NOTE: See Addressing Memory With 8-GB Configurations to verify the amount of memory available to the operating system. 8 GB memory is available only if you ordered an operating system that supports 64 bits.
Computer Information
Chipset
Intel® X38 Express Chipset/ ICH9R
DMA channels
five
Interrupt levels
24
BIOS chip (EEPROM)
8 Mb
Memory speed
667/800 MHz
NIC
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000
System clock
800/1066/1333 MHz (depending on processor)
Video
Type
PCI Express Gen2 x16
Audio
Type
HDA 7.1 channel
Expansion Bus
Bus type
PCI Express x1, x8, and x16
PCI 32-bit (PCI specification 2.3)
PCI
Connectors
three
Connector size
124 pins
Connector data width (maximum)
32 bit, version 2.3
Bus speed
33 MHz
PCI Express
Connector
one x1
Connector size
36 pins
Connector data width (maximum)
1 PCI Express lane
Bus throughput
1 GB/s
PCI Express
Connector
one x16
Connector size
164 pins
Connector data width (maximum)
16 PCI Express lanes
Bus throughput
16 GB/s
PCI Express
Connector
one x8 (electrically configured for an x4 card)
Connector size
98 pins
Connector data width (maximum)
8 PCI Express lanes
Bus throughput
2 GB/s
Drives
Available devices
Serial ATA drive, floppy drive, memory devices, Blu-ray™ Disc drive, DVD drive, DVD-RW drive, CD-RW/DVD combo drive, media card reader, and Media Xcelerator(optional).
Externally accessible:
two 3.5-inch flexbays
two 5.25-inch drive bays
Internally accessible:
two 5.25-inch drive bays
two 3.5 HDD bays
Connectors
External connectors:
IEEE 1394a
front and back-panel 6-pin serial connectors
Network adapter
RJ45 connector
USB
two front-panel and six back-panel connectors
eSerial ATA
one
Audio
seven back-panel connectors for line-in, line-out, surround, side surround, center/subwoofer Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, and S/PDIF (optical and RCA); two front-panel connectors for headphones/microphone
System board connectors:
Serial ATA
five 7-pin connectors
FlexBay
2 port USB header
uDOC
1 port USB header
LCD
Dell proprietary USB based LCD header
Fan
two 5-pin connectors
PCI
three 124-pin connectors
PCI Express x1
36-pin connector
PCI Express x16
164-pin connector
PCI Express x4/x8
98-pin connector
Controls and Lights
Power control
push button
Power light
blue light — Blinking blue in sleep state; solid blue for power-on state.
amber light — Blinking amber indicates a problem with an installed device; solid amber indicates an internal power problem.
Hard-drive access light
blue light — Blinking blue denoting hard drive activity state.
Network activity light (front panel)
solid blue indicates network connection.
Link integrity light (on integrated network adapter)
green light — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.
orange light — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.
yellow light — A good connection exists between a 1-GB (1000-Mbps) network and the computer.
off (no light) — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
Activity light (on integrated network adapter)
yellow blinking light when there is activity on the network; if there is not any network activity, the light will be off
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, do not overload an electrical outlet, power strip, or convenience receptacle. The total ampere rating of all products plugged into an electrical outlet, power strip, or other receptacle should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.
Wattage
375 W or 425 W
Voltage (see the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide)
115 V to 230 V
Backup battery
3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell
Physical
Height
45.03 cm (17.08 in)
Width
187 cm (7.04 in)
Depth
450 cm (17.7 in)
Weight
12.7 kg
Environmental
Temperature:
Operating
10°to 35°C (50° to 95°F)
Storage
–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)
Relative humidity
20% to 80% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration:
Operating
0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min
Storage
0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1 octave/min
Maximum shock:
Operating
bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 20 inches/sec (50.8 cm/sec)
Storage
27-G faired square wave with a velocity change of 200 inches/sec (508 cm/sec)
Altitude:
Operating
-15.2 to 3048 m (-50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage
-15.2 to 10,668 m (-50 to 35,000 ft)
System Setup
Overview
Use system setup as follows:
To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer
To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password
To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed
Before you use system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference.
NOTICE: Do not change the settings in system setup unless you are an expert computer user. Certain changes can cause your computer to work incorrectly.
Entering System Setup
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F2> in even intervals until the system setup screen appears.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
System Setup Screens
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the options list, the active options field, and key functions.
Options List — This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The field is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features.
Scroll up and down the list with the up- and down-arrow keys. As an option is highlighted, the Options Field displays more information about that option and the option's current and available settings.
Options Field — This field appears on the right side of the system setup window and contains information about each option listed in the Options List. In this field you can view information about your computer and make changes to your current settings.
Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight an option. Press <Enter> to make that selection active and return to the Options List.
NOTE: Not all settings listed in the Options Field are changeable.
Key Functions — This field appears below the Options Field and lists keys and their functions within the active system setup field.
System Setup Options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed.
System
System Info
Lists system information, such as the computer name, the BIOS version number and date, the system service tag, express service code and asset tag, and other system-specific information.
Processor Info
Identifies the processor type, clock speed, bus speed, L2 cache, L3 cache, ID, and whether the processor is multiple core capable, supports Hyper-Threading and supports 64-bit technology.
Memory Info
Identifies the memory type, speed, and channel mode (dual or single) by DIMM slot location.
PCI Info
Indicates the expansion card type by slot location.
Date/Time
Displays current date and time settings.
Boot Sequence
The computer attempts to boot from the sequence of devices specified in this list.
NOTE: If you insert a boot device and restart the computer, this option appears in the system setup menu. To boot from a USB memory device, for example, select the USB device and move it so that it becomes the first device in the boot sequence.
Drives
Diskette Drive
(Internal default)
Enables and disables the floppy drive attached to the DSKT connector on the system board and sets read permissions for the drive.
Off — All floppy drives are disabled.
USB — USB floppy drives are enabled
Internal — The integrated floppy drive is enabled.
Read Only — The integrated floppy drive is enabled with read-only access.
NOTE: Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB floppy drives regardless of this setting.
SATA Drives 0 through 4
(On default)
Enables or disables drives attached to the SATA connectors on the system board.
Off — A device attached to the interface is not usable.
On — A device attached to the interface is usable.
Determines whether hard-drive errors for internal drives are reported during system startup.
Off — Errors are not reported.
On — Errors are reported.
Onboard Devices
Integrated NIC
(On default)
Enables or disables the integrated network interface controller (NIC).
Off — The integrated NIC is disabled.
On — The integrated NIC is enabled.
On w/PXE — The integrated NIC is on (with PXE enabled).
NOTE: PXE is required only if you are booting to an operating system located on another computer. If a boot routine is not available from the remote system, the computer attempts to boot from the next device listed in the boot sequence.
Integrated Audio
(On default)
Enables or disables the onboard audio controller.
Off — Integrated audio is disabled.
On — Integrated audio is enabled.
USB Controller
(On default)
Enables or disables the internal USB controller. Set to On (default) so that USB devices will be detected and supported in the operating system.
Off — The USB controller is disabled.
On — The USB controller is enabled.
No Boot — The USB controller is enabled; however, the BIOS will not recognize USB storage devices.
NOTE: Operating systems with USB support will recognize USB storage devices regardless of the No Boot setting.
1394 Controller
(On default)
Enables or disables the integrated IEEE 1394 controller.
Off — The 1394 controller is disabled.
On — The 1394 controller is enabled.
LCD Display
(On default)
Enables or disables the LCD display on the top bezel.
Off — The LCD device is disabled.
On — The LCD device is enabled.
NOTE: When the LCD display is set to On, it starts whenever the system is powered on.
Performance
Multiple CPU Core
(On default)
Specifies whether the processor has more than one core enabled.
Off — Multiple CPU core technology is disabled.
On — Multiple CPU core technology is enabled.
NOTE: The performance of some applications may improve with an additional core enabled.
Advanced
Displays processor type and current BIOS settings for processor clock speed, processor multiplier, front side bus (FSB) clock, and CPU core voltage. These settings may have been set by performance tuning applications or may change depending on settings in performance applications that you have installed.
For systems with Intel Extreme processors, the following fields are adjustable through the BIOS:
Processor Clock Speed: Adjusts the multiplier of the processor. For processors that cannot be overclocked, this field reports the current settings and cannot be changed.
Performance Application Support: Enables software applications to display and modify key system parameters to tune system performance. These applications are not installed or supported by Dell. The default is Off.
NOTE: Pressing <Alt><F> returns your system to the factory defaults including RAID settings.
SpeedStep
(Off default)
Specifies whether Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology is enabled for all supported processors in the system.
Off — Disable Enhanced SpeedStep technology
On — Enable Enhanced SpeedStep technology
HDD Acoustic Mode
(Bypass default)
Determines the acoustic mode at which the hard drive operates.
Bypass — Do nothing (needed for older drives).
Quiet — The hard drive operates at a slower, but quieter speed.
Suggested — Allow the hard drive manufacturer to select the mode.
Performance — The hard drive operates at a faster, but possibly noisier speed.
NOTE: Switching to performance mode may cause an increase in noise produced by the drive, but does not affect the drive's performance.
NOTE: Changing the acoustics setting does not alter your hard drive image.
Security
Admin Password
(Not Set default)
Used to prohibit an unauthorized user from changing any configuration settings in the system setup.
System Password
(Not Set default)
Used to prohibit an unauthorized user from booting to the operating system.
Password Changes
(Unlocked default)
This option locks the system password field with the administrator (admin) password.
NOTE: When the system password field is locked, you can no longer disable password security by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> when the computer starts.
Execute Disable
(On default)
Enables or disables Execute Disable Memory Protection technology.
Off — Execute Disable Memory Protection technology is disabled.
On —Execute Disable Memory Protection technology is enabled.
Power Management
AC Recovery
(Off default)
Specifies how the computer will behave when AC power is restored after an AC power loss.
Off — The system stays off after AC power is restored.
On — The system powers on after AC power is restored.
Last — The system returns to the previous state after AC power is restored.
Auto Power On
(Off default)
Disables or selects when to automatically turn on the computer.
Off — Do not use the Auto Power Time.
Everyday — Turn the computer on every day at the time set in Auto Power Time.
Weekdays — Turn the computer on Monday through Friday at the time set in Auto Power Time.
NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip or surge protector.
Auto Power Time
Specifies the time to automatically turn on the computer.
Change the time to automatically turn on the computer by pressing the up- or down-arrow key to increase or decrease the numbers, or type the numbers in the appropriate time field.
NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using a power strip or surge protector.
Low Power Mode
(Off default)
Specifies how aggressive the system is at conserving power while in hibernate mode or turned off.
Off — Add more functionality.
On —Conserve more power.
Suspend Mode
(S3 default)
Specifies the power management suspend mode.
S1 — The computer resumes more quickly from sleep mode.
S3 — The computer conserves more power when not in use (system memory remains active).
Quick Resume
This feature enables/disables the Intel® Viiv™ Quick Resume Technology.
The default setting is Off.
Maintenance
Service Tag
Displays the system service tag.
SERR Message
(On default)
Controls the SERR message mechanism. Some graphics cards require that the SERR Message mechanism be disabled.
Off — Do not use the SERR message mechanism.
On —Use the SERR message mechanism.
Load Defaults
This setting restores the computer's factory-installed default settings.
Cancel — Do not restore factory-installed default settings.
Mark all entries — Mark all event log entries as read (R).
Clear log — Clear all event log entries.
NOTE: Once an event log entry is marked as read (R) that entry cannot be marked as unread (U).
POST Behavior
Fastboot
(On default)
Enables or disables the option to speed up the boot process by skipping certain configurations and tests.
Off — Do not skip any steps in the boot process.
On — Boot quickly.
Numlock Key
(On default)
Enables or disables the numerical and mathematical features of the rightmost bank of keys on the keyboard.
Off — Right keypad keys function as arrows.
On — Right keypad keys function as numbers.
POST Hotkeys
(Setup & Boot Menu default)
Specifies the function keys to display on the screen when the computer starts.
Setup & Boot Menu — Display both messages (F2=Setup and F12=Boot Menu).
Setup — Display the setup message only (F2=Setup).
Boot Menu — Display the Quickboot message only (F12=Boot Menu).
None — Neither message is displayed.
Keyboard Errors
(Report default)
Enables or disables keyboard error reporting when the computer starts.
Report — Display any keyboard errors.
Do not report — Do not display any keyboard errors.
Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to set the order in which the BIOS will search devices when trying to find an operating system.
NOTICE: If you modify any boot sequence settings, save the new settings to avoid losing the changes.
Option Settings
NOTE: The computer attempts to boot from all bootable devices, but if no bootable device is found, the computer generates an error message that states No boot device available. Press the <F1> key to retry the boot, or press the <F2> key to enter the setup utility.
Onboard or USB Floppy Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If there is no floppy in the drive or there is no floppy drive installed, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the sequence.
NOTE: If there is a non-bootable floppy in the drive, the computer generates an error message. Follow the on-screen instructions to retry the boot.
Onboard SATA Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device.
Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating system, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device.
USB Device — Insert the memory device into a USB port and restart the computer. When F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB option to the boot menu.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature, for example, to restart your computer to a USB device such as a floppy drive, memory key, or CD-RW drive.
NOTE: If you are booting to a USB floppy drive, you must first set the floppy drive to OFF in system setup (see System Setup Options).
If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB
connector (see Front View).
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right
corner of the screen, press <F12>.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer (see Before You Begin) and try again.
The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices. Each device has a number next to it.
At the bottom of the menu, enter the number of the device that is to be
used for the current boot only.
For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Device and press <Enter>.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To make sure your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
Locate the RTCRST_PSWD jumper on the system board (see System
Board Components), then remove the jumper plug (located on pins three
and four) and set the plug aside.
Close the computer cover.
Connect your keyboard and mouse, then connect your computer and
monitor to electrical outlets and turn them on.
After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, turn
the computer off:
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows Vista, click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
Disconnect the keyboard and mouse, then disconnect the computer and
monitor from their electrical outlets.
Press the power button on the computer to ground the system board.
NOTICE: The password jumper plug must be reinstalled on the password jumper pins in order to enable the password feature.
Locate pins three and four of the RTCRST_PSWD jumper on the system
board (see System Board Components), and then reinstall the jumper plug
to enable the password feature.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
NOTE: In system setup (see Entering System Setup), both system and administrator password options appear as Not Set. The password feature is enabled but a password is not assigned.
Clearing CMOS Settings
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: This procedure clears and resets system and setup passwords.
Remove the password jumper plug (located on pins three and four), then
place the plug on the CMOS jumper pins (pins one and two)and wait
approximately 5 seconds.
NOTICE: The password jumper plug must be reinstalled on the password jumper pins in order to enable the password feature.
Remove the jumper plug from the RTCRST_PSWD jumper, and then
reinstall the plug on the pins three and four to enable the password
feature.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
Cleaning Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the wipedown cloth, included as part of the accessories, to wipe your system without scratching the glossy exterior.
Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys on the keyboard.
NOTICE: Do not wipe the display screen with any soap or alcohol solution. Doing so may damage the antiglare coating.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer or display, do not spray cleaning solution directly onto the display. Only use products specifically designed for cleaning displays, and follow the instructions that are included with the product.
To clean your monitor screen, lightly dampen a soft, clean cloth with water. If possible, use a special screen-cleaning tissue or solution suitable for the monitor's antistatic coating.
Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft cleaning cloth moistened with water.
Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.
Mouse
If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse:
Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise,
and then remove the ball.
Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint.
If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton
swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.
Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that
fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.
Replace the ball and retainer ring, and turn the retainer ring clockwise
until it clicks into place.
Floppy Drive
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. The heads may become misaligned and prevent the drive from operating.
Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated floppy disks to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal operation.
CDs and DVDs
NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the optical drive, and follow the instructions that come with the compressed air. Never touch the lens in the drive.
If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your discs, try cleaning the discs.
Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the
center hole.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.
With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc
(the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of
the disc.
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs.
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)
Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Class B digital devices. To determine which classification applies to your computer system, examine all FCC registration labels located on the bottom, side, or back panel of your computer, on card-mounting brackets, and on the cards themselves. If any one of the labels carries a Class A rating, your entire system is considered to be a Class A digital device. If all labels carry an FCC Class B rating as distinguished by either an FCC ID number or the FCC logo, (), your system is considered to be a Class B digital device.
Once you have determined your system's FCC classification, read the appropriate FCC notice. Note that FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell could void your authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case you will be required to correct the interference at your own expense.
Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause interference with radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
FCC Identification Information
The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with FCC regulations:
Product name: Dell™XPS™ 420
Model number: DC10L
Company name:
Dell Inc. One Dell Way Round Rock, Texas 78682 USA 512-338-4400
Getting Help
Obtaining Assistance
CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets.
If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem:
See Troubleshooting for information and procedures that pertain to the
problem your computer is experiencing.
See Dell Diagnostics for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics.
Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support
(support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting
procedures. See Online Services for a more extensive list of Dell Support
online.
If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, see Contacting Dell.
NOTE: Call Dell Support from a telephone near or at the computer so that the support staff can assist you with any necessary procedures.
NOTE: Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.
When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.
NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on availability.
Technical Support and Customer Service
Dell's support service is available to answer your questions about Dell™ hardware. Our support staff uses computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers.
To contact Dell's support service, see Before You Call, and then see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell.com.
DellConnect
DellConnect is a simple online access tool that allows a Dell service and support associate to access your computer through a broadband connection, diagnose your problem and repair it all under your supervision. For more information, go to support.dell.com and click DellConnect.
Online Services
You can learn about Dell products and services on the following websites:
www.dell.com
www.dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific countries only)
www.dell.com/jp(Japan only)
www.euro.dell.com (Europe only)
www.dell.com/la (Latin American and Caribbean countries)
www.dell.ca (Canada only)
You can access Dell Support through the following websites and e-mail addresses:
Dell Support websites
support.dell.com
support.jp.dell.com (Japan only)
support.euro.dell.com (Europe only)
Dell Support e-mail addresses
mobile_support@us.dell.com
support@us.dell.com
la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only)
apsupport@dell.com(Asian/Pacific countries only)
Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses
apmarketing@dell.com(Asian/Pacific countries only)
sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only)
Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)
ftp.dell.com
Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.
AutoTech Service
Dell's automated support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their portable and desktop computers.
When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions. For the telephone number to call for your region, see Contacting Dell.
Automated Order-Status Service
To check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com,or you can call the automated order-status service. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call for your region, see Contacting Dell.
Problems With Your Order
If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or packing slip handy when you call. For the telephone number to call for your region, see Contacting Dell.
Product Information
If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call for your region or to speak to a sales specialist, see the Contacting Dell.
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:
Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it
clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.
For the telephone number to call for your region, see Contacting Dell.
Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.
Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist),
indicating the tests that you have run and any error messages reported by
the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power
cables, software floppy disks, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.
Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing
materials.
You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.
Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at Dell's receiving dock and returned to you.
Before You Call
NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. You may also be asked for your Service Tag (located on the back or bottom of your computer).
Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist). If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer itself. Ensure that the computer documentation is available.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, follow the safety instructions in your Product InformationGuide.
Diagnostics Checklist
Name:
Date:
Address:
Phone number:
Service Tag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer):
Express Service Code:
Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician):
Operating system and version:
Devices:
Expansion cards:
Are you connected to a network? Yes No
Network, version, and network adapter:
Programs and versions:
See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system's start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.
Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code:
Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed:
Contacting Dell
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:
Visit support.dell.com.
Verify your country or region in the Choose A Country/Region drop-down
menu at the bottom of the page.
Click Contact Us on the left side of the page.
Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.
Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.
