Dell Technology Guide
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... or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in this document to refer to either potential damage to Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows XP Professional edition respectively in any proprietary interest in this document is a trademark owned by Dell Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may not apply to change without the written permission of...
... or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in this document to refer to either potential damage to Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows XP Professional edition respectively in any proprietary interest in this document is a trademark owned by Dell Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may not apply to change without the written permission of...
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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... 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 and Using... 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 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 and Using... 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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... 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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... 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 74 Sharing Printers on a Network 74 Installing a Printer Driver...
... 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 74 Sharing Printers on a Network 74 Installing a Printer Driver...
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... 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®...
... 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®...
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... 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 ...Backup With Hidden Drives 119 Restoring Files 119 Windows Vista 119 Windows XP 119 9 Managing Applications (Programs) . . . 121 Installing Applications on Your Computer 121 Installing Applications From a CD or DVD With Microsoft® Windows 121 Installing (Downloading) Applications From the ...
... 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 ...Backup With Hidden Drives 119 Restoring Files 119 Windows Vista 119 Windows XP 119 9 Managing Applications (Programs) . . . 121 Installing Applications on Your Computer 121 Installing Applications From a CD or DVD With Microsoft® Windows 121 Installing (Downloading) Applications From the ...
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Removing Applications From Your Computer . . . . . 123 Windows Vista 123 Windows XP 123 Ending an Application When it Does not Respond 124 10 Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security) . . . . 125 Performing Maintenance Tasks ... 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 Tuning 129 NVIDIA Performance 129 NVIDIA Monitor...
Removing Applications From Your Computer . . . . . 123 Windows Vista 123 Windows XP 123 Ending an Application When it Does not Respond 124 10 Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security) . . . . 125 Performing Maintenance Tasks ... 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 Tuning 129 NVIDIA Performance 129 NVIDIA Monitor...
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11 Power (Power Settings, Power Protection Devices, and Batteries) . . . 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 ...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™ ControlPoint Power Manager 146 12 Networks (LAN, Wireless, Mobile Broadband 149 Overview 149 Local Area Networks (LAN 150 What You Need to...
11 Power (Power Settings, Power Protection Devices, and Batteries) . . . 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 ...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™ ControlPoint Power Manager 146 12 Networks (LAN, Wireless, Mobile Broadband 149 Overview 149 Local Area Networks (LAN 150 What You Need to...
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.... . . . . 171 Web Browsers for Viewing Internet Sites . . . . . 172 Web Addresses 173 Setting up Your Internet Connection 173 Windows Vista 173 Windows® XP 174 Troubleshooting Problems Connecting to the Internet 175 Web Browser Settings 175 Setting the Browser Home Page 175 Setting the Way the... 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 ...
.... . . . . 171 Web Browsers for Viewing Internet Sites . . . . . 172 Web Addresses 173 Setting up Your Internet Connection 173 Windows Vista 173 Windows® XP 174 Troubleshooting Problems Connecting to the Internet 175 Web Browser Settings 175 Setting the Browser Home Page 175 Setting the Way the... 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 ...
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... 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
... 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, Digital Cameras, and Projectors 203 Overview 203 CDs,...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, Digital Cameras, and Projectors 203 Overview 203 CDs,...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...
...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...
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...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.... . . 245 Getting Help for Video Display Resolution Problems 245 Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel 246 Windows Vista 246 Windows XP 246 Using the Wizards 247 Using a Video Card Wizard to Configure Display Settings 247 Contents 17
...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.... . . 245 Getting Help for Video Display Resolution Problems 245 Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel 246 Windows Vista 246 Windows XP 246 Using the Wizards 247 Using a Video Card Wizard to Configure Display Settings 247 Contents 17
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... 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 256 Reducing the Risk of Getting Computer...
... 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 256 Reducing the Risk of Getting Computer...
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... 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 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...
... 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 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...
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...button to access resources, programs, and specialized tools for managing the way Windows appears and functions on your computer. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware...; Device Manager • Programs Installed on the left side of the Windows taskbar. The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23
...button to access resources, programs, and specialized tools for managing the way Windows appears and functions on your computer. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware...; Device Manager • Programs Installed on the left side of the Windows taskbar. The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on Your Computer • Wireless Networking • Dell Support Website Finding Information 23
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It also provides access to perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. 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 documentation for your computer and ...
It also provides access to perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. 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 documentation for your computer and ...
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... Task options) to view your computer information and to view your computer, click Start → Help and Support→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Topic options). Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to diagnose problems.... You can also view more details about your computer through the Control Panel (see "Control Panel" on your computer information. Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Finding Information 25
... Task options) to view your computer information and to view your computer, click Start → Help and Support→ Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Topic options). Windows Vista® Basic Computer Information Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ System to diagnose problems.... You can also view more details about your computer through the Control Panel (see "Control Panel" on your computer information. Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Finding Information 25
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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.