Section |
Page |
Contents |
3 |
Finding Information |
23 |
Start Button |
23 |
Microsoft Windows Help and Support |
24 |
Windows Vista® |
25 |
Windows® XP |
25 |
Control Panel |
26 |
Information About Installed Hardware |
26 |
Device Manager |
26 |
Hardware Devices Installed on Your Computer |
27 |
Programs Installed on Your Computer |
28 |
Wireless Networking |
28 |
Dell Support Website |
29 |
Technical Support |
29 |
Customer Service |
30 |
Warranty Information |
30 |
Dell Forums |
31 |
Contact Us |
31 |
BIOS (System Setup Program) Settings |
31 |
Microsoft Windows Desktop |
33 |
Overview |
33 |
Taskbar |
34 |
Overview |
34 |
Displaying the Taskbar |
35 |
Customizing the Taskbar |
35 |
Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area |
35 |
Adding Icons in the Notification Area |
35 |
Desktop Icons and Shortcuts |
36 |
Deleting an Icon From the Desktop |
36 |
Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the Desktop |
37 |
Shortcut Menus |
38 |
Changing the Desktop Appearance |
39 |
Windows Vista® |
39 |
Windows® XP |
40 |
Setting up a Screen Saver |
41 |
Windows Vista |
41 |
Windows XP |
41 |
Start Button (Menu) |
42 |
Overview |
42 |
Customizing the Start Menu |
43 |
Control Panel |
44 |
Accessing and Using the Control Panel |
45 |
Customizing Your Computer Settings |
45 |
Managing Your Computer Performance |
45 |
Monitors and Displays |
47 |
Cleaning Your Computer’s Display Screen |
47 |
Adjusting the Resolution of Your Display |
48 |
Windows Vista® |
49 |
Windows® XP |
49 |
Troubleshooting |
50 |
Choosing the Best Display Settings |
50 |
Setting the Display Resolution for External LCD Monitors |
50 |
Setting the Display for Multiple Monitors |
51 |
Windows Vista |
52 |
Windows XP |
52 |
Using the Ambient Light Sensor in Bright or Low- Light Environments: |
53 |
Cables and Connections |
55 |
DisplayPort™ - Features and Benefits |
56 |
NVIDIA SLI and ATI Crossfire Technologies |
56 |
Navigation Devices (Mouse, Keyboard, Touch Pad) |
57 |
Mouse |
58 |
Controlling the Speed of the Mouse Buttons |
58 |
Controlling the Speed of the Scroll Wheel |
59 |
Cleaning a Non-Optical Mouse |
59 |
Cleaning an Optical Mouse |
60 |
Using a Bluetooth® -Enabled Wireless Mouse |
60 |
Touch Pad |
62 |
Circular Scrolling |
62 |
Single Finger Zoom |
63 |
Cleaning the Touch Pad |
63 |
Using a Touch Pointer (Track Stick or Tablet PC Pen) |
63 |
Turning the Touch Pointer On or Off From the Control Panel |
63 |
Turning the Touch Pointer On or Off From the Taskbar |
64 |
Using a USB Pointing Device (Mouse) |
64 |
Troubleshooting a USB Pointing Device |
64 |
Keyboard |
65 |
Customizing Your Keyboard |
66 |
Backlit Keyboard |
66 |
Changing the Input Language of Your Keyboard |
67 |
Using the Numeric Keypad on a Laptop Computer |
68 |
General Keyboard Shortcuts |
69 |
Printers-Settings and Drivers |
71 |
Accessing Printer Information |
71 |
Changing Printer Settings |
72 |
For Windows Vista® |
72 |
For Windows® XP |
72 |
Setting up Printers |
73 |
Adding a Printer |
73 |
Setting the Default Printer |
74 |
Sharing Printers on a Network |
74 |
Installing a Printer Driver |
75 |
Drives and Media |
77 |
Freeing up Hard Drive Space |
77 |
Shadow Storage |
77 |
Reducing Hard Drive Space Used by Shadow Storage |
78 |
Solid-State Drive (SSD) |
78 |
Installing Drivers for Media Drives |
79 |
Determining Whether a Device Driver is the Source of a Device Problem |
79 |
Replacing a Driver With a Previous Version of the Driver |
79 |
Using the Drivers and Utilities Media to Reinstall a Driver |
80 |
Manually Reinstalling a Driver |
80 |
Drive Problems |
81 |
Optical Drive Problems |
82 |
Hard Drive Problems |
82 |
Working with RAID |
83 |
RAID Level 0 |
83 |
RAID Level 1 |
84 |
RAID Level 0+1 Configuration |
86 |
RAID Level 5 Configuration |
87 |
Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode |
87 |
Configuring RAID |
88 |
Shutting Down Your Computer |
99 |
Windows Vista® |
99 |
Windows® XP |
99 |
Shutdown States |
101 |
Microsoft® Windows Vista® |
101 |
Windows® XP |
101 |
Ending a Program That is not Responding |
101 |
Ending a Process That is not Responding |
103 |
Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer |
104 |
Undocking Your Computer While it is Running- Hot Undocking |
104 |
Undocking Without Shutting Down |
104 |
Shutting Down Your Computer When it Fails to Shut Down Normally |
105 |
Shutting Down a Stalled or \ |
105 |
Shutting Down a Computer When it Stops Responding and Displays a Solid Blue Screen |
106 |
Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode |
107 |
Restarting Your Computer After a Power Loss |
108 |
Files and Folders |
109 |
Navigating to Files |
110 |
Selecting and Opening Files |
111 |
Selecting a Group of Files |
111 |
Selecting Several Random Files |
111 |
Opening and Saving a File |
112 |
Opening a Graphic Image (Picture or Art) |
112 |
Finding Files |
112 |
Searching for a File |
112 |
Renaming Files |
113 |
Printing Files |
113 |
Deleting Files |
113 |
Sharing Files |
114 |
Windows Vista |
114 |
Windows XP |
115 |
Sharing Files With Password Protection. |
115 |
Restricting Access to a File |
115 |
Transferring Files and Settings to a New Computer |
116 |
Transferring Files From a Computer Running Windows XP to a Computer Running Windows Vista |
116 |
Transferring Files Between Computers Running Windows XP |
117 |
Backing up Files |
117 |
Windows Vista |
117 |
Windows XP |
118 |
Running Backup When the Settings Have Been Preconfigured |
118 |
Running Backup With Hidden Drives |
119 |
Restoring Files |
119 |
Windows Vista |
119 |
Windows XP |
119 |
Managing Applications (Programs) |
121 |
Installing Applications on Your Computer |
121 |
Installing Applications From a CD or DVD With Microsoft® Windows® |
121 |
Installing (Downloading) Applications From the Internet |
121 |
Installing Applications From a Network |
122 |
Windows Vista® |
122 |
Windows® XP |
122 |
Removing Applications From Your Computer |
123 |
Windows Vista |
123 |
Windows XP |
123 |
Ending an Application When it Does not Respond |
124 |
Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security) |
125 |
Performing Maintenance Tasks to Increase Computer Speed and Ensure Security |
125 |
Cleaning Your Computer |
126 |
Before You Start |
126 |
Cleaning the Computer |
126 |
Cleaning Optical Drives and Optical Drive Media |
126 |
Managing Your Computer Performance |
127 |
Windows Vista® |
127 |
Windows® XP |
128 |
Performance Tuning |
129 |
System Setup Based Performance Tuning |
129 |
Software Based Performance Tuning |
129 |
NVIDIA Performance |
129 |
NVIDIA Monitor |
130 |
Cleaning Up Your Hard Drive |
131 |
Defragmenting Your Hard Drive |
132 |
Detecting and Repairing Disk Errors |
133 |
Scanning for Viruses and Spyware |
133 |
Power (Power Settings, Power Protection Devices, and Batteries) |
135 |
Setting Power Options |
135 |
Windows Vista® |
135 |
Windows® XP |
137 |
Power Protection Devices |
140 |
Surge Protector |
140 |
Power Line Conditioner |
140 |
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) |
141 |
Laptop Computer Batteries |
141 |
Using Your Laptop Computer for the First Time |
142 |
Preserving the Life of a Battery |
142 |
Replacing a Battery |
143 |
Checking the Battery Charge |
143 |
Conserving Battery Power |
145 |
Charging the Battery |
145 |
Storing a Battery |
146 |
US Department of Transportation (DOT) Notebook Battery Restrictions |
146 |
Dell™ ControlPoint Power Manager |
146 |
Networks (LAN, Wireless, Mobile Broadband) |
149 |
Overview |
149 |
Local Area Networks (LAN) |
150 |
What You Need to Set up a LAN |
151 |
Setting up a new LAN |
151 |
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) |
153 |
What you Need to set up a WLAN |
153 |
Checking Your Wireless Network Card |
154 |
Reinstalling Software and Drivers for Your Wireless Network Card |
154 |
Setting up a new Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) |
155 |
Ad Hoc Networks |
158 |
Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network) Networks |
159 |
Establishing a Mobile Broadband Network Connection |
160 |
Checking Your Mobile Broadband Card |
160 |
Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network |
160 |
Activating Mobile Broadband Service |
160 |
Managing the Network With the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility |
161 |
WiMAX |
161 |
WPAN |
162 |
Managing Your Network |
162 |
Securing Your Network |
162 |
Securing Your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) |
164 |
Ensuring Security When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks (Hotspots) |
165 |
Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator |
166 |
Scanning for a Wireless Network |
167 |
Enabling the Network Locator |
167 |
Managing Networked Computers With Intel® Active Management Technology |
168 |
Accessing the Internet |
171 |
Overview |
171 |
What you Need to Connect to the Internet |
171 |
Web Browsers for Viewing Internet Sites |
172 |
Web Addresses |
173 |
Setting up Your Internet Connection |
173 |
Windows Vista® |
173 |
Windows® XP |
174 |
Troubleshooting Problems Connecting to the Internet |
175 |
Web Browser Settings |
175 |
Setting the Browser Home Page |
175 |
Setting the Way the Browser Displays Web Pages |
176 |
Saving Space by Setting the way the Browser Logs Viewing History |
177 |
Increasing Computer Speed by Limiting the Number of Open Internet Windows |
177 |
Using Accessibility Options for Visual Impairments |
178 |
Internet Security and Privacy |
178 |
Increasing Security for Your Computer While Accessing the Internet |
178 |
Protecting Your Privacy While Accessing the Internet |
179 |
Viruses |
179 |
Firewalls |
180 |
Spyware and Malware |
182 |
Spam |
183 |
Phishing Scams |
183 |
Shopping Securely Over the Internet |
183 |
Controlling Pop-ups |
184 |
Controlling Unwanted Toolbars |
185 |
Content Advisory/Parental Controls |
185 |
Bookmarking Favorite Websites |
185 |
Searching for Information on the Internet |
186 |
Changing the Internet Communications Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings |
187 |
Printing a Web Page |
187 |
Freeing up Space and Protecting Your Computer |
188 |
Clearing Browser History |
188 |
Deleting Temporary Internet Files |
188 |
Decreasing the Size of the Temporary Files Folder |
188 |
Maintaining Privacy by Blocking and Deleting Cookies |
189 |
E-mail |
191 |
Setting up a new E-mail Account |
191 |
Windows Vista® |
192 |
Windows® XP |
192 |
Managing and Organizing E-mail Messages |
192 |
Windows Vista |
192 |
Windows XP |
194 |
Securing Your E-mail |
194 |
Reducing Spam |
195 |
Viruses and Phishing |
196 |
Avoiding E-mail Attachments |
197 |
Viewing E-mail Messages |
197 |
Sending E-mail |
197 |
Windows Vista |
197 |
Windows XP |
198 |
Creating a Contact Group (Mailing List) |
198 |
Windows Vista |
198 |
Windows XP |
199 |
Backing Up E-mail Messages |
200 |
Windows Vista |
200 |
Windows XP |
200 |
Multimedia (CDs/DVDs, 5.1 Audio, MP3s, TVs, Digital Cameras, and Projectors) |
203 |
Overview |
203 |
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ Media |
204 |
Playing a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc Media |
204 |
Copying CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc Media |
205 |
5.1 Audio |
207 |
Setting up the 5.1 Audio Connections |
207 |
Laptop Media Devices (MP3 Players) |
208 |
Connecting a Laptop Media Device (MP3 Player) to Your Computer |
208 |
Setting up the Laptop Media Device to Sync in Windows Media Player |
208 |
Setting up the Laptop Media Device the First Time |
209 |
Copying Audio and Video Files to Your Laptop Media Device |
209 |
Playing Media Using the Dell Travel Remote |
210 |
Adjusting the Volume on Your Computer |
210 |
Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio Through the Media Software |
210 |
Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in the Windows Audio Driver |
211 |
Setting up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones |
211 |
Using a Digital Camera With Your Computer |
212 |
Using Windows Media Player |
212 |
Connecting Your Computer to a TV and Adjusting Display Settings |
215 |
Accessing a TV With Your Computer Using a TV Tuner Card |
215 |
Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device |
215 |
Determining What you Have and What you Need |
217 |
Identifying the Connectors on Your Computer |
217 |
Identifying the Connectors on Your TV |
219 |
Determining the Combination of Cables and Adapters you Need |
219 |
Physically Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device |
222 |
Performing the Basic Connection Steps |
224 |
Selecting the Correct Input Signal From the TV Menu |
226 |
TV Menu Example |
227 |
What to do If the TV Does not Recognize a Signal |
228 |
Evaluating Suggested Connection Configurations |
229 |
Enabling the Display View for the Computer and the TV |
239 |
Verify the Connection to the TV |
239 |
Verify the Input Signal for the TV |
239 |
Set up the TV as a Display Device |
239 |
Configure the Display Views |
240 |
Dual Independent Display Mode |
241 |
Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays |
242 |
Switching the Display Image |
242 |
Configuring Display Settings |
242 |
Setting Display Resolution With the Windows Display Properties Menu |
243 |
Accessing the Settings tab of the Display Properties Menu |
244 |
Accessing Additional Functions With the Advanced Button |
245 |
Accessing the Video Card Control Features |
245 |
Getting Help for Video Display Resolution Problems |
245 |
Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel |
246 |
Windows Vista |
246 |
Windows XP |
246 |
Using the Wizards |
247 |
Using a Video Card Wizard to Configure Display Settings |
247 |
Using a TV Wizard to Configure Display Settings |
248 |
Getting Help for Video Card Control Panels |
249 |
Troubleshooting Display Settings |
249 |
Where to Find Help |
249 |
Resolving Common Problems |
249 |
Security and Privacy |
251 |
Protecting Your Computer-Using Administrator Rights, User Groups, and Passwords |
251 |
Administrator Rights |
251 |
User Groups |
252 |
Passwords |
253 |
Smart Cards |
254 |
Fingerprint Readers |
254 |
Facial Recognition Software |
255 |
Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer |
255 |
Turning On Windows Firewall |
255 |
Encrypting Files and Folders |
256 |
Using Antivirus Software |
256 |
Maintaining Security When Using a Public Wireless Network |
256 |
Reducing the Risk of Getting Computer Viruses |
257 |
Dealing With Cookies |
258 |
Blocking all Cookies |
258 |
Avoiding Spyware and Malware |
259 |
Microsoft®Windows® XP Pro Remote Desktop |
261 |
Enabling Remote Desktop on the Host Computer |
261 |
Installing Remote Desktop Client Software |
262 |
Calling From a Remote Location |
262 |
Restoring Your Operating System |
265 |
Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore |
265 |
Starting System Restore |
266 |
Undoing the Last System Restore |
266 |
Enabling System Restore |
267 |
Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore |
267 |
Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore |
268 |
Using the Operating System Media |
269 |
Before you Begin |
269 |
Reinstalling Windows XP or Windows Vista |
269 |
Troubleshooting |
271 |
Troubleshooting Tools |
272 |
Power Lights for Desktop Computers |
273 |
Diagnostic Lights for Desktop Computers |
274 |
Diagnostic Lights for Laptop Computers |
275 |
System Messages for Desktop Computers |
275 |
System Messages for Laptop Computers |
276 |
Windows Hardware Troubleshooter |
280 |
Running the Dell Diagnostics |
281 |
Dell Support Center |
285 |
Solving Problems |
287 |
Battery Problems |
287 |
Drive Problems |
287 |
Optical Drive Problems |
288 |
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems |
289 |
Error Messages |
290 |
IEEE 1394 Device Problems |
291 |
Keyboard Problems for External Keyboards |
292 |
Lockups and Software Problems |
292 |
Memory Problems |
294 |
Mouse Problems |
295 |
Network Problems |
296 |
Power Problems |
296 |
Printer Problems |
298 |
Scanner Problems |
299 |
Sound and Speaker Problems |
299 |
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems for Laptop Computers |
301 |
Video and Monitor Problems |
302 |
Power Lights |
304 |
Dell Technical Update Service |
305 |
System Setup |
307 |
Viewing System Settings With the System Setup Program |
307 |
Entering the System Setup Program |
308 |
Working With Options on the System Setup Program Screen |
308 |
Changing the Boot Sequence |
309 |
Performing a One-Time Boot |
310 |
Changing Boot Sequence to a USB Device |
310 |
Changing the BIOS Settings |
310 |
Viewing the BIOS Settings |
311 |
Upgrading the BIOS (Flashing the BIOS) |
311 |
Ports |
313 |
USB Port |
313 |
IEEE 1394 Port |
314 |
RS232 Serial Port |
315 |
Parallel Port |
316 |
eSATA Port |
317 |
Modem |
318 |
Ethernet Port |
319 |
Keyboard and Mouse Port (PS2) |
320 |
VGA Port |
321 |
DVI-I Port |
322 |
S-Video TV-Out Port |
323 |
Component Video |
324 |
Composite Video |
325 |
HDMI Port |
326 |
DisplayPort™ |
327 |
S/PDIF Port (Coaxial RCA) |
328 |
S/PDIF Port (Toslink) |
328 |
Audio Ports |
329 |
Getting Help |
331 |
Obtaining Assistance |
331 |
Dell Support Service |
332 |
Technical Support and Customer Service |
332 |
DellConnect™ |
332 |
Online Services |
333 |
AutoTech Service |
334 |
Automated Order-Status Service |
334 |
Problems With Your Order |
334 |
Product Information |
334 |
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit |
334 |
Before You Call |
335 |
Contacting Dell |
337 |