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Contents 1 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 2 Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 Overview 33 Taskbar 34 Contents 3
Contents 1 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 2 Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 Overview 33 Taskbar 34 Contents 3
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... 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...
... 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...
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... 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 20 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...
... 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 20 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...
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Finding Information Start Button From the Microsoft® Windows® operating system desktop, you can click the Start button to access resources, programs, and specialized tools for managing the way Windows appears and functions on your computer. Start .... The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23
Finding Information Start Button From the Microsoft® Windows® operating system desktop, you can click the Start button to access resources, programs, and specialized tools for managing the way Windows appears and functions on your computer. Start .... The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23
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Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 Microsoft Windows Desktop desktop shortcut icons Start button taskbar notification area Overview The Microsoft® Windows® desktop is the display screen area that is usually located at the bottom of the desktop include a background, icons, shortcuts, and a taskbar that appears after the Windows operating system starts up. The components of the screen.
Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 Microsoft Windows Desktop desktop shortcut icons Start button taskbar notification area Overview The Microsoft® Windows® desktop is the display screen area that is usually located at the bottom of the desktop include a background, icons, shortcuts, and a taskbar that appears after the Windows operating system starts up. The components of the screen.
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...Provides access to change computer settings. The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your taskbar, the Start button moves or resizes with programs. 34 Microsoft Windows Desktop The taskbar provides quick access to open minimized windows on your computer.... Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on the desktop, or to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and...
...Provides access to change computer settings. The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your taskbar, the Start button moves or resizes with programs. 34 Microsoft Windows Desktop The taskbar provides quick access to open minimized windows on your computer.... Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on the desktop, or to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and...
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... minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of other windows. Click the required icon to view your desktop. Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an ... Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. As you open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. Click the arrow on an open applications and files, you may not be able to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on top of...
... minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of other windows. Click the required icon to view your desktop. Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an ... Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. As you open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. Click the arrow on an open applications and files, you may not be able to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on top of...
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...then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. You can safely delete a shortcut without affecting the item it links to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links to programs, files, or folders.... Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts ...
...then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. You can safely delete a shortcut without affecting the item it links to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links to programs, files, or folders.... Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts ...
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... Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to, and then click Desktop (create shortcut). Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 HINT: If you delete an icon with an arrow, you are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to the file.... Navigate to the folder or file to which you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to . 3 Highlight the file or folder, and click OK. 4 Click Next. 5 Name the shortcut, and then click Finish. ...
... Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to, and then click Desktop (create shortcut). Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 HINT: If you delete an icon with an arrow, you are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to the file.... Navigate to the folder or file to which you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to . 3 Highlight the file or folder, and click OK. 4 Click Next. 5 Name the shortcut, and then click Finish. ...
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To access the shortcut menus, position the cursor over the item and rightclick (click the right mouse button or the right touch-pad button). 38 Microsoft Windows Desktop These menus provide quick access to the most common commands for many components of the Windows desktop, including files and folders. Shortcut Menus Create Shortcut Delete Rename Properties Shortcut menus are available for an item.
To access the shortcut menus, position the cursor over the item and rightclick (click the right mouse button or the right touch-pad button). 38 Microsoft Windows Desktop These menus provide quick access to the most common commands for many components of the Windows desktop, including files and folders. Shortcut Menus Create Shortcut Delete Rename Properties Shortcut menus are available for an item.
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...appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size and appearance, and monitor settings from the Display Properties Menu... screen. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust....
...appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size and appearance, and monitor settings from the Display Properties Menu... screen. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust....
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...instructions provided. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. 40 Microsoft Windows Desktop The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options... and follow the instructions provided. Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance ...
...instructions provided. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. 40 Microsoft Windows Desktop The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options... and follow the instructions provided. Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance ...
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... Click OK. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. NOTE: After the screen... saver activates, you may need to log-in again to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. The Personalize appearance and sounds window...
... Click OK. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. NOTE: After the screen... saver activates, you may need to log-in again to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. The Personalize appearance and sounds window...
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NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to access your computer to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop 4 Select the length of time for your computer. Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK.
NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to access your computer to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop 4 Select the length of time for your computer. Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK.
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You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. See "Shutting Down ... programs available on the Start menu depend on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43
You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. See "Shutting Down ... programs available on the Start menu depend on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43
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... and monitor hardware • Add or remove programs • Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of your desktop • Set up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to enhance performance HINT: A list of the items you maintain and customize your cursor over... each item to display the pop-up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows Desktop Through the Control Panel, you can customize appears in the Control Panel screen. Hold your computer.
... and monitor hardware • Add or remove programs • Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of your desktop • Set up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to enhance performance HINT: A list of the items you maintain and customize your cursor over... each item to display the pop-up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows Desktop Through the Control Panel, you can customize appears in the Control Panel screen. Hold your computer.
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...computer management. Use the Device Manager to enhance performance. Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel provides tools for related information. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. See "Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and...or → Help and Support. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to your hard drive to make changes to manage devices that are not sure which...
...computer management. Use the Device Manager to enhance performance. Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel provides tools for related information. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. See "Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and...or → Help and Support. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to your hard drive to make changes to manage devices that are not sure which...
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Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. HINT: Typically, to access the Device Manager: Windows Vista Click Start→ Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. HINT: Typically, to access the Device Manager: Windows Vista Click Start→ Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
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...water or an LCD cleaner. Monitors and Displays 47 For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. Also see... when working with water. To clean the display screen for monitors. Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To clean the display for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your...
...water or an LCD cleaner. Monitors and Displays 47 For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. Also see... when working with water. To clean the display screen for monitors. Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To clean the display for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your...
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... resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ok, if not repeat step 4. 6 Click OK...
... resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ok, if not repeat step 4. 6 Click OK...