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 20
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 IEEE ... 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 Setup Program 308 Working With...
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 IEEE ... 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 Setup Program 308 Working With...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 22
S/PDIF Port (Toslink 328 Audio Ports 329 23 Getting Help 331 Obtaining Assistance 331 Dell Support Service 332 Technical Support and Customer Service . . . . 332 DellConnect 332 Online Services 333 AutoTech Service 334 Automated Order-Status Service 334 Problems With Your Order 334 Product Information 334 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit 334 Before You Call 335 Contacting Dell 337 22 Contents
S/PDIF Port (Toslink 328 Audio Ports 329 23 Getting Help 331 Obtaining Assistance 331 Dell Support Service 332 Technical Support and Customer Service . . . . 332 DellConnect 332 Online Services 333 AutoTech Service 334 Automated Order-Status Service 334 Problems With Your Order 334 Product Information 334 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit 334 Before You Call 335 Contacting Dell 337 22 Contents
Dell Technology Guide
Page 23
... managing the way Windows appears and functions on your computer. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware • Device Manager • Programs Installed on the left side of the Windows taskbar. The Start button... may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23
... managing the way Windows appears and functions on your computer. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware • Device Manager • Programs Installed on the left side of the Windows taskbar. The Start button... may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23
Dell Technology Guide
Page 24
...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 question. 5 Follow the instructions on your computer and devices installed on the screen. 24 Finding Information 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...
...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 question. 5 Follow the instructions on your computer and devices installed on the screen. 24 Finding Information 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 25
...XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Finding Information 25 Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to view your computer through the Control Panel (see "Control Panel" on your computer, click Start → Help and Support...→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Task options) to view your computer information and to diagnose problems....
...XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Finding Information 25 Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to view your computer through the Control Panel (see "Control Panel" on your computer, click Start → Help and Support...→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Task options) to view your computer information and to diagnose problems....
Dell Technology Guide
Page 26
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 Control Panel To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Start or → Control Panel. FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.
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 Control Panel To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Start or → Control Panel. FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 27
... MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's hardware components, see the View your computer information topic in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Windows® XP Click Start → Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ System→ Hardware tab→ Device Manager. Double click Components to...
... MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's hardware components, see the View your computer information topic in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Windows® XP Click Start → Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ System→ Hardware tab→ Device Manager. Double click Components to...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 28
...; All Programs to view available programs. If a program is available in the following sources: Device guides Windows Help and Support See Microsoft Windows Help and Support to access device guide for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name..., and tutorials in the Search field. 3 Press . See Microsoft Windows Help and Support for general information about connecting to search for the specific wireless card installed in your computer. Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Search→ All Files or Folders. 2 Enter the ...
...; All Programs to view available programs. If a program is available in the following sources: Device guides Windows Help and Support See Microsoft Windows Help and Support to access device guide for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name..., and tutorials in the Search field. 3 Press . See Microsoft Windows Help and Support for general information about connecting to search for the specific wireless card installed in your computer. Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Search→ All Files or Folders. 2 Enter the ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 29
... and Downloads • Enterprise Resource Center • Find Express Service Code • Manuals Finding Information 29 Dell Support Website The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides a variety of information: • Technical Support: Research and find the latest solutions and help for your Dell product. • Customer Service: Explore options such as order status and pickup for...
... and Downloads • Enterprise Resource Center • Find Express Service Code • Manuals Finding Information 29 Dell Support Website The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides a variety of information: • Technical Support: Research and find the latest solutions and help for your Dell product. • Customer Service: Explore options such as order status and pickup for...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 30
...System Configuration • Technical Subscriptions • Troubleshooting Search • Windows Vista Center • Windows XP Support Center • Wireless Center Customer Service • Dell Financial Services • FAQs • Invoices • Missing, Wrong & Damaged • Order ...Status • Ownership Transfer • International Ownership Transfer • Packing Slips • Pickup/Redelivery • Dell Dollars/Rebate Center • Report a Stolen System • Returns • Update Billing Address Warranty Information • Expired Warranty ...
...System Configuration • Technical Subscriptions • Troubleshooting Search • Windows Vista Center • Windows XP Support Center • Wireless Center Customer Service • Dell Financial Services • FAQs • Invoices • Missing, Wrong & Damaged • Order ...Status • Ownership Transfer • International Ownership Transfer • Packing Slips • Pickup/Redelivery • Dell Dollars/Rebate Center • Report a Stolen System • Returns • Update Billing Address Warranty Information • Expired Warranty ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 31
... configuration, such as the amount of system memory. • Service Contracts & Forms • Warranty Status Dell Forums • Support Forums • Discussion Forums Contact Us • Customer Service • Financing Support • Sales Support • Technical Support • International Notebook Support BIOS (System Setup Program) Settings The BIOS is recommended. NOTE: Although your computer's time, date...
... configuration, such as the amount of system memory. • Service Contracts & Forms • Warranty Status Dell Forums • Support Forums • Discussion Forums Contact Us • Customer Service • Financing Support • Sales Support • Technical Support • International Notebook Support BIOS (System Setup Program) Settings The BIOS is recommended. NOTE: Although your computer's time, date...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
... menu to start software applications and to the Start menu, which lists the programs and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for open minimized windows...
... menu to start software applications and to the Start menu, which lists the programs and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for open minimized windows...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 35
... an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties 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 of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears...
... an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties 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 of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
... just a link 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. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 HINT: If you delete an icon with an arrow, you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the...
... just a link 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. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 HINT: If you delete an icon with an arrow, you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
... 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 Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. The Display Properties window...
... 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 Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. 3 Click Display. The Display Properties window...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 42
4 Select the length of time for your computer to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor 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's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop
4 Select the length of time for your computer to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor 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's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop
Dell Technology Guide
Page 43
... 99. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the Start menu by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto...
... 99. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on the software installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the Start menu by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
...performance log, or perform computer management. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Windows XP 1 Click Start →Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance. 2 Select one of the options to display its pop-up the space on... and Maintenance→ Performance Information and Tools. 2 Select one of the available options in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Use options provided to free up text box. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To...
...performance log, or perform computer management. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Windows XP 1 Click Start →Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance. 2 Select one of the options to display its pop-up the space on... and Maintenance→ Performance Information and Tools. 2 Select one of the available options in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Use options provided to free up text box. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 48
As you can change any of the display settings, make a note of images on the screen. NOTE: Use only the Dell recommended video drivers, which are designed to them if needed. Adjusting the Resolution of Your Display The display resolution defines the clarity of... see "Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel" on page 246. As you increase the resolution, items appear smaller on your Dell-installed operating system. Before you change back to offer the best performance with your display. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about display resolution, ...
As you can change any of the display settings, make a note of images on the screen. NOTE: Use only the Dell recommended video drivers, which are designed to them if needed. Adjusting the Resolution of Your Display The display resolution defines the clarity of... see "Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel" on page 246. As you increase the resolution, items appear smaller on your Dell-installed operating system. Before you change back to offer the best performance with your display. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about display resolution, ...