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
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 ... Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware • Device Manager • Programs Installed on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23 The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on your...
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 ... Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware • Device Manager • Programs Installed on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23 The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on your...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 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. Microsoft Windows Desktop 33
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
...used programs, files, or utilities on your computer. If you can relocate it . 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 lists the ...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...
...used programs, files, or utilities on your computer. If you can relocate it . 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 lists the ...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
...of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons it again. To view the desktop by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Right-click to display a shortcut menu. 3... Click Show the Desktop. The screen defaults to temporarily display the hidden icons. As you may not be able to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on an...
...of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons it again. To view the desktop by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Right-click to display a shortcut menu. 3... Click Show the Desktop. The screen defaults to temporarily display the hidden icons. As you may not be able to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on an...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 36
...arrow in the Notification area. 5 Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Icons for shortcuts - 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. Deleting an Icon From... the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them ...
...arrow in the Notification area. 5 Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Icons for shortcuts - 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. Deleting an Icon From... the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
... to the file. 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 Shortcut window, ...click Browse and navigate to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. If you delete an icon without an arrow, you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to the location of the item you are simply deleting the shortcut...
... to the file. 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 Shortcut window, ...click Browse and navigate to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. If you delete an icon without an arrow, you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to the location of the item you are simply deleting the shortcut...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 38
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 These menus provide quick access to the most common commands for many components of the Windows desktop, including files and folders.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 39
...the items you want to adjust. Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. Windows Vista® From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of 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...
...the items you want to adjust. Most of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize, and the Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. Windows Vista® From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
... 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. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review 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. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review the ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 41
... 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. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections... appears. 5 Click OK. The 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 Properties.
... 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. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections... appears. 5 Click OK. The 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 Properties.
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
... onto 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 page 23. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 99. 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. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 The programs available on the Start menu depend on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support...
... onto 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 page 23. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 99. 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. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 The programs available on the Start menu depend on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 44
...; Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of your computer. Through the Control Panel, you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to display the pop-up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
...; Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of your computer. Through the Control Panel, you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to display the pop-up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
...drive or rearrange items on your computer. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Task area to monitor your computer's performance and make programs run faster, and so on...Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. 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 your computer's performance. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 ...
...drive or rearrange items on your computer. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Task area to monitor your computer's performance and make programs run faster, and so on...Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. 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 your computer's performance. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 46
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. Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop
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. Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop
Dell Technology Guide
Page 47
... safety information that shipped with either water or an LCD cleaner. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. To clean the display screen for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. CAUTION: Do not wipe the computer's display screen with any soap or solution not...
... safety information that shipped with either water or an LCD cleaner. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. To clean the display screen for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. CAUTION: Do not wipe the computer's display screen with any soap or solution not...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 49
Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Monitors and Displays 49 use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ... a program at a specific resolution, both the video card and 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. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Monitors and Displays 49 use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ... a program at a specific resolution, both the video card and 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.