Table of Contents
- Working inside your computer
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Drivers and downloads
- System setup
- Troubleshooting
- Getting help and contacting Dell
DELL 5890 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 5890 by DELL which is a product in the PCs/Workstations category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Vostro 5890
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D28M
Regulatory Type: D28M004
March 2021
Rev. A00
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other
trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Working inside your computer
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped
with your computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect your computer from all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels.
After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting your
computer to an electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the
pins and the contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the
safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal
surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to dissipate static electricity which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables
have connectors with locking tabs or thumbscrews that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable.
When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting
cables, ensure that the ports and the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
Before working inside your computer
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
6. After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the system board.
1
Working inside your computer 3
CAUTION: Place the computer on a flat, soft, and clean surface to avoid scratches on the display.
7. Place the computer face down.
Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or
reassembly:
●Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
●Disconnect the system and all attached peripherals from AC power.
●Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the system.
●Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any tabletnotebookdesktop to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
●After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
●Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are
essentially powered while turned off. The internal power enables the system to be remotely turned on (wake on LAN) and
suspended into a sleep mode and has other advanced power management features.
Unplugging, pressing and holding the power button for 15 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board. Remove
the battery from tablets.notebooks.
Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done through
the use of a field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare
metal and never to a painted or non-metal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and
ensure that you remove all jewelry such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
●Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes
an immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has
received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or
nonfunctional memory.
●Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory
integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
●Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not
provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts
with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
4Working inside your computer
●Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
●When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
●Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD field service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components:
anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD field service kit
The components of an ESD field service kit are:
●Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly
on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
●Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never
use wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear
and tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
●ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored
kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A
wrist strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your
regional office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is
strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm
sounds if the test fails.
●Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
●Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components
●ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
●Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts
to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static
mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all
insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
Working inside your computer 5
After working inside your computer
About this task
NOTE: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.
6 Working inside your computer
Disassembly and reassembly
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document require the following tools:
●Phillips #0 screwdriver
●Phillips #1 screwdriver
●Philips #2 screwdriver
●Plastic scribe
NOTE: The #0 screw driver is for screws 0-1, the #1 screw driver is for screws 2-4, and the #2 screw driver is for screws
5-6.
Screw size list
Table 1. Vostro 5890 screw size list
Component Screw type Quantity Image Color
Right-side cover #6-32 2 Black
WLAN-card bracket M2x3 1 Black
Solid-state drive M2x3 1 Black
3.5-inch hard drive #6-32 4 Silver
3.5-inch hard drive
cage
#6-32 1 Silver
Power-supply unit #6-32 3 Silver
Ports bezel #6-32 1 Silver
System board #6-32 8 Black
System board M2x4 1 Silver
2
Disassembly and reassembly 7
Major components of your system
1. Side cover
2. Memory module
3. I/O panel
4. Fan and Heat-sink assembly
5. Processor
6. Solid-state drive
7. Power button
8. System board
9. Chassis
10. Front bezel
11. 3.5-inch Hard-drive
12. System fan
13. Graphics card
14. Optical drive (Optional)
15. Power-supply unit
8Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Loosen the two captive screws (6-32) that secure the side cover to the chassis.
2. Using the tab on the side cover, slide back and lift the side cover off the chassis.
Installing the side cover
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the side cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
10 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the tabs on the side cover with the slots on the chassis and slide it towards the front of the computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 11
2. Tighten the two captive screws (6-32) that secure the side cover to the chassis.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Front bezel
Removing the front bezel
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Place the computer in an upright position.
2. Gently pry and release the front bezel tabs sequentially from the top.
3. Move the front bezel outward from the chassis.
4. Remove the front bezel from the computer.
12 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the front bezel
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Place the computer in an upright position.
2. Align the front bezel with the slots on the chassis.
3. Move the front bezel towards the chassis and press the bezel until the tabs click into place.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 13
Optical drive
Removing the Optical drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the optical drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Disconnect the data and power cables from the optical drive.
3. Push the securing tab to release the optical drive from the chassis.
4. Slide and remove the optical drive from the slot.
14 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the Optical drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the Optical drive and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the optical drive assembly with the tabs on the chassis.
2. Insert the optical drive into the slot on the chassis.
3. Connect the power cable and data cable to the optical drive.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 15
Memory module
Removing the memory modules
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the chassis on the right side.
2. Pull the securing clips from both sides of the memory module until the memory module pops up.
3. Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 4 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer.
NOTE: If the memory module is difficult to remove, gently ease the memory module back and forth to remove it from
the slot.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the
components on the memory module.
16 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the memory modules
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Steps
1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
2. Insert the memory module into the memory-module connector until the memory module snaps into position and the securing
clip locks in place.
NOTE: The securing clips return to the locked position. If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and
reinstall it.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the
components on the memory module.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 17
WLAN card
Removing the wireless card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Remove the single (M2x3) screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.
3. Slide and lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card.
4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
5. Slide and remove the wireless card at an angle from the wireless-card slot.
18 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the wireless card
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card of your computer.
Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color
Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black
2. Slide and place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless card.
3. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot.
4. Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot.
Disassembly and reassembly 19
5. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Solid-state drive
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the single (M2x3) screw that secures the 2230 solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board.
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
20 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Locate the notch on the 2230 solid-state drive.
2. Align the notch on the 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot.
3. Slide the 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board.
4. Replace the single (M2x3) screw that secures the 2230 solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 21
Steps
1. Remove the single (M2x3) screw that secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board.
Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
22 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Locate the notch on the 2280 solid-state drive.
2. Align the notch on the 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot.
3. Slide the 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board.
4. Replace the single (M2x3) screw that secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Graphics card
Removing the graphics card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 23
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Locate the graphics card (PCI-Express).
3. Lift the pull tab to open the PCIe door.
4. Push and hold the securing tab on the graphics-card slot and lift the graphics card from the graphics-card slot.
Installing the graphics card
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
24 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the graphics card with the PCI-Express card connector on the system board.
2. Using the alignment post, connect the graphics card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is firmly
seated.
3. Lift the pull tab to close the PCIe door.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Hard-drive assembly
Removing the 3.5-inch hard drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
Disassembly and reassembly 25
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard drive and provide a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Disconnect the data and power cables from the hard drive.
3. Remove the cables from the routing guides on the hard-drive assembly.
4. Remove the single (6-32) screw that secures the 3.5-inch hard-drive assembly to the chassis.
5. Lift the hard-drive assembly away from the chassis.
6. Remove the four (6-32) screws that secure the hard drive to the hard-drive cage.
7. Remove the hard drive from the hard-drive cage.
NOTE: To remove 2nd 3.5-inch hard drive, disconnect and un-route the hard-drive power extension cable, 3.5-inch
SATA cable, 2.5-inch hard drive and ODD SATA cable and CPU power cable from the cable holder clip. Remove the two
(6-32) screws that secure the hard drive assembly to the chassis. Remove the hard drive from the hard-drive cage.
26 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the 3.5-inch hard drive
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard drive and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Steps
1. Insert the hard drive into the hard-drive cage.
2. Replace the four (6-32) screws that secure the hard drive to the hard-drive cage.
3. Align the hard-drive assembly with the tabs on the chassis.
4. Using the alignment post, align the screw hole on the hard-drive assembly with the screw hole on the chassis.
5. Replace the single (6-32) screw that secures the hard-drive assembly to the chassis.
6. Route the power cable and data cable through the routing guides on the hard-drive assembly and connect the cables to the
hard drive.
NOTE: For systems with 2nd 3.5-inch hard drive, ensure to un-route the cable from the clip holder and then remove the
clip from the chassis. After installing the hard drive into the hard-drive cage, align the 4 holes on the 3.5-inch hard-drive
Disassembly and reassembly 27
cage with the 4 hooks on the ODD bracket and place it into its slot on the chassis. Secure the hard-drive assembly
to the chassis with two (6-32) screws. Connect and route the hard-drive power extension cable, 3.5-inch SATA cable,
2.5-inch hard drive and ODD SATA cable and CPU power cable through the cable holder clip.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Coin-cell battery
Removing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the coin-cell battery out of the slot on the system board.
3. Remove the coin-cell battery.
Installing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
28 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Steps
1. Insert the coin-cell battery into the socket with the positive side (+) labeled facing up.
2. Press down on the coin-cell battery into the slot on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Chassis fan
Removing the chassis fan
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the chassis fan and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 29
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Disconnect the fan cable from the connector on the system board.
3. Gently pull the fan to release it from the rubber grommets.
4. Remove the fan off the chassis.
Installing the chassis fan
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the chassis fan and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
30 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the slots on the fan with the rubber grommets on chassis.
2. Route the rubber grommets through the slots on fan and pull the rubber grommets until the fan snaps into position.
3. Connect the fan cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Power supply unit
Removing the power-supply unit
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
Disassembly and reassembly 31
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provide a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
32 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Disconnect the power cables from the system board and remove them from the routing guides on the chassis.
3. Disconnect the power cable from the powered graphics card connector.
4. Remove the three (6-32) screws that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
5. Press the securing tab on the chassis to release the power-supply from its slot.
6. Slide and lift the power-supply unit off the chassis.
Installing the power-supply unit
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 33
34 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Press and hold the securing tab on the chassis and slide the power-supply unit into the chassis until it snaps into position.
2. Replace the three (6-32) screws that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
3. Route the power cable through the routing guides on the chassis and connect the power cable to connector on the powered
graphics card.
4. Route the power cable through the routing guides on the chassis and connect the power cables to the connectors on the
system board.
5. Connect the power cable to the power-supply unit.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Heatsink assembly
Removing the heatsink assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the heatsink assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 35
Steps
1. Locate the processor fan and heatsink assembly on your computer.
2. Disconnect the processor fan cable from the system board.
3. In a reverse sequential order (4>3>2>1) loosen the four captive screws that secure the fan and heatsink assembly to the
system board.
4. Lift the processor fan and heatsink assembly off the system board.
Installing the heatsink assembly
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the heatsink assembly and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
36 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the processor fan and heatsink assembly with the screw holes on the system board.
2. As per the sequential order (1 < 2 < 3 < 4) tighten the four captive screws to secure the fan and heatsink assembly to the
system board.
3. Connect the processor fan cable to connector on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Processor
Removing the processor
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the heatsink assembly.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 37
Steps
1. Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it from the securing tab.
2. Extend the release lever completely and open the processor cover.
CAUTION: When removing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects
to fall on the pins in the socket.
3. Gently lift the processor from the processor socket.
Installing the processor
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
38 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Ensure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended in the open position.
2. Align the notches on the processor with the tabs on the processor socket and place the processor in the processor socket.
CAUTION: Ensure that the processor-cover notch is positioned underneath the alignment post.
3. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, pivot the release-lever down and place it under the tab on the processor
cover.
Next steps
1. Install the heatsink assembly.
2. Install the side cover.
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 39
System board
System board layout
1. PSU power connector 2. Processor fan connector
3. Memory module slot 4. Power button connector
5. M.2 SSD card reader slot 6. SATA0 connector (blue)
7. M.2 WLAN slot 8. SATA1/2 connector (black)
9. SATA3 connector (white) 10. SATA power connector
11. ATX power connector 12. Coin-cell battery
13. CMOS_CLR/Password/Service_Mode jumper 14. APS/PETS connector (Debug)
15. PCIe x1 (Slot4) 16. LPC debug card connector
17. PCI-32 (Slot3) 18. PCIe x16 (Slot2)
19. PCIe x1 (Slot1) 20. M.2 2230/2280 SSD/Optane card connector
21. Processor socket
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the wireless card.
4. Remove the memory modules.
5. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive.
6. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive.
7. Remove the graphics card.
8. Remove the heatsink assembly.
40 Disassembly and reassembly
42 Disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly 43
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Remove the single (6-32) screw that secures the ports bezel to the chassis.
3. Disconnect and un-route all the cables connected to the system board.
4. Remove the eight screws (6-32) and that secure the system board to the chassis.
5. Remove the single (M2x4) screw and that secures the system board to the chassis.
6. Lift the system board at an angle to release the ports and remove the system board off the chassis.
Installing the system board
Prerequisites
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
44 Disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly 45
46 Disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly 47
Steps
1. Align the ports on the system board with the slots on the chassis and align the system board in place.
2. Replace the single (M2x4) standoff screw that secures the system board to the chassis.
3. Replace the eight (6-32) screws that secure the system board to the chassis.
4. Route and connect all the cables that you disconnected from the system board .
5. Align the screw holes on the ports bezel with the screw holes on the chassis.
6. Replace the single (6-32) screw that secures the ports bezel to the chassis.
Next steps
1. Install the processor.
2. Install the heatsink assembly.
3. Install the graphics card.
4. Install the 2280 solid-state drive.
5. Install the 2230 solid-state drive.
6. Install the memory module.
7. Install the wireless card.
8. Install the side cover.
9. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
48 Disassembly and reassembly
System setup
Boot Sequence
Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for
example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can:
●Access System Setup by pressing F2 key
●Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key
The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options
are:
●Removable Drive (if available)
●STXXXX Drive (if available)
NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.
●Optical Drive (if available)
●SATA Hard Drive (if available)
●Diagnostics
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
System setup options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not
appear.
Table 3. System setup options—System information menu
Overview
Vostro 5890 Tower
BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Displays the Asset Tag of the computer.
Manufacture Date Displays the manufacture date of the computer.
Ownership Date Displays the ownership date of the computer.
Express Service Code Displays the express service code of the computer.
Ownership Tag Displays the Ownership Tag of the computer.
Signed Firmware Update Displays whether the Signed Firmware Update is enabled on your computer.
Processor Information
Processor Type Displays the processor type.
Maximum Clock Speed Displays the maximum processor clock speed.
Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed.
Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed.
Core Count Displays the number of cores on the processor.
4
50 System setup
Table 3. System setup options—System information menu
Overview
Processor ID Displays the processor identification code.
Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 Cache size.
Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size.
Microcode Version Displays the microcode version.
Intel Hyper-Threading Capable Displays whether the processor is Hyper-Threading (HT) capable.
64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used.
Memory Information
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
Memory Available Displays the total computer memory available.
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Channel Mode Displays single or dual channel mode.
Memory Technology Displays the technology that is used for the memory.
DIMM 1 Size Displays the DIMM 1 memory size.
DIMM 2 Size Displays the DIMM 2 memory size.
DIMM 3 Size Displays the DIMM 3 memory size.
DIMM 4 Size Displays the DIMM 4 memory size.
Devices Information
Video Controller Displays the video controller type of the computer.
Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.
Wi-Fi Device Displays the wireless device information of the computer.
Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.
Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.
Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.
Bluetooth Device Displays the Bluetooth device information of the computer.
LOM MAC Address Displays the LAN On Motherboard (LOM) MAC address of the computer.
dGPU Video Controller Displays the discrete video controller type of the computer.
Slot 1 Displays the SATA hard drive information of the computer.
Slot 2 Displays the SATA hard drive information of the computer.
Slot 3 Displays the SATA hard drive information of the computer.
Slot 4 Displays the SATA hard drive information of the computer.
Table 4. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu (continued)
Boot Configuration
Boot Sequence
Boot Mode: UEFI only Displays the boot mode.
Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.
Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot Enable or disable the SD card read-only boot.
By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot option is not enabled.
Secure Boot
Enable Secure Boot Enable or disable the secure boot feature.
System setup 51
Table 4. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu
Boot Configuration
By default, the option is not enabled.
Secure Boot Mode Enable or disable to change the secure boot mode options.
By default, the Deployed Mode is enabled.
Expert Key Management
Enable Custom Mode Enable or disable custom mode.
By default, the custom mode option is not enabled.
Custom Mode Key Management Select the custom values for expert key management.
Table 5. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu
Integrated Devices
Date/Time Displays the current date in MM/DD/YYYY format and current time in
HH:MM:SS AM/PM format.
Audio
Enable Audio Enable or disable the integrated audio controller.
By default, all the options are enabled.
Serial Port
Serial Port Configuration Enable or disable the serial port address.
By default, the COM1: Port is configured at 3F8h with IRQ4 option is
enabled.
USB Configuration ●Enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices through the boot
sequence or boot menu.
By default, all the options are enabled.
Front USB Configuration Enable or disable the individual front USB ports.
By default, all the options are enabled.
Rear USB Configuration Enable or disable the individual rear USB ports.
By default, all the options are enabled.
Miscellaneous Devices Enable or disable the PCI Slot
By default, the option is enabled.
Dust Filter Maintenance Enable or disable the dust filter maintenance.
By default, the Disabled option is enabled.
Table 6. System setup options—Storage menu
Storage
SATA Operation Enable or disable the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive
controller.
By default, the AHCIoption is enabled.
Storage Interface
Port Enablement Enable or disable the onboard drives.
By default, all the options are enabled.
SMART Reporting
52 System setup
Table 6. System setup options—Storage menu
Storage
Enable SMART Reporting Enable or disable Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology
(SMART) during computer startup.
By default, the Enable SMART Reporting option is not enabled.
Drive Information
SATA-0
Type Displays the SATA HDD type information of the computer.
Device Displays the SATA HDD device information of the computer.
SATA-1
Type Displays the SATA HDD type information of the computer.
Device Displays the SATA HDD device information of the computer.
SATA-2
Type Displays the SATA HDD type information of the computer.
Device Displays the SATA HDD device information of the computer.
SATA-3
Type Displays the SATA HDD type information of the computer.
Device Displays the SATA HDD device information of the computer.
M.2 PCIe SSD-0
Type Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-0 type information of the computer.
Device Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-0 device information of the computer.
M.2 PCIe SSD-1
Type Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-1 type information of the computer.
Device Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-1 device information of the computer.
Enable MediaCard
Secure Digital (SD) Card Enable or disable the SD card.
By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card option is enabled.
Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode Enable or disable the SD card read-only mode.
By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode option is not
enabled.
Table 7. System setup options—Display menu
Display
Multi-Display
Enable Multi-Display Enable or disable the Enable Multi-Display buttons on the computer.
By default, the option is enabled.
Primary Display
Video Primary Display Determines the primary display when multiple controllers are available on the
computer
By default, the Auto option is enabled.
Full Screen Logo Enable or disable full screen logo.
By default, the option is not enabled.
System setup 53
Table 8. System setup options—Connection menu
Connection
Network Controller Configuration
Integrated NIC Controls the on-board LAN controller.
By default, the Enabled with PXE option is enabled.
Wireless Device Enable
WLAN Enable or disable the internal WLAN device
By default, the option enabled.
Bluetooth Enable or disable the internal Bluetooth device
By default, the option enabled.
Enable UEFI Network Stack Enable or disable UEFI Network Stack and controls the on-board LAN
Controller.
By default, the option is enabled.
HTTPs Boot Feature
HTTPs Boot Enable or disable the HTTPs Boot feature.
By default, the HTTPs Boot option is enabled.
HTTPs Boot Mode With Auto Mode, the HTTPs Boot extracts Boot URL from the DHCP. With
Manual Mode, the HTTPs Boot reads Boot URL from the user-provided data.
By default, the Auto Mode option is enabled.
Table 9. System setup options—Power menu (continued)
Power
USB PowerShare
Enable USB PowerShare Enable or disable the USB PowerShare.
By default, the Enable USB PowerShare option is enabled
USB Wake Support
Enable USB Wake Support When enabled, you can use the USB devices like a mouse or keyboard to wake
your computer from standby.
By default, the option is enabled.
AC Behavior
AC Recovery Enables the system to turn on automatically, when AC is inserted.
By default, the Power Off option is enabled.
Active State Power Management
Aspm Enables or disables the Active State Power Management (ASPM) level
By default, the Auto option is enabled.
Block Sleep Enables to block entering sleep (S3) mode in the operating system.
By default, the Block Sleep option is disabled.
Deep Sleep Control Enable or disable the Deep Sleep mode support.
By default, the Disabled option is enabled.
Fan Control Override Enable or disable the fan control override feature.
By default, the option is disabled.
Intel Speed Shift Technology Enable or disable the Intel speed shift technology support.
54 System setup
Table 9. System setup options—Power menu
Power
By default, the Intel Speed Shift Technology option is enabled.
Table 10. System setup options—Security menu
Security
TPM 2.0 Security
TPM 2.0 Security On Enable or disable TPM 2.0 security options.
By default, the TPM 2.0 Security On option is enabled.
Attestation Enable Enables to control whether the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Endorsement
Hierarchy is available to the operating system.
By default, the Attestation Enable option is enabled.
Key Storage Enable Enables to control whether the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Storage
Hierarchy is available to the operating system.
By default, the Key Storage Enable option is enabled.
SHA-256 BIOS and the TPM will use the SHA-256 hash algorithm to extend
measurements into the TPM PCRs during BIOS boot.
By default, the SHA-256 option is enabled.
Clear Enables to clear the TPM owner information and returns the TPM to the
default state.
By default, the Clear option is disabled.
PPI ByPass for Clear Commands Controls the TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI).
By default, the PPI ByPass for clear Commands option is disabled.
Chassis intrusion Controls the chassis intrusion feature.
By default, the option is disabled.
SMM Security Mitigation Enable or disable SMM Security Mitigation.
By default, the option is enabled.
Data Wipe on Next Boot
Start Data Wipe Enable or disable the data wipe on next boot.
By default, the option is disabled.
Absolute Enable or disable or permanently disable the BIOS module interface of the
optional Absolute Persistence Module service from Absolute software.
By default, the Enable Absolute option is enabled.
UEFI Boot Path Security Controls whether or not the computer will prompt the user to enter the admin
password (if set) when booting to a UEFI boot device from the F12 boot menu.
By default, the Always Except Internal HDD option is enabled.
Table 11. System setup options—Passwords menu
Passwords
Admin Password Set, change, or delete the administrator password.
System Password Set, change, or delete the computer password.
Internal HDD-0 Password Set, change, or delete the Internal HDD-0 password.
NVMe SSD0 Set, change, or delete the NVMe SSD0 password.
System setup 55
Table 11. System setup options—Passwords menu
Passwords
Password Configuration
Upper Case Letter Reinforces password must have at least one upper case letter.
By default, the option is disabled.
Lower Case Letter Reinforces password must have at least one lower case letter.
By default, the option is disabled.
Digit Reinforces password must have at least one digit.
By default, the option is disabled.
Special Character Reinforces password must have at least one special character.
By default, the option is disabled.
Minimum Characters Set the minimum characters allowed for password.
Password Bypass When enabled, this always prompts for computer and internal hard drive
passwords when powered on from the off state.
By default, the Disabled option is enabled.
Password Changes
Enable Non-Admin Password Changes Enable or disable to change computer and hard drive password without the
need for admin password.
By default, the option is enabled.
Admin Setup Lockout
Enable Admin Setup Lockout Enables administrators control over how their users can or cannot access BIOS
setup.
By default, the option is disabled.
Master Password Lockout
Enable Master Password Lockout When enabled, this will disable the master password support.
By default, the option is disabled.
Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert
Enable Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert Controls access to the Physical Security ID (PSID) revert of NVMe hard-drives
from the Dell Security Manager prompt.
By default, the option is disabled.
Table 12. System setup options—Update, Recovery menu
Update, Recovery
UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enable or disable BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
By default, the option is enabled.
BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enables the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a
recovery file on the user primary hard drive or an external USB key.
By default, the option is enabled.
BIOS Downgrade
Allow BIOS Downgrade Enable or disable the flashing of the computer firmware to previous revision is
blocked.
By default, the option is enabled.
56 System setup
Table 12. System setup options—Update, Recovery menu
Update, Recovery
SupportAssist OS Recovery Enable or disable the boot flow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool in the
event of certain computer errors.
By default, the option is enabled.
BIOSConnect Enable or disable cloud Service OS recovery if the main operating system fails
to boot with the number of failures equal to or greater than the value specified
by the Auto OS Recovery Threshold setup option and local Service OS does not
boot or is not installed.
By default, the option is enabled.
Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console
and for Dell OS Recovery Tool.
By default, the threshold value is set to 2.
Table 13. System setup options—System Management menu
System Management
Service Tag Display the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Create a computer Asset Tag.
Wake on LAN/WLAN Enable or disable the computer to power on by special LAN signals when it
receives a wakeup signal from the WLAN.
By default, the Disabled option is selected.
Auto on Time Enable to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a
preselected date and time. This option can be configured only if the Auto On
Time is set to Everyday, Weekdays, or Selected Days.
By default, the option is disabled.
Intel AMT Capability
Enable Intel AMT Capability Enable or disable the Intel AMT capabilty.
By default, the Restrict MEBx Access option is enabled.
MEBx Hotkey Enable or disable MEBx hotkey.
By default, the option is disabled.
USB Provision
Enable USB Provision Enable or disable the Intel AMT provisioning using the local provisioning file
through a USB storage device.
By default, the option is disabled.
SERR Messages Enable or disable SERR messages.
By default, the option is enabled.
Dell Development Configuration
Enable Flash Updated Signature Override Enable or disable certain features to control BIOS
By default, the option is disabled.
Table 14. System setup options—Keyboard menu (continued)
Keyboard
Keyboard Errors
Enable Keyboard Error Detection Enable or disable the keyboard error detection.
System setup 57
Table 14. System setup options—Keyboard menu
Keyboard
By default, the option is enabled.
Numlock LED
Enable Numlock LED Enable or disable Numlock LED.
By default, the option is enabled.
Device Configuration Hotkey Access
Device Configuration Hotkey Access Enable or disable users to access device configuration by using hotkeys.
By default, the option is enabled.
Table 15. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu
Pre-boot Behavior
Warning and Errors Enable or disable the action to be done when a warning or error is encountered.
By default, the Prompt on Warnings and Errors option is enabled.
Fastboot Enable to set the speed of the boot process.
By default, the Minimal option is enabled.
Extend BIOS POST Time Set the BIOS POST time.
By default, the 0 seconds option is enabled.
Table 16. System setup options—Virtualization menu
Virtualization
Intel Virtualization Technology
Enable Intel Virtualization Technology
(VT)
Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional
hardware capabilities that are provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.
By default, the option is enabled.
VT for Direct I/O Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional
hardware capabilities that are provided by Intel Virtualization Technology for
Direct I/O.
By default, the option is enabled.
Intel Trusted Execution Technology
(TXT)
Enable Intel Trusted Execution
Technology (TXT)
Specifies whether a measured Virtual Machine Monitor (MVMM) can utilize the
additional hardware capabilities that are provided by Intel Trusted Execution
Technology.
By default, the option is disabled.
Table 17. System setup options—Performance menu (continued)
Performance
Multi Core Support
Active Cores Enables to change the number of CPU cores available to the operating system.
By default, the All Cores options are enabled.
Intel SpeedStep
Enable Intel SpeedStep Technology Enables the computer to dynamically adjust processor voltage and core
frequency, decreasing average power consumption and heat production.
58 System setup
Table 17. System setup options—Performance menu
Performance
By default, the option is enabled.
C-States Control
Enable C-State Control Enable or disable additional processor sleep states.
By default, the option is enabled.
Intel Turbo Boost Technology
Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology Enable or disable Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor.
By default, the option is enabled.
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
Enable Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Enable or disable Hyper-Threading in the processor.
By default, the option is enabled.
Table 18. System setup options—System Logs menu
System Logs
BIOS Event Log
Clear BIOS Event Log Display BIOS events.
By default, the Keep option is enabled.
Flashing the BIOS
About this task
You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.
Follow these steps to flash the BIOS:
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support.
3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.
4. Click Drivers & downloads > Find it myself.
5. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
6. Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.
7. Click Download to download the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.
8. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
9. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.
Updating the BIOS in Windows
Prerequisites
It is recommended to update your BIOS (System Setup) when you replace the system board or if an update is available. For
laptops, ensure that your computer battery is fully charged and connected to a power before initiating a BIOS update.
System setup 59
About this task
NOTE: If BitLocker is enabled, it must be suspended prior to updating the system BIOS, and then re enabled after the BIOS
update is completed.
Steps
1. Restart the computer.
2. Go to Dell.com/support.
●Enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Submit.
●Click Detect Product and follow the instructions on screen.
3. If you are unable to detect or find the Service Tag, click Choose from all products.
4. Choose the Products category from the list.
NOTE: Choose the appropriate category to reach the product page.
5. Select your computer model and the Product Support page of your computer appears.
6. Click Get drivers and click Drivers and Downloads.
The Drivers and Downloads section opens.
7. Click Find it myself.
8. Click BIOS to view the BIOS versions.
9. Identify the latest BIOS file and click Download.
10. Select your preferred download method in the Please select your download method below window, click Download File.
The File Download window appears.
11. Click Save to save the file on your computer.
12. Click Run to install the updated BIOS settings on your computer.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Updating BIOS on systems with BitLocker enabled
CAUTION: If BitLocker is not suspended before updating the BIOS, the next time you reboot the system it
will not recognize the BitLocker key. You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress and the
system will ask for this on each reboot. If the recovery key is not known this can result in data loss or an
unnecessary operating system re-install. For more information on this subject, see Knowledge Article: https://
www.dell.com/support/article/sln153694
Updating your system BIOS using a USB flash drive
About this task
If the computer cannot load into Windows but there is still a need to update the BIOS, download the BIOS file using another
computer and save it to a bootable USB flash drive.
NOTE: You must use a bootable USB flash drive. For more information, see the knowledge base article SLN143196.
Steps
1. Download the BIOS update .exe file to another computer.
2. Copy the .exe file onto the bootable USB flash drive.
3. Insert the USB flash drive into the computer that requires the BIOS update.
4. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo appears to display the One Time Boot Menu.
5. Using arrow keys, select USB Storage Device and press Enter.
6. The computer restarts to a Diag C:\> prompt.
7. Run the file by typing the complete filename and press Enter.
8. The BIOS Update Utility is displayed. Follow the on-screen instructions.
60 System setup
Figure 1. DOS BIOS Update Screen
System and setup password
Table 19. System and setup password
Password type Description
System password Password that you must enter to log on to your system.
Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to
the BIOS settings of your computer.
You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.
NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.
Assigning a system setup password
Prerequisites
You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.
About this task
To enter the system setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.
The Security screen is displayed.
2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:
●A password can have up to 32 characters.
●The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.
System setup 61
●Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not allowed.
●Only the following special characters are allowed: space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`).
3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK.
4. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes.
5. Press Y to save the changes.
The computer reboots.
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password
Prerequisites
Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing
System and Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is
Locked.
About this task
To enter the System Setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, alter or delete the existing system password and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, alter or delete the existing setup password and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, re enter the new password when prompted. If you delete the
System and Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.
5. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes.
6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.
The computer restarts.
62 System setup
Troubleshooting
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance
Check diagnostics
About this task
SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell
SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS
internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to:
●Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
●Repeat tests
●Display or save test results
●Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
●View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
●View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer
terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA or PSA
Error Codes) .
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4. Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed.
6. To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7. Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
Dell Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment — ePSA
Diagnostic 3.0
You can invoke the ePSA diagnostics by either of the following ways :
●Press the F12 key when the system posts and choose ePSA or Diagnostics option on One Time Boot Menu.
●Press and hold Fn(Function key on keyboard) and Power On (PWR) the system.
For more details, see Dell EPSA Diagnostic 3.0.
5
Troubleshooting 63
System diagnostic lights
Power-supply diagnostics light
Indicates the status of the power-supply in either of the two sates:
●Off: No Power
●On: Power is supplied.
Power button light
Table 20. Power button LED status
Power button LED state System state Description
Off ●S4
●S5
There is in Hibernate or Off state.
Solid White S0 Working state
Solid Amber Various sleep states or No POST
Blinking Amber/White Failure to POST
This platform relies on the Power button LED light blinking in an amber/white pattern to determine a failure as listed in the
following table:
NOTE:
The blinking patterns consists of two numbers (representing First Group: Amber blinks, Second Group: White blinks).
●First Group: The Power button LED light blinks Amber, 1 to 9 times followed by a short pause with LED off for a couple
of seconds.
●Second Group: The Power button LED light then blinks White, 1 to 9 times, followed by a longer pause before the next
cycle starts again after a short interval.
.
Example: No Memory detected (2,3). Power button LED blinks 2-times in Amber followed by a pause, and then blinks 3-times in
White. The Power button LED will pause for few seconds before the next cycle repeats itself again.
Table 21. Diagnostic LED status
Blinking pattern Problem description Suggested resolution
Amber White
1 2 Unrecoverable SPI flash failure
2 1 CPU failure ●Run the Intel CPU diagnostics
tools.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
2 2 System board failure (including BIOS
corruption or ROM error)
●Flash latest BIOS version.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
2 3 No memory/RAM detected ●Confirm that the memory
module is installed properly.
●If problem persists, replace the
memory module.
2 4 Memory/RAM failure ●Reset the memory module.
●If problem persists, replace the
memory module.
64 Troubleshooting
Table 21. Diagnostic LED status
Blinking pattern Problem description Suggested resolution
2 5 Invalid Memory installed ●Reset the memory module.
●If problem persists, replace the
memory module.
2 6 System board error, chipset error, clock
failure, gate A20 failure, super I/O failure,
keyboard controller failure
●Flash latest BIOS version.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
3 1 CMOS battery failure ●Reset the CMOS battery
connection.
●If problem persists, replace the
RTS battery.
3 2 PCIe or video card/chip failure ●Replace the system board.
3 3 BIOS recovery image not found ●Flash latest BIOS version.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
3 4 BIOS recovery image found but invalid ●Flash latest BIOS version.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
3 5 Power Rail Failure ●EC ran into power sequencing
failure.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
3 6 Paid SPI volume error ●Flash corruption detected by
SBIOS.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
3 7 Intel ME (Management Engine) error ●Timeout waiting on ME to reply
to HECI message.
●If problem persists, replace the
system board.
4 2 CPU power cable connection issue
Diagnostic error messages
Table 22. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE The touchpad or external mouse may be faulty. For an
external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the
Pointing Device option in the System Setup program.
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put
spaces in the proper place, and used the correct path name.
CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed.
Contact Dell
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE The optical drive does not respond to commands from the
computer.
Troubleshooting 65
Table 22. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
DATA ERROR The hard drive cannot read the data.
DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly
seated. Reinstall the memory modules or, if necessary, replace
them.
DISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in
Dell Diagnostics.
DRIVE NOT READY The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can
continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.
ERROR READING PCMCIA CARD The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the
card or try another card.
EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED The amount of memory recorded in non-volatile memory
(NVRAM) does not match the memory module installed in the
computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again,
Contact Dell
THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE
DESTINATION DRIVE
The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the
disk, or the disk is full. Try copying the file to a different disk
or use a larger capacity disk.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? " < > | -
Do not use these characters in filenames.
GATE A20 FAILURE A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory module
or, if necessary, replace it.
GENERAL FAILURE The operating system is unable to carry out the command.
The message is usually followed by specific information.
For example, Printer out of paper. Take the
appropriate action.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the
computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from
an optical drive. Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the
hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard Disk
Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0 The hard drive does not respond to commands from the
computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive,
and boot the computer from an optical drive. Then, shut
down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the
computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the
Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the
computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive,
and boot the computer from an optical drive. Then, shut
down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the
computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the
Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer,
remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from an
optical. Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard
drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists,
try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot to non-bootable media,
such as an optical drive. Insert bootable media.
66 Troubleshooting
Table 22. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
INVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION-PLEASE RUN
SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM
The system configuration information does not match the
hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur
after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate
options in the system setup program.
KEYBOARD CLOCK LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD CONTROLLER FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart
the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse
during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in
Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD DATA LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable
connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the
keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key
test in Dell Diagnostics.
LICENSED CONTENT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE IN
MEDIADIRECT
Dell MediaDirect cannot verify the Digital Rights Management
(DRM) restrictions on the file, so the file cannot be played.
MEMORY ADDRESS LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY ALLOCATION ERROR The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the
operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down
the computer, wait for 30 seconds, and then restart it. Run
the program again. If the error message still appears, see the
software documentation.
MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS,
READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY ODD/EVEN LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS,
READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY WRITE/READ FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is
your boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly
seated, and partitioned as a boot device.
NO BOOT SECTOR ON HARD DRIVE The operating system may be corrupted, Contact Dell.
NO TIMER TICK INTERRUPT A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME
PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN
You have too many programs open. Close all windows and
open the program that you want to use.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Reinstall the operating system. If the problem persists,
Contact Dell.
OPTIONAL ROM BAD CHECKSUM The optional ROM has failed. Contact Dell.
SECTOR NOT FOUND The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard
drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted File
Allocation Table (FAT) on the hard drive. Run the Windows
error-checking utility to check the file structure on the hard
drive. See Windows Help and Support for instructions (click
Start > Help and Support). If a large number of sectors are
defective, back up the data (if possible), and then format the
hard drive.
Troubleshooting 67
Table 22. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
SEEK ERROR The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard
drive.
SHUTDOWN FAILURE A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run
the System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics. If the message
reappears, Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your
computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If
the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the
System Setup program, then immediately exit the program. If
the message reappears, Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK STOPPED The reserve battery that supports the system configuration
settings may require recharging. Connect your computer to an
electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists,
Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY NOT SET-PLEASE RUN THE SYSTEM
SETUP PROGRAM
The time or date stored in the system setup program does
not match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date
and Time options.
TIMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FAILED A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory
module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics or Contact
Dell.
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT
READY
Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)
The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover Dell Inspiron, systems from No
POST/No Power/No Boot situations. The legacy jumper enabled RTC reset has been retired on these models.
Start the RTC reset with the system powered off and connected to AC power. Press and hold the power button for thirty (30)
seconds. The system RTC Reset occurs after you release the power button.
Flashing the BIOS
About this task
You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.
Follow these steps to flash the BIOS:
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support.
3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.
4. Click Drivers & downloads > Find it myself.
5. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
6. Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.
68 Troubleshooting
7. Click Download to download the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.
8. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
9. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.
Flashing BIOS (USB key)
Steps
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information see the knowledge base article SLN143196 at www.dell.com/support.
3. Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen.
6. Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
8. The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.
WiFi power cycle
About this task
If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be
performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:
NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.
Troubleshooting 69
Getting help and contacting Dell
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources:
Table 23. Self-help resources
Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com
My Dell
Tips
Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press
Enter.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and
learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and
documents.
Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or
Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for
your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service
Code at www.dell.com/support.
For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your
computer, see Locate the Service Tag on your computer.
Dell knowledge base articles for a variety of computer
concerns
1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. On the menu bar at the top of the Support page, select
Support > Knowledge Base.
3. In the Search field on the Knowledge Base page, type the
keyword, topic, or model number, and then click or tap the
search icon to view the related articles.
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice,
packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
6
70 Getting help and contacting Dell