Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Conventions
Technical Overview
Controls and Indicators
Drivers
System Codes and Messages
System Setup Program
Technical Specifications
Removing and Replacing Parts
Documentation

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© 1999–2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, MS-DOS, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation; VESA is a registered trademark of Video Electronics
Standards Association; Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

A09 26 Jul 2001

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System Codes and Messages: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Diagnostic Codes

POST Beep Codes

System Messages

Diagnostic Codes

Your system is equipped with four diagnostic code indicators, which are labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back of the computer. Each of the
four indicators can be yellow, green, or off, as shown in Table 1. When the computer is turned on or restarted and the system is functioning
normally, the indicators flash during power-on self-test (POST). After the system starts, the indicators remain green to signify normal system
operation.

If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to start, the indicators display a code that identifies the problem. Write down the diagnostic code
displayed and look it up in Table 1.

Table 1. Diagnostic Codes

Diagnostic Code Definition Corrective Action

Power up default. Make sure that the system is
connected to a known working
electrical outlet, and then check
whether the front-panel power
indicator is on or off. If the power
indicator is off, check the power
supply. If the problem persists, see
Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Dell
Dimension L Series Reference and
Troubleshooting Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

Remove all expansion cards. If the

system still does not start, see
Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the
Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
System board is receiving power, Set the configuration jumper to
but the BIOS is not executing. Maintenance mode, and restart the
system. Enter the system setup
program and ensure that the
processor speed is set correctly. Exit
and save the setting. Turn off the
computer, reset the configuration
jumper to Normal mode, and then
restart the system. Remove all
expansion cards and restart the
system to determine if a resource
conflict exists. If a conflict exists,
resolve the conflict as described in
"Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities" in Chapter 5 of the
Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide.

If the problem persists, see Chapter

7, "Getting Help," of the Reference
and Troubleshooting Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
Recovery mode from BIOS failure. Set the configuration jumper to
Maintenance mode, and restart the
system. Enter the system setup
program and ensure that the
processor speed is set correctly. Exit
 and save the setting. Turn off the
computer, reset the configuration
jumper to Normal mode, and then
restart the system. If the problem
persists, see Chapter 7, "Getting
Help," of the Reference and
Troubleshooting Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
Microprocessor has failed a BIOS If the problem persists, see Chapter
test. 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference
and Troubleshooting Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
Memory failed to be sized or Reseat the DIMMs. If the problem
enabled. persists, remove all but one DIMM,
and then restart the system. Repeat
this step until the malfunctioning
DIMM is identified.
PCI bus failure has occurred. Remove all expansion cards and
restart the system to determine if a
resource conflict exists. If a conflict
exists, resolve the conflict as
described in "Resolving Software
and Hardware Incompatibilities" in
Chapter 5 of the Reference and
Troubleshooting Guide.

If the problem persists, see Chapter

7, "Getting Help," of the Reference
and Troubleshooting Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
Video controller failed to initialize or If the problem persists, see Chapter
respond. 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference
and Troubleshooting Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
IDE bus failure has occurred. Reseat the IDE cables. If the problem
persists, see Chapter 7, "Getting
Help," of the Reference and
Troubleshooting Guide for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
USB port or a device connected to it Disconnect the device from the USB
has failed initialization. port. If the problem persists, see
Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the
Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Other failure. See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the
Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
System has started and turned over No action is necessary.
control to the operating system.

POST Beep Codes

If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during power-on self-test (POST) the computer may emit a series of beeps, or beep code, that
identifies the problem.
If the system emits a beep code and then fails to start, write down the beep code and look it up in Table 2.

Table 2. System Beep Codes

Beep
Code Possible Cause Corrective Action
1 Memory refresh failure Reseat the DIMMs.
2 Parity cannot be reset Reseat the DIMMs.
3 Memory failure within the first Reseat the DIMMs.
64 KB of memory
4 Timer not operational See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
5 Processor failure See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
6 8442 keyboard controller See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
error Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
7 Processor exception error See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
8 Video display memory error See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
9 Optional ROM checksum See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
error Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
10 CMOS memory error See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
11 BIOS checksum error See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and Troubleshooting
Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

System Messages

The first column in Table 3 lists (in alphabetical order) system messages that may appear on the screen during the boot routine or during normal
system operation. The second column in the table lists probable causes of the messages, and the third column either provides a corrective action
or refers you to a source for resolving the problem.

Table 3. System Messages

Message Possible Cause Corrective Action

8042 Gate-A20 Error The keyboard controller failed its test. If you receive this message after making changes in the system
setup program, enter the program and restore the original value
(s).
Address Line Short! Error in the address decoding circuitry in the Reseat the DIMMs.
memory.
C: Drive Error The hard-disk drive is not working or is not Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the chassis and
configured correctly. defined correctly in the system setup program.
C: Drive Failure
Cache Memory Bad, Do Cache memory is not operating. See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and
Not Enable Cache Troubleshooting Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
Ch-2 Timer Error System board timer error occurred. See Chapter 7, "Getting Help," of the Reference and
Troubleshooting Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
CMOS Battery State The system configuration information in the Enter the system setup program and verify the system
Low system setup program is incorrect, or the configuration; then restart the system.
battery charge may be low.
CMOS Checksum
Failure

CMOS Display Type

Mismatch

CMOS Memory Size

Mismatch

CMOS System Options

Not Set
CMOS Time and Date
Not Set
Diskette Boot Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the chassis and
Failure POST. defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
DMA Error Error in the DMA controller on the system The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
board.
DMA 1 Error

DMA 2 Error
FDD Controller BIOS cannot communicate with the diskette Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the chassis and
Failure drive or hard-disk drive controller. defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
HDD Controller
Failure
INTR1 Error Interrupt channel on the system board failed The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
the POST.
INTR2 Error
Invalid Boot The operating system cannot be located on Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive
Diskette drive A or drive C. C is properly identified.
KB/Interface Error An error occurred with the keyboard The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
connector.
Keyboard Error nn The BIOS has detected a stuck key Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key
represented by scan code nn. appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists,
you may need to replace the keyboard.
No ROM Basic The operating system cannot be located on Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive
drive A or drive C. C is properly identified.

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Controls and Indicators: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Front Panel

Back Panel

Front Panel

1 Diskette-drive access indicator — Lights up when a diskette drive is being accessed.

2 Power — Turns the computer on and off. Lights up when the computer is on. Press and hold
for 4 seconds to shut down.
3 Hard-disk drive access indicator — Lights up when a hard-disk drive is being accessed.

Back Panel

1 Voltage selection switch — Selects the operating voltage for the computer.
2 Diagnostic code indicators (4) — If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to start,
the indicators display a code that identifies the problem.

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Conventions: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Typographical Conventions

The following subsections describe notational conventions used in this document.

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and
cautions, and they are used as follows:

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer system.

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 potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury.

Typographical Conventions

The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conventions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout
this document:

l Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor
screen or display. They are presented in bold.

Example: Click OK.

l Keycaps are labels that appear on the keys on a keyboard. They are enclosed in angle brackets.

Example: <Enter>

l Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless otherwise indicated) to perform a single function.

Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>

l Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are not intended to be typed when referenced.

Example: “Use the format command to . . . .”

In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are part of an instruction and intended to be typed.

Example: “Type format a: to format the diskette in drive A.”

l Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.

Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows

l Screen text is a message or text that you are instructed to type as part of a command (referred to as a command line). Screen text is
presented in the Courier New font.

Example: The following message appears on your screen:

No boot device available

Example: “Type md c:\programs and press <Enter>.”

l Variables are placeholders for which you substitute a value. They are presented in italics.

Example: DIMM_x (where x represents the DIMM socket designation)

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Documentation: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Printed Documentation

Online Documentation

Printed Documentation

You must right-click the link for a portable document format (PDF) file and save the file to your hard-disk drive. Attempting to
open large PDF files through your browser may cause your system to freeze.

To save PDF files (files with an extension of .pdf) to your hard-disk drive, right-click the document title, click Save Target As in Microsoft® Internet
Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard-disk drive.

Right-click only the following links:

(For systems purchased after March 28, 2001) Dell Dimension L Series Reference and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf) (2816 KB)
(For systems purchased before March 28, 2001) Dell Dimension L Series Reference and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf) (10982 KB)
Dell Dimension Systems Setup Guide (.pdf) (403 KB)

NOTE: PDF files require Adobe™ Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe World Wide Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.

To view a PDF file, launch Acrobat Reader. Click File–> Open and select the PDF file.

Online Documentation

Compiled HTML Help files (files with an extension of .chm) require Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.

Downloading the Help and Associated Files

1. Right-click the following link to the popup.ocx file:

popup.ocx

2. Click Save Target As in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify c:\windows\system on your
hard-disk drive.

3. Click the Start button on the Microsoft Windows® desktop, and then click Run.

4. Type regsvr32 popup.ocx and then press <Enter>.

5. Click OK when the installation is complete.

6. Right-click the following link to the Help file:

(LSerHelp.chm)

7. Click Save Target As in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard-disk drive.

Viewing the Help File

To view the Help file, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button on the Windows desktop, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.

2. Navigate to the directory in which you saved the Help file.

3. Double-click the file LSerHelp.chm to access the Dell Dimension L Series System Help.

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Drivers: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Drivers For Systems Purchased After May 19, 2000

Drivers For Systems Purchased Before May 19, 2000

Drivers For Systems Purchased After May 19, 2000

All of your system’s drivers for Dell-installed devices are operative when you receive the system—no further installation or configuration is needed.
However, if you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, the driver files are provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD.

Device problems can often be corrected by reinstalling the appropriate drivers. Also, hardware manufacturers frequently provide updated drivers
that support feature enhancements or that correct problems. Obtain updated drivers for products purchased from Dell at the support section of the
Dell World Wide Web site (http://support.dell.com).

NOTICE: Drivers available on the Dell Web site have been validated for correct operation on Dell systems. Installing drivers obtained
from other sources may cause errors or performance degradation.

Your System’s Drivers

The device drivers that can be reinstalled on your system are listed below:

l Intel® 800 Series Chip Set Driver — Installs Microsoft® Windows® 98 device installation files (.inf) that tell the operating system how
certain chip set components should be configured for proper operation.

l Intel Security Driver — Provides a heightened level of security for transmitting data across a network or across the Internet.

l Intel 810e Video Driver — Enables the system’s video controller to properly function.

l Creative Labs Audio Driver — Enables the audio controller to produce sound on systems with integrated audio capabilities.

l Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard — Enables the network interface controller (NIC) to function properly on systems with
integrated network capabilities.

l Other Drivers — Control the devices, such as video, modem, or network interface controller (NIC) cards, that might be installed on your
system. For instructions on how to reinstall those drivers, see the device’s documentation. On some computers, a device's documentation
can be found by double-clicking the Dell Documents icon on the Windows desktop, clicking System Information, and then clicking
System Documentation. On other computers, the documentation can be found by clicking the Start button on the Windows desktop,
pointing to Programs, pointing to User’s Guides, and then clicking System Documentation.

NOTES: If a driver does not appear under a selected operating system on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, then the driver is not
required by that operating system.

If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver before you reinstall any other drivers.

Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD to Reinstall Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Dimension ResourceCD contains drivers for devices that might not be installed in your computer. Do not install
device drivers unless you first identify the specific driver intended for the hardware installed in your computer (see "Your System’s
Drivers"). Installing incorrect drivers might make your computer inoperable.

1. From the Windows desktop, insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.

If this is your first time to use the ResourceCD, go to the next step. If not, go to step 5.

2. When the ResourceCD Installation program starts, follow the instructions on the screen.

3. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the ResourceCD and click Finish to restart the computer.

4. When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.

5. At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next.

The Please wait... the ResourceCD is detecting hardware in your computer message appears.

The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these
components in your system window.

6. Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the prompts on the screen.
 If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system.

NOTE: The ResourceCD displays drivers only for hardware that Dell installed at the time of purchase. If you installed any additional
hardware, those drivers may not be displayed by the ResourceCD. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the ResourceCD program and
refer to the documentation and drivers that came with that product.

To view other contents on the ResourceCD:

1. Be sure your computer is selected in the System Model list.

2. Be sure your operating system is selected in the Operating System list.

3. Select the type of device in the Device Type list.

NOTICE: The Dell Dimension ResourceCD contains drivers for devices that are not part of your computer. Only reinstall the specific
drivers for hardware included in your computer. Otherwise, your computer might not work correctly.

4. Select a topic in the Topic list.

If you select Drivers in the Topic list and a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system.

Drivers For Systems Purchased Before May 19, 2000

The device drivers that can be reinstalled on your system are listed below:

l Intel 800 Series Chip Set Driver — Installs Windows 98 device installation files (.inf) that tell the operating system how certain chip set
components should be configured for proper operation.

l Intel Security Driver — Provides a heightened level of security for transmitting data across a network or across the Internet.

l Intel 810e Video Driver — Enables the system’s video controller to properly function.

l Creative Labs Audio Driver — Enables the audio controller to produce sound on systems with integrated audio capabilities.

l Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC Driver — Enables the network interface controller (NIC) to function properly on
systems with integrated network capabilities.

l Other Drivers — Control the devices, such as video, modem, or network interface controller (NIC) cards, that might be installed on your
system. For instructions on how to reinstall those drivers, see the device’s documentation. On some computers, a device's documentation
can be found by double-clicking the Dell Documents icon on the Windows desktop, clicking System Information, and then clicking
System Documentation. On other computers, the documentation can be found by clicking the Start button on the Windows desktop,
pointing to Programs, pointing to User’s Guides, and then clicking System Documentation.

Intel 800 Series Chip Set Driver

Dell installed the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver for the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system on your hard-disk drive. No further installation or
configuration is required. If you ever need to reinstall this driver, perform the following steps.

NOTE: If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver before you reinstall any other drivers.

1. Start the Windows 98 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

3. Click the right-arrow button.

The first time that you use the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, you are prompted to select a language.

4. Select the language of your choice, and click OK.

5. In the All Folders list, click the drivers folder.

An alert message appears, informing you that only knowledgeable users should install drivers.

6. Click OK to continue.

7. In the All Folders list, click the win98 folder.

 8. In the Description list, click Dimension L Series: Intel 800 Series Chip Set Driver.

9. In the All Files list, double-click setup.exe.

10. Click Next to start the driver installation or click Quit to exit the installation process.

11. When prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or DVD-
ROM drive and then click Finish.

Intel Security Driver

Dell installed the Intel Security driver on your hard-disk drive. No further installation or configuration is needed. If you ever need to reinstall this
driver, see the appropriate procedure for the Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 operating systems.

NOTE: If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver before you reinstall any other drivers.

Intel Security Driver For Windows 98 and Windows NT

To reinstall the Intel Security driver on systems running Windows 98 and Windows NT, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows 98 or Windows NT operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

3. Click the right-arrow button.

The first time that you use the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, you are prompted to select a language.

4. Select the language of your choice, and click OK.

5. In the All Folders list, click the drivers folder.

An alert message appears, informing you that only knowledgeable users should install drivers.

6. Click OK to continue.

7. In the All Folders list, click the win98 or winnt folder.

8. In the Description list, click Dimension L Series: Intel Security Driver.

9. Click the only file that appears in the All Files list.

The file is named nnnnnnnn.exe, where nnnnnnnn is an eight-digit part number.

10. Follow the instructions on the screen, and accept all defaults.

11. When you are prompted to restart your system to complete the installation, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive, and then click Finish.

Intel Security Driver for Windows 2000

To reinstall the Intel Security driver on systems running Windows 2000, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows 2000 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

3. Click the right-arrow button.

The first time that you use the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, you are prompted to select a language.

4. Select the language of your choice, and click OK.

5. In the All Folders list, click the drivers folder.

An alert message appears, informing you that only knowledgeable users should install drivers.

6. Click OK to continue.
 7. In the All Folders list, click the win2000 folder.

8. In the Description list, click Dimension L Series: Intel Security Driver.

9. Double-click the only file that appears in the All Files list.

The file is named nnnnnnnn.exe, where nnnnnnnn is an eight-digit part number.

10. Follow the instructions on the screen, and accept all defaults.

11. When you are prompted to restart your system to complete the installation, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive, and then click Finish.

Intel 810e Video Driver

Dell installed the Intel 810e video driver on your hard-disk drive. No further installation or configuration is needed. If you ever need to reinstall this
driver, see the appropriate procedure for the Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 operating systems.

NOTE: If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver before you reinstall any other drivers.

Intel 810e Video Driver for Windows 98

To reinstall the Intel 810e video driver on systems running Windows 98, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows 98 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

3. The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

4. Click the right-arrow button.

The first time that you use the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, you are prompted to select a language.

5. Select the language of your choice, and click OK.

6. In the All Folders list, click the drivers folder.

An alert message appears, informing you that only knowledgeable users should install drivers.

7. Click OK to continue.

8. In the All Folders list, click the win98 folder.

9. In the Description list, click Dimension L Series: Intel 810 Video Driver.

10. Click the only file that appears in the All Files list.

The file is named nnnnnnnn.exe, where nnnnnnnn is the driver part number.

11. Follow the instructions on the screen, and accept all defaults.

12. Click Next to start the driver installation, or click Quit to exit the installation process.

13. When prompted to restart your system to complete the installation, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or DVD-
ROM drive and then click Finish.

Intel 810e Video Driver for Windows NT

To reinstall the Intel 810e video driver on systems running Windows NT, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows NT 4.0 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

3. The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

4. Click the right-arrow button.

5. The first time that you use the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, you are prompted to select a language.

6. Select the language of your choice, and click OK.

 7. In the All Folders list, double-click the drivers folder.

8. An alert message appears, informing you that only knowledgeable users should install drivers.

9. Click OK to continue.

10. In the All Folders list, click the winnt folder.

11. In the Description list, click Dimension L Series: Intel 810 Video Driver.

12. Click the only file that appears in the All Files list.

The file is named nnnnnnnn.exe, where nnnnnnnn is the driver part number.

13. Follow the instructions on the screen, and accept all defaults.

14. The drivers are automatically loaded onto the system, and the Welcome window appears.

15. Click Next.

16. Remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart the system.

Intel 810e Video Driver for Windows 2000

To reinstall the Intel 810e video driver on systems running Windows 2000, see the documentation that came with the video card for instructions as
explained in "Other Drivers".

Creative Labs Audio Driver

Dell installed the Creative Labs audio driver on your hard-disk drive. No further installation or configuration is needed. If you ever need to reinstall
this driver, see the appropriate procedure for the Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 operating systems.

NOTE: If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver before you reinstall any other drivers.

Creative Labs Audio Driver for Windows 98

To reinstall the Creative Labs audio driver on systems running Windows 98, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows 98 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

3. Click the right-arrow button.

The first time that you use the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, you are prompted to select a language.

4. Select the language of your choice, and click OK.

5. In the All Folders list, click the drivers folder.

An alert message appears, informing you that only knowledgeable users should install drivers.

6. Click OK to continue.

7. In the All Folders list, click the win98 folder.

8. In the Description list, click Dimension L Series: Creative Labs Audio Driver.

9. Click the only file that appears in the All Files list.

The file is named nnnnnnnn.exe, where nnnnnnnn is the driver part number.

10. Follow the instructions on the screen, and accept all defaults.

11. Click Next to start the driver installation, or click Quit to exit the installation process.

12. When prompted to restart your system to complete the installation, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or DVD-
ROM drive and then click Finish.

Creative Labs Audio Driver for Windows NT

To reinstall the Creative Labs audio driver on systems running Windows NT, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows NT 4.0 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

3. The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

4. Click the right-arrow button.

5. The first time that you use the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, you are prompted to select a language.

6. Select the language of your choice, and click OK.

7. In the All Folders list, double-click the drivers folder.

An alert message appears, informing you that only knowledgeable users should install drivers.

8. Click OK to continue.

9. In the All Folders list, click the winnt folder.

10. In the Description list, click Dimension L Series: Creative Labs Audio Driver.

11. Click the only file that appears in the All Files list.

The file is named nnnnnnnn.exe, where nnnnnnnn is the driver part number.

12. Follow the instructions on the screen, and accept all defaults.

13. Click Next.

14. Remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart the system.

Creative Labs Audio Driver for Windows 2000

When the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system is installed, the audio drivers are automatically installed. If you need to reinstall the audio
drivers, you must reinstall Windows 2000.

Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC Driver

Dell installed the Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC driver on your hard-disk drive. No further installation or configuration is
needed. If you ever need to reinstall this driver, see the appropriate procedure for the Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000
operating systems.

NOTE: If you reinstall Windows 98, you must reinstall the Intel 800 Series Chip Set driver before you reinstall any other drivers.

Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC Driver for Windows 98

To reinstall the Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC driver on systems running Windows 98, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows 98 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

3. Click Exit.

4. From the Windows desktop, right-click the My Computer icon, and click Properties.

5. Click the Device Manager tab.

6. Double-click Network Adapters.

7. Double-click Intel 82559, and then click the Driver tab.

8. Click Update Driver.

The Update Device Driver Wizard window opens.

9. Click the Browse button and browse to x:\drivers\win98\2911r(where x is the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive).
10. Select the recommended driver.

11. Click OK and Next to complete the driver installation. Follow the instructions on the screen. If prompted to restart the system, remove the
Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC Driver for Windows NT

To reinstall the Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC driver on systems running Windows NT, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows NT operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

The Dell Dimension ResourceCD screen appears.

3. Click Exit.

4. From the Windows desktop, right-click the Network Neighborhood icon, and click Properties.

The Network window opens.

5. Click the Adapters tab, and click Add.

6. In the Select Network Adapter window, click Have Disk.

7. From the Insert Disk window, type x:\drivers\winnt\2911r (where x is the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive), and then click OK.

8. From the Select OEM Options window, select Intel PRO Adapter, and click OK to begin the driver installation.

9. From the Network window, click the Adapters tab and verify that the Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard was installed, and
then click Close.

10. When prompted to restart the computer, remove the Dell Dimension ResourceCD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then click
Yes.

Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC Driver and Diagnostics for Windows 2000

The Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN on Motherboard NIC driver is automatically installed with the Windows 2000 operating system. To reinstall the
Intel 82559 Fast Ethernet LAN NIC diagnostics program, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows 2000 operating system.

2. Insert the Dell Solutions CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

3. Double-click the \Intel Diags folder to open it.

4. Double-click setup.exe.

5. Follow the instructions on the screen, and accept all defaults.

6. When prompted to restart your system to complete the installation, remove the Dell Solutions CD from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive,
and then click Finish.

Back to Contents Page

Back to Contents Page

Removing and Replacing Parts: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Overview Hard-Disk Drive

Precautionary Measures Power Supply and Fan Assembly

Recommended Tools Control Panel

Cover Expansion Cards

Rotating the Power Supply DIMMs

Bezel Heat Sink

3.5-Inch Front Panel Insert Microprocessor

Upper 3.5-Inch Drive Battery

Lower 3.5-Inch Diskette Drive System Board

5.25-Inch Drive

Overview

Unless otherwise noted, each of the following procedures assumes:

l You have the recommended tools.

l You have performed the steps in "Precautionary Measures."

l You have removed the computer cover.

l You can replace or reinstall a part by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.

Precautionary Measures

Before you remove or replace parts in the system, read the following caution for your personal safety and to prevent damage to the system from
electrostatic discharge (ESD).

CAUTION FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THE EQUIPMENT.

Before you start to work on the system, perform the following steps in the sequence listed:

1. Turn off your computer and all devices.

2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of the computer before touching anything inside
your computer.

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer to dissipate any static electricity that
might harm internal components.

3. Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the monitor, from their electrical outlets to reduce the
potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

4. Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

After you remove or replace parts in the system, observe the following notice to prevent damage to the system:

NOTICE: Make sure that all other system cables are connected before connecting the computer to its electrical outlet.

Recommended Tools

l Small flat-blade screwdriver

 l Wide flat-blade screwdriver

l #1 and #2 Phillips-head screwdrivers

l 1/4-inch nut driver

l Tweezers or long-nose pliers

l Wrist grounding strap

Cover

1 Release latch
2 Computer cover

To remove the computer cover, perform the following steps.

NOTICE: To avoid inadvertently damaging the system board, be sure you that disconnect the system from the electrical outlet,
disconnect the power cable from the back of the chassis, and press the power button before removing the computer cover. This
system continues to receive a small amount of power when the system is turned off and attached to an electrical outlet (the system-
board power indicator is on when power is detected).

1. Face the front of the chassis. Place your left hand on the left side of the chassis. Push back the release latch at the top back edge of the
chassis to release the computer cover into your left hand.

2. Lift the cover out from the curves at the bottom of the chassis.

CAUTION: To prevent cuts, keep your hands clear of the metal edges on the chassis and fan guard as you slide the
cover back.

To replace the computer cover, perform the following steps:

1. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come loose during your work. Fold cables and unused connectors out of the
way so that they do not catch on the computer cover or interfere with airflow inside the computer.

2. Check to see that no tools or extra parts (including screws) are left inside the computer.

3. Place the chassis upright with the front facing you. Align the computer cover so that its bottom hooks fit in the chassis curves.

4. Lift up the cover, making sure to keep the bottom hooks aligned with the curves in the chassis.

5. Gently squeeze the right and left sides of the computer together until the cover clicks into position.

Rotating the Power Supply

 1 Release latch
2 Power supply
3 Cable retainer

1. Remove the computer cover.

2. Lay the computer on its side.

3. Press the release latch while lifting the power supply. Rotate the power supply out of the chassis while keeping the power cables clear.

4. When you rotate the power supply back into the chassis, gently lift the cable retainer and hold the drive cables out of the way.

5. Rotate the power supply into position until its release latch clicks.

6. Wrap the drive cables along the top of the latch in the retainers, as shown in the following figure.

1 Cable retainer
2 Drive power cables
3 Power supply

Bezel
 1 Bezel release tab
2 Retaining hooks

To remove the bezel, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover.

2. While facing the front of the computer, press in the bezel release tab the top of the chassis.

3. Swing the bezel away from the chassis, disengage the two retaining hooks at the bottom of the bezel, and carefully pull it away from the
chassis.

4. To replace the bezel, fit the two bezel retaining hooks into their corresponding slots on the chassis. Rotate the bezel toward the chassis until
the bezel latches into position.

3.5-Inch Front Panel Insert

1 Insert
2 Tabs (2)
3 Release tab

To remove a 3.5-inch insert, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the bezel.

2. From the back of the bezel, press the release tab to the side.

3. Rotate the insert toward you, and remove it from the bezel.

Upper 3.5-Inch Drive

 1 Drive bay plate

To remove the upper 3.5-inch drive plate and install a new drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the bezel.

2. Remove the 3.5-inch front panel insert.

3. Rotate the power supply away from the system board. While holding the power supply, place the computer in the upright position.

4. Remove the metal plate covering the bay by using a screwdriver to pop out the metal plate from the left or right side of the chassis.

5. Remove the extra rails from the inside front of the chassis.

6. Install the rails on the sides of the drive.

The rails are marked “L” for installation on the left side of the drive and “R” for the right side of the drive.

7. Slide the drive assembly into the drive bay.

8. Connect the power supply cable and drive interface cables to the drive.

Lower 3.5-Inch Diskette Drive

1 Drive-release rail tabs (2)

To remove the 3.5-inch diskette drive from the lower bay, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the bezel.

2. Rotate the power supply away from the system board.

3. While holding the power supply, place the computer in the upright position.

4. Disconnect the power and interface cables from the back of the diskette drive.

5. Press the two drive-release rail tabs, and slide the drive out of the drive bay.

Before you install the new drive, install the drive-release rails on the sides of the replacement diskette drive.

5.25-Inch Drive
 1 Drive-release rail tabs (2)

To remove the 5.25-inch drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the bezel.

2. Rotate the power supply away from the system board.

3. While holding the power supply, place the computer in the upright position.

4. Disconnect the power and interface cables from the back of the drive.

5. Press the two drive-release rail tabs, and slide the drive out of the drive bay (see Figure 8).

Before you install the new drive, install the drive-release rails on the sides of the replacement drive.

Hard-Disk Drive

1 Screws (2)
2 Clip
3 Hard-disk drive

To remove the primary hard-disk drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the bezel.

2. Rotate the power supply away from the system board.

3. While holding the power supply, place the computer in the upright position.

4. Remove the two screws securing the hard-disk drive to the front of the chassis.

5. Release the clip that secures the drive to the chassis, and rotate the drive out of the chassis.

6. Disconnect any cables attached to the drive.

7. Remove the existing drive from the bay.

To reinstall the primary hard-disk drive, perform the following steps.

NOTICE: When you reinstall the hard-disk drive, make sure that the control panel wires are not caught underneath the hard-disk
drive.

1. Orient the new drive with its circuit board facing the front of the chassis.

2. Press the drive between the two brackets until the drive is secured by the clip.
 3. Secure the drive to the front of the chassis with the two screws you removed.

4. Connect the power supply cable and the hard-disk drive interface cable to the new drive.

Power Supply and Fan Assembly

1 Power-supply retaining clips

2 Power supply and fan assembly

To remove the power supply and fan assembly, perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect the AC power cable from the computer.

2. Remove the computer cover.

3. Rotate the power supply away from the system board.

4. Disconnect the DC power cables from the POWER and OPTIONAL POWER connectors on the system board.

5. Disconnect the DC power cables from all the drives.

6. Press the power-supply retaining clips and lift the power supply and fan assembly out of the chassis.

Control Panel

1 Control panel assembly

2 Mounting tabs

To remove the control panel, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the bezel.

2. Disconnect the control panel from the system board.

3. Press the mounting tabs to release the control panel and remove the control panel assembly.
Expansion Cards

1 Card-edge connector
2 Expansion card
3 Expansion-card connector
4 Expansion-card mounting bracket and screw

To install an expansion card, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover.

2. Rotate the power supply.

3. Choose an expansion-card connector for the card.

4. Unscrew and remove the metal filler bracket that covers the card-slot opening for the expansion slot you intend to use.

5. Insert the expansion card firmly into the expansion-card connector.

Align the cutouts in the card-edge connector with the crossbars in the expansion card connector. Gently rock the connector until it is fully
seated.

6. When the card is firmly seated in the connector, secure the card-mounting bracket with the screw you removed.

To remove an expansion card, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover.

2. Rotate the power supply.

3. Disconnect any cables connected to the card.

4. Remove the screw from the card-mounting bracket.

5. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening in the chassis.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

DIMMs

1 Securing clips (2)

To remove a dual in-line memory module (DIMM), press down and out on the securing clips at each end of the socket. The DIMM should pop up
allowing you to lift it out of the socket.
 1 Securing clips (2)
2 Cutout

To install a DIMM, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover.

2. Rotate the power supply.

3. Press outward on the securing clips at each end of the DIMM socket to release the clips (step 1 in the preceding figure).

4. Align the cutouts on the edge connector of the DIMM with the crossbars in the central groove of the socket (step 2 in the preceding figure).

5. Insert the DIMM straight down into the socket, making sure that it fits into the vertical guides in the clips at each end of the socket (step 3 in
the preceding figure).

6. Press firmly until the DIMM snaps into place.

NOTICE: Do not press near the middle of the DIMM. Doing so could break the module.

If you have inserted the DIMM correctly, the tabs on the securing clips will snap into the cutouts at each end of the DIMM.

Heat Sink

1 Heat sink and fan assembly

2 Heat-sink securing clip
3 Microprocessor
4 Microprocessor socket
5 Heat-sink securing tab

The heat sink in your system will be one of those pictured in the preceding figure. To remove and replace the microprocessor and heat sink,
perform the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover.

2. Rotate the power supply.

3. Locate the microprocessor socket on the system board.

4. Release the metal clip that secures the heat sink and fan assembly to the microprocessor socket. Then remove the heat sink and fan
assembly from the microprocessor chip.

5. Disconnect the fan from the system board.

6. Remove and replace the microprocessor chip from the socket.

7. Unpack the heat sink and fan assembly included in your upgrade kit.

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

8. Peel the release liner from the adhesive tape that is attached to the bottom of the heat sink and fan assembly.
 9. Replace the heat sink and fan assembly by performing the following steps:

NOTICE: When you install the heat sink and fan assembly, make sure that the heat sink is flat against the surface of the processor
while you are installing the clip. If the heat sink becomes tilted when you install the clip, excess heat can damage the processor.

a. Place the heat sink and fan assembly on top of the microprocessor chip.

b. Orient the securing clip and hook the shorter side of the clip over the tab on the top edge of the microprocessor socket.

c. Press down on the top to the fan to snap the clip over the tab on the bottom edge of the microprocessor socket.

d. Connect the fan to the system board.

10. Replace the computer cover, and then reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

As the system boots, it detects the presence of the new microprocessor and automatically changes the system configuration information in
the system setup program.

11. Enter the system setup program, and confirm that the Processor Type and Processor Speed options correctly identify the newly installed
microprocessor.

Microprocessor

1 Microprocessor chip
2 Release lever
3 Microprocessor socket

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove the microprocessor chip from its socket. Bending the pins can
permanently damage the microprocessor chip.

Your microprocessor socket is a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket with a lever-type handle that secures the chip in (or releases it from) the socket.

1. To remove the chip, pull the microprocessor-socket release lever out to unlock it and then straight up until the chip is released.

2. Remove the chip from the socket. Leave the release lever extended so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you unpack the microprocessor. Bending the pins can permanently damage
the microprocessor.

3. Unpack the new microprocessor.

If any of the pins on the chip appear to be bent, obtain technical assistance.

4. Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor chip with the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor socket, as shown in the following figure.

NOTE: You must identify the pin-1 corner to correctly position the chip.

The pin-1 corner of the microprocessor is the beveled corner. The pin-1 corner of the socket, labeled "1," is the front-left corner of the
socket as you face the back of the computer.

1 Pin-1 corners of chip and socket aligned

 5. Install the microprocessor chip in the socket (as shown in the preceding figure) by performing the following steps.

NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor chip correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the chip and the
computer when you turn on the system.

a. If the release lever on the microprocessor socket is not all the way out, move it to that position now.

b. With the pin-1 corners of the chip and socket aligned, align the pins on the chip with the holes in the socket.

c. Set the chip lightly in the socket and make sure that all pins are headed into the correct holes. Because your system uses a ZIF
microprocessor socket, you do not need to use force, which could bend the pins if the chip is misaligned. When the chip is
positioned correctly, press it with minimal pressure to seat the microprocessor in the socket. Be careful not to bend the pins.

d. When the chip is fully seated in the socket, pivot the microprocessor-socket release lever back toward the socket until it snaps
into place, securing the chip.

Battery

1 Battery
2 Battery socket

CAUTION: There is a danger of the new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To remove the 3-volt (V), CR2032 coin-cell battery, perform the following steps:

1. Make a copy of the screens in the system setup program. Enter the system setup program, and print (by pressing the <Print Screen> key) or
copy the system configuration information from the system setup screens.

2. Remove the computer cover.

3. Rotate the power supply.

4. Pry the battery out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object such as a plastic screwdriver.

To replace the battery, perform the following steps:

1. Install the new battery with the "+" side facing up.

2. Rotate the power supply back into place, replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets and
turn them on.

3. Reboot the computer system, press <Del> when the blue Dell logo screen appears to enter the system setup program, and restore the
correct settings.

System Board
 1 System-board retaining clip
2 System board
3 Standoffs

1. If possible, enter the system setup program and print the system setup screens by pressing the <Print Screen> key before you turn off the
computer because you will have to restore the configuration information after the system board is replaced.

2. Remove the computer cover.

3. Remove the power supply.

4. Disconnect any cables connected to expansion cards, and remove these expansion cards.

5. Disconnect all internal cables from the system board.

6. Remove the heat sink assembly.

7. Remove the microprocessor.

8. Remove the DIMMs.

9. Push the system-board retaining clip until it disengages.

10. Slide the system board forward until is no longer held by the standoffs that secure the system board to the chassis.

NOTE: You may need to slide the board toward the front of the computer to clear the hooked standoffs before you can lift the
board from the computer.

11. Carefully lift the system board out of the input/output (I/O) gasket and remove the board from the computer. The I/O gasket is on the back of
the computer where all of the input and output ports are located (see the system board).

When you install a replacement system board, angle the back of the board downward and carefully align the connectors on the back edge of the
board with the cutouts in the I/O gasket. When properly aligned, the board connectors slide into the I/O gasket as you lower the board into position
in the chassis and reseat it on the standoffs. Lock the board in place with the system-board retaining clip.

After you install the replacement system board, replace the microprocessor, the heat sink, the DIMMs, and the expansion cards that you removed
from the old system board.

To configure the system after you install a replacement board, perform the following steps:

1. Install the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 of configuration jumper J7A1 to select Maintenance mode operation.

2. Replace the computer cover, and start the system.

The computer automatically starts the system setup program, adds the Maintenance option to the menu bar, and displays the Maintenance
screen.

3. Select Clear All Passwords, and press <Enter> twice.

4. Press <F10> to exit the system setup program and save any changes you made.

5. Turn off the system, remove the computer cover, and replace the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2 of configuration jumper J7A1 to select Normal
mode operation.

6. Replace the cover, and start the system.

 7. Re-enter the system setup program, and reset the system configuration information.

Back to Contents Page

Back to Contents Page

Technical Specifications: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Microprocessor Network

System Information Power

Expansion Bus Physical

Memory Environmental

Drives Regulatory Notices

Ports IRQ Assignments

Video Default Dell-Installed Expansion Card Placement

Audio

Microprocessor

Microprocessor type
Dimension Lxxxr Intel® Pentium® III microprocessor that runs at 500, 550, or 600 MHz internally and 100 MHz
externally, or a Pentium III processor that runs at 600, 667, 733, 800, 866, or 933 MHz, or 1
GHz internally and 133 MHz externally, or 1.1 GHz internally and 100 MHz externally
Dimension Lxxxcxe Intel Celeron™ processor that runs at 700 or 800 MHz internally and 100 MHz externally

Dimension Lxxxcx Intel Celeron processor that runs at 433, 500, 533, 566, 600, 633, 667, 700, or 733 MHz
internally and 66 MHz externally or 700 or 800 MHz internally and 100 MHz externally
Dimension Lxxxc Intel Celeron processor that runs at 400, 433, 466, or 500 MHz internally and 66 MHz
externally
NOTE: Microprocessor offerings vary by country.
L1 cache 32-KB instruction and data cache
L2 cache
Pentium III processor 256-KB Advanced Transfer Cache that resides in the processor's core. The L2 cache runs at
the processor's internal clock speed.
Celeron processor 128-KB SRAM

Microprocessor mounting socket 370

Math coprocessor internal to processor

System Information

System chip set

Dimension Lxxxr and Lxxxcx Intel 810e chip set

Dimension Lxxxc and Lxxxcxe Intel 810 chip set

Data bus width 64 bits

Address bus width 32 bits
DMA channels two
Interrupt levels 15
System BIOS chip 4 Mb (512 KB)
System clock
Dimension Lxxxr 100 or 133 MHz (matches external processor speed)

Dimension Lxxxc, Lxxxcx, and 66 or 100 MHz (matches external processor speed)
 Lxxxcxe

Expansion Bus

Bus type PCI (version 2.2)

Bus speed 33 MHz
Expansion-card connectors supports four three-quarter-length PCI expansion cards
Expansion-card connector size 120 pins
Expansion-card connector data width (maximum) 32 bits

Memory

Architecture non-ECC SDRAM 168-pin modules

DIMM sockets two; gold contacts
DIMM capacities 32, 64, 128, 256, and 512 MB
Minimum RAM 32 MB (64 MB for systems running Microsoft® Windows NT®)1
Maximum RAM 512 MB
Frequency 100 MHz
Clock cycle 10 ns (supports four clocks only)
CAS latency three
SPD revision 1.2
Buffering unbuffered
Voltage 3.3 V
Data bus width 64 bits
BIOS address F0000h
1 Video memory uses 1 or 2 MB of system memory (RAM). Total RAM reported is 1 or 2 MB less than RAM installed.

Drives

Externally accessible one 5.25-inch bay and two 3.5-inch bays

Internally accessible one bay for 1-inch-high EIDE hard-disk drive

Ports

Externally accessible
Serial (DTE) 9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible

Parallel 25-hole connector (bidirectional)

Video 15-hole connector

PS/2-style keyboard 6-pin mini-DIN connector

PS/2-compatible mouse 6-pin mini-DIN connector

MIDI/game2 one 15-pin connector

USB two USB-compliant connectors

Audio2 three miniature jacks for line in, line out, and microphone

Network2 RJ45 jack

Internally accessible
Primary EIDE 40-pin connector on PCI bus

Secondary EIDE 40-pin connector on PCI bus

Diskette drive 34-pin connector

2 Present only on systems with integrated audio and network capabilities.

Video

Video controller
Dimension Lxxxr and Lxxxcx Intel 810e chip set with Dynamic Video Memory and 4-MB display cache memory

Dimension Lxxxcxe Intel 810 chip set with Dynamic Video Memory

Dimension Lxxxc Intel 810 chip set with Dynamic Video Memory and 4-MB display cache memory

Audio

Audio controller2 Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI chip with 64-voice wavetable synthesis
2 Present only on systems with integrated audio and network capabilities.

Network

NIC2 Intel Pro 10/100-Mbps 82559 chip

2 Present only on systems with integrated audio and network capabilities.

Power

DC power supply
Wattage 145 W

Heat dissipation 700 BTU (fully loaded system without monitor)

Voltage (switch selectable on back 90 to 135 V at 60 Hz;

panel) 180 to 265 V at 50 Hz;
100 V at 50 to 60 Hz for Japanese systems
Backup battery 3-V CR2032 coin cell

Physical

Height 39 cm (15.375 inches)

Width 16.8 cm (6.625 inches)
Depth 34 cm (13.375 inches)
Weight 9.9 kg (22 lb)

Environmental

Temperature
Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)3
 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 1/2 octave/min

Storage 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 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 508 cm/sec (200 inches/sec)

Altitude
Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)3

Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

3
At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft).

Regulatory Notices

FCC (U.S. only) Class B

IC Notice (Canada only) Class B
CE Notice Class B
VCCI Notice (Japan only) Class B
NOM O24 Information (Mexico only)

IRQ Assignments

IRQ Line System Resource IRQ Line System Resource

IRQ0 System timer IRQ8 RTC
IRQ1 Keyboard buffer IRQ9 Available
IRQ2 Enables IRQ8 through IRQ15 IRQ10 Available
IRQ3 Available4 IRQ11 Available

IRQ4 Serial port IRQ12 Mouse port

IRQ5 Available IRQ13 Math coprocessor
IRQ6 Diskette/tape drive controller IRQ14 Primary EIDE channel
IRQ7 Parallel port IRQ15 Secondary EIDE channel
4
IRQ3 is available provided that no other device in the computer (such as a modem) is using COM2 or COM4.

Default Dell-Installed Expansion Card Placement

Expansion-Card Slot Expansion Card

PCI Slot 1 Open
PCI Slot 2 Audio
PCI Slot 3 NIC
PCI Slot 4 Modem

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Back to Contents Page

System Setup Program: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Overview Security Screen

Entering the System Setup Program Boot Screen

Main Screen Exit Screen

Advanced Screen Clearing NVRAM

Overview

Each time you turn on or restart your computer system, the system compares the hardware installed in the system to the hardware listed in the
configuration information stored in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) on the system board. If the system detects a discrepancy
between the two, it generates error messages that identify the incorrect configuration settings. The system then prompts you to enter the system
setup program to correct the setting.

You can use the system setup program as follows:

l To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your system

l To set or change user-selectable options — for example, the user password

Dell recommends that you print the system setup program screens (by pressing <Print Screen>) or write down the information for future reference.

The system setup screens are organized as follows:

l At the top is a menu bar for accessing the main program screens.

l The box on the left side of each screen lists options that define the installed hardware in the system. Fields next to the options contain
settings or values. You can change those that are enclosed in brackets. Values that are grayed out contain status information reported by the
system.

l The box on the right side of each screen displays help information for the option with a currently highlighted field.

l The bottom right area lists keys and their functions for the currently displayed screen.

The menu bar provides access to the following screens:

l Main screen — Provides settings for the basic system configuration

l Advanced screen — Provides detailed settings for some system features

l Security screen — Provides indications and settings for the system password and setup password

l Boot screen — Provides information about which device boots the system

l Exit screen — Provides selections for saving and loading the configurations and

In addition to these screens, options identified by a right arrow provide access to submenus.

Entering the System Setup Program

Enter the system setup program as follows:

1. Turn on (or restart) your system.

2. When the blue Dell logo appears, press <Del>.

If you wait too long and the operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation. Then shut down the
system and try again.

Main Screen
Table 1. Main Screen Menu Options

Option Function
BIOS Version Displays the version of the BIOS being used.
Processor Type Displays the type of microprocessor installed.
Processor Speed Displays the internal speed of the microprocessor.
Cache RAM Displays the cache random access memory.
Service Tag Displays the service tag for the system.
Total Memory Displays the total system memory.
Memory Bank 0 Displays the memory installed in memory bank 0.
Memory Bank 1 Displays the memory installed in memory bank 1.
Processor Serial Number NOTE: This option is available only on Dell Dimension Lxxxr computers.

Displays the serial number of the processor when set to Enabled. Disabled (default) turns off this feature.
System Time Resets the time on the system's internal clock.
System Date Resets the date on the system's internal calendar.

Advanced Screen

Table 2. Advanced Screen Menu Options

Option Function
Boot Configuration Displays the Boot Configuration submenu.
Peripheral Configuration Displays the Peripheral Configuration submenu.
IDE Configuration Displays the IDE Configuration submenu.
Diskette Configuration Displays the Diskette Configuration submenu.
Event Log Configuration Displays the Event Log Configuration submenu.
Video Configuration Displays the Video Configuration submenu.

Boot Configuration Submenu

Table 3. Boot Configuration Submenu Options

Option Function
Plug and Determines whether the system is configured to support Plug and Play devices from the operating system or from the system
Play OS BIOS. Leave this option set to No so that the BIOS handles all Plug and Play operations.

NOTE: Be sure that this option is set to No before running Dell Diagnostics. Otherwise, some diagnostics may incorrectly
report failures.
Reset Permits resetting of the Plug and Play configuration data to default values. Yes resets the data; No (default) retains the current
Config Data Plug and Play settings. If set to Yes, configuration data reverts to default values the next time the system boots. This option
automatically reverts back to the No setting.
Numlock Selects the power-on state for Numlock.

Peripheral Configuration Submenu

Table 4. Peripheral Configuration Submenu Options

Option Function
Serial port A Configures the serial port. Set this option to Auto (default), Enabled, or Disabled. Depending on the port setting, you can set
 the following additional options:

Base I/O Address If port is set to Enabled, available I/O addresses are 3F8, 3E8, 2F8, and 2E8.

Interrupt If port is set to Enabled, available interrupts are IRQ3 and IRQ4.

Parallel port Configures the parallel port. Set this option to Auto (default), Enabled, or Disabled. Depending on the port setting, you can set
the following additional options:

Mode If port is set to Auto or Enabled, available modes are Output Only, Bi-directional, ECP
(default), and EPP.
NOTE: Before changing this setting, refer to the device manufacturer's documentation for information on which
mode to use.
Base I/O If port is set to Enabled, available I/O addresses are 378 (default), 278, and 228.
Address

Interrupt If port is set to Enabled, available interrupts are 7 and 5.

Audio Device NOTE: This option is available in integrated audio systems only.

Determines if the integrated audio controller is Enabled (default) or Disabled. Set this option to Disabled if you are using a
sound card instead of the integrated audio controller or if the resources used by the controller are needed.
LAN Device NOTE: This option is available in integrated NIC systems only.

Determines if the integrated NIC is Enabled (default) or Disabled. Set this option to Disabled if you are using a network card
instead of the integrated NIC or if the resources used by the controller are needed.
Legacy USB Set to Disabled if legacy USB support is not desired. Auto (default) and Enabled allow support for legacy USB.
Support
IRQ5 Reserved (default) indicates that the IRQ is reserved for use by legacy systems. Available indicates that a specific IRQ is
available on the system.

IDE Configuration Submenu

Table 5. IDE Configuration Submenu Options

Option Function
IDE Configures the integrated primary and secondary EIDE controllers and detects the types of drives attached to them. If set to
Controller Primary, Secondary, or Both, the designated controller(s) are enabled, and the types of drives attached are displayed. If set to
either Primary or Secondary, the other controller is not enabled and the IRQ it normally uses becomes available. If set to
Disabled, the system cannot detect any drives attached to the controllers and displays None for all four IDE drive options.
Primary IDE Identifies the first drive attached to the primary EIDE interface, usually the boot hard-disk drive. See "Primary IDE Master
Master Submenu."
Primary IDE Identifies the second drive attached to the primary EIDE interface, usually a second hard-disk drive. The format of this submenu
Slave is the same as the one described in "Primary IDE Master Submenu"
Secondary Identifies the first drive attached to the secondary EIDE interface, if there is one. The format of this submenu is the same as the
IDE Master one described in "Primary IDE Master Submenu."
Secondary Identifies the second drive attached to the secondary EIDE interface, usually a CD-ROM or tape drive. The format of this
IDE Slave submenu is the same as the one described in "Primary IDE Master Submenu"

Primary IDE Master Submenu

Table 6. Primary IDE Master Submenu Options

Option Function
Type Specifies the type of hard-disk drive. Settings for this option are User, Auto, CD-ROM, ATAPI Removable, Other ATAPI, IDE
Removable, and None.
LBA Mode Determines LBA mode control. Set to Enabled (default) unless directed to change it by a Dell technical support representative.
Control
Multi-Sector Determines the number of sectors per block during multiple-sector transfers. If Type is set to User, set Multi-Sector Transfers
Transfers to 2 Sectors, 4 Sectors, 8 Sectors, 16 Sectors, or Disabled (turns off the feature).
PIO Mode Determines the method of moving data to and from the EIDE drive. Options include PIO modes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. The PIO modes
can improve the performance of a hard-disk drive. (The higher the PIO number, the faster the transfer; most newer drives
support PIO 4.) For the optimum transfer mode, set Type to Auto.
Ultra DMA Sets the Ultra DMA mode for the drive. Options are Disabled (default), Mode 0, Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, or Mode 4.

Diskette Configuration Submenu

Table 7. Diskette Configuration Submenu Options

Option Function
Diskette controller Configures the diskette drive interface. Options are Enabled (default) and Disabled.
Diskette A Selects the diskette type from Not Installed, 360 KB 5 1/4", 1.2 MB 5 1/4", 720 KB 3 1/2", 1.44/1.25 MB 3 1/2", or 2.88
MB 3 1/2".
Diskette Write Protects a diskette from being written to when set to Enabled. When this option is set to Disabled (default), the diskette is
Protect not protected unless the write-protect tab is in place.

Event Log Configuration Submenu

Table 8. Event Log Configuration Submenu Options

Option Function
Event Log Displays the space available for the event log.
Event Log Validity Displays the validity of the event log.
View Event Log Press <Enter> to view the event log.
Clear All Event Logs Clears all event logs when the system restarts if set to Yes. Retains the event log information if set to No (default).
Event Logging Enables or disables event logging.
Mark Events As Read Press <Enter>, and then select Yes or No to mark DMI events as either read or unread.

Video Configuration Submenu

Table 9. Video Configuration Submenu Option

Option Function
Primary Video Adapter Selects Onboard or PCI as the active video controller when the system boots.

Security Screen
Table 10. Security Screen Options

Option Function
Supervisor Password Is Indicates whether a supervisor password has been assigned.
User Password Is Indicates whether a user password has been assigned.
Set Supervisor Password Sets and confirms a supervisor password.
Set User Password Sets and confirms a user password.
Clear User Password Clears the user password. Settings for this option are Yes or No (default).

Boot Screen

Table 11. Boot Screen Options

Option Function
Quiet Boot Enabled (default) displays the Dell logo. Disabled displays the normal POST messages.
Quick Boot When set to Enabled, this option shortens the POST by eliminating some tests. If set to Disabled (default), all POST tests
occur.
Restore on AC/ Determines what state the system enters when AC power is restored after a power loss. Settings are as follows:
Power Loss
l Last State (default) — System returns to the state it was in when power was lost.
l Stays Off — System stays off when power is restored; you must press the power button to restore power.
l Power On — System starts up when power is restored.

On LAN This option controls how the system responds to a Wakeup On LAN event. The settings for this option are Power On or
Stays Off.
On PME This option controls how the system responds to a PCI power management enabled (PME) wakeup event. The settings for
this option are Power On or Stays Off (default).
1st Boot Device Dell Dimension Lxxxcx, Lxxxcxe, and Lxxxr:

Determines which device the system tries to boot from first. Use the up- or down-arrow key to to highlight a device. Settings
for this option are as follows:

l Floppy

l ARMD FDD

l ARMD HDD

l IDE-HDD

l ATAPI CD-ROM

l SCSI*

l Network*

l Disabled

Dell Dimension Lxxxc:

Determines which device the system tries to boot from first. Use the up- or down-arrow key to to highlight a device. Settings
for this option are as follows:

l Disabled

l 1st IDE HDD through 4th IDE HDD

l Floppy

l ARMD FDD

l ARMD HDD

l ATAPI CD-ROM

l SCSI*

l Network*

*Where SCSI or Network is the name of the installed device.

2nd Boot Determines which device the system tries to boot from if it cannot boot from the device selected for 1st Boot Device.
Device Settings for this option are the same as those for 1st Boot Device except for NETWORK.
3rd Boot Device Determines which device the system tries to boot from if it cannot boot from the devices selected for 1st Boot Device and
2nd Boot Device. Settings for this option are the same as those for 1st Boot Device except for NETWORK and SCSI.
4th Boot Device Determines which device the system tries to boot from if it cannot boot from the devices selected for 1st Boot Device, 2nd
Boot Device, and 3rd Boot Device. Settings for this option are the same as those for 1st Boot Device except for
NETWORK and SCSI.

Exit Screen
Table 12. Exit Screen Options

Option Function
Exit Saving Saves any changes you have made, exits the system setup program, and restarts the system.
Changes
Exit Discarding Discards any changes you have made, exits the system setup program, and restarts the system.
Changes
Load Setup Discards any changes you have made and reverts all options to their defaults, but does not exit the system setup program.
Defaults
Load Custom Loads any settings saved using the Save Custom Defaults option. Press <Enter>. Then press the spacebar to select
Defaults Yes or No at the confirmation pop-up menu, and press <Enter> again.
Save Custom Saves any changes you have made, but does not exit the system setup program.
Defaults
Discard Changes Discards any changes you have made and reverts all options to their last saved settings, but does not exit the system
setup program.

Clearing NVRAM

To clear NVRAM for all devices and restart the system, perform the following steps:

1. Enter the system setup program.

2. Press the right-arrow key to move to the Advanced menu.

3. Press the down-arrow key to highlight the Boot Configuration submenu, and press <Enter>.

4. Press the down-arrow key to highlight Reset Config Data. Then change the setting to Yes (see Table 3).

5. Press <F10> to exit the program and restart the system.

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Technical Overview: Dell™ Dimension™ L Series Reference

Internal View Power Supply

Back-Panel Features DC Power Cables

System Board Connectors and Sockets DC Power Connector Pin Assignments

System Board Configuration Jumper

Internal View

1 Bezel release
2 5.25-inch drive bay
3 3.5-inch drive bays
4 Hard-disk drive
5 Power supply
6 AC power connector
7 I/O panel
8 Security cable slot
9 Release latch and padlock ring

Back-Panel Features

1 Mouse connector
2 Network connector*
3 Parallel port connector
4 MIDI/game port connector*
5 Keyboard connector
6 USB connectors (2)
7 Video connector
8 Serial port connector
9 Diagnostic code indicators (4)
10 Line-out jack*
11 Line-in jack*
12 Microphone jack*
* Present only on systems with integrated audio and NIC.

System Board Connectors and Sockets

 1 Microprocessor connector (J5H1) 16 CD-ROM drive audio cable connector (for systems with
integrated audio; black color) (CD ROM)
2 DIMM sockets (BANKn) 17 MIDI/game port connector (for systems with integrated audio)
(GAME)
3 Fan connector (J3J1) 18 Microphone jack (for systems with integrated audio) (MIC)
4 3.3-V power connector (OPTIONAL POWER) 19 Line-out jack (for systems with integrated audio) (LINE OUT)
5 Secondary IDE channel connector (SEC IDE) 20 Line-in jack (for systems with integrated audio) (LINE IN)
6 Control panel connector (J9F2) 21 Serial port connector (COM1)
7 Diskette drive interface connector (FLOPPY) 22 Parallel port connector; sometimes referred to as LPT1
(PARALLEL)
8 Primary EIDE channel connector (PRI IDE) 23 Video connector (VIDEO)
9 Power input connector (POWER) 24 USB connectors (USBn)
10 Battery socket (BATTERY) 25 Network connector (for systems with integrated NIC) (NIC)
11 Wakeup On LAN connector (WOL) 26 Mouse connector (MOUSE)
12 Speaker (LS9A1) 27 Keyboard connector (KEYBD)
13 Configuration jumper (J7A1) 28 Auxiliary line-in audio connector (for systems with integrated
audio; natural color) (AUX IN)
14 Power indicator 29 Modem audio cable connector (for using integrated-audio
system as a speaker phone; green color) (TELEPHONY)
15 PCI expansion-card connectors (natural color) (PCIn)

System Board Configuration Jumper

NOTE: The red dot in the jumper denotes pin 1.

Jumper
Setting Jumper Description
Pins 1-2 In Normal mode, system setup settings and installed passwords are
jumpered retained when the system starts up. In this mode, an automatic recovery is
(Normal attempted if the BIOS detects that any of its main blocks are corrupted.
mode)
Pins 2-3 Starting the system with the jumper set in Maintenance mode automatically
jumpered starts the system setup program, adds the Maintenance option to the
(Maintenance menu bar, and displays the Maintenance screen. This screen provides
mode) the following option.

NOTICE: Entering Maintenance mode returns all settings in the

system setup program to their defaults. Dell strongly recommends
that you record or print all current settings before entering this
mode so that you can correct them when the system is reset to
 Normal mode.

Clear All Passwords — Disables a forgotten password so that you can

access the system and assign new passwords. For the complete
password procedure, see "Disabling a Forgotten Password" in Appendix
B of the Dell Dimension L Series Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

Power Supply

The 145-watt (W) power supply can operate from an AC power source of 115 volts AC (VAC) at 60 hertz (Hz) or 230 VAC at 50 Hz. The power
supply provides the DC operating voltages and currents listed in the following table.

NOTE: The power supply produces DC voltages only under its loaded condition. The DC power cable connectors must be connected to
their corresponding power input connectors on the system board or drives to measure these voltages.

DC Voltage Ranges

Maximum Output
Voltage Range Current Notes
+3.3 +3.14 to +3.47 VDC 10.00 A The combined load on the +3.3-VDC and +5-VDC outputs cannot exceed 85 W.
VDC
+5 VDC +4.90 to +5.25 VDC 16.00 A The combined load on the +3.3-VDC and +5-VDC outputs cannot exceed 85 W.
–5 VDC –4.50 to –5.50 VDC 0.300 A
+12 VDC +11.40 to +12.60 4.5 A The +12-VDC output can withstand surges of up to 11.0 A to support disk start-up
VDC operations.
–12 VDC –10.80 to –13.20 0.300 A
VDC
+5 VSB +4.75 to +5.25 VDC 1.2 A The +5 volts standby (VSB) is sometimes called volts flea power (VFP).

DC Power Cables

DC Power Connector Pin Assignments

The power-supply output voltages can be measured at the back (wire side) of the DC power connectors without disconnecting them. The following
figures show the wire side of the connectors:

DC Power Connector P1
 1 +5 VDC (red) 11 PSON#2 (brown)

2 Common (black) 12 Common (black)

3 +5 VDC (red) 13 Common (black)
4 Common (black) 14 Common (black)
5 PWRGOOD1 (orange) 15 –5 VDC (white)

6 +5 VFP (purple) 16 +5 VDC (red)

7 +12 VDC (yellow) 17 +5 VDC (red)
8 –12 VDC (blue) 18 +5 VDC (red)
9 Common (black) 19 Not connected
10 Common (black) 20 +5 VDC (red)

1
Pin 5 — PWRGOOD is a status signal generated by the power supply to notify the system that the DC operating voltages are within the
ranges required for proper system operation.

2 Pin 11 — PSON# is activated by pressing and releasing the power button while the power supply is in standby state. Activating PSON#
connects the power supply's PSON# input to ground, thereby switching the power supply to full-on condition.

DC Power Connector P2

1 Common (black)
2 Common (black)
3 Common (black)
4 +3.3 VDC (orange)
5 +3.3 VDC (orange)
6 +3.3 VDC (orange)

DC Power Connector P3

1 +12 VDC (yellow)

2 Common (black)
3 Common (black)
4 +5 VDC (red)

DC Power Connectors P4, P5, and P6

1 +12 VDC (yellow)

2 Common (black)
3 Common (black)
4 +5 VDC (red)

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