More
Dell and MS articles
11-0-1: How to restore the setup
defaults on your Dell Dimension system. (DN 1035262)
You may wish to follow this link to verify for any recent changes:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1035262&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
Restoring setup defaults on Dell? Dimension? 8100, 8200, 8250,
4300, 4500S, 4550, 2200, 2400, 4600C, 4600, 8300, XPS and XPS
Gen 2 Systems.
Restoring setup defaults on Dell? Dimension? 4500, 4400, 4200,
4100, 2300, 2100, XPS B, XPS T, XPS R, and L Series Systems.
Restoring setup defaults on Legacy Dell? Dimension? Systems including:
XPS P, XPS M, XPS Pro Series.
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------
Solution
Restoring setup defaults on Dell? Dimension? 8100, 8200, 8250,
4300, 4500S, 4550, 2200, 2400, 4600C, 4600, 8300, XPS and XPS
Gen 2 Systems.
Restoring setup defaults on Dell? Dimension? 8100, 8200, 8250,
4300, 4500S, 4550, 2200, 2400, 4600C, 4600, 8300, XPS and XPS
Gen 2 Systems.
Date Created: Thu Jun 13 17:11 2002
Last Modified: Thu Oct 02 11:07 2003
Restart your computer.
At the first text on the screen, or when the Dell logo appears,
press the <F2> key every three seconds until the message Entering
Setup appears.
When the System Setup screen appears, press the <Alt> + <F> keys
at the same time to load the factory defaults.
A beep sounds to indicate the defaults have been loaded.
Check and, if necessary, reset the time, date, and year.
Change the Secondary Drive 0 setting to Auto.
Change USB Legacy Support to Enabled.
Press the <Alt> + <B> keys at the same time to save changes and
reboot.
.....................................
Restoring setup defaults on Dell? Dimension? 4500, 4400, 4200,
4100, 2300, 2100, XPS B, XPS T, XPS R, and L Series Systems.
Restoring setup defaults on Dell? Dimension? 4500, 4400, 4200,
4100, 2300, 2100, XPS B, XPS T, XPS R, and L Series Systems.
Date Created: Thu Jun 13 17:15 2002
Last Modified: Thu Sep 04 13:43 2003
Restart your computer.
At the first text on the screen, or the Dell logo, press the
<Delete> key every three seconds until the message Entering Setup
appears.
When the System Setup screen appears, press the <F9> key.
Press the <Enter> to confirm that you would like to load the
defaults.
Press the <F10> key and then press the <Enter> key to save your
changes and exit.
The system will reboot.
........................................
Restoring setup defaults on Legacy Dell? Dimension? Systems including:
XPS P, XPS M, XPS Pro Series.
Restoring setup defaults on Legacy Dell? Dimension? Systems including:
XPS P, XPS M, XPS Pro Series.
Date Created: Thu Jun 13 17:17 2002
Last Modified: Thu Sep 04 13:43 2003
Restart your computer.
At the first text on the screen, or the Dell logo, press the
<Delete> key every three seconds until the message Entering Setup
appears.
When the System Setup screen appears, press the <Alt> + <F> keys
at the same time to load the factory defaults.
There will be no indication that the key sequence took so you
may want to press it a few times to be sure.
Press the <Alt> + <B> keys at the same time.
The system will reboot with the new settings saved.
Special Note #1:
An additional article from Dell but whether this will help, I cannot say for sure:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1023538
11-0-2: How do I Clear NVRAM on Dell
Dimension Systems. (FA 1023538)
Dell`s KB Article:
Dell has changed access to these articles yet again, please follow the link below.
How
to Clear the NVRAM on Dell Dimension Systems
You can use your manual or go on-line to Dell`s Support Page, once you have the manual
up, scroll to System Setup. If the motherboard uses the jumper pins to Clear the NVRAM,
you will see instructions for the steps. If this is not listed, then one will use the
keystroke method. Also with some systems, you can use both. We have tried to compile as
much information as possible and listed them below under the heading Special Notes.
Special Note #1: (special thanks go out to Majestic for helping me keep
this up to date as much as possible)
With the 2400 model the NVRAM is cleared by removing the CMOS jumper on the
motherboard. The procedure isn't document as a lot of things aren't with the newer
Dells. Please take a moment and review the User Guide for your Dell System. I will
try to gather as much information as possible for the newer systems and list them. .
To Clear the NVRAM, unplug the machine from the wall, remove the jumper for several
minutes, re-install the jumper and plug the machine back into the wall. The NVRAM
will now be cleared and the stored hardware configuration that the BIOS uses will be
refreshed when the machine is booted. The link below is for the on-line version of
the User Guide and the section pertaining to the motherboard components including the CMOS
jumper:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/techov.htm#1105465
If after clearing the NVRAM (CMOS), you now received a
"diskette drive 0" error message on boot up and you do not have a floppy drive
installed, go back into the BIOS Setup and disable or turn off the floppy drive option.
Depending on what Dell model you have this option maybe called the Diskette Drive
Controller, Diskette Drive Interface, Floppy Drive or Diskette Drive. Once this option is
disabled the error message will be gone on the next reboot.
This problem occurs because the clearing of the NVRAM (CMOS) has defaulted all your BIOS
options back to their factory settings. This defaulting enables the floppy drive on some
Dell models even though there is no floppy drive installed in the system.
Dale
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Special Note #2: (Care of Majestic)
For some Dell models (even some of those with CMOS jumpers on the motherboard) the
NVRAM (CMOS) can be cleared using what I call the keystroke method of clearing the NVRAM
(CMOS). Listed below are the models I have compiled thus far thanks to owner feedback.
9200, 8400, 8300, 8250, 4600, 4550, 4300, 3000, 2400.
Reboot system and enter the BIOS Setup by pressing F2.
Turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock.
Press ALT+ E then ALT+ F then ALT+ B
Hope this helps!
Dale
Special Note # 3 (Care of Majestic)
Clearing the NVRAM with the battery:
With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard. Then
with the machine still unplugged press the On button for several seconds to dissipate any
remaining electrical charge on the motherboard. Then re-install the battery, plug the
machine back into the wall and boot normally.
Dale
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Special Note# 4 (Care of Europa303)
I added a DVD drive to a Dimension 9100 that already had a DVD drive. The 2nd
drive was shown in Device Manager as working correctly but after trying a number of
DVD`s, the drive reported all as No Disk Inserted or the like. I replaced the drive
with another one on hand, and same story. Drive reported as working properly but no disks
recognized. I then took the advice often recommended here and cleared the NVRAM and
restarted. All drives found and now the drives all work perfectly Problem solved,
right? Almost. The next day I noticed the sound from the speakers (using the
SoundBlaster Live 24 card) was all garbled. I scratched my head a bit and after
trying the obvious things with no results I went into the BIOS setup and the
integrated audio was now switched on, apparently a result of the NVRAM clearing. I
turned that back to off and the audio was again fine. Moral of the story:
check BIOS settings after a NVRAM clearing if anything is not working correctly.
Europa303
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Special Note# 5
OK, Dell-ChrisM has provided a link for a number of Dell systems with instructions on
how to Clear the NVRAM that should work properly. Here is the link and his instructions as
well:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=xps_desk_genhdw&thread.id=52978
Clear Nvram
(1) Reset nvram method 1
* Reboot system and enter the BIOS Setup by pressing F2
* Scroll down to Maintenance
* Choose Load Defaults
* Press escape and save the changes
(2) Reset nvram method 2
* Reboot system and enter the BIOS Setup by pressing F2
* Turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock
* Press ALT + F (you should hear a beep)
* Press escape and save the changes
(3) Clear cmos chip
* Locate the 3-pin CMOS jumper (CLR CMOS) on the motherboard
* Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2
* Place the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 and wait approximately 5 seconds
* Replace the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2
Reset Bios Setup defaults
3100, E310, 4700, 5100, 5100C, 5150, 5150C, E510, 9100, 9150, 9200, 9200C, E520, E521,
C521, XPS 3, 4, 5, 200, 210, 400, 410, 600, 700, 710, 720
* Click Start- Turn Off Computer- Restart
* Watch the keyboard lights. When they flash, tap the F2 key
* The message, Entering Setup should appear
* Down arrow to Maintenance
* Choose Load Defaults
* Click Continue - Restore factory defaults
* Choose Save- Continue- OK
1100, B110, 2200, 2400, 3000, 4300, 4300S, 4500S, 4500C, 4550, 4590, 4600, 4600C, 8100,
8200, 8250, 8300, 8400, XPS 1, 2
* Click Start- Turn Off Computer- Restart
* Watch the keyboard lights. When they flash, tap the F2 key
* The message, Entering Setup should appear
* Press the [Caps Lock], [Scroll Lock] and the [Num Lock] keys to light up all three
lights on the keyboard
* Press the [Alt] and [E] keys at the same time
* The computer issues a beep
* Press the [Alt] and [F] keys at the same time
* The computer issues a beep
* Down arrow to Onboard or Integrated Devices [press Enter]
* Set everything to On except for USB Emulation which should be set for NO BOOT
* Press the [Alt] and [B] keys at the same time
* The BIOS saves settings and the computer restarts
Dxxx, Vxxx, Rxxx, Txxx, Lxxx, 2100, 4100, 4200, 4400, 4500
* Click Start- Shutdown- Restart- OK
* Watch the keyboard lights. As soon as they flash, press the DEL key
* The message Entering Setup appears
* When the System Setup screen appears, press the F9 key
* Press the Enter key to confirm that you would like to load the defaults (Yes)
* Right arrow over to Advanced
* Down arrow to Peripheral Configuration [press Enter]
* Ensure that all USB listings are set to Enabled or On except for USB Emulation which
should be set for NO BOOT
* Press the F10 key to Save your changes
* Right arrow to Exit
* Down arrow to Exit Saving Changes and [press Enter]
2300, 2350
* Click Start- Turn Off Computer- Restart
* Watch the keyboard lights. When they flash, tap the F2 key
* The message, Entering Setup should appear
* When the System Setup screen appears, press the F9 key
* Press the Enter key to confirm that you would like to load the defaults
* Right arrow over to Advanced
* Down arrow to Peripheral Configuration [press Enter]
* Ensure that all USB listings are set to Enabled or On except for USB Emulation which
should be set for NO BOOT
* Press the F10 key to Save your changes
* Right arrow to Exit
* Down arrow to Exit Saving Changes and [press Enter]
900 -
* Click Start- Shutdown- Restart- OK
* Watch the keyboard lights. As soon as they flash, press the DEL key
* The message Entering Setup appears
* Down arrow to Load Default Settings [press Enter]
* Press ESC to exit the bios
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Note: below is the original Dell article which covers
more of the older systems and better detail and I decided to keep it just in case.
How do I clear NVRAM on my Dell™ Dimension™
system?
| Overview
This article explains how to clear NVRAM on the below Dell Dimension systems:
- Dimension 8200, 8100, 4550, 4500S, 4300, and 2200 Systems
- Dimension Systems Shipped After July 1997 (Excludes Dimension 8200, 8100, 4500S, 4300,
and 2200 Systems)
- Dimension Systems Shipped Prior to July 1997
Click the links above for detailed instructions.
Additional Information
Dimension 8200, 8100, 4550, 4500S, 4300, and 2200 Systems
To clear the NVRAM, perform the following steps:
- Restart your computer.
- At the first text on the screen or at the Dell logo, press the <F2> key every
three seconds until the message Entering Setup appears.
The System Setup screen appears.
- Press the <Caps Lock> key, the <Scroll Lock> key, and the <Num Lock>
key to light up all three lights on the keyboard.
- Press the <Alt> and <E> keys at the same time.
 |
NOTE: |
The system will emit a beep tone to indicate that NVRAM
has been cleared. |
- Press the <Esc> key, and then press the <Enter> key to save the changes and
reboot the system.
Proceed with the installation or troubleshooting that you were attempting.
Dimension Systems Shipped After July 1997 (Excludes Dimension 8200, 8100,
4500S, 4300, and 2200 Systems)
Many current systems allow you to reset configuration data (clear NVRAM) from the Advanced
screen of the System Setup. You need to jumper the system board to Maintenance Mode
and then reset configuration data.
Precautionary Measures
 |
CAUTION: |
Before you perform any of the procedures in this
document, read the following caution for your personal safety and to prevent damage to the
system from electro static discharge (ESD). FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION
OF THE EQUIPMENT.
- Turn off your computer and all devices.
- 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.
- Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button to ground
the system board.
- 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.
|
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. |
|
NOTE: |
For more information about Maintenance Mode,
refer to Dell Knowledge Base Article:
|
After your system is ready to be started up in Maintenance Mode according to
your system documentation, proceed with the following steps:
- Reconnect the power cord and boot the system.
The System Setup screen appears in Maintenance Mode.
- Press the <Right Arrow> key to highlight the Advanced screen.
- Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight Reset Configuration Data.
|
NOTE: |
The Reset Configuration Data screen may be
listed on the Advanced screen under Boot Configuration. |
- Press the <Enter> key, highlight Yes, and then press the <Enter> key
again.
|
NOTICE: |
If you have a Dimension XPS D series system, you
must also reset the CPU speed to the original setting, please refer to Dell Knowledge Base
Article:
|
- Press the <F10> key, and then press the <Enter> key to save your changes and
exit.
The system reboots.
- Shut down and disconnect power to the system.
- Reconfigure the system board's configuration jumper back to its original position.
Proceed with the installation or troubleshooting that you were attempting.
Dimension Systems Shipped Prior to July 1997
Most Dimension systems that shipped in July of 1997 and earlier require that you move
jumpers on the system board in order to clear NVRAM.
Locating the Jumpers
|
NOTE: |
Early-model Dimension systems may not have jumpers to
clear NVRAM. If your system does not have jumpers to clear NVRAM, this document does not
apply. |
- Navigate to the Systems
subsection of the User's Guides in the Reference section of Support.Dell.com.
|
NOTE: |
You may need to change or enter your Service Tag
information if you have more than one Dell system or if this is the first time you have
visited your Dell Support site. For more information about your Service Tag, refer to Dell
Knowledge Base Article:
|
- Choose your system from the list on the right.
- Click Jumpers.
- Scroll through the Jumpers table to locate the correct jumpers to move. The
reference will appear similar to one of the following:
CMOS NRM/CLR System setup settings revert to their defaults when the system boots.
(CLEAR CMOS) System setup settings are cleared at next system boot.
- Return to the Systems
subsection of the User's Guides and again select your system.
- Look for the diagrams of your system board. The diagrams provide pictures of the system
board layout to help you locate the jumpers on the system board. Some common links to look
are as follows:
- Graphics
- System Board Layout
- System Board
|
NOTE: |
You may want to print out the jumper location
information to reference while taking the next steps. |
Clearing NVRAM by Jumper
Precautionary Measures
|
CAUTION: |
Before you perform any of the procedures in this
document, read the following caution for your personal safety and to prevent damage to the
system from electro static discharge (ESD). FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION
OF THE EQUIPMENT.
- Turn off your computer and all devices.
- 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.
- Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the power button to ground
the system board.
- 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.
|
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. |
- Turn off the computer, unplug the power cable from the back of the system, and push the
power button for 2 seconds to discharge power.
- Remove the computer cover.
|
NOTE: |
For instructions on how to remove the system cover,
navigate to the Systems
subsection of the User's Guides and select your system. |
- Reconfigure the jumpers to clear NVRAM according to your system documentation.
- Reconnect the power cord and boot the system.
As the system boots, the NVRAM will be cleared.
|
NOTE: |
You may see a message similar to the following appear
on the screen: NVRAM cleared by jumper setting. |
- Shut down the system and disconnect the power to the system.
- Restore the jumpers to their original positions.
- Power the system on and press the <Delete> key every three seconds until the
message Entering Setup appears.
The System Setup screen appears.
- Double-check your System Setup settings.
In particular, verify that the IDE channel for your CD-ROM drive is set to Auto.
This channel will normally be listed as IDE Drive, Drive 1 or Secondary, Drive 0.
If it is not set to Auto, use the <Arrow> keys to highlight it and change its
value accordingly.
- Press the <Alt> and <B> keys at the same time to save your changes and
reboot the system.
Proceed with the installation or troubleshooting that you were attempting.
Additional Information
E-mail Dell
For more troubleshooting assistance, you can communicate by e-mail with a Dell
Technical Support Representative.
- Navigate to the following link and select the option that best describes your problem:
|
11-0-3: What Do I use for a boot disk
with CD-ROM support? (DN=FA1014475)
Please follow the Dell link below.
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1014475&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
What can I use for a boot disk with CD-ROM support?
Overview
To create a boot disk that gives you access to your CD-ROM drive from a DOS prompt, refer
to the information below.
Create Boot Disk
Additional Information
Create Boot Disk
Follow the steps below to create the boot disk.
Click on the file name below to download a boot disk creation program:
CDENAB.EXE http://support.ap.dell.com/ap/en/filelib/download/index.asp?fileid=r19775
NOTE: After clicking on the file above, the File Download window will appear. The window
will prompt you to choose Run this program from its current location or Save this program
to disk.
Choose Save this program to disk, if it isn't already selected and click the OK button to
continue.
The Save As window appears.
Choose a location for the file you are about to download and click Save.
NOTE: Common locations for internet downloads can be: My Documents, Downloads, or the
Desktop.
When the file download is complete, find the file in its new location and double-click the
file to begin creating a boot disk.
The Bootable DOS Diskette for CD-ROM Support window will appear.
Click Setup.
The Command Prompt window will appear, advising you that a blank formatted diskette will
be needed.
Press the <Enter> key on your keyboard.
Place a diskette into drive A: (Floppy Drive) and press the <Enter> key again.
You will be advised that the disk in Drive A is about to be overwritten.
To continue, press the <Y> key on your keyboard, followed by the <Enter> key.
When the new boot disk is complete, you will be asked to press the <Enter> key for
the last time.
This will exit out of the command prompt window as well as the Bootable DOS Diskette for
CD-ROM Support program.
Once the disk has been created, reboot the system and it should boot to the created floppy
disk.
Return to Overview
Additional Information
For more troubleshooting assistance, you can communicate by e-mail with a Dell Technical
Support Representative.
Navigate to the following Link and select the option that best describes your problem.
E-mail Dell
Return to Overview
11-0-4: Ultimate Start Disk
For an excellent Start up Disc
http://www.startdisk.com/
11-0-5: How to Restore the Registry
Using the Command "scanreg /restore" in Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition
(Me) (DN 1039735)
Please follow the Dell link below
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1039735&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
11-0-6: How do I restore a previous
system configuration using the System Restore utility in Microsoft® Windows® Millennium
Edition (Me)? (DN TT1037690)
Please follow the Dell Link below
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1037690&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
11-0-7: How do I troubleshoot
Microsoft® Windows® 98 or Millennium Edition (Me) using the System Configuration Utility
(MSCONFIG)? (DN HO1014939)
Please follow the Dell Link below
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1014939&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
11-0-8: How do I install the
Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition (Me) operating system from my Dell™ Windows
Me Operating System CD? (DN FA1036680)
Please follow the Dell Link below
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1036680&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
11-0-9: How Do I Test the Write
Function of My CD-RW Using the Dell™ Dimension™ ResourceCD Versions 4.00 or
Later? (TT1070349)
How Do I Test the Write Function of My CD-RW Using the Dell™ Dimension™
ResourceCD Versions 4.00 or Later?
Overview
To test the CD-RW Write Function, perform the following step:
Run the CD-RW Diagnostics Version 4.00 or Later
Click the link above for detailed instructions.
NOTE: To select another ResourceCD version, refer to Dell Knowledge Base Article:
FA1022341 — "How Do I Use Dell™ Diagnostics to Test the
CD-RW Drive on My Dell™ Dimension™?"
NOTE: This Knowledge Base article provides information for testing the Write Function of
the CD-RW drive only.
The Write Function is the ability of the CD-RW to copy or write information to a CD. If
you need to test any other function of the drive, refer to Dell Knowledge Base Article:
FA1034504 — "How Do I Run the Dell Diagnostics?"
Additional Information
Run the CD-RW Diagnostics Version 4.00 or Later
Insert your Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD drive.
Configure the system to boot from the CD drive, and boot from the Dimension ResourceCD.
NOTE: For instructions on how to set the CD drive to boot first, refer to Dell Knowledge
Base Article:
TT1032262 — "How Do I Configure My Dell Dimension Series System
to Boot to the CD or DVD Drive?"
When the Boot Menu appears, press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight Dell
Diagnostics.
Press the <Enter> key.
Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight 32-bit diagnostics.
Press the <Enter> key.
The Dell Diagnostics menu appears.
Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight Test One Device.
Press the <Enter> key.
Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight IDE DEVICES.
Press the <Enter> key.
Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight IDE CD-RW.
Press the <Enter> key.
A box appears allowing you to choose Extended or Quick tests.
NOTE: Extended tests will run an Audio test, Confidence test, Device Self-test, Read test,
Seek test, and Write test.
Quick tests will do a Confidence test, Audio test, and Write test.
Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight which test you want to run.
Press the <Enter> key.
NOTE: If the Write Test produces a failure code, run the test again using a different
CD-RW media. If you receive a failure code again, make note of the failure code and then
refer to the E-Mail Dell section
below.
Additional Information
E-mail Dell
For more troubleshooting assistance, you can communicate by e-mail with a Dell Technical
Support Representative.
Navigate to the following link and select the option that best describes your problem:
E-mail Dell
11-0-10: How do I configure my Dell
computer to boot to the CD-ROM drive? (TT1088642)
The Following link is from Dell`s Knowledge Base which contains the instructions for
the majority of Dell`s systems.
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1088642&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
Thanks,
Predator