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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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... About Installed Hardware • Device Manager • Programs Installed 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...
... About Installed Hardware • Device Manager • Programs Installed 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...
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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 screen. The components of the desktop include a background, icons, shortcuts, and a taskbar that appears after the Windows operating system starts up. 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 screen. The components of the desktop include a background, icons, shortcuts, and a taskbar that appears after the Windows operating system starts up. Microsoft Windows Desktop 33
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...Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for open minimized windows on the desktop, or to the Start menu, which lists the programs and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or ... taskbar provides quick 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 If you can relocate it . Use the Start menu to start software applications...
...Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for open minimized windows on the desktop, or to the Start menu, which lists the programs and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or ... taskbar provides quick 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 If you can relocate it . Use the Start menu to start software applications...
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... window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on the right side of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties. To view the desktop by choosing the icons it again. Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the... arrow on top of other windows. The screen defaults to temporarily display the hidden icons. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Displaying the Taskbar 1 Right-click on the Taskbar tab. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area of the taskbar. ...
... window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on the right side of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties. To view the desktop by choosing the icons it again. Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the... arrow on top of other windows. The screen defaults to temporarily display the hidden icons. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Displaying the Taskbar 1 Right-click on the Taskbar tab. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area of the taskbar. ...
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... files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links that provide quick access to programs, documents, and folders. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2... Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop Icons for program files, documents, or folders do...
... files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links that provide quick access to programs, documents, and folders. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2... Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop Icons for program files, documents, or folders do...
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... Explore. Navigate to the folder or file to which you want the shortcut to link to , and then click Desktop (create shortcut). Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create Shortcut window, click Browse and navigate to the location of... an arrow, you are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to the file. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, ...
... Explore. Navigate to the folder or file to which you want the shortcut to link to , and then click Desktop (create shortcut). Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create Shortcut window, click Browse and navigate to the location of... an arrow, you are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to the file. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, ...
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Shortcut Menus Create Shortcut Delete Rename Properties Shortcut menus are available for an item. These menus provide quick access to the most common commands for many components of the Windows desktop, including files and folders. 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
Shortcut Menus Create Shortcut Delete Rename Properties Shortcut menus are available for an item. These menus provide quick access to the most common commands for many components of the Windows desktop, including files and folders. 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
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... Properties window. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the ...instructions provided. 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...
... Properties window. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the ...instructions provided. 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...
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... 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support...
... 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support...
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... appears. 5 Click OK. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen... Saver to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Setting...
... appears. 5 Click OK. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen... Saver to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Setting...
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Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to: • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer. NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer to access your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop
Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to: • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer. NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer to access your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an ... and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the Start menu by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the Start button. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the Start menu tab. You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. HINT: You can...
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an ... and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the Start menu by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the Start button. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the Start menu tab. You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. HINT: You can...
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... network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your computer. Hold your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows Desktop Control Panel The Control Panel contains programs and tools to enhance performance HINT: A list of your cursor over each...
... network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your computer. Hold your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows Desktop Control Panel The Control Panel contains programs and tools to enhance performance HINT: A list of your cursor over each...
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... devices that are not sure which category contains the necessary tool, hold your cursor over the category to free up text box. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel...and Ensure Security)" on your computer's performance. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to enhance performance. If you to manage and improve your hard drive to make changes to ...
... devices that are not sure which category contains the necessary tool, hold your cursor over the category to free up text box. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel...and Ensure Security)" on your computer's performance. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to enhance performance. If you to manage and improve your hard drive to make changes to ...
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OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop HINT: Typically, to access the Device Manager: Windows Vista Click Start→ Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management.
OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop HINT: Typically, to access the Device Manager: Windows Vista Click Start→ Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management.
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Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's display screen, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Do not wipe the computer's display screen with either water or an LCD cleaner. For additional safety ... monitor's anti-glare coating. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. 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 for monitors. Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer....
Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's display screen, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Do not wipe the computer's display screen with either water or an LCD cleaner. For additional safety ... monitor's anti-glare coating. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. 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 for monitors. Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer....
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Monitors and Displays 49 Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Display Settings. 4 In the Display Settings ... and the display must support the resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. 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.
Monitors and Displays 49 Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Display Settings. 4 In the Display Settings ... and the display must support the resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. 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.