Dell Technology Guide
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... permission of these materials in any proprietary interest in default view. represents Windows Vista Start button. Some of your computer. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, DellConnect, StrikeZone, Wi-Fi Catcher, ExpressCharge, and Dell TravelLite are either potential damage to hardware or loss of Blu-ray...
... permission of these materials in any proprietary interest in default view. represents Windows Vista Start button. Some of your computer. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, DellConnect, StrikeZone, Wi-Fi Catcher, ExpressCharge, and Dell TravelLite are either potential damage to hardware or loss of Blu-ray...
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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... 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...
... 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...
Dell Technology Guide
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... Pad 62 Circular Scrolling 62 Single Finger Zoom 63 Cleaning the Touch Pad 63 Using a Touch Pointer (Track Stick or Tablet PC Pen 63 Contents 5 Windows® XP 49 Troubleshooting 50 Choosing the Best Display Settings 50 Setting the Display Resolution for External LCD Monitors 50 Setting the Display for Multiple...
... Pad 62 Circular Scrolling 62 Single Finger Zoom 63 Cleaning the Touch Pad 63 Using a Touch Pointer (Track Stick or Tablet PC Pen 63 Contents 5 Windows® XP 49 Troubleshooting 50 Choosing the Best Display Settings 50 Setting the Display Resolution for External LCD Monitors 50 Setting the Display for Multiple...
Dell Technology Guide
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... 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...
... 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...
Dell Technology Guide
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... 82 Hard Drive 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®...
... 82 Hard Drive 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®...
Dell Technology Guide
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... Password Protection. . . . . . 115 Restricting Access to a File 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...
... Password Protection. . . . . . 115 Restricting Access to a File 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...
Dell Technology Guide
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... Performance 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...
... Performance 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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... 135 Setting Power 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...
... 135 Setting Power 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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... Displays Web Pages 176 Saving Space by Setting the way the Browser Logs Viewing History 177 Increasing Computer Speed by Limiting the Number of 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 ...
... Displays Web Pages 176 Saving Space by Setting the way the Browser Logs Viewing History 177 Increasing Computer Speed by Limiting the Number of 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 ...
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... 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... Blocking 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
... 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... Blocking 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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Avoiding E-mail Attachments 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,... 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 15
Avoiding E-mail Attachments 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,... 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 15
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...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 211 Setting up the Cyberlink (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...
...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 211 Setting up the Cyberlink (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...
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... 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 ...241 Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays . . . . 242 Switching the Display Image 242 Configuring Display Settings 242 Setting Display Resolution With the Windows Display Properties Menu 243 Accessing the Settings tab of the Display Properties Menu 244 Accessing Additional Functions With the Advanced Button 245 Accessing the ...
... 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 ...241 Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays . . . . 242 Switching the Display Image 242 Configuring Display Settings 242 Setting Display Resolution With the Windows Display Properties Menu 243 Accessing the Settings tab of the Display Properties Menu 244 Accessing Additional Functions With the Advanced Button 245 Accessing the ...
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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 Wireless Network...
... 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 Wireless Network...
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... 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 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
... 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 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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...; 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 button to access resources, programs, and specialized tools for managing...
...; 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 button to access resources, programs, and specialized tools for managing...
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It also provides access 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. To access Windows Help and Support: 1 Click Start or → Help and Support. 2 Click the topic or task you want to use the search option...
It also provides access 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. To access Windows Help and Support: 1 Click Start or → Help and Support. 2 Click the topic or task you want to use the search option...
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... can also view more details about 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 view your computer information. Finding Information 25 Windows® XP User's Guides To view...
... can also view more details about 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 view your computer information. Finding Information 25 Windows® XP User's Guides To view...
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Control Panel To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Start or → Control Panel. 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 FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.
Control Panel To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Start or → Control Panel. 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 FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support.