Dell Technology Guide
Page 2
...DellConnect, StrikeZone, Wi-Fi Catcher, ExpressCharge, and Dell TravelLite are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Blu-ray Disc is used by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. August 2008 Rev. Other trademarks and trade names may not apply to avoid the problem. Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE... indicates important information that helps you how to all Dell systems. © 2007-2008 Dell Inc. Some of Intel Corporation in this document is strictly forbidden. ...
...DellConnect, StrikeZone, Wi-Fi Catcher, ExpressCharge, and Dell TravelLite are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Blu-ray Disc is used by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. August 2008 Rev. Other trademarks and trade names may not apply to avoid the problem. Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE... indicates important information that helps you how to all Dell systems. © 2007-2008 Dell Inc. Some of Intel Corporation in this document is strictly forbidden. ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 7
...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...
...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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 13
.... . . . . 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...
.... . . . . 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 17
... 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...
... 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 18
... 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 17 Security and Privacy 251 Protecting Your Computer-Using Administrator Rights, User Groups, and Passwords 251 Administrator Rights 251 User Groups 252 Passwords 253...
... 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 17 Security and Privacy 251 Protecting Your Computer-Using Administrator Rights, User Groups, and Passwords 251 Administrator Rights 251 User Groups 252 Passwords 253...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 20
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...
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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 22
S/PDIF Port (Toslink 328 Audio Ports 329 23 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 22 Contents
S/PDIF Port (Toslink 328 Audio Ports 329 23 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 22 Contents
Dell Technology Guide
Page 25
Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to diagnose problems. You can also view more details about your computer information. Basic Information Click Start → Help and Support→ Tools (from the...Information 25 Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on your computer, click Start → Help and Support→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Task options) to view your computer information and to view your computer through the Control Panel (...
Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to diagnose problems. You can also view more details about your computer information. Basic Information Click Start → Help and Support→ Tools (from the...Information 25 Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on your computer, click Start → Help and Support→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Task options) to view your computer information and to view your computer through the Control Panel (...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 64
... Restore can be auto-detected by your finger to press and hold the taskbar. 2 Point to reactivate a USB pointing device if any of the following problems occur: • The pointer moves erratically. • The pointer does not respond when you move the pointing device. • Nothing happens when you fail to...
... Restore can be auto-detected by your finger to press and hold the taskbar. 2 Point to reactivate a USB pointing device if any of the following problems occur: • The pointer moves erratically. • The pointer does not respond when you move the pointing device. • Nothing happens when you fail to...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 65
...on an adding machine (The numeric keypad on page 79. Keyboard Your keyboard provides different sets of keys to reinstall the driver. You may have problems with the pointing device, check the software driver for moving the cursor around in documents or windows: , , , , , , and arrow ...keys • Numeric keypad of a Device Problem" on most laptop computers is integrated into the alphabetic keys.) Navigation Devices (Mouse, Keyboard, Touch Pad) 65 For more information on System Restore see...
...on an adding machine (The numeric keypad on page 79. Keyboard Your keyboard provides different sets of keys to reinstall the driver. You may have problems with the pointing device, check the software driver for moving the cursor around in documents or windows: , , , , , , and arrow ...keys • Numeric keypad of a Device Problem" on most laptop computers is integrated into the alphabetic keys.) Navigation Devices (Mouse, Keyboard, Touch Pad) 65 For more information on System Restore see...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 79
... the new driver was installed, and click Properties. 4 Click the Drivers tab→ Roll Back Driver. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, use Windows Device Driver Rollback. 1 Click Start and right-click Computer. 2 Click Properties→ Device Manager. 3 Right-click the device for Media...the device name, you may need to reinstall or update the driver. Determining Whether a Device Driver is the Source of the Driver If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use System Restore (see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow ...
... the new driver was installed, and click Properties. 4 Click the Drivers tab→ Roll Back Driver. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, use Windows Device Driver Rollback. 1 Click Start and right-click Computer. 2 Click Properties→ Device Manager. 3 Right-click the device for Media...the device name, you may need to reinstall or update the driver. Determining Whether a Device Driver is the Source of the Driver If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use System Restore (see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 81
... driver software. 7 Click Browse, and browse to the location to eliminate the possibility that came with your Drivers and Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell computers. E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E - Click Start→ My Computer. See "Windows Hardware... R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - Drives and Media 81 Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer. TEST THE DRIVE - • Insert another CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc® (BD...
... driver software. 7 Click Browse, and browse to the location to eliminate the possibility that came with your Drivers and Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell computers. E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E - Click Start→ My Computer. See "Windows Hardware... R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R - Drives and Media 81 Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer. TEST THE DRIVE - • Insert another CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc® (BD...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 82
... return to a media drive CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS C H A N G E T H E W R I T O N - See "Running the Dell Diagnostics" on . See the help files for drives that are not slot-loading) 1 Ensure that the disc is inserted properly. Problems writing to room temperature before turning it stops. Hard Drive Problems A L L O W T H E C O M P U T E R T O C O O L B E F O R E T U R N I N G I T E S P E E D T O A S L O W E R R A... cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in all DVD drives. Optical Drive Problems NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is partially ejected. 3 Gently pull out the ...
... return to a media drive CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS C H A N G E T H E W R I T O N - See "Running the Dell Diagnostics" on . See the help files for drives that are not slot-loading) 1 Ensure that the disc is inserted properly. Problems writing to room temperature before turning it stops. Hard Drive Problems A L L O W T H E C O M P U T E R T O C O O L B E F O R E T U R N I N G I T E S P E E D T O A S L O W E R R A... cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in all DVD drives. Optical Drive Problems NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is partially ejected. 3 Gently pull out the ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 100
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about turning off computer dialog box appears. 4 Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. NOTE: Windows operating systems start automatically when you turn on the computer. 100 Shutting Down Your Computer 2 Click Start and then select Turn Off menu. 3 The Turn off your computer is not operating properly, restarting Windows often solves the problem. HINT: If your computer properly in Windows, see Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about turning off computer dialog box appears. 4 Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. NOTE: Windows operating systems start automatically when you turn on the computer. 100 Shutting Down Your Computer 2 Click Start and then select Turn Off menu. 3 The Turn off your computer is not operating properly, restarting Windows often solves the problem. HINT: If your computer properly in Windows, see Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 102
... entered or changes made in that is not responding and then click End Task. In order to continue work, you may have to find the problem and fix it automatically. You can terminate the program by using the Task Manager utility. 1 Right-click the taskbar, and click Task Manager. 2 The Task...
... entered or changes made in that is not responding and then click End Task. In order to continue work, you may have to find the problem and fix it automatically. You can terminate the program by using the Task Manager utility. 1 Right-click the taskbar, and click Task Manager. 2 The Task...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 107
...are using. The error reporting dialog box will help you restart your computer in a limited state. This will be displayed after you troubleshoot the problem later. Write down the message. Also, you are started. HINT: If an error message is turned back on. NOTE: Unsaved data associated... that power is off and components will be displayed. See "Replacing a Battery" on page 125 • Your system administrator • support.dell.com. The words "Safe Mode" appear in Safe Mode, you have shut down your computer in Safe Mode if you can eliminate the default...
...are using. The error reporting dialog box will help you restart your computer in a limited state. This will be displayed after you troubleshoot the problem later. Write down the message. Also, you are started. HINT: If an error message is turned back on. NOTE: Unsaved data associated... that power is off and components will be displayed. See "Replacing a Battery" on page 125 • Your system administrator • support.dell.com. The words "Safe Mode" appear in Safe Mode, you have shut down your computer in Safe Mode if you can eliminate the default...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 124
... an Application When it Does not Respond Applications tab program not responding End Task button If an application stops responding, Windows tries to find the problem and fix it from your computer.
... an Application When it Does not Respond Applications tab program not responding End Task button If an application stops responding, Windows tries to find the problem and fix it from your computer.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 126
Cleaning Your Computer Before You Start Read the safety instructions available in the Dell™ safety information that come with the playback quality of the options provided. Turn off and unplug the computer from the electrical outlet. Do ...and improve its performance. Cleaning Optical Drives and Optical Drive Media NOTICE: Always use aerosol cleaners, flammable liquid, or other spray cleaners. If you notice problems, such as an overview of your optical media, try cleaning the media. 126 Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security) Tools are available through your...
Cleaning Your Computer Before You Start Read the safety instructions available in the Dell™ safety information that come with the playback quality of the options provided. Turn off and unplug the computer from the electrical outlet. Do ...and improve its performance. Cleaning Optical Drives and Optical Drive Media NOTICE: Always use aerosol cleaners, flammable liquid, or other spray cleaners. If you notice problems, such as an overview of your optical media, try cleaning the media. 126 Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security) Tools are available through your...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 128
... files on your hard disk to increase the storage space on your computer. Computer Management - Local Security Policy - and adjust battery usage for errors or problem areas. Advanced tools - Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools. 2 Select one of system services, event viewer...
... files on your hard disk to increase the storage space on your computer. Computer Management - Local Security Policy - and adjust battery usage for errors or problem areas. Advanced tools - Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools. 2 Select one of system services, event viewer...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 129
...performance to detect problems. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about ESA, see nvidia.com/object/nvidia_esa.html. Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security) 129 NOTE: When using the Performance section of System Setup provide users with ESA, Dell has preinstalled applications...tweaking" the performance of the installed components may be manually tuned. Performance Tuning System Setup Based Performance Tuning For some Dell systems, the settings available under the Advanced page of the NVIDIA Control Panel, you may cause system instability, reduced ...
...performance to detect problems. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about ESA, see nvidia.com/object/nvidia_esa.html. Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security) 129 NOTE: When using the Performance section of System Setup provide users with ESA, Dell has preinstalled applications...tweaking" the performance of the installed components may be manually tuned. Performance Tuning System Setup Based Performance Tuning For some Dell systems, the settings available under the Advanced page of the NVIDIA Control Panel, you may cause system instability, reduced ...