Dell Technology Guide
Page 2
... are trademarks of Intel Corporation in this document is strictly forbidden. and other countries. A01 represents Windows Vista Start button. represents Windows XP Start button. Dell Inc. Some of the information contained in this document may vary depending on the version of your...and tells you make better use of operating system installed on your computer. under license; Microsoft, Windows, Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association; disclaims any manner whatsoever...
... are trademarks of Intel Corporation in this document is strictly forbidden. and other countries. A01 represents Windows Vista Start button. represents Windows XP Start button. Dell Inc. Some of the information contained in this document may vary depending on the version of your...and tells you make better use of operating system installed on your computer. under license; Microsoft, Windows, Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association; disclaims any manner whatsoever...
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
... 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 41 Windows Vista 41 Windows XP 41 Start Button (Menu 42 Overview 42 Customizing the Start Menu 43 Control Panel 44 Accessing...
... 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 41 Windows Vista 41 Windows XP 41 Start Button (Menu 42 Overview 42 Customizing the Start Menu 43 Control Panel 44 Accessing...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 10
... 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 . . . . 129 Software Based Performance...
... 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 . . . . 129 Software Based Performance...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 19
... . . . . 261 Installing Remote Desktop Client Software 262 Calling From a Remote Location 262 19 Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . 265 Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore . . . . . 265 Starting System Restore 266 Undoing the Last System Restore 266 Enabling System Restore 267 Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore 267 Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . 268...
... . . . . 261 Installing Remote Desktop Client Software 262 Calling From a Remote Location 262 19 Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . 265 Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore . . . . . 265 Starting System Restore 266 Undoing the Last System Restore 266 Enabling System Restore 267 Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore 267 Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . 268...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 23
... • 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 located on the left side of the Windows taskbar. Finding Information Start Button From the Microsoft® Windows® operating system desktop, you can click the Start button to access resources...
... • 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 located on the left side of the Windows taskbar. Finding Information Start Button From the Microsoft® Windows® operating system desktop, you can click the Start button to access resources...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 24
... and Support This information center provides instructions, hints, and general information about Microsoft Windows and explains how to use the search option. 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 ...your computer. It also provides access to perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. To access Windows Help and Support: 1 Click Start or → Help and Support. 2 Click the topic or task you want to documentation for your computer and devices installed on...
... and Support This information center provides instructions, hints, and general information about Microsoft Windows and explains how to use the search option. 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 ...your computer. It also provides access to perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. To access Windows Help and Support: 1 Click Start or → Help and Support. 2 Click the topic or task you want to documentation for your computer and devices installed on...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 25
Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to view 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. You can also view more details about ...
Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to view 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. You can also view more details about ...
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
...your computer's hardware components, see the View your computer information topic in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Exporting System Information as a Text File 1 Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ ... Click the device category to expand the Components category. Windows Vista® Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System→ Device Manager (listed under Tasks). Windows® XP Click Start → Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→...
...your computer's hardware components, see the View your computer information topic in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Exporting System Information as a Text File 1 Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ ... Click the device category to expand the Components category. Windows Vista® Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System→ Device Manager (listed under Tasks). Windows® XP Click Start → Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 28
... 28 Finding Information Programs Installed on Your Computer Click Start or → 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 general ...The device guide provides helpful information about connecting to search for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name of the program and click Search. Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Search→ All Files or Folders. 2 Enter the name of ...
... 28 Finding Information Programs Installed on Your Computer Click Start or → 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 general ...The device guide provides helpful information about connecting to search for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name of the program and click Search. Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Search→ All Files or Folders. 2 Enter the name of ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 33
Microsoft Windows Desktop desktop shortcut icons Start button taskbar notification area Overview The Microsoft® Windows® desktop 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 is the display screen area 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 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 is the display screen area that appears after the Windows operating system starts up.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 34
... and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer...
... and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 35
...to the Taskbar tab. 3 For computers running Windows Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Click the required icon to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. As you open applications and files, you ...may not be able to open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on the Taskbar tab. Customizing the ...
...to the Taskbar tab. 3 For computers running Windows Vista®, select the Notification Area tab. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Click the required icon to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. As you open applications and files, you ...may not be able to open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on the Taskbar tab. Customizing the ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
...to the location of the item you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to the file. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to . 3... without an arrow, you are simply deleting the shortcut link. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. HINT: If you delete an icon with an arrow, you are deleting ...
...to the location of the item you want to create a shortcut. 2 Right-click on the Desktop You can create a shortcut to the file. Microsoft Windows Desktop 37 Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. Creating and Deleting Program Shortcuts on the item, highlight Send to . 3... without an arrow, you are simply deleting the shortcut link. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. HINT: If you delete an icon with an arrow, you are deleting ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 39
... available options and follow the instructions provided. 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 and appearance, and monitor settings from the Display Properties Menu screen. Changing the...
... available options and follow the instructions provided. 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 and appearance, and monitor settings from the Display Properties Menu screen. Changing the...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
... 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. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes...
... 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. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes...
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
... by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the Start button. HINT: You can use the Start menu to the Start menu by selecting the desired option on the Start menu tab. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. You can add shortcuts to restart or...
... by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the Start button. HINT: You can use the Start menu to the Start menu by selecting the desired option on the Start menu tab. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. You can add shortcuts to restart or...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 107
...reporting dialog box will reset when the power is a troubleshooting option for at least 8 seconds. Press and hold the power button for Windows that starts your computer in Safe Mode if you have shut down the message. This will be lost. See "Replacing a Battery" on page 125...; Your system administrator • support.dell.com. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start your computer in Safe Mode Safe mode is turned back on. You may want to identify which Windows mode you troubleshoot the problem later. Starting Your Computer in a limited state. ...
...reporting dialog box will reset when the power is a troubleshooting option for at least 8 seconds. Press and hold the power button for Windows that starts your computer in Safe Mode if you have shut down the message. This will be lost. See "Replacing a Battery" on page 125...; Your system administrator • support.dell.com. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start your computer in Safe Mode Safe mode is turned back on. You may want to identify which Windows mode you troubleshoot the problem later. Starting Your Computer in a limited state. ...