replacing The System Board
3. Remove the front panel. See Removing the Front Panel. 4. Remove any components that restrict access to the system board. 5. Disconnect all cables from the system board. 6. Before you remove the existing system board assembly, visually compare the replacement system board to the existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
Page 106: Replacing The Front Panel
3. Orient the replacement board by aligning the notches on the bottom of the board with the tabs on the computer. 4. Slide the system board assembly toward the back of the computer until the assembly clicks into position. ...
Page 107: Changing Between Tower And Desktop Orientations
Back to Contents Page Changing Between Tower and Desktop Orientations Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide Drive-Panel Inserts Switching Drive Orientations Drive Panel CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. ...
Page 108: Removing The Drive Panel (Tower Computer)
Installing Drive-Panel Inserts in the Desktop Computer Drive Panel 1. Place the drive-panel insert tab into the drive-panel slot. 2. Pinch the drive-panel insert release tabs and press the drive panel insert into place. 1 drive panel 2 drive-panel 3 drive-panel insert release tabs insert 4 drive-panel insert tab in tab...
Page 109: Replacing The Drive Panel (Tower Computer)
sliding plate sliding-plate lever drive panel Replacing the Drive Panel (Tower Computer) 1. Align the drive-panel tabs with the side-door hinges. sliding plate sliding-plate lever drive panel drive panel tabs 2. Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the front panel. ...
Page 110: Replacing The Drive Panel (Desktop Computer)
NOTE: The desktop drive panel is an optional item that can be purchased separately if your original system is a tower computer. 1. Slide the sliding-plate lever to the right, pivot the drive panel outward, and lift to remove the panel. sliding plate sliding-plate lever drive panel...
Page 111 7. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). Back to Contents Page ...
Page 112: Solving Problems
Back to Contents Page Solving Problems Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide Troubleshooting Tips Memory Problems Battery Problems Mouse Problems Card Problems Network Problems Card Fan Problems Power Problems Drive Problems Printer Problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Serial or Parallel Device Problems IEEE 1394 Device Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Keyboard Problems Video and Monitor Problems...
Page 113: Card Fan Problems
Test the graphics card — 1. Turn off the computer and devices, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then remove the remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). 2. Remove all cards except the graphics card. See Removing a PCI Card.
Page 114: Cd And Dvd Drive Problems
Check for Software and Hardware Conflicts Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics) CD and DVD drive problems NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD or DVD. NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.
Page 115: Ieee 1394 Device Problems
NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network. Check the Microsoft Outlook® Express Security Settings — If you cannot open your e-mail attachments: 1. In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security. 2.
Page 116: Keyboard Problems
If you have problems with a Dell-provided IEEE 1394 device — If you have problems with an IEEE 1394 device not provided by Dell — Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell) or the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer. Keyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. ...
Page 117: A Program Crashes Repeatedly
1. Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously. 2. Click Applications. 3. Click the program that is no longer responding. 4. Click End Task. A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD. ...
Page 118: Memory Problems
Memory Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. 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 119: Power Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Check the network cable connector — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.
Page 120: Printer Problems
Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet Printer Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer.
Page 121: No Sound From Speakers
No sound from speakers NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off. Check the speaker cable connections — Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
Page 122: Video And Monitor Problems
Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Video and Monitor Problems Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. ...
Page 123 Back to Contents Page ...
Page 124 Back to Contents Page Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide 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.
Page 125: Diagnostic Light Codes During Post
Back to Contents Page Tools to Help Solve Problems Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide Diagnostic Lights Beep Codes Error Messages Dell Diagnostics Drivers Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP Diagnostic Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1,"...
Page 126 NOTE: If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell). A possible graphics card failure has 1. If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the occurred. computer. 2. If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.
Page 127: Beep Codes
Beep Codes Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.
Page 128 If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames. A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program: 1.
Page 129 Diskette subsystem reset failed — Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). Diskette write protected — Slide the write-protect notch to the open position. Drive not ready — Put a floppy disk in the drive. Gate A20 failure — See Lockups and Software Problems. Hard-disk configuration error — Hard-disk controller failure — Hard-disk drive failure — ...
Page 130 If the message continues to appear after you ensure that the information in system setup is correct, see your operating system documentation for reinstallation information. No timer tick interrupt — Run the Dell Diagnostics (see 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 131: When To Use The Dell Diagnostics
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode — Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has detected that drive [0/1] on the [primary/secondary] IDE 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 —...
Page 132: Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
2. Shut down the computer (see Turn Off Your Computer). When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately. If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down the computer (see Turn Off Your Computer), and try again.
Page 133: What Is A Driver
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 any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.
Page 134: Using Microsoft Windows Xp System Restore
7. Click the Drivers tab. 8. Click Roll Back Driver. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State)to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver. ...
Page 135: Undoing The Last System Restore
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type. 4. Select a restore point and click Next. If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
Page 136: Reinstalling Windows Xp
NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later when you reinstall Windows XP. Before You Begin If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback).
Page 137 NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer. NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD. ...
Page 138 Back to Contents Page Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide 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.

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