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... and tells you make better use of your computer. Microsoft, Windows, Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either potential damage to all Dell systems. © 2007-2008 Dell Inc. NOTE: Steps may not apply to hardware or loss of Blu-ray Disc Association; All rights reserved. Some...
... and tells you make better use of your computer. Microsoft, Windows, Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either potential damage to all Dell systems. © 2007-2008 Dell Inc. NOTE: Steps may not apply to hardware or loss of Blu-ray Disc Association; All rights reserved. Some...
Dell Technology Guide
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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
Dell Technology Guide
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... 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...
... 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...
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... That is not Responding . . . . 103 Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer. . . . 104 Undocking Your Computer While 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 8 Files and Folders 109 Navigating to Shut Down Normally 105 Shutting Down...
... That is not Responding . . . . 103 Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer. . . . 104 Undocking Your Computer While 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 8 Files and Folders 109 Navigating to Shut Down Normally 105 Shutting Down...
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... 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...
... 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...
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... 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... . . 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 Contents 19
... 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... . . 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 Contents 19
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...in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on the left side of the Windows taskbar. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About ...; 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...
...in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on the left side of the Windows taskbar. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About ...; 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...
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..., and then press or click the arrow or the magnifying glass. 4 Click the topic that describes your computer. To access Windows Help and Support: 1 Click Start or → Help and Support. 2 Click the topic or task you want to perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. It...
..., and then press or click the arrow or the magnifying glass. 4 Click the topic that describes your computer. To access Windows Help and Support: 1 Click Start or → Help and Support. 2 Click the topic or task you want to perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. It...
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Basic Information Click Start → Help and Support→ Tools (from the Pick a Topic options). Finding Information 25 Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→... System and Maintenance→ System to view your computer, click Start → Help and Support→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Task options) to view...
Basic Information Click Start → Help and Support→ Tools (from the Pick a Topic options). Finding Information 25 Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→... System and Maintenance→ System to view your computer, click Start → Help and Support→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Task options) to view...
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Control Panel To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Start or → Control Panel. Information About Installed Hardware Device Manager Use the Device Manager to view a list of all devices installed on your computer and to learn more about how a specific device is configured. 26 Finding Information FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.
Control Panel To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Start or → Control Panel. Information About Installed Hardware Device Manager Use the Device Manager to view a list of all devices installed on your computer and to learn more about how a specific device is configured. 26 Finding Information FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.
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...File name, type the filename. 4 Select the file type from the Save as type drop-down menu. 5 Click Save. Device Specifications 1 Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Information. 2 Double click Components to expand the Components category. 3 Click ...to view a table identifying the component or device name and related setting and configuration information. Windows Vista® Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System→ Device Manager (listed under Tasks). Finding Information 27 Windows®...
...File name, type the filename. 4 Select the file type from the Save as type drop-down menu. 5 Click Save. Device Specifications 1 Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Information. 2 Double click Components to expand the Components category. 3 Click ...to view a table identifying the component or device name and related setting and configuration information. Windows Vista® Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System→ Device Manager (listed under Tasks). Finding Information 27 Windows®...
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... Wireless network information is not listed under All Programs, use the Search feature to search for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name of the program and click Search. The "Networking and the Web" topic provides an overview, requirements, ...details on connections, and tutorials in basic networking. Programs Installed on Your Computer Click Start or → All Programs to view available programs. If a program is available in the following sources: Device guides Windows Help and...
... Wireless network information is not listed under All Programs, use the Search feature to search for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name of the program and click Search. The "Networking and the Web" topic provides an overview, requirements, ...details on connections, and tutorials in basic networking. Programs Installed on Your Computer Click Start or → All Programs to view available programs. If a program is available in the following sources: Device guides Windows Help and...
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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.
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... access to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities 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. The taskbar provides quick access to open application programs....it . If you can relocate it . Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for open minimized windows on your computer. Use the Start menu to start software applications and to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to change computer settings. FOR...
... access to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities 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. The taskbar provides quick access to open application programs....it . If you can relocate it . Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for open minimized windows on your computer. Use the Start menu to start software applications and to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to change computer settings. FOR...
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...As you may not be able to temporarily display the hidden icons. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Click the required icon to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on an open the Taskbar and...the taskbar on the Taskbar tab. To view the desktop by checking the desired boxes on top of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open applications and files, ...
...As you may not be able to temporarily display the hidden icons. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Click the required icon to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on an open the Taskbar and...the taskbar on the Taskbar tab. To view the desktop by checking the desired boxes on top of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open applications and files, ...
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...to which you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to the file. Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click... Start or → Help and Support. Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create ...
...to which you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to the file. Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click... Start or → Help and Support. Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create ...
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... are accessible through the Display Properties window. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 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...
... are accessible through the Display Properties window. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 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...
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... Help and Support. 40 Microsoft Windows Desktop The Display Properties window appears. 4 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided... provided. Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Personalization. 2 Click Personalization.
... Help and Support. 40 Microsoft Windows Desktop The Display Properties window appears. 4 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided... provided. Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Personalization. 2 Click Personalization.
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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 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.
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...the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on the Start menu tab. Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an open area of the taskbar. 2 Select Properties. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics... by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the Start button. The programs available on the Start menu depend on page 99. HINT: You can use the Start menu to the Start menu by selecting the desired option on page 23. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 ...
...the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on the Start menu tab. Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an open area of the taskbar. 2 Select Properties. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics... by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the Start button. The programs available on the Start menu depend on page 99. HINT: You can use the Start menu to the Start menu by selecting the desired option on page 23. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 ...