User Guide

User Guide
Adding Parts: Dell Dimension 4500C

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Adding Parts

Dell™ Dimension™ 4500C

  Shutting Down the Computer   Adding Other Cards
  Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand   Replacing the Microprocessor
  Reattaching the Front Door   Removing the Front I/O Panel
  Opening the Computer Cover   Replacing the Power Supply
  Adding PC Cards (Optional)   Replacing the Battery
  Adding Memory   Replacing the System Board
  CD/DVD Drive   Closing the Computer Cover
  Replacing a Video Card

 



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 Problems."
  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.

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


Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand

To attach the stand:

HINT: Place your computer on a soft surface to prevent scratching of the top cover.
  1. Rotate the computer to an upside-down position.

  2. Insert the screw into the bottom of the stand.

  3. Align the two tabs and the screw in the stand with the tab holes and screw hole in the bottom of the computer.

  1. Tighten the screw.

  2. Place the computer in the upright position.

To remove the stand:

  1. Turn the computer over so that the stand is at the top.

  2. Loosen the screw and lift the stand away.

  3. Place the computer in a horizontal position until you reattach the stand.


Reattaching the Front Door

To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is opened too far. To reattach the front door:

  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Disconnect the computer's power cable from the electrical outlet.

HINT: The top hinge arm clicks when it is moved to the closed position—the bottom hinge arm does not.
  1. Move the hinge arms to the closed position.

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

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


Opening the Computer Cover

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

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Disconnect all cables from the computer, and then remove the computer stand.

NOTICE: Ensure that there is sufficient space to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.
  1. Press the two release buttons until the cover is free to swing up.

NOTICE: Open the cover slowly to ensure that you do not damage any cables.
  1. Raise the back of the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.

HINT: Make sure that the computer is oriented with the cable security tab on top, as shown in the illustration.


Adding PC Cards (Optional)

You can add PC Cards to computers with integrated PC Card connectors.

PC Card Types

HINT: "Type" of card refers to its thickness, not its functionality.

The PC Card slot has two connectors that support four combinations of cards.

HINT: Your computer is designed for either 5-V or 3.3-V 16-bit PCMCIA cards. Some cards are keyed for 3.3 V only but will not fit into the PC slot. Cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion into the slot. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation supplied with the card.
  • A single Type I or Type II card (using either the upper or lower PC Card connector)

  • One Type I card and one Type II card (using either connector)

  • Two Type I cards or two Type II cards

  • One Type III card (using the lower connector)

Both PC Card connectors support extended PC Cards.

Installing a PC Card

HINT: The length of some PC Cards may prevent the front-panel door from closing.

PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) to indicate which end to insert into the slot, and the cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation supplied with the card.

  1. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up.

HINT: A PC Card is not a bootable device.
  1. Insert the card into the slot, and press firmly until the card is completely seated in the internal PC Card connector.

  1. If you encounter too much resistance when you insert the card, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation, and try again.

  2. Your computer recognizes most PC Cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver for use with the computer. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, install them with the CD that came with the PC Card.

Removing a PC Card

NOTICE: Use the PC Card configuration utility on the taskbar to select and stop a card from functioning before you remove it from the computer. If you do not remove the card in the configuration utility, you could lose data from open programs.
HINT: Press the button with the upper dot to eject the top card and the button with the lower dot to eject the bottom card.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to eject a card by pulling its dongle, if one is attached.

Press the eject button, and gently remove the card.


Adding Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, see "Safety Instructions" in your Owner's Manual.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

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.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. Open the computer cover.

  5. Remove the video card.

  6. 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 notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module.
  1. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

 

  1. Reinstall the video card.

  2. Close the computer cover.

  3. Attach the computer stand.


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.

  2. Right-click the My Computer icon and then click Properties.

  3. Click the General tab.

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


CD/DVD Drive

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

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. Open the computer cover.

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

  1. Remove the rubber interposer-board securing pad if your computer has a rubber securing pad attached to the inside of the cover immediately above the interposer board.

  2. Disconnect the power cable from the interposer board.

  3. Remove the interposer board from the drive.

  1. Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, and then slide the drive upward and remove it from the drive bay.

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

  1. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.

  1. Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.

  2. Connect the interposer board to the drive:

    1. Ensure that the interposer board tab fits securely under the notch on the inside of the cover.

    1. Attach the power cable to the interposer board.

    2. If you removed the rubber interposer-board securing pad in step 1 of the preceding procedure, align the edge of the securing pad with the gray line etched on the computer lid above the interposer board, and then press the pad's sticky side against the computer lid.

  1. If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in an expansion slot.

  2. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

  3. Close the computer cover.

  4. Attach the computer stand (optional).

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


Replacing a Video Card

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, see "Safety Instructions" in your Owner's Manual.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: You must use low-profile cards for your computer. A full-size card can cause damage to the computer or the card.
  1. Shut down the computer.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. Open the computer cover.

Card Removal

  1. Remove the filler bracket by raising the hinged lever and sliding the bracket up.

  2. Press the intended tab on the hinged lever with your thumb until you release the tab. Continue holding the lever and pull the lever up.

  1. Press the card clip lever toward the card slot and remove the installed video card.

Card Installation

HINT: If you purchased the optional video card, ensure that you connected your monitor cable to the correct video connector.
NOTICE: You must use low-profile cards for your computer. A full-size card can cause damage to the computer or the card.
  1. Slide the new card into place.

  1. Release the card clip lever, ensuring that the tab on the card clip lever fits into the notch on the front end of the card.

  2. Secure the card by lowering the hinged lever on the back panel.

  3. Close the computer cover.

  4. Attach the computer stand.

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.


Adding Other Cards

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, see "Safety Instructions" in your Owner's Manual.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: You must use low-profile cards for your computer. A full-size card can cause damage to the computer or the card.

The computer's card connectors allow you to install different types of devices such as modems and network adapters.

  1. Shut down the computer.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. Open the computer cover.

  5. Press the lever on the retention arm and raise the retention arm.

  6. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening.

If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

  1. Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.
  1. Insert the card into the card connector.

  2. Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

  3. Reconnect any cables that you previously removed.

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

See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.
  1. Close the computer cover.

  2. Attach the computer stand.

  3. Connect your computer and devices to 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 card as described in the card documentation.


Replacing the Microprocessor

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

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. Open the computer cover.

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

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

  7. Lift up the airflow shroud.

  1. Remove the heat sink:

    1. Press and lower the green lever on the retention mechanism until it is parallel to the system board.

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 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 and blower when you install 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.

  1. Raise the retention lever and press until the heat sink is secured. You will feel the lever pause once it is at a 90-degree angle. Keep pressing the lever another 30 degrees, ensuring that it is in the locked position.

  2. Lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink.

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

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

  5. Close the computer cover.

  6. Attach the computer stand.

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

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, see "Safety Instructions" in your Owner's Manual.
  1. Shut down the computer.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. Open the computer cover.

  5. 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. Attach the computer stand.

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.


Replacing the Power Supply

Removing the Power Supply

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

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. Open the computer cover.

  5. Be sure that 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. Press the release button.

  2. Slide the power supply toward the front of the computer approximately 1 inch.

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

Replacing the Power Supply

  1. Slide the power supply into place.

  2. Reconnect the DC power cables.

  3. Run the cables underneath the clips.

  4. Press the clips to close them over the cables

  5. Close the computer cover.

  6. Attach the computer stand.

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.


Replacing the Battery

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, see "Safety Instructions" in your Owner's Manual.

A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years.

If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the battery.

CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the 3-V CR2032 battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. See "Battery Disposal" in your Owner's Manual for more information.
  1. Record all the screens in the system setup program so that you can restore the correct settings when you perform step 12.

  2. Shut down the computer.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

  2. Remove the computer stand.

  3. Open the computer cover.

  4. Locate the battery socket.

  1. Remove the battery by carefully prying it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconducting object such as a plastic screwdriver.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the system board while you pry the battery loose, be sure to insert the plastic screwdriver between the battery and the socket (not the system board).
  1. Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up and snap it into place.

  2. Close the computer cover.

  3. Attach the computer stand.

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 electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  2. Access the system setup program and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.

  3. Properly dispose of the old battery.

See "Battery Disposal" in your Owner's Manual for more information.


Replacing the System Board

Removing the System Board

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

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
  1. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.

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

  3. Remove the computer stand.

  4. 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 from 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.

  5. Close the computer cover.

  6. Attach the computer stand.

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.


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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