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
...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 41 ...Windows Vista 41 Windows XP 41 Start Button (Menu 42 Overview ...
...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 41 ...Windows Vista 41 Windows XP 41 Start Button (Menu 42 Overview ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 19
... 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 269 Reinstalling Windows XP or Windows Vista . . . . 269 20 Troubleshooting 271 Troubleshooting Tools 272 Power Lights for Desktop Computers 273 Diagnostic Lights for...
... 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 269 Reinstalling Windows XP or Windows Vista . . . . 269 20 Troubleshooting 271 Troubleshooting Tools 272 Power Lights for Desktop Computers 273 Diagnostic Lights for...
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 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. Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 The components of the screen.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
...Launch toolbar Contains icons for open minimized windows on your taskbar, the Start button moves or resizes with programs. 34 Microsoft Windows Desktop Use the Start menu to start software applications and to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for quick access... is usually located at the bottom of the taskbar are: Start button Provides 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 → ...
...Launch toolbar Contains icons for open minimized windows on your taskbar, the Start button moves or resizes with programs. 34 Microsoft Windows Desktop Use the Start menu to start software applications and to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for quick access... is usually located at the bottom of the taskbar are: Start button Provides 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 → ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 35
...icons it again. Click the required icon to the Taskbar tab. 3 For computers running Windows Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The screen defaults to display it displays or hides.... Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties to view your desktop. Displaying the Taskbar 1 Right-click on top of other windows. As you may not be able to open area of the taskbar. 2 Click...
...icons it again. Click the required icon to the Taskbar tab. 3 For computers running Windows Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The screen defaults to display it displays or hides.... Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties to view your desktop. Displaying the Taskbar 1 Right-click on top of other windows. As you may not be able to open area of the taskbar. 2 Click...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 36
...of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links that provide quick access to programs, documents, and folders. For computers running Windows® XP, continue with the next step. 4 Click the Customize button in the icon, shortcuts are... links to programs, files, or folders. Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon...
...of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links that provide quick access to programs, documents, and folders. For computers running Windows® XP, continue with the next step. 4 Click the Customize button in the icon, shortcuts are... links to programs, files, or folders. Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
...Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 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 the ...location of the item you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to , and then click Desktop (create shortcut). Navigate to the folder or file to . 3 Highlight the file or folder, and click OK. 4 Click ...
...Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 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 the ...location of the item you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to , and then click Desktop (create shortcut). Navigate to the folder or file to . 3 Highlight the file or folder, and click OK. 4 Click ...
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
... Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size and appearance, and monitor settings from the Display Properties Menu screen. 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. Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window ...
... Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size and appearance, and monitor settings from the Display Properties Menu screen. 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. Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. 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 Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the...
Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. 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 Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 41
... The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen Saver to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is an animated graphic that appears ... Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic.
... The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen Saver to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is an animated graphic that appears ... Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 42
NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to access your computer to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop 4 Select the length of time for your computer. Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK.
NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to access your computer to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop 4 Select the length of time for your computer. Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 43
... in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. 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 taskbar.... FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 99.
... in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. 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 taskbar.... FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 99.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 44
.... Hold your cursor over each item to display the pop-up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to help you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
.... Hold your cursor over each item to display the pop-up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to help you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
...hold your cursor over the category to your computer. Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel provides tools for related information. Windows XP 1 Click Start →Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance. 2 Select one of the available options in Windows Help and Support...: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Windows Vista 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Performance Information and Tools. 2 Select one of...
...hold your cursor over the category to your computer. Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel provides tools for related information. Windows XP 1 Click Start →Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance. 2 Select one of the available options in Windows Help and Support...: click Start or → Help and Support. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Windows Vista 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Performance Information and Tools. 2 Select one of...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 46
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. 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.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 47
... the screen. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To clean the display for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with any soap or solution not designed for monitors. Also see the Regulatory Compliance ...Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Monitors and Displays 47 To clean the display screen for a laptop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened ...
... the screen. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To clean the display for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with any soap or solution not designed for monitors. Also see the Regulatory Compliance ...Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Monitors and Displays 47 To clean the display screen for a laptop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 49
... the display must support the 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...
... the display must support the 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...