Dell Technology Guide
Page 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
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
Dell Technology Guide
Page 4
... 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 19
... 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 23
...8226; Programs Installed on the left side of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23 The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of the Windows taskbar. 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 ...
...8226; Programs Installed on the left side of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23 The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of the Windows taskbar. 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 ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 33
Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 The components of the screen. 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.
Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 The components of the screen. 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.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
... buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to change computer settings. Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons 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 ...→ Help and Support. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. If you can relocate it . The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your computer. Taskbar Start button Quick Launch toolbar taskbar ...
... buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to change computer settings. Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons 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 ...→ Help and Support. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. If you can relocate it . The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your computer. Taskbar Start button Quick Launch toolbar taskbar ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 35
... on an open area of other windows. The screen defaults to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Notification Area Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons it again. Click the arrow... From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the required icon to view your desktop. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 To view the desktop by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click...
... on an open area of other windows. The screen defaults to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Notification Area Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons it again. Click the arrow... From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the required icon to view your desktop. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 To view the desktop by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 36
... links to . • Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Icons for programs and files - Double-click icons to open a file or folder or to programs, documents, and folders.... shortcut without affecting the item it 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 Identified by an arrow in the Notification area. 5 Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 ...
... links to . • Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Icons for programs and files - Double-click icons to open a file or folder or to programs, documents, and folders.... shortcut without affecting the item it 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 Identified by an arrow in the Notification area. 5 Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
..., and then click Finish. Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 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, highlight Send 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 ...
..., and then click Finish. Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 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, highlight Send 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 ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 38
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 Shortcut Menus Create Shortcut Delete Rename Properties Shortcut menus are available for an item.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 39
... accessible through the Display Properties window. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size and appearance.... 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...
... accessible through the Display Properties window. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size and appearance.... 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
... 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 Display Properties window appears. 4 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. The Personalize...
... 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 Display Properties window appears. 4 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. The Personalize...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 41
The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. The Personalize appearance and sounds...activates, you may need to log-in again to access your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is an animated ...
The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. The Personalize appearance and sounds...activates, you may need to log-in again to access your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is an animated ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 42
NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor 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 access your computer to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer.
NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor 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 access your computer to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 43
... Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an open area of the taskbar. 2 Select Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 99. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. The programs available on the Start menu depend on the...
... Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an open area of the taskbar. 2 Select Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 99. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. The programs available on the Start menu depend on the...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 44
... or remove programs • Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
... or remove programs • Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
...rearrange items on page 125 for you are installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Use options provided to free up text box. If you to manage and improve your computer. Windows Vista 1 Click Start →...and Tools. 2 Select one of 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 your hard drive to make changes to enhance performance. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or...
...rearrange items on page 125 for you are installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Use options provided to free up text box. If you to manage and improve your computer. Windows Vista 1 Click Start →...and Tools. 2 Select one of 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 your hard drive to make changes to enhance performance. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 46
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. OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 47
... To clean the display for a laptop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with water. To clean the display screen for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with either water or an LCD cleaner. Also see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www....dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Do not wipe the computer's display screen with your computer. Monitors and Displays 47 These solutions can damage the ...
... To clean the display for a laptop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with water. To clean the display screen for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with either water or an LCD cleaner. Also see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www....dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Do not wipe the computer's display screen with your computer. Monitors and Displays 47 These solutions can damage the ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 49
Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Monitors and Displays 49 The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Display Settings. 4 In the Display Settings window under Resolution, move the ...
Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Monitors and Displays 49 The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Display Settings. 4 In the Display Settings window under Resolution, move the ...