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Adding Parts

Dell™ Dimension™ 4400

  Safety Instructions

  Shutting Down the Computer

  Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms

  Opening the Computer Cover

  Adding Cards

  Removing Cards

  Adding Memory

  Replacing an AGP Card

  Adding a Second Hard Drive

  Adding Other Drives

  Replacing the Microprocessor

  Removing the Front I/O Panel

  Replacing the Power Supply

  Replacing the System Board

  Closing the Computer Cover



Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to protect yourself and your computer. For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines provided in "Ergonomic Computing Habits" in the Dell Owner's Manual.

When Using Your Computer

CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including the computer cover, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed.
NOTE: The voltage selection switch must be set to the 115V position even though the AC supply in Japan is 100 V.

Also be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before you remove the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.
  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.

  1. 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.

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

In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

CAUTION: There is a danger of a 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 instructions.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch anything inside your computer and periodically while you work inside the computer. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

You can also take the following steps to prevent static damage:


Shutting Down the Computer

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.
HINT: If you are having difficulty turning off your computer, see "General Program Problems."

Windows XP

  1. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.

  2. Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.

  3. Click Turn off.

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.

NOTICE: Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.

Windows 2000

  1. Save and exit any programs and files you have open.

  2. Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down.

  3. Click the pull-down menu under What do you want the computer to do?.

  4. Click Shut down and then click OK.

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.

  1. Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.


Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms

To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is lifted up too far. If the front door breaks away, you might need to reattach both the front door and the hinge arms.

Reattaching the Front Door

  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Lower the hinge arms to the vertical position.

  3. Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge arms.

  4. Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms.

Reattaching the Hinge Arms

  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Disconnect the power cable from your computer.

  3. Remove the front door, if it is attached.

The front door snaps off of the two hinge arms.

  1. Remove the front-panel insert above the front-door bay area.

Pull the bottom of the insert with your fingers to remove it.

  1. Lift both hinge arms to the horizontal position.

  2. Use the two view slots to align the pivot bar with the two pivot-bar slots.

NOTICE: Using excessive force to pull the hinge arms into place may damage the arms or the front panel.
  1. Pull the arms toward you until they snap into place.

If the hinge arms don't snap back into place on the first attempt, slightly reposition the arms and try again.

  1. After the hinge arms clip into place, lower and raise the arms two or three times to properly seat them.

  2. Reattach the front-panel insert.

  3. Reconnect the power cable to your computer.

  4. Reattach the front door as described in "Reattaching the Front Door."


Opening the Computer Cover

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.
  1. Lay the computer on its side so that the arrow on the bottom of the computer points up.

  2. Locate the two release buttons shown in the illustration.Then, press the two release buttons as you lift the cover.


Adding Cards

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. To raise the securing lever, press the tab until it is free from the latch and then lift the lever.

  4. Insert the card into the connector.

  1. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the connector.

  1. Lower the plastic securing lever.

  2. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation that came with the card for information about the card cable connections.

  1. Close the computer cover.

  2. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it in to the computer.
  1. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the documentation that came with the card.


Removing Cards

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

  4. To raise the securing lever, press the tab until it is free from the latch and then lift the lever.

  1. To remove the card, grasp the card by the top corners and lift it out.

If the card is difficult to remove, gently ease the card back and forth to remove it from the connector.

HINT: Installing filler brackets over empty card- slot openings is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
  1. If you are not replacing the card, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you are adding a card, see "Adding Cards."

  1. Lower the securing lever.

  2. Close the computer cover.

  3. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Adding Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" in "Technical Specifications."

HINT: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. Remove the AGP card.

  4. If necessary, remove a memory module:

    1. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

    1. Grasp the module and pull up.

If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.

  1. To insert a module, press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

  1. Align the notches on the bottom of the module with the crossbars in the connector.

NOTICE: To avoid breaking the memory module, do not press near the middle of the module.
  1. Insert the module straight down into the connector, ensuring that it fits into the vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly on the ends of the module until it snaps into place.

During most installations, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module. During some installations, you have to use your fingers to gently push the clips into the cutouts.

NOTICE: Visually inspect the position of the securing clips and make sure that they have snapped into the vertical position in the cutouts on the ends of the memory modules. Otherwise, the securing clips may prevent the AGP card from being properly reinstalled.
  1. Reinstall the AGP card.

  2. Close the computer cover.

  3. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it in to the computer.
  1. Right-click the My Computer icon and then click Properties.

  2. Click the General tab.

  3. To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.


Replacing an AGP Card

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. Press the card clip lever on the side of the AGP card to release the card from the slot connector, and remove the card.

NOTICE: Visually inspect the position of the securing clips on the memory connectors and make sure that they are secured in the vertical position in the cutouts on the ends of the memory modules. Otherwise, the securing clips may prevent the AGP card from being properly reinstalled.
  1. To replace the AGP card, gently press it down into the slot connector until it clicks into place. Press the card clip lever while inserting the card into the slot connector.

  1. Close the computer cover.

  2. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it in to the computer.

Adding a Second Hard Drive

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."

Your computer includes one hard drive. To add a second hard drive:

  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

See the drive documentation to ensure that the drive is set up for your computer.

  1. Open the computer cover.

HINT: Two sets of rails are attached to the inside of the computer cover. Use the two longer rails on 5.25-inch drives. Use the shorter rails for 3.5-inch drives. Rails for a second hard drive are attached inside the hard-drive bay.
  1. Remove the two green plastic rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay.

These rails are not attached to the inside of the hard-drive bay with screws. To remove the rails, gently pull the rails up and out of the bay.

  1. Attach the rails to the hard drive using the two screws attached to the rails.

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.

  1. Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay.

    1. Disconnect the power cable and the data cable from the back of the first hard drive.

    1. Press in the two green rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of the upper bay.

NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until after you have removed the green drive rails from the inside of the hard-drive cage.
    1. Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear a click.

    2. Reconnect the power cable and the data cable to the back of the first hard drive.

  1. Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a click.

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive.
  1. Locate the extra connector on the drive cable that is attached to your first hard drive, and attach the connector to the second hard drive.

HINT: Your computer uses cable-select drive cables. This means that the device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master device and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave device. Be sure the jumper setting on the new device is set for "cable select" (see the documentation that came with the drive for information).

  1. Close the computer cover.

  2. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
  1. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.


Adding Other Drives

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
HINT: Drives sold by Dell come with their own operating software and documentation. After you install a drive, refer to the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing and using the drive software.
NOTICE: To avoid possibly damaging the drive by electrostatic discharge (ESD), ground yourself by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

Your computer includes a floppy drive and a CD or DVD drive. You can add other devices, such as a Zip drive, a CD-RW drive, or a tape drive.

5.25-Inch Devices

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

See the documentation that came with the drive to ensure that the drive is set up for your computer.

HINT: Two sets of rails are attached to the inside of the computer cover. Use the two longer rails on 5.25-inch drives. Use the shorter rails on 3.5-inch drives. Rails for a second hard drive are attached inside the hard-drive bay.
  1. Remove the two longer, green plastic rails from the inside of the computer cover.

To remove the rails, gently ease the rails up and out.

  1. Attach the rails to the drive using the screws supplied with the drive.

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the drive.

  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. To remove the drive-bay cover panel, carefully press the panel out from the inside of the computer.

  1. Gently slide the drive into the bay until you hear a click.

  1. Connect a power cable to the drive.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on connecting a drive cable to the drive and system board.

HINT: Your computer uses cable-select drive cables. This means that the device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master device and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave device. Be sure the jumper setting on the new device is set for "cable select" (see the documentation that came with the drive for information).

  1. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

3.5-Inch Devices

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

See the documentation that came with the drive to ensure that the drive is set up for your computer.

  1. Open the computer cover.

  2. To remove the drive-bay cover panel, carefully press the panel out from the inside of the computer.

  3. To remove the drive-bay cover panel insert, press the four securing tabs and pull the insert away from the panel.

HINT: Two sets of rails are attached to the inside of the computer cover. Use the two longer rails on 5.25-inch drives. Use the shorter rails for 3.5-inch drives. Rails for a second hard drive are attached inside the hard-drive cage.
  1. Remove the two shorter, green plastic rails from the inside of the computer cover.

These rails are not attached to the computer cover with screws. To remove the rails, firmly pull the rails from the drive cage.

  1. Attach the rails to the drive using the screws supplied with the drive.

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the drive.

  1. Gently slide the drive into the bay until you hear a click.

  1. Carefully replace the drive bay cover.

You do not need to replace the cover insert.

  1. Connect a power cable to the drive.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on connecting a drive cable to the drive.

HINT: Your computer uses cable-select drive cables. This means that the device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master device and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave device. Be sure the jumper setting on the new device is set for "cable select" (see the documentation that came with the drive for information).

  1. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
  1. Install any drivers required for the drive as described in the documentation that came with the drive.


Replacing the Microprocessor

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the CR3F1 connector on the system board.

  4. Disconnect the +12-VDC P2 DC power cable from the J4B1 connector on the system board.

  5. Lift up the airflow shroud.

  1. For each of the metal securing clips that secure the heat sink to the microprocessor, press down on the clip's latch to release the clip from the retention base. Then lift each clip out of the tabs on the retention base and away from the heat sink.

NOTICE: Gently rock the heat sink and then lift it to remove it.
  1. Lift the heat sink away from the microprocessor.

NOTICE: Do not discard the original heat sink and securing clips unless you are installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell. If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink, blower, and securing clips when installing your new microprocessor.
  1. Pull the socket lever up straight up until the microprocessor is released.

The microprocessor uses a ZIF socket with a lever-type handle that secures or releases the microprocessor.

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

  1. Remove the microprocessor from the socket.

Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

Installing the Microprocessor

NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor package correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the microprocessor and the computer.
  1. If the release lever on the ZIF socket is not extended to the release position, move it to that position.

  2. Align pin-1 (the beveled corner) of the microprocessor package and pin-1 of the socket.

NOTICE: The microprocessor pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the microprocessor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when installing the processor.
  1. Carefully set the microprocessor in the socket and press it down lightly to seat it.

  2. Rotate the lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place, securing the microprocessor package.

  3. If you are installing a new heat sink, remove the film covering the bottom of the heat sink.

  4. Lower the heat sink to the microprocessor so that the heat sink fits in the retention base.

  5. For each of the replacement metal clips, fit the end of the clip that does not have the latch over its tab on the retention base. Then, fit the middle of the clip over the middle tab on the retention base, and press down on the clip's latch to secure the clip to the retention base.

  6. Lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink.

  7. Reconnect the cooling fan power cable to the CR3F1 connector on the system board.

  8. Plug the +12-VDC P2 DC power cable into the J4B1 connector on the system board.

  9. Close the computer cover.

  10. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it in to the computer.

If you are installing a microprocessor replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat sink assembly and microprocessor package to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent. Your microprocessor replacement kit should include a replacement microprocessor heat sink and one replacement securing clip.


Removing the Front I/O Panel

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. Disconnect the control panel cable from the control panel connector. Disconnect the I/O cable from the connector on the system board.

Note the routing of the control panel cable as you remove it from the computer so that you can replace it correctly.

  1. Remove all cables that are connected to the front I/O panel.

  2. From inside the computer cover, remove the mounting screw that secures the front I/O panel to the computer.

  3. Remove the front I/O panel from the computer.

  4. Reinstall the front I/O panel by reversing steps 5 through 7.

  5. Close the computer cover.

  6. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Replacing the Power Supply

Removing the Power Supply

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

  3. Be sure the AC power cable is disconnected from the back of the power supply. Then disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives.

Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the tabs in the computer frame as you remove them from the system board and drives. It is important to route these cables properly when you replace them to prevent them from being pinched or crimped.

  1. Remove the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer.

  2. Press the "PUSH" button located on the floor of the computer frame.

  3. Slide the power supply toward the front of the system approximately 1 inch.

  4. Lift the power supply up and out of the computer.

Replacing the Power Supply

  1. Slide the power supply into place.

  2. Replace the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer frame.

  3. Reconnect the DC power cables.

  4. Close the computer cover.

  5. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

Replacing the System Board

Removing the System Board

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, see "Safety Instructions."
  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

  2. Open the computer cover.

NOTICE: The system board and the metal tray are attached and are removed as one piece.
  1. Remove or move any components that restrict access to the system board.

  2. Disconnect all cables from the system board.

Before you remove the existing system board, visually compare the replacement system board to the existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.

  1. Pull up on the tab and slide the system board toward the front of the computer; lift it up and away.

  2. Place the system board that you just removed next to the replacement system board.

Replacing the System Board

  1. Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board:

    1. Remove the memory modules and install them on the replacement board.

CAUTION: The microprocessor package and heat sink assembly can get hot. To avoid burns, be sure that the package and assembly have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
    1. Remove the fan/heat sink assembly and microprocessor package from the existing system board and transfer them to the replacement system board.

  1. Configure the settings of the replacement system board. Set the jumper on the replacement system board so it is identical to the one on the existing board.

NOTICE: Some components and connectors on the replacement system board may be in different locations than the corresponding connectors on the existing system board.
  1. Orient the replacement board by aligning the notches on the bottom to the tabs on the computer frame floor.

  2. Slide the board toward the back of the computer until it clicks into place.

  3. Replace any components and cables that you removed from the system board.

  4. Reconnect all cables to their connectors at the back of the computer, close the computer cover, and reconnect the computer and devices to their power sources and turn them on.


Closing the Computer Cover

  1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.

  2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

  3. Pivot the cover down and ensure that the release buttons click into place.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
  1. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.


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