Here's how to reset the NVRAM in the 8400--and it's going to sound a little untechnical because I can't find the link to the Dell info at the moment. But I've done this several times with no problems.
Make sure to do all the usual grounding precautions found in your manual or here:
With the 8400 open and the bottom of the case closest to you, the PCI slots will be on the right and the front of the case will be on your left. On the edge of the mobo closest to you there is a jumper called "CLR CMOS". See the mobo picture in the following link.
The jumper is on pins 1 & 2 (it might be 2 & 3...I can't remember for sure, so reverse the next instructions if it is on 2-3), there are only 3 pins. Take the jumper off, place it on pins 2 & 3 (or 1 & 2 if already on 2-3), wait 5 seconds, then move the jumper back to the original position. That's it.
When you restart, go into the BIOS Setup and reset the time and date--that's how you'll know for sure NVRAM was cleared. Also, all the settings will be back at factory default so check them carefully (for example, default is Hyperthreading OFF, and you probably would want that on).
Don't know if this resolves your issue, but at least NVRAM will be cleared. Good Luck!
Glad to help my friend, Dell has changed so much here lately hard to find things, too I worked most of the weekend on correcting broken links to a number of their articles I have listed on the CD/RW page.. still more to adjust..
Are you ready for the Holiday rush, gets pretty interesting at Dell during this time !!
Take care,
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the difference. CD/RW Link
If Clearing the CMOS (NVRAM) does not help, it may be the issue with the Upper & Lower Filters we have seen in the past, please Click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 12, article 10 for Dell`s version, Section 100, article 31 for Microsoft`s
Seasons Greetings!
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the difference. CD/RW Link
To all of those who offered help on my Dimension 8400, thanks. I received a replacement unit from Dell, put the old one back in the box, and will never know why it wouldnt recognize the optical drives. The only sure thing out of the whole mess, Dell stood behind me when the chips were down. Thanks Mike.
AZtoSD
362 Posts
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November 30th, 2004 11:00
Predator
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15.3K Posts
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November 30th, 2004 13:00
Hi AZtoSD,
Glad to help my friend, Dell has changed so much here lately hard to find things, too I worked most of the weekend on correcting broken links to a number of their articles I have listed on the CD/RW page.. still more to adjust..
Are you ready for the Holiday rush, gets pretty interesting at Dell during this time !!
Take care,
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link
AZtoSD
362 Posts
0
November 30th, 2004 13:00
Predator
2 Intern
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15.3K Posts
0
November 30th, 2004 13:00
Hi Anthony,
AZtoSD was close, actually at the right spot but has to search more now than we used to:
Here is the direct link:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/syssetup.htm#wp1052704
If Clearing the CMOS (NVRAM) does not help, it may be the issue with the Upper & Lower Filters we have seen in the past, please Click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 12, article 10 for Dell`s version, Section 100, article 31 for Microsoft`s
Seasons Greetings!
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link
Anthony Wozniak
9 Posts
0
January 9th, 2005 11:00
To all of those who offered help on my Dimension 8400, thanks. I received a replacement unit from Dell, put the old one back in the box, and will never know why it wouldnt recognize the optical drives. The only sure thing out of the whole mess, Dell stood behind me when the chips were down. Thanks Mike.
Anthony Wozniak Jr