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 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 screen. Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 The components of the desktop include a background, icons, shortcuts, and a taskbar that appears after the Windows operating system starts up.
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 screen. Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 The components of the desktop include a background, icons, shortcuts, and a taskbar that appears after the Windows operating system starts up.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
...and Support. If you can relocate it . 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 Quick 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 . The taskbar provides quick access ...
...and Support. If you can relocate it . 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 Quick 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 . The taskbar provides quick access ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 35
... Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the required icon to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. 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 ... Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons it again. The screen defaults to view your desktop. As you open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open applications and files, you may not...
... Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Click the required icon to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. 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 ... Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by choosing the icons it again. The screen defaults to view your desktop. As you open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open applications and files, you may not...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 36
...-click icons to open a file or folder or to programs, files, or folders. Icons for programs and files - Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. You can safely delete a shortcut without affecting the item it links to programs, documents, and folders. HINT: For... better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links that provide quick access to . • Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Identified...
...-click icons to open a file or folder or to programs, files, or folders. Icons for programs and files - Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. You can safely delete a shortcut without affecting the item it links to programs, documents, and folders. HINT: For... better performance of your computer, create shortcuts to files and folders rather than placing them on the Windows desktop are links that provide quick access to . • Icons for program files, documents, or folders do not include an arrow graphic. Identified...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
...and then click Finish. 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, click Browse and navigate to the... 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or ...
...and then click Finish. 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, click Browse and navigate to the... 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 38
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 Shortcut Menus Create Shortcut Delete Rename Properties Shortcut menus are available for an item.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 39
... window. 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. 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 You...
... window. 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. 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 You...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
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. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions.... 3 Review 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...
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. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the instructions.... 3 Review 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 41
... NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in again to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of ...
... NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in again to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Windows Vista 1 Right-click an open area of ...
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
See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 23. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 99. Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an ...
See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 23. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 99. Customizing the Start Menu Customize the Start menu through the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 1 Right-click an ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 44
... settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows Desktop Through the Control Panel, you can customize appears in the Control Panel screen. Control Panel The Control Panel contains...
... settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft Windows Desktop Through the Control Panel, you can customize appears in the Control Panel screen. Control Panel The Control Panel contains...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
..., hold your cursor over the category to enhance the performance of your computer. Use options provided to free up text box. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 If you to enhance performance. See "Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security)" on page 125 for you are installed in or.... 2 Select one of the options to 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 to display its...
..., hold your cursor over the category to enhance the performance of your computer. Use options provided to free up text box. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 If you to enhance performance. See "Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security)" on page 125 for you are installed in or.... 2 Select one of the options to 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 to display its...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 46
Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. 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. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop
Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. 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. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop
Dell Technology Guide
Page 47
...any soap or solution not designed for monitors. Monitors and Displays 47 Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To clean the display for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. ...For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's display screen, see the documentation for your computer...
...any soap or solution not designed for monitors. Monitors and Displays 47 Cleaning Your Computer's Display Screen To clean the display for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. These solutions can damage the monitor's anti-glare coating. ...For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about your computer's display screen, see the documentation for your computer...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 49
... support the resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. Monitors and Displays 49 Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ok, if not repeat step 4. 6 Click OK. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an...
... support the resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. Monitors and Displays 49 Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. use slide bar to check if the selected resolution is ok, if not repeat step 4. 6 Click OK. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an...