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
... Hidden Icons From the Notification Area 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...
... Hidden Icons From the Notification Area 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 19
... 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 Desktop Computers . . . . . 274 Diagnostic Lights for Laptop Computers 275 System Messages...
... 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 Desktop Computers . . . . . 274 Diagnostic Lights for Laptop Computers 275 System Messages...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 23
...8226; Device Manager • Programs Installed on your computer. 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 ...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...
...8226; Device Manager • Programs Installed on your computer. 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 ...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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 33
Microsoft Windows Desktop 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. The components of the screen.
Microsoft Windows Desktop 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. The components of the screen.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
...open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and icons associated with 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 programs. taskbar button area Contains ...buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to change computer settings. Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for open minimized windows on the desktop, or to the Start menu, which lists the programs and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or...
...open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and icons associated with 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 programs. taskbar button area Contains ...buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to change computer settings. Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for open minimized windows 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
... Start Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on an open area of other windows. The screen defaults to view your desktop. Click the arrow on an open area of the taskbar near the notification area 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 the right side of the ...
... Start Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on an open area of other windows. The screen defaults to view your desktop. Click the arrow on an open area of the taskbar near the notification area 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 the right side of the ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 36
... with the next step. 4 Click the Customize button in the icon, shortcuts are links to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are direct links. • Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Deleting an Icon From the...
... with the next step. 4 Click the Customize button in the icon, shortcuts are links to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are direct links. • Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Deleting an Icon From the...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
... shortcut, and then click Finish. Navigate to the folder or file to which you are simply deleting the shortcut link. 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... are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to the file. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 HINT: If you delete an icon with an arrow, you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the...
... shortcut, and then click Finish. Navigate to the folder or file to which you are simply deleting the shortcut link. 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... are deleting the file or folder, not just a link to the file. 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 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
.... 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 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. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties 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 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. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
... 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 The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided... 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 The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided... 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 41
... saver. 4 Adjust the length of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Microsoft Windows...selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is an animated graphic that appears after your computer. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. You can set the length of time for a specified time. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen...
... saver. 4 Adjust the length of inactive time and select a personal graphic. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Microsoft Windows...selections inactivity time setting A screen saver is an animated graphic that appears after your computer. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. You can set the length of time for a specified time. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 42
NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor 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 access your computer to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer.
NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor 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 access your computer to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 43
... 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 You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows... onto the Start button. The programs available on the Start menu depend on page 23. 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. HINT: You can...
... 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 You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows... onto the Start button. The programs available on the Start menu depend on page 23. 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. HINT: You can...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 44
... 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 Desktop Control Panel The Control Panel contains programs and tools to enhance performance HINT: A list of the items you can...
... 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 Desktop Control Panel The Control Panel contains programs and tools to enhance performance HINT: A list of the items you can...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
... to your computer's performance. If you to monitor your computer. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to evaluate system performance, view events, monitor the performance log, or perform computer management. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click...
... to your computer's performance. If you to monitor your computer. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to evaluate system performance, view events, monitor the performance log, or perform computer management. Customizing Your Computer Settings 1 Click...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 46
OR Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. 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. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. 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
... to follow when working with your computer. Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's display screen, see the documentation for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with water. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To... cloth dampened with either water or an LCD cleaner. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. Also see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
... to follow when working with your computer. Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's display screen, see the documentation for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with water. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To... cloth dampened with either water or an LCD cleaner. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the screen. Also see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 49
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 Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Monitors and Displays 49 use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ...
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 Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Monitors and Displays 49 use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ...