Dell Technology Guide
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... version of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Dell Inc. August 2008 Rev. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows XP Professional edition respectively in this document may vary depending on your computer. represents Windows Vista Start button. and other than its own. Other...
... version of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Dell Inc. August 2008 Rev. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows XP Professional edition respectively in this document may vary depending on your computer. represents Windows Vista Start button. and other than its own. Other...
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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... on the Desktop 37 Shortcut Menus 38 Changing the 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 3 Monitors and Displays 47 Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen 47 Adjusting ...
... on the Desktop 37 Shortcut Menus 38 Changing the 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 3 Monitors and Displays 47 Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen 47 Adjusting ...
Dell Technology Guide
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... Customizing Your Keyboard 66 Backlit Keyboard 66 Changing the Input Language of Your Keyboard 67 Using the Numeric Keypad on a Laptop Computer 68 General Keyboard Shortcuts 69 5 Printers-Settings and Drivers 71 Accessing Printer Information 71 Changing Printer Settings 72 For Windows Vista... 72 For Windows® XP 72 Setting up Printers 73 Adding a Printer 73 Setting the Default Printer 74 Sharing Printers on a Network 74 Installing a Printer Driver...
... Customizing Your Keyboard 66 Backlit Keyboard 66 Changing the Input Language of Your Keyboard 67 Using the Numeric Keypad on a Laptop Computer 68 General Keyboard Shortcuts 69 5 Printers-Settings and Drivers 71 Accessing Printer Information 71 Changing Printer Settings 72 For Windows Vista... 72 For Windows® XP 72 Setting up Printers 73 Adding a Printer 73 Setting the Default Printer 74 Sharing Printers on a Network 74 Installing a Printer Driver...
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... Problems 82 Working with RAID 83 RAID Level 0 83 RAID Level 1 84 RAID Level 0+1 Configuration 86 RAID Level 5 Configuration 87 Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode 87 Configuring RAID 88 7 Shutting Down Your Computer 99 Windows Vista 99 Windows® XP 99 Shutdown States 101 Microsoft® Windows Vista 101 Windows®...
... Problems 82 Working with RAID 83 RAID Level 0 83 RAID Level 1 84 RAID Level 0+1 Configuration 86 RAID Level 5 Configuration 87 Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode 87 Configuring RAID 88 7 Shutting Down Your Computer 99 Windows Vista 99 Windows® XP 99 Shutdown States 101 Microsoft® Windows Vista 101 Windows®...
Dell Technology Guide
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... Responding . . . . 101 Ending a Process 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 Files 110 Selecting and Opening...
... Responding . . . . 101 Ending a Process 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 Files 110 Selecting and Opening...
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... 115 Transferring Files and Settings to a New Computer . . 116 Transferring Files From a Computer Running Windows XP to a Computer Running Windows Vista 116 Transferring Files Between Computers Running Windows XP 117 Backing up Files 117 Windows Vista 117 Windows XP 118 Running Backup When the Settings Have Been Preconfigured...118 Running Backup With Hidden Drives 119 Restoring Files 119 Windows Vista 119 Windows XP 119 9 Managing Applications (Programs) . . . 121 Installing Applications on Your Computer 121 Installing Applications From a CD or DVD With Microsoft® Windows 121 ...
... 115 Transferring Files and Settings to a New Computer . . 116 Transferring Files From a Computer Running Windows XP to a Computer Running Windows Vista 116 Transferring Files Between Computers Running Windows XP 117 Backing up Files 117 Windows Vista 117 Windows XP 118 Running Backup When the Settings Have Been Preconfigured...118 Running Backup With Hidden Drives 119 Restoring Files 119 Windows Vista 119 Windows XP 119 9 Managing Applications (Programs) . . . 121 Installing Applications on Your Computer 121 Installing Applications From a CD or DVD With Microsoft® Windows 121 ...
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... 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 Performance Tuning 129 System Setup Based Performance Tuning...
... 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 Performance Tuning 129 System Setup Based Performance Tuning...
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...Options 135 Windows Vista 135 Windows® XP 137 Power Protection Devices 140 Surge Protector 140 Power Line Conditioner 140 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS 141 Laptop Computer Batteries 141 Using Your Laptop Computer for the First Time 142 Preserving the Life... of a Battery 142 Replacing a Battery 143 Checking the Battery Charge 143 Conserving Battery Power 145 Charging the Battery 145 Storing a Battery 146 US Department of Transportation (DOT) Notebook Battery Restrictions 146 Dell...
...Options 135 Windows Vista 135 Windows® XP 137 Power Protection Devices 140 Surge Protector 140 Power Line Conditioner 140 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS 141 Laptop Computer Batteries 141 Using Your Laptop Computer for the First Time 142 Preserving the Life... of a Battery 142 Replacing a Battery 143 Checking the Battery Charge 143 Conserving Battery Power 145 Charging the Battery 145 Storing a Battery 146 US Department of Transportation (DOT) Notebook Battery Restrictions 146 Dell...
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... . . . . 160 Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network . . 160 Activating Mobile Broadband Service 160 Managing the Network With the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility 161 WiMAX 161 WPAN 162 Managing Your Network 162 Securing Your Network 162 Securing Your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN ... Security When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks (Hotspots 165 Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator 166 Scanning for a Wireless Network 167 Enabling the Network Locator 167 Managing Networked Computers With Intel® Active Management Technology 168 12 Contents
... . . . . 160 Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network . . 160 Activating Mobile Broadband Service 160 Managing the Network With the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility 161 WiMAX 161 WPAN 162 Managing Your Network 162 Securing Your Network 162 Securing Your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN ... Security When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks (Hotspots 165 Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator 166 Scanning for a Wireless Network 167 Enabling the Network Locator 167 Managing Networked Computers With Intel® Active Management Technology 168 12 Contents
Dell Technology Guide
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... 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... Open Internet Windows 177 Using Accessibility Options for Visual Impairments 178 Internet Security and Privacy 178 Increasing Security for Your Computer While Accessing the Internet 178 Protecting Your Privacy While Accessing the Internet 179 Viruses 179 Firewalls 180 Spyware and Malware...
... 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... Open Internet Windows 177 Using Accessibility Options for Visual Impairments 178 Internet Security and Privacy 178 Increasing Security for Your Computer While Accessing the Internet 178 Protecting Your Privacy While Accessing the Internet 179 Viruses 179 Firewalls 180 Spyware and Malware...
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...Internet 186 Changing the Internet Communications Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings 187 Printing a Web Page 187 Freeing up Space and Protecting Your Computer 188 Clearing Browser History 188 Deleting Temporary Internet Files 188 Decreasing the Size of the Temporary Files Folder 188 Maintaining Privacy by ... and Deleting Cookies 189 14 E-mail 191 Setting up a new E-mail Account 191 Windows Vista 192 Windows® XP 192 Managing and Organizing E-mail Messages . . . . . 192 Windows Vista 192 Windows XP 194 Securing Your E-mail 194 Reducing Spam 195 Viruses and Phishing 196 14 Contents
...Internet 186 Changing the Internet Communications Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings 187 Printing a Web Page 187 Freeing up Space and Protecting Your Computer 188 Clearing Browser History 188 Deleting Temporary Internet Files 188 Decreasing the Size of the Temporary Files Folder 188 Maintaining Privacy by ... and Deleting Cookies 189 14 E-mail 191 Setting up a new E-mail Account 191 Windows Vista 192 Windows® XP 192 Managing and Organizing E-mail Messages . . . . . 192 Windows Vista 192 Windows XP 194 Securing Your E-mail 194 Reducing Spam 195 Viruses and Phishing 196 14 Contents
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... 197 Viewing E-mail Messages 197 Sending E-mail 197 Windows Vista 197 Windows XP 198 Creating a Contact Group (Mailing List 198 Windows Vista 198 Windows XP 199 Backing Up E-mail Messages 200 Windows Vista 200 Windows XP 200 15 Multimedia (CDs/DVDs, 5.1 Audio, MP3s, TVs, Digital Cameras... 5.1 Audio 207 Setting up the 5.1 Audio Connections 207 Laptop Media Devices (MP3 Players 208 Connecting a Laptop Media Device (MP3 Player) to Your Computer 208 Setting up the Laptop Media Device to Sync in Windows Media Player 208 Setting up the Laptop Media Device the First Time 209 Contents...
... 197 Viewing E-mail Messages 197 Sending E-mail 197 Windows Vista 197 Windows XP 198 Creating a Contact Group (Mailing List 198 Windows Vista 198 Windows XP 199 Backing Up E-mail Messages 200 Windows Vista 200 Windows XP 200 15 Multimedia (CDs/DVDs, 5.1 Audio, MP3s, TVs, Digital Cameras... 5.1 Audio 207 Setting up the 5.1 Audio Connections 207 Laptop Media Devices (MP3 Players 208 Connecting a Laptop Media Device (MP3 Player) to Your Computer 208 Setting up the Laptop Media Device to Sync in Windows Media Player 208 Setting up the Laptop Media Device the First Time 209 Contents...
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Copying Audio and Video Files to Your Laptop Media Device 209 Playing Media Using the Dell Travel Remote . . . . . 210 Adjusting the Volume on Your Computer 210 Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio Through the Media Software 210 Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in the Windows Audio Driver ...CL) Headphones 211 Using a Digital Camera With Your Computer . . . . . 212 Using Windows Media Player 212 16 Connecting Your Computer to a TV and Adjusting Display Settings 215 Accessing a TV With Your Computer Using a TV Tuner Card 215 Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device 215 Determining What you...
Copying Audio and Video Files to Your Laptop Media Device 209 Playing Media Using the Dell Travel Remote . . . . . 210 Adjusting the Volume on Your Computer 210 Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio Through the Media Software 210 Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in the Windows Audio Driver ...CL) Headphones 211 Using a Digital Camera With Your Computer . . . . . 212 Using Windows Media Player 212 16 Connecting Your Computer to a TV and Adjusting Display Settings 215 Accessing a TV With Your Computer Using a TV Tuner Card 215 Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device 215 Determining What you...
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... Menu Example 227 What to do If the TV Does not Recognize a Signal 228 Evaluating Suggested Connection Configurations . . . 229 Enabling the Display View for the Computer and the TV 239 Verify the Connection to the TV 239 Verify the Input Signal for the TV 239 Set up the TV as a Display... 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 Wizard to Configure Display Settings 247 Contents 17
... Menu Example 227 What to do If the TV Does not Recognize a Signal 228 Evaluating Suggested Connection Configurations . . . 229 Enabling the Display View for the Computer and the TV 239 Verify the Connection to the TV 239 Verify the Input Signal for the TV 239 Set up the TV as a Display... 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 Wizard to Configure Display Settings 247 Contents 17
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... . 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 Smart Cards 254 Fingerprint Readers... 254 Facial Recognition Software 255 Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer 255 Turning On Windows Firewall 255 Encrypting Files and Folders 256 Using Antivirus Software 256 Maintaining Security When Using a Public...
... . 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 Smart Cards 254 Fingerprint Readers... 254 Facial Recognition Software 255 Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer 255 Turning On Windows Firewall 255 Encrypting Files and Folders 256 Using Antivirus Software 256 Maintaining Security When Using a Public...
Dell Technology Guide
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... 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 for Desktop Computers. . . . . 275 System Messages for Laptop Computers . . . . . 276 Windows Hardware Troubleshooter 280 Running the Dell Diagnostics 281 Contents 19
... 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 for Desktop Computers. . . . . 275 System Messages for Laptop Computers . . . . . 276 Windows Hardware Troubleshooter 280 Running the Dell Diagnostics 281 Contents 19
Dell Technology Guide
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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 ... Power Problems 296 Printer Problems 298 Scanner Problems 299 Sound and Speaker Problems 299 Touch Pad or Mouse Problems for Laptop Computers 301 Video and Monitor Problems 302 Power Lights 304 Dell Technical Update Service 305 21 System Setup 307 Viewing System Settings With the System Setup Program 307 Entering the System...
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 ... Power Problems 296 Printer Problems 298 Scanner Problems 299 Sound and Speaker Problems 299 Touch Pad or Mouse Problems for Laptop Computers 301 Video and Monitor Problems 302 Power Lights 304 Dell Technical Update Service 305 21 System Setup 307 Viewing System Settings With the System Setup Program 307 Entering the System...
Dell Technology Guide
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... access: • Microsoft 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...
... access: • Microsoft 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...
Dell Technology Guide
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... information about Microsoft Windows and explains how to documentation for your computer and devices installed on your question. 5 Follow the instructions on the screen. 24 Finding Information In the Start Search field (or Search in Windows XP), type a word or phrase that describes your question, and then... press or click the arrow or the magnifying glass. 4 Click the topic that describes your computer. It also provides access to use the search option. To...
... information about Microsoft Windows and explains how to documentation for your computer and devices installed on your question. 5 Follow the instructions on the screen. 24 Finding Information In the Start Search field (or Search in Windows XP), type a word or phrase that describes your question, and then... press or click the arrow or the magnifying glass. 4 Click the topic that describes your computer. It also provides access to use the search option. To...