Dell Technology Guide
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... Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the information contained in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, DellConnect, StrikeZone, Wi-Fi Catcher, ExpressCharge, and Dell TravelLite are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in this... document is subject to hardware or loss of Dell Inc.; August 2008 Rev. A01 represents Windows Vista Start button. represents Windows XP Start button. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in the U.S. Some of...
... Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the information contained in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, DellConnect, StrikeZone, Wi-Fi Catcher, ExpressCharge, and Dell TravelLite are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in this... document is subject to hardware or loss of Dell Inc.; August 2008 Rev. A01 represents Windows Vista Start button. represents Windows XP Start button. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in the U.S. Some 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 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...
... 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...
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... it is not Responding . . . . 103 Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer. . . . 104 Undocking Your Computer While it Stops Responding and Displays a Solid Blue Screen 106 Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode 107 Restarting Your Computer After a Power Loss . . . . 108 8 Files and Folders 109 Navigating to Files 110 Selecting and Opening Files...
... it is not Responding . . . . 103 Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer. . . . 104 Undocking Your Computer While it Stops Responding and Displays a Solid Blue Screen 106 Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode 107 Restarting Your Computer After a Power Loss . . . . 108 8 Files and Folders 109 Navigating to Files 110 Selecting and Opening Files...
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... Maintenance Tasks (Enhance 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...
... Maintenance Tasks (Enhance 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...
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... 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 Using the Operating System Media 269 Before you Begin... . . 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
... 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 Using the Operating System Media 269 Before you Begin... . . 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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... may differ in appearance depending on the version of the Windows taskbar. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware • Device... it is consistently located 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 the way Windows...
... may differ in appearance depending on the version of the Windows taskbar. Start button From the Start button menu, you can access: • Microsoft Windows Help and Support • Control Panel • Information About Installed Hardware • Device... it is consistently located 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 the way Windows...
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..., 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 perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. It...
..., 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 perform. 3 If the specific task is not listed, use available features. It...
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... You 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.... Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Basic Information Click Start → Help and Support...
... You 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.... Windows® XP User's Guides To view the user's guides available on page 26). Basic Information Click Start → Help and Support...
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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 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. Control Panel To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Start or → Control Panel.
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...to view a table identifying the component or device name and related setting and configuration information. Exporting System Information as a Text File 1 Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Information. 2 On the File menu, click Export. 3 In File...hardware components, see the View your computer information topic in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Hardware Devices Installed on Your Computer Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Information. Finding...
...to view a table identifying the component or device name and related setting and configuration information. Exporting System Information as a Text File 1 Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Information. 2 On the File menu, click Export. 3 In File...hardware components, see the View your computer information topic in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Hardware Devices Installed on Your Computer Click Start or → All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Information. Finding...
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.... See Microsoft Windows Help and Support for general information about connecting to access device guide for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name of the program and click Search. The "Networking and the Web" topic provides an overview, requirements, ...under All Programs, use the Search feature to search for the specific wireless card installed in your computer. Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Search→ All Files or Folders. 2 Enter the name of the program in basic networking. The device guide provides helpful...
.... See Microsoft Windows Help and Support for general information about connecting to access device guide for a specific program: Windows Vista® 1 Click Start →Search. 2 Enter the name of the program and click Search. The "Networking and the Web" topic provides an overview, requirements, ...under All Programs, use the Search feature to search for the specific wireless card installed in your computer. Windows® XP 1 Click Start → Search→ All Files or Folders. 2 Enter the name of the program in basic networking. The device guide provides helpful...
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Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 The components of the screen. 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.
Microsoft Windows Desktop 33 The components of the screen. 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.
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...taskbar provides quick access to open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and icons associated with it . Use the Start menu to start software applications and to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on the desktop, or to change computer settings. Quick ...to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to the Start menu, which lists the programs and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows...
...taskbar provides quick access to open application programs. notification area Includes a clock and icons associated with it . Use the Start menu to start software applications and to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on the desktop, or to change computer settings. Quick ...to programs. taskbar button area Contains buttons representing minimized windows for quick access to the Start menu, which lists the programs and system utilities installed in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows...
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.... Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The screen defaults to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on an open applications and files, ... the icons it again. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open the Taskbar and...
.... Displaying Hidden Icons From the Notification Area The Notification area includes icons for quick program access. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. The screen defaults to display it displays or hides. 1 Right-click on an open applications and files, ... the icons it again. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties.The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the taskbar by minimizing all open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open the Taskbar and...
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..., select Explore. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create Shortcut ...
..., select Explore. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Using the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop, highlight New, then click Shortcut. 2 In the Create Shortcut ...
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... components are accessible through the Display Properties window. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. 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 You can manage your desktop by changing various components. You can personalize the appearance of your...
... components are accessible through the Display Properties window. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. 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 You can manage your desktop by changing various components. You can personalize the appearance of your...
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... 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 Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area... Click Properties. 3 Click Display. The Display Properties window appears. 4 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the...
... 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 Windows® XP From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area... Click Properties. 3 Click Display. The Display Properties window appears. 4 Review the available options and follow the instructions provided. From the Start menu: 1 Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes. 2 The Appearance and Themes window appears. 3 Review the available options and follow the...
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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.
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..." in your computer. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 23. HINT: You can use the Start menu to the Start menu by selecting the desired option on the Start menu tab. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. FOR ...MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 99. The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the Start menu by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the...
..." in your computer. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on page 23. HINT: You can use the Start menu to the Start menu by selecting the desired option on the Start menu tab. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. FOR ...MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 99. The Taskbar and Start menu Properties window appears. 3 Customize the Start menu by dragging an icon from a program, folder, or file onto the...