Dell 2100 User Manual

Also see for Inspiron 2100: Installation instructions Start here Setup and features information Service manual User guide

Contents

Maintaining the System C-133If the kit does not contain instructions, insert one of thepretreated diskettes into a diskette drive and turn on thesystem. After 20 or 30 seconds, remove the diskette fromthe drive. Repeat this procedure for each diskette drive inthe computer.Environmental FactorsThis section discusses various environmental factors thatcan adversely affect system performance and longevity.TemperatureTemperature extremes can cause a variety of problems,including premature aging and failure of chips ormechanical failure of devices. Extreme temperature fluc-tuations can cause chips to become loose in their socketsand can cause expansion and contraction of disk driveplatters, resulting in read or write data errors. When youperform a low-level format operation on a hard-diskdrive, it is important to ensure that the drive’s surround-ing temperature is at or near the temperature at which thedrive will be operated. Failure to do so can result in relo-cation of the tracks on the disk platters.To minimize the negative effects of temperature on sys-tem performance, follow these guidelines:• Ensure that the system is operated in an environmentno colder than 10° Celsius (C) (50° Fahrenheit [F])or hotter than 35°C (95°F).• Ensure that the system has adequate ventilation. Donot place it within a closed-in wall unit or on top ofcloth material, which can act as insulation. Do notplace it where it will receive direct sunlight, particu-larly in the afternoon. Do not place it next to a heatsource of any kind, including heating vents duringwinter.• Make sure that all slots and openings on the com-puter remain unobstructed, especially the fan guardon the back of the computer.• Clean the system at regular intervals to avoid anybuildup of dust and debris, which can cause a systemto overheat.• If the system is exposed to abnormally cold tempera-tures, allow a 15-minute warm-up period after it isturned on before attempting to read from or write tothe hard-disk drive.• If intermittent system failures are noticed, try reseat-ing any socketed chips, which might have becomeloose due to temperature fluctuations.HumidityHigh-humidity conditions can cause moisture migrationand penetration into the computer. This moisture cancause corrosion of internal components and degradationof properties such as electrical resistance, thermal con-ductivity, physical strength, and size. Extreme moisturebuildup inside the computer can result in electrical shorts,which can cause serious damage to the computer.Each Dell system is rated to operate at 8 to 80 percent rel-ative humidity, with a humidity gradation of 10 percentper hour. In storage, a Dell system can withstand from 8to 95 percent relative humidity.Buildings in which climate is controlled by air-conditioning in the warmer months and by heat during thecolder months usually maintain an acceptable level ofhumidity for computer equipment. However, if a system islocated in an unusually humid location, a dehumidifier canbe used to maintain the humidity within an acceptablerange.AltitudeOperating a system at high altitude (low pressure)reduces the efficiency of forced and convection coolingand can result in electrical problems related to arcing andcorona effects. This condition can also cause sealed com-ponents with internal pressure, such as electrolyticcapacitors, to fail or perform at reduced efficiency.Each Dell system is rated to operate at altitudes from -16to 3048 meters (m) (-50 to 10,000 feet [ft]) and can bestored at altitudes of -16 to 10,600 m (-50 to 35,000 ft).CAUTION: Do not attempt to clean drive headswith a swab. You may accidentally misalign theheads, rendering the drive inoperable.