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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
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... 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 the Resolution of Your Display 48 Windows Vista 49 4 Contents
... 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 the Resolution of Your Display 48 Windows Vista 49 4 Contents
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... 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 for Desktop Computers. . . . . 275 System Messages for Laptop Computers . . . . . 276 Windows Hardware Troubleshooter 280 Running the Dell Diagnostics 281 Contents 19
... 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 for Desktop Computers. . . . . 275 System Messages for Laptop Computers . . . . . 276 Windows Hardware Troubleshooter 280 Running the Dell Diagnostics 281 Contents 19
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...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 on... the left side of Windows, but it is consistently located on your computer. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information...
...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 on... the left side of Windows, but it is consistently located on your computer. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information...
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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.
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...representing minimized windows for open minimized windows on your computer. The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your taskbar, the Start button moves or resizes with programs. 34 Microsoft Windows Desktop Taskbar Start button Quick Launch toolbar taskbar button notification...utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The taskbar provides quick access to change computer settings. If you can relocate it . Use the Start menu to start software applications and to open application programs. notification ...
...representing minimized windows for open minimized windows on your computer. The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your taskbar, the Start button moves or resizes with programs. 34 Microsoft Windows Desktop Taskbar Start button Quick Launch toolbar taskbar button notification...utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The taskbar provides quick access to change computer settings. If you can relocate it . Use the Start menu to start software applications and to open application programs. notification ...
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... the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Right-click to open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the arrow on the right side ...open applications and files, you may not be able to the Taskbar tab. 3 For computers running Windows Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Notification Area Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons...
... the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Right-click to open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 35 Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the arrow on the right side ...open applications and files, you may not be able to the Taskbar tab. 3 For computers running Windows Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in the Notification Area Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons...
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... Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop You can safely delete a shortcut without affecting the item it links to run a program. HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are direct links. • Icons... for shortcuts - Icons for programs and files - For computers running Windows® XP, continue with the next ...
... Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop You can safely delete a shortcut without affecting the item it links to run a program. HINT: For better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are direct links. • Icons... for shortcuts - Icons for programs and files - For computers running Windows® XP, continue with the next ...
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...you delete an icon with an arrow, you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to, and then click... Desktop (create shortcut). Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create Shortcut window...
...you delete an icon with an arrow, you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to a program, file, or folder by using: Windows Explorer or Desktop. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to, and then click... Desktop (create shortcut). Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create Shortcut window...
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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. 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
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... sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. ...From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size...
... sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage your desktop by changing various components. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. ...From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 You can personalize the appearance of your computer's desktop theme, resolution, screen saver, icon size...
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... 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 Display Properties window ...Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the...
... 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 Display Properties window ...Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the...
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... to log-in again to access your computer is an animated graphic that appears after your computer. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 The Display Properties window appears. 3...Click OK. Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is left inactive for your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of inactive time and select a personal graphic.
... to log-in again to access your computer is an animated graphic that appears after your computer. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. Microsoft Windows Desktop 41 The Display Properties window appears. 3...Click OK. Setting up a Screen Saver screen saver preview screen saver selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is left inactive for your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of inactive time and select a personal graphic.
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Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to: • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer. NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer to access 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: • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer. NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer to access your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop
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...click Start or → Help and Support. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the Start menu tab. 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn... more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. HINT: You can use the Start menu ...
...click Start or → Help and Support. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the Start menu tab. 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn... more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. HINT: You can use the Start menu ...
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Through the Control Panel, you can customize appears in the Control Panel screen. Hold your computer. Control Panel The Control Panel contains programs and tools to help you maintain and customize your cursor over each item to display the pop-up ...; Add and monitor hardware • Add or remove programs • Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
Through the Control Panel, you can customize appears in the Control Panel screen. Hold your computer. Control Panel The Control Panel contains programs and tools to help you maintain and customize your cursor over each item to display the pop-up ...; Add and monitor hardware • Add or remove programs • Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows...
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... up the space on your hard drive or rearrange items on your computer's performance. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to enhance performance. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Managing Your...
... up the space on your hard drive or rearrange items on your computer's performance. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to enhance performance. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click Start or → Control Panel. 2 Select a category. Managing Your...
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Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. 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. OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. 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. OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
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...cleaner. To clean the display screen for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with water. Monitors and Displays 47 Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer for your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see ...the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. Monitors and...
...cleaner. To clean the display screen for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with water. Monitors and Displays 47 Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer for your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see ...the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. Monitors and...
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.... The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Display Settings. 4 In the Display Settings window under Resolution...
.... The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Display Settings. 4 In the Display Settings window under Resolution...