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
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 the left side ... Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information 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 Windows appears and functions on the left side ... Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware • Device Manager • Programs Installed on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23
Dell Technology Guide
Page 33
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 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.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
...quick access to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. Use the Start menu to start software applications and to the Start menu, which ...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 open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and icons associated with it . Taskbar Start button Quick Launch toolbar ...
...quick access to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. Use the Start menu to start software applications and to the Start menu, which ...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 open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and icons associated with it . Taskbar Start button Quick Launch toolbar ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 35
... to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on the Taskbar tab. The screen defaults to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Displaying the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area... Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Notification Area Customize the taskbar by checking the desired boxes on an open area of the taskbar. 2 ...
... to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on the Taskbar tab. The screen defaults to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Displaying the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area... Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Notification Area Customize the taskbar by checking the desired boxes on an open area of the taskbar. 2 ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 36
...area. 5 Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop For computers running Windows® XP, continue with the next step. 4 Click the Customize button in ...; Icons for shortcuts - HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to programs, files, or folders. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Double-click icons to open a file or folder or to programs, documents, and folders. You can safely delete ...
...area. 5 Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop For computers running Windows® XP, continue with the next step. 4 Click the Customize button in ...; Icons for shortcuts - HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to programs, files, or folders. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Double-click icons to open a file or folder or to programs, documents, and folders. You can safely delete ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
... the shortcut link. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. Navigate to the folder or file to which you are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to . 3 Highlight the file or... folder, and click OK. 4 Click Next. 5 Name the shortcut, and then click Finish. 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. HINT: If you delete...
... the shortcut link. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. Navigate to the folder or file to which you are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to . 3 Highlight the file or... folder, and click OK. 4 Click Next. 5 Name the shortcut, and then click Finish. 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. HINT: If you delete...
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. 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. 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
Dell Technology Guide
Page 39
... these components are accessible through the Display Properties window. 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 ... tabs to select the items you want to adjust. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window appears...
... these components are accessible through the Display Properties window. 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 ... tabs to select the items you want to adjust. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window appears...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
... available options and follow the 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 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Personalization. 2 Click Personalization. The Personalize appearance and sounds...
... available options and follow the 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 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Personalization. 2 Click Personalization. The Personalize appearance and sounds...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 41
... saver. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen Saver to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver... again to access your computer is left inactive for your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. You can set the length of the...
... saver. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen Saver to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver... again to access your computer is left inactive for your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of time for a specified time. You can set the length of the...
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
... "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an open area of the...the Start button. 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 the Start menu tab. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" ...
... "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an open area of the...the Start button. 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 the Start menu tab. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 44
...; Add 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.
...; Add 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.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
If you to display its pop-up text box. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Use options provided to free up the space on your hard drive ... Help and Support: click Start 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 evaluate system performance, view events, monitor the performance log, or perform computer management. Windows Vista 1 Click Start →...
If you to display its pop-up text box. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Use options provided to free up the space on your hard drive ... Help and Support: click Start 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 evaluate system performance, view events, monitor the performance log, or perform computer management. Windows Vista 1 Click Start →...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 46
Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties. 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 Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties. HINT: Typically, to access the Device Manager: Windows Vista Click Start→ Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 47
... learn more about your computer's display screen, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer. 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 your computer...
... learn more about your computer's display screen, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer. 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 your computer...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 49
... 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...