Go
here and follow the prompts, then you should be able to find the Dell manual for your system.
Bev.
Ps. Dell's Mini towers and the New Inspiron and Vostro slim line systems support two hard drives, the older small format systems do not.
===================================================
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Hi Bev:
Per your suggestion, I went to the Dell site again and reviewed the instruction manuals for this and three other Dell computers and also looked at the computers. I decided internally accessible hard drive bays indicates there are provisions for the specified number of hard drives so the computer should be able to use that number. I'm not sure what a "bay" consists of, available space for not included hardware to hold the hard drive appears to be a good explanation. "Available devices" indicates what was supplied with the computer with that particular service tag.
Theoretically, the swap meet computer should support two drives. I've decided to attempt to sell the computer next time I go to the swap meet, and buy one through ebay where I can get the service tag number and review the manual. Other than sounding like a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer when the microprocessor heat sink fan is operating, the computer runs well.
Jim
Which Dell computer model, did you purchased at the 'swap meet'?
A 'Bay' is a space in the case, where either an optical drive, hard drive, floppy drive or a media reader can be installed, in some models, a set of rails or a plastic tray may be provided, in others you will need to provide the rails, tray or screws, to hold the drive in the bay.
Bev.
===================================================
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Message Edited by shesagordie on 10-18-2007 03:11 PM
Bev - I forgot the following.
Any ideas on the excessive fan noise? It's hard to believe Dell would ship a computer with a fan as loud as this one. Sound level is similar to an earlier Kerby vacuum cleaner. I searched the Dell forums for "fan", and a few others complained about the noise. Suggested fixes were to upgrade the BIOS, get a different heat sink, etc. Some people replaced the fan and often had problems with the computer indicating the fan was inoperative. I wonder if there are two fan speeds, and this one is always running max speed.
If I keep this computer and can't solve the noise problem, I'm considering putting it in an adjacent room, with the monitor, mouse, and keyboard in this room.
@Jim_Hill wrote:
Bev - I forgot the following.
Any ideas on the excessive fan noise? It's hard to believe Dell would ship a computer with a fan as loud as this one. Sound level is similar to an earlier Kerby vacuum cleaner. I searched the Dell forums for "fan", and a few others complained about the noise. Suggested fixes were to upgrade the BIOS, get a different heat sink, etc. Some people replaced the fan and often had problems with the computer indicating the fan was inoperative. I wonder if there are two fan speeds, and this one is always running max speed.
If I keep this computer and can't solve the noise problem, I'm considering putting it in an adjacent room, with the monitor, mouse, and keyboard in this room.
Jim
You need to post the computer model.
Note; Dell uses proprietary variable speed case/processer fans in the systems.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
"Hi Bev:
I'm a little slow in providing the computer info, unfortunately. First, I neglected to send the post, then included the service tag, which is against Dell policy, I discovered when the message bounced back.
It is a Dimension 2400, and specs say there is only one bay for an internal hard drive. I was reading the service tag upside down and used used M instead of W, and M listed a computer with two internal HD bays.
I was attempting to add a used drive which I had never tried before, so I connected it in place of the drive supplied with the computer. I heard two beeps, then a DOS screen appeared, saying Hard drive 0 not found. Since all data probably was removed from the drive I wasn't surprised, but about 30 seconds later the computer abruptly shut down, and I smelled the hot electronics scent. I had a boot disk in the floppy, but apparently the computer wasn't set up to boot from the floppy. The computer ran normally when the other drive was replaced. I'm guessing I have a defective drive. The fan noise is too loud to listen to the drive.
There must be a trick in pressing the F-key at the proper time to go into setup. i tried quite a few times when the Dell logo was seen and CMOS loading, but never had the right instance. instructions say wait three seconds between key strokes, but there is only a few seconds to try.
@Jim_Hill wrote:
"Hi Bev:
I'm a little slow in providing the computer info, unfortunately. First, I neglected to send the post, then included the service tag, which is against Dell policy, I discovered when the message bounced back.
It is a Dimension 2400, and specs say there is only one bay for an internal hard drive. I was reading the service tag upside down and used used M instead of W, and M listed a computer with two internal HD bays.
I was attempting to add a used drive which I had never tried before, so I connected it in place of the drive supplied with the computer. I heard two beeps, then a DOS screen appeared, saying Hard drive 0 not found. Since all data probably was removed from the drive I wasn't surprised, but about 30 seconds later the computer abruptly shut down, and I smelled the hot electronics scent. I had a boot disk in the floppy, but apparently the computer wasn't set up to boot from the floppy. The computer ran normally when the other drive was replaced. I'm guessing I have a defective drive. The fan noise is too loud to listen to the drive.
There must be a trick in pressing the F-key at the proper time to go into setup. i tried quite a few times when the Dell logo was seen and CMOS loading, but never had the right instance. instructions say wait three seconds between key strokes, but there is only a few seconds to try.
Jim
Jim.
Are you refering to installing a new primary hard drive, or an additional hard drive?
The D-2400 will support two hard drives, but you will need the bracket for the additional hard drive and a three connector IDE ribbon cable.
To enter the setup, try tapping F2 key after a restart of the computer.
Dimension 2400 second hard drive installation.
You require a second hard drive bracket kit for the D-2400, this can be purchased for $7.99 from
here.
The three connector 80 wire, 18" IDE cable can also be purchased from Centrix for
.25c.
There are no instructions for installing a second IDE/EIDE hard drive in a D-2400, but because the D-4600 has the same case and chassis, you can use the D-4600 instructions for the physical installation.
Set the second hard drive's jumpers to "Cable Select" and connect it to the middle connector on the cable.
After installing the drive, enter the setup and check that the hard drive is set to Auto [on].
Use XP's disk management to partition and format the drive.
These are generic instructions for installing an additional hard drive using Windows XP Disk Management, they are by Seagate, but apply to all
makes.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Message Edited by shesagordie on 10-21-2007 02:27 PM
Hi Bev:
You are correct; the 2400 supports two drives even though just one drive "bay" is provided. However, I have a different motherboard that has SATA drive connectors. The seller said the motherboard had been replaced, but I took this statement with a grain of salt. Sales data says it is a 3.4 Ghz Pentium 4 (I have not tried to verify this info using Belarc Advisor since I have not installed any security software). However, Win XP and Office are valid installs - I ran windowsupdate with no problems.
It's too bad that I can't resolve the high fan noise problem. I've thought of putting the computer in an adjacent storage room and using extension monitor, USB, and printer cables but have not figured an easy method of running these cables throug the wall.
The Dimension 2400 systems were never made with or supported SATA motherboards.
Sometimes D-2400 owners, replaced the OEM motherboard with a Dimension 4600 board, that supported two SATA AND four IDE drives, because they required an AGP graphics slot, that the D-2400 system did not have.
What is the make and model of the motherboard that's installed?
Basically to install an additional SATA hard drive, all you need, is a SATA data cable, providing there's a suitable spare power connector that will fit a SATA drive.
After installation you need to check the setup and see if the hard drive is set to 'auto' [on] and then the drive needs to be formatted and partitioned, using XP's disk management.
Jumpers are not used with SATA, the primary C:/ hard drive data cable, is usually connected to the motherboard connector SATA-0, and the secondary data cable to SATA-1.
Bev.
===================================================
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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Hi Bev:
Finding the motherboard part number was difficult, and I finally installed Belarc Advisor (after first verifying an internet connection isn't required to analyze my computer).
The computer is a 3.4 ghz P4 Dell 4700 mini-tower and the motherboard was listed as 0M3918. Checking the internet, I found
http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=MB4DELDIM4700&eq=&Tp=
which lists a M3918 that resembles my motherboard.
Here's some data off the motherboard:
E2108?? the remainder is obscured by a circular red sticker, but the 4th digit may be an 8. An internet search brought E210882, which is the wrong motherboard.
Serial number (on a white sticker) is DS/N CN-OM3918-70821-45N-00B9: C/O CN, and a second smaller sticker lists AA-CE58993-204A. A third sticker lists Rev A01
After discovering I have a Dell 4700, I searched again for excessive fan noise and found a Dell Forum topic that seems to apply to my situation:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_other&message.id=226827&view=by_date_ascending&page=1
I decided to email Dell technical support and see about purchasing an updated CPU heat sink, but immediately hit snags. A service tag is needed, but my tag doesn't apply to my current mother board. Also, support only applies to items covered under Dell's limited warranty and this computer is out of warranty. Should I go through customer service to reach the parts department?
My reply of 15 minutes ago wasn't posted, so here is a repeat. Hi Bev: Finding the motherboard part number was difficult, and I finally installed Belarc Advisor (after first verifying an internet connection isn't required to analyze my computer). The computer is a 3.4 ghz P4 Dell 4700 mini-tower and the motherboard was listed as 0M3918. Checking the internet, I found http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=MB4DELDIM4700&eq=&Tp= which lists a M3918 that resembles my motherboard. Here's some data off the motherboard: E2108?? the remainder is obscured by a circular red sticker, but the 4th digit may be an 8. An internet search brought E210882, which is the wrong motherboard. Serial number (on a white sticker) is DS/N CN-OM3918-70821-45N-00B9: C/O CN, and a second smaller sticker lists AA-CE58993-204A. A third sticker lists Rev A01 After discovering I have a Dell 4700, I searched again for excessive fan noise and found a Dell Forum topic that seems to apply to my situation: http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_other&message.id=226827&view=by_date_ascending&page=1 I decided to email Dell technical support and see about purchasing an updated CPU heat sink, but immediately hit snags. A service tag is needed, but my tag doesn't apply to my current mother board. Also, support only applies to items covered under Dell's limited warranty and this computer is out of warranty. Should I go through customer service to reach the parts department? Jim
There's some controversy about the Dimension 4700 fan, see
here and
here.
Bev.
===================================================
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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Message Edited by shesagordie on 10-23-2007 04:21 PM
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
October 18th, 2007 03:00
Go here and follow the prompts, then you should be able to find the Dell manual for your system.
Bev.
Ps. Dell's Mini towers and the New Inspiron and Vostro slim line systems support two hard drives, the older small format systems do not.
===================================================
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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Jim_Hill
2 Intern
•
159 Posts
0
October 18th, 2007 06:00
Per your suggestion, I went to the Dell site again and reviewed the instruction manuals for this and three other Dell computers and also looked at the computers. I decided internally accessible hard drive bays indicates there are provisions for the specified number of hard drives so the computer should be able to use that number. I'm not sure what a "bay" consists of, available space for not included hardware to hold the hard drive appears to be a good explanation. "Available devices" indicates what was supplied with the computer with that particular service tag.
Theoretically, the swap meet computer should support two drives. I've decided to attempt to sell the computer next time I go to the swap meet, and buy one through ebay where I can get the service tag number and review the manual. Other than sounding like a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer when the microprocessor heat sink fan is operating, the computer runs well.
Jim
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
October 18th, 2007 19:00
Which Dell computer model, did you purchased at the 'swap meet'?
A 'Bay' is a space in the case, where either an optical drive, hard drive, floppy drive or a media reader can be installed, in some models, a set of rails or a plastic tray may be provided, in others you will need to provide the rails, tray or screws, to hold the drive in the bay.
Bev.
===================================================
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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Message Edited by shesagordie on 10-18-2007 03:11 PM
Jim_Hill
2 Intern
•
159 Posts
0
October 19th, 2007 06:00
Any ideas on the excessive fan noise? It's hard to believe Dell would ship a computer with a fan as loud as this one. Sound level is similar to an earlier Kerby vacuum cleaner. I searched the Dell forums for "fan", and a few others complained about the noise. Suggested fixes were to upgrade the BIOS, get a different heat sink, etc. Some people replaced the fan and often had problems with the computer indicating the fan was inoperative. I wonder if there are two fan speeds, and this one is always running max speed.
If I keep this computer and can't solve the noise problem, I'm considering putting it in an adjacent room, with the monitor, mouse, and keyboard in this room.
Jim
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
October 19th, 2007 20:00
You need to post the computer model.
Note; Dell uses proprietary variable speed case/processer fans in the systems.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Jim_Hill
2 Intern
•
159 Posts
0
October 21st, 2007 14:00
I'm a little slow in providing the computer info, unfortunately. First, I neglected to send the post, then included the service tag, which is against Dell policy, I discovered when the message bounced back.
It is a Dimension 2400, and specs say there is only one bay for an internal hard drive. I was reading the service tag upside down and used used M instead of W, and M listed a computer with two internal HD bays.
I was attempting to add a used drive which I had never tried before, so I connected it in place of the drive supplied with the computer. I heard two beeps, then a DOS screen appeared, saying Hard drive 0 not found. Since all data probably was removed from the drive I wasn't surprised, but about 30 seconds later the computer abruptly shut down, and I smelled the hot electronics scent. I had a boot disk in the floppy, but apparently the computer wasn't set up to boot from the floppy. The computer ran normally when the other drive was replaced. I'm guessing I have a defective drive. The fan noise is too loud to listen to the drive.
There must be a trick in pressing the F-key at the proper time to go into setup. i tried quite a few times when the Dell logo was seen and CMOS loading, but never had the right instance. instructions say wait three seconds between key strokes, but there is only a few seconds to try.
Jim
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
October 21st, 2007 18:00
Jim.
Are you refering to installing a new primary hard drive, or an additional hard drive?
The D-2400 will support two hard drives, but you will need the bracket for the additional hard drive and a three connector IDE ribbon cable.
To enter the setup, try tapping F2 key after a restart of the computer.
Dimension 2400 second hard drive installation.
You require a second hard drive bracket kit for the D-2400, this can be purchased for $7.99 from here.
The three connector 80 wire, 18" IDE cable can also be purchased from Centrix for .25c.
There are no instructions for installing a second IDE/EIDE hard drive in a D-2400, but because the D-4600 has the same case and chassis, you can use the D-4600 instructions for the physical installation.
Set the second hard drive's jumpers to "Cable Select" and connect it to the middle connector on the cable.
How to install the hard drive.
After installing the drive, enter the setup and check that the hard drive is set to Auto [on].
Use XP's disk management to partition and format the drive.
These are generic instructions for installing an additional hard drive using Windows XP Disk Management, they are by Seagate, but apply to all makes.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Message Edited by shesagordie on 10-21-2007 02:27 PM
Jim_Hill
2 Intern
•
159 Posts
0
October 22nd, 2007 19:00
You are correct; the 2400 supports two drives even though just one drive "bay" is provided. However, I have a different motherboard that has SATA drive connectors. The seller said the motherboard had been replaced, but I took this statement with a grain of salt. Sales data says it is a 3.4 Ghz Pentium 4 (I have not tried to verify this info using Belarc Advisor since I have not installed any security software). However, Win XP and Office are valid installs - I ran windowsupdate with no problems.
It's too bad that I can't resolve the high fan noise problem. I've thought of putting the computer in an adjacent storage room and using extension monitor, USB, and printer cables but have not figured an easy method of running these cables throug the wall.
Jim
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
October 22nd, 2007 21:00
The Dimension 2400 systems were never made with or supported SATA motherboards.
Sometimes D-2400 owners, replaced the OEM motherboard with a Dimension 4600 board, that supported two SATA AND four IDE drives, because they required an AGP graphics slot, that the D-2400 system did not have.
See here.
What is the make and model of the motherboard that's installed?
Basically to install an additional SATA hard drive, all you need, is a SATA data cable, providing there's a suitable spare power connector that will fit a SATA drive.
After installation you need to check the setup and see if the hard drive is set to 'auto' [on] and then the drive needs to be formatted and partitioned, using XP's disk management.
Jumpers are not used with SATA, the primary C:/ hard drive data cable, is usually connected to the motherboard connector SATA-0, and the secondary data cable to SATA-1.
Bev.
===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Jim_Hill
2 Intern
•
159 Posts
0
October 23rd, 2007 03:00
Finding the motherboard part number was difficult, and I finally installed Belarc Advisor (after first verifying an internet connection isn't required to analyze my computer).
The computer is a 3.4 ghz P4 Dell 4700 mini-tower and the motherboard was listed as 0M3918. Checking the internet, I found
http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=MB4DELDIM4700&eq=&Tp=
which lists a M3918 that resembles my motherboard.
Here's some data off the motherboard:
E2108?? the remainder is obscured by a circular red sticker, but the 4th digit may be an 8. An internet search brought E210882, which is the wrong motherboard.
Serial number (on a white sticker) is DS/N CN-OM3918-70821-45N-00B9: C/O CN, and a second smaller sticker lists AA-CE58993-204A. A third sticker lists Rev A01
After discovering I have a Dell 4700, I searched again for excessive fan noise and found a Dell Forum topic that seems to apply to my situation:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_other&message.id=226827&view=by_date_ascending&page=1
I decided to email Dell technical support and see about purchasing an updated CPU heat sink, but immediately hit snags. A service tag is needed, but my tag doesn't apply to my current mother board. Also, support only applies to items covered under Dell's limited warranty and this computer is out of warranty. Should I go through customer service to reach the parts department?
Jim
Jim_Hill
2 Intern
•
159 Posts
0
October 23rd, 2007 04:00
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
October 23rd, 2007 20:00
The link you posted, refers to a Dimension 8400, not the 4700, the 8400 has a chassis that is different to either the 2400 and 4700.
Try calling Dell Spare Parts for the parts.
There's some controversy about the Dimension 4700 fan, see here and here.
Bev.
===================================================
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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
Message Edited by shesagordie on 10-23-2007 04:21 PM