Dell XPS 8300 Setup Manual Download

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SETUP GUIDE

Summary of Contents for XPS 8300

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Page 3: ...SETUP GUIDE Regulatory model D03M Regulatory type D03M004 ...

Page 4: ... permission of Dell Inc is strictly forbidden Trademarks used in this text Dell the DELL logo XPS Solution Station and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc Intel is a registered trademark and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U S and other countries AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices Inc Microsoft Windows and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks ...

Page 5: ...e Operating System 13 Create System Recovery Media Recommended 14 Set Up the TV Tuner Optional 15 Connect to the Internet Optional 15 Using Your XPS Desktop 18 Front View Features 18 Top View Features 20 Back View Features 24 Back Panel Connectors 26 Software Features 28 Dell Dock 29 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 30 Solving Problems 31 Beep Codes 31 Network Problems 32 Power Problems 33 Memory Probl...

Page 6: ...overy Media 50 Dell Factory Image Restore 51 Getting Help 53 Technical Support and Customer Service 54 DellConnect 54 Online Services 55 Automated Order Status Service 56 Product Information 56 Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit 57 Before You Call 59 Contacting Dell 61 Finding More Information and Resources 62 Specifications 64 Appendix 69 Information for NOM or Official Mexic...

Page 7: ...op WARNING Before you begin any of the procedures in this section read the safety information that shipped with your computer For additional safety best practices information see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www dell com regulatory_compliance Setting Up Your XPS Desktop ...

Page 8: ...6 Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Lifting Your Computer To ensure safety and to avoid any damage to your computer lift it by holding the lift points in the front and back of your computer ...

Page 9: ...nd a level surface to place your computer Restricting airflow around your computer may cause it to overheat To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least 10 2 cm 4 inches at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5 1 cm 2 inches on all other sides You should never place your computer in an enclosed space such as a cabinet or a drawer when it is powered on ...

Page 10: ...A adapter or HDMI to DVI adapter to connect your display to the discrete graphics card if the connector on your display and the discrete graphics card is different You can purchase the DVI to VGA adapter HDMI to DVI adapter and additional HDMI or DVI cables at www dell com NOTE When connecting to a single display connect the display to ONLY ONE of the connectors on your computer NOTE Your computer...

Page 11: ... table to identify the connectors on your computer and display Connection Type Computer Cable Display VGA to VGA VGA cable DVI to DVI DVI cable DVI to VGA DVI to VGA adapter VGA cable HDMI to HDMI HDMI cable HDMI to DVI HDMI to DVI adapter DVI cable ...

Page 12: ...10 Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Connect the Keyboard and Mouse Connect the USB keyboard and mouse to the USB connectors on the back panel of your computer ...

Page 13: ...now NOTE Use only an Ethernet cable RJ45 connector to connect to the network connector Do not plug a telephone cable RJ11 connector into the network connector To connect your computer to a network or a broadband device connect one end of the network cable to either a network port or a broadband device Connect the other end of the network cable to the network connector RJ45 connector on the back pa...

Page 14: ...12 Setting Up Your XPS Desktop Connect the Power Cable Press the Power Button ...

Page 15: ... procedures including accepting license agreements setting preferences and setting up an Internet connection CAUTION Do not interrupt the operating system s setup process Doing so may render your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system NOTE For optimal performance of your computer it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your com...

Page 16: ...are drivers or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state You will require the following to create the system recovery media Dell DataSafe Local Backup USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD R DVD R Blu ray Disc NOTE Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs To create a system recovery media 1 Insert the disc or USB key in the computer...

Page 17: ...al modem or network connection and an Internet Service Provider ISP If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not a part of your original order you can purchase one from www dell com Setting Up a Wired Connection If you are using a dial up connection connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection If you...

Page 18: ...he search box type network and then click Network and Sharing Center Connect to a network 4 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup Setting Up Your Internet Connection ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past the ISP might have a service outag...

Page 19: ...ox type network and then click Network and Sharing Center Set up a new connection or network Connect to the Internet The Connect to the Internet window appears NOTE If you do not know which type of connection to select click Help me choose or contact your ISP 4 Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup ...

Page 20: ...18 Using Your XPS Desktop This section provides information about the features available on your XPS desktop Front View Features 1 9 8 7 2 3 4 5 6 ...

Page 21: ...n optional Dell FlexBay compatible device such as a front panel USB 3 0 compliant interface 6 FlexBay cover Covers the FlexBay slot 7 USB 2 0 connectors 2 Connect to USB devices such as a mouse keyboard printer external drive or MP3 player 8 Optical drive eject buttons 2 Press the marked portion on the lower end of the button to eject the disc tray 9 Hard drive activity light Turns on when the com...

Page 22: ...20 Using Your XPS Desktop Top View Features 1 3 6 5 4 2 7 ...

Page 23: ... as an external drive MP3 player mobile phone and so on 5 Power button and light Turns the computer on or off when pressed The light in the center of this button indicates the power state Off The computer is either turned off in hibernate mode or is not receiving power Solid white The computer is on Solid amber The computer is in sleep standby mode or there might be a problem with the system board...

Page 24: ...disabled using the system setup BIOS utility NOTE Certain devices may not charge when the computer is powered off or in sleep state In such cases turn on the computer to charge the device NOTE If you turn off your computer while charging a device it may stop charging To continue charging disconnect the device and connect it again CAUTION Do not connect devices that require more than 1 5 A 5 V inpu...

Page 25: ...23 Using Your XPS Desktop ...

Page 26: ...24 Using Your XPS Desktop Back View Features 6 4 3 2 1 5 ...

Page 27: ...connectors Connect USB audio video and other devices to the appropriate connectors 4 Expansion card slots Provide access to connectors on any installed PCI Express cards 5 Security cable slot Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer NOTE Before you buy a security cable ensure that it fits into the security cable slot on your computer 6 Padlock rings Attach a standard padloc...

Page 28: ...tical cables 2 HDMI connector Connects to the HDMI connector on your display or TV 3 eSATA connector Connects to external SATA storage devices 4 VGA connector Connects to a monitor or projector 5 USB 2 0 connectors 4 Connect to USB devices such as a mouse keyboard printer external drive or MP3 player 6 Side L R surround connector Connects to side L R surround speakers ...

Page 29: ...o front L R speakers 10 Line in connector Connects to recording or playback devices such as a microphone cassette player CD player or VCR 11 Center subwoofer connector Connects to a center speaker or subwoofer 12 Network connector and light Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network The two lights next to the connector indicate the status and activit...

Page 30: ...u can use your computer to watch videos play games create your own CDs DVDs Blu ray Discs optional listen to music and radio stations Your optical disc drive may support multiple disc media formats including CDs DVDs and Blu ray Discs optional You can download or copy pictures and video files from portable devices such as digital cameras and cell phones Optional software applications enable you to...

Page 31: ...ht click the Dock click Add Category The Add Edit Category window appears 2 Enter a title for the category in the Title field 3 Select an icon for the category from the Select an image box 4 Click Save Add an Icon Drag and drop the icon to the Dock or a category Remove a Category or Icon 1 Right click the category or icon on the Dock and click Delete shortcut or Delete category 2 Follow the instru...

Page 32: ... backup and recovery service that helps protect your data and other important files from catastrophic incidents like theft fire or natural disasters You can access the service on your computer using a password protected account For more information go to DellDataSafe com To schedule backups 1 Double click the Dell DataSafe Online icon in the notification area of your desktop 2 Follow the instructi...

Page 33: ...errors or problems This series of beeps called a beep code identifies a problem If this occurs write down the beep code and contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 61 for assistance NOTE To replace parts see the Service Manual at support dell com manuals Beep Code Possible Problem One Possible system board failure BIOS ROM checksum failure Two No RAM detected NOTE If you installed or replaced the...

Page 34: ...uter Wired Connections If the network connection is lost The network cable is loose or damaged Check the network cable to ensure it is plugged in and not damaged The link integrity light on the integrated network connector lets you verify that your connection is working and provides information on the status Green left A good connection exists between a 10 100 Mbps network and the computer Amber l...

Page 35: ...ng it with another device such as a lamp Ensure that the power supply light on the back of the computer is on If the light is off there may be a possible problem with the power supply or the power cable If the problem persists contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 61 If the power light is solid white and the computer is not responding The display may not be connected or powered on Ensure that t...

Page 36: ...on cables Too many devices connected to a power strip Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet Memory Problems If you receive an insufficient memory message Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements If necessary install additional memory see the S...

Page 37: ...ll com manuals to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory If the problem persists contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 61 Lockups and Software Problems If the computer does not start up Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet If a program stops responding End the program 1 Press Ctrl Shift Esc simultaneously 2...

Page 38: ...il the computer turns off and then restart your computer If a program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows operating system Run the Program Compatibility Wizard The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to an earlier version of Microsoft Windows operating system To run the Program Compatibility Wizard 1 Click Start Control Panel Program...

Page 39: ...hooting information Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software See the software documentation for information Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program If necessary uninstall a...

Page 40: ... warranty status and alerts on improving the performance of your computer The home page also provides links to access PC Checkup Run hardware diagnostics see which program occupies the maximum memory on your hard drive and track the changes made to your computer each day PC Checkup Utilities Drive Space Manager Manage your hard drive using a visual representation of space consumed by each type of ...

Page 41: ... that will help improve your system performance For more information about Dell Support Center and to download and install the available support tools go to DellSupportCenter com My Dell Downloads NOTE My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions Some of the software pre installed on your new Dell computer do not include a backup CD or DVD This software is available on the My Dell Downloa...

Page 42: ...mplete the boot routine three consecutive times for the same error Contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 61 for assistance CMOS checksum error or RTC is reset BIOS Setup default has been loaded Possible system board failure or RTC battery low Replace the battery see the Service Manual at support dell com manuals or Contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 61 for assistance CPU fan failure CPU f...

Page 43: ... be a system board failure see the Service Manual at support dell com manuals or Contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 61 for assistance USB over current error Disconnect the USB device Your USB device needs more power for it to function properly Use an external power source to connect the USB device or if your device has two USB cables connect both of them CAUTION Hard Drive SELF MONITORING SY...

Page 44: ...sults select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems on page 35 and run Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance NOTE Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers Ensure that the device that you want to test ...

Page 45: ...NOTE 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 4 Select Diagnostics from the boot menu and press Enter This will invoke the PSA on your computer 5 Follow the instructions that appear on the screen 6 If you encounter a problem during the test a message with the error code and a d...

Page 46: ...l PC Checkup Dell PC Checkup scans and tests your computer hardware It provides automated fixes for common configuration issues 1 Click Start All Programs Dell Dell Support Center Launch PC Checkup 2 Select the test you want to run and follow the instructions on the screen NOTE If a failure is reported after the tests complete make note of the device s and the test s it failed Contact Dell see Con...

Page 47: ...ll DataSafe Local Backup when System Restore does not resolve your problem System recovery media when operating system failure prevents the use of System Restore and DataSafe Local Backup when installing the Dell factory installed software on a newly installed hard drive Dell Factory Image Restore to restore your computer to the operating state it was in when you received your computer Operating S...

Page 48: ...es to your computer are completely reversible CAUTION Make regular backups of your data files System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them Starting System Restore 1 Click Start 2 In the search box type System Restore and press Enter NOTE The User Account Control window may appear If you are an administrator on the computer click Continue otherwise contact your administrator to c...

Page 49: ...Dell DataSafe Local Backup to restore your operating system permanently removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer Create backup media of applications you need to install on your computer before using Dell DataSafe Local Backup Use Dell DataSafe Local Backup only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem CAUTION Although Dell Datasafe Local Bac...

Page 50: ...te system recovery media see Create System Recovery Media Recommended on page 14 Dell DataSafe Local Backup Basic To restore your operating system and Dell factory installed software while preserving the data files 1 Turn off your computer 2 Disconnect all the devices USB drive printer and so on connected to the computer and remove any newly added internal hardware 3 Turn on your computer 4 When t...

Page 51: ... DataSafe Local Backup Professional NOTE Dell DataSafe Local Backup Professional may be installed on your computer if you ordered it at the time of purchase Dell DataSafe Local Backup Professional provides additional features that allow you to Backup and restore your computer based on file types Backup files to a local storage device Schedule automated backups To upgrade to Dell DataSafe Local Bac...

Page 52: ...n case of Operating system failure that prevents the use of the recovery options installed on your computer Hard drive failure that prevents data from being recovered To restore the operating system and Dell factory installed software on your computer using the system recovery media 1 Insert the system recovery disc or USB key and restart the computer 2 When the DELL logo appears press F12 immedia...

Page 53: ... on page 47 to restore your operating system Use Dell Factory Image Restore only as the last method to restore your operating system This option restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer Any programs or files added since you received your computer including data files are permanently deleted from the hard drive Data files include documents spreadshee...

Page 54: ...nfiguration you may need to select Dell Factory Tools then Dell Factory Image Restore 7 Click Next The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears NOTE If you do not want to proceed with the Factory Image Restore click Cancel 8 Select the check box to confirm that you want to continue to reformat the hard drive and restore the system software to the factory condition then click Next The restore process b...

Page 55: ...of Dell Support online 5 If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem see Before You Call on page 59 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 ...

Page 56: ... To contact Dell s support service see Before You Call on page 59 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 www de...

Page 57: ... Dell Support Websites support dell com support jp dell com Japan only support euro dell com Europe only supportapj dell com Asia Pacific 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 As...

Page 58: ... 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 on page 61 Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell or if you would like to place an order go to www dell com For the t...

Page 59: ...upted data or damaged or lost removable media that may be included with your return 1 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 on page 61 2 Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return 3 Include a copy of the Diagno...

Page 60: ...le 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 NOTE Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at Dell s receiving dock and returned to you ...

Page 61: ... automated support telephone system direct your call more efficiently You may also be asked for your Service Tag located at the top of your computer Locating Your Service Tag and Express Service Code The Service Tag and Express Service Code for your computer can be found on a label at the top of your computer ...

Page 62: ...tions or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer itself Ensure that the computer documentation is available Diagnostic Checklist Name Date Address Phone number Service Tag and Express Service Code located on a label at the top of the computer Return Material Authorization Number if provided by Dell support technician Operating system and version Devices Expansion cards Are yo...

Page 63: ... 800 999 3355 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 serv...

Page 64: ...n page 39 for more information about the Microsoft Windows operating system and features support dell com upgrade your computer with new or additional components like a new hard drive reinstall or replace a worn or defective part the Service Manual at support dell com manuals NOTE In some countries opening and replacing parts of your computer may void your warranty Check your warranty and return p...

Page 65: ...www dell com regulatory_compliance find your Service Tag Express Service Code You must use the service tag to identify your computer on support dell com or to contact technical support the top of your computer Dell Support Center on page 38 find drivers and downloads readme files access technical support and product help check on your order status for new purchases find solutions and answers to co...

Page 66: ... Center To launch the Dell Support Center click Start All Programs Dell Dell Support Center Launch Dell Support Center Specifications Computer Model Dell XPS 8300 Processor Type Intel Core i5 Intel Core i7 System Chipset Type Intel H67 Drives Internally accessible two 3 5 inch bays for SATA hard drives Externally accessible two 5 25 inch bays for tray load SATA DVD RW Blu ray Disc combo optional B...

Page 67: ...mory 16 GB Possible memory configurations 3 GB 4 GB 6 GB 8 GB 12 GB and 16 GB NOTE For instructions on upgrading the memory see the Service Manual at support dell com manuals Audio Audio controller Integrated 7 1 channel High Definition Audio with S PDIF optical support Video UMA Video controller Intel HD Graphics 2000 Discrete Video controller NVIDIA GT 420 GTX 460 AMD HD 5450 HD 5670 HD 5770 HD ...

Page 68: ...ne in connector Back panel six connectors for 7 1 channel support S PDIF one digital S PDIF optical connector External Connectors eSATA one back panel connector Network adapter one RJ45 connector USB two top panel two front panel and four back panel USB 2 0 compliant connectors one back panel and one front panel USB 3 0 compliant connectors optional VGA one 15 hole connector HDMI one 19 pin connec...

Page 69: ...e 115 230 VAC Input frequency 50 60 Hz Output current 8 A 4 A Communication Network adapter 10 100 1000 Ethernet LAN on system board Wireless optional Wi Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology Physical Height 407 75 mm 16 05 inches Width 185 81 mm 7 31 inches Depth 454 67 mm 17 90 inches Weight 10 18 kg 22 40 lb ...

Page 70: ...e hard drive in head parked position and a 2 ms half sine pulse Operating 40 G for 2 ms with a change in velocity of 20 in s 51 cm s Non Operating 50 G for 26 ms with a change in velocity of 320 in s 813 cm s Computer Environment Maximum vibration using a random vibration spectrum that simulates user environment Operating 0 25 GRMS Non Operating 2 20 GRMS Altitude maximum Operating 15 2 to 3048 m ...

Page 71: ...Mexican Standard NOM Importer Dell México S A de C V Paseo de la Reforma 2620 Flat 11 Col Lomas Altas 11950 México D F Regulatory Model Number Regulatory Type Input Voltage Input Frequency Rated Output Current D03M D03M004 115 230 VAC 50 60 Hz 8 A 4 A For details read the safety information that shipped with your computer For additional safety best practices information see www dell com regulatory...

Page 72: ...ne 61 customer service 54 D DataSafe Local Backup 47 DellConnect 54 Dell Diagnostics 42 Dell Factory Image Restore 51 Diagnostic Checklist 60 drivers and downloads 63 DVDs playing and creating 28 E eject button 19 e mail addresses for technical support 55 Express Service Code 21 F finding more information 62 front side connectors 18 FTP login anonymous 55 Index ...

Page 73: ...assistance and support 53 I Internet connection 15 ISP Internet Service Provider 15 M memory problems solving 34 N network connection fixing 32 network connector location 27 P problems solving 31 products information and purchasing 56 R resources finding more 62 restoring factory image 51 S security cable slot 25 Service Tag 21 59 ...

Page 74: ...ecifications 64 support e mail addresses 55 support sites worldwide 55 System Messages 40 System Recovery Media 50 system reinstall options 45 System Restore 46 T TV tuner 15 U USB 2 0 back connectors 26 front connectors 19 W warranty returns 57 Windows Program Compatibility Wizard 36 wireless network connection 32 ...

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