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
... the version of Windows, but 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...
... the version of Windows, but 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...
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
...Includes a clock and icons associated with it . FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your computer. The taskbar provides quick access to the Start menu, which ... → Help and Support. Use the Start menu to start software applications and to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on the desktop, or to change computer settings. If you can relocate it . Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to programs. taskbar button ...
...Includes a clock and icons associated with it . FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. The basic sections of the desktop, although you move or resize your computer. The taskbar provides quick access to the Start menu, which ... → Help and Support. Use the Start menu to start software applications and to frequently-used programs, files, or utilities on the desktop, or to change computer settings. If you can relocate it . Quick Launch toolbar Contains icons for quick access to programs. taskbar button ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 35
... open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Right-click to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties to open applications and files, you may not be able to...taskbar. 2 Click Properties. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Click the required icon to view your desktop. As you open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on the Taskbar tab. To view the...
... open windows at once: 1 Position the cursor over an open area of the taskbar. 2 Right-click to display a shortcut menu. 3 Click Show the Desktop. Customizing the Taskbar 1 Right-click on an open area of the taskbar. 2 Click Properties to open applications and files, you may not be able to...taskbar. 2 Click Properties. Adding Icons in Windows Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Click the required icon to view your desktop. As you open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. 3 On the Taskbar tab, select Keep the taskbar on the Taskbar tab. To view the...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 36
...Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Double-click icons to open a file or folder or to files and folders rather than... placing them on the Windows desktop are direct links. • Icons for shortcuts - Some icons are shortcuts and other icons are links that provide quick access to programs, documents, ...
...Select an item, then choose its behavior. 6 Click OK. Deleting an Icon From the Desktop 1 Right-click the icon, and click Delete. 2 Click Yes. 36 Microsoft Windows Desktop Desktop Icons and Shortcuts icon shortcut Icons displayed on the desktop. Double-click icons to open a file or folder or to files and folders rather than... placing them on the Windows desktop are direct links. • Icons for shortcuts - Some icons are shortcuts and other icons are links that provide quick access to programs, documents, ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 37
...to which you are simply deleting the shortcut link. Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. 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. 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...
...to which you are simply deleting the shortcut link. Using Windows Explorer: 1 Right-click the Start button, select Explore. 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. 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...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 38
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. 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
...provided. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 Windows Vista® From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of these components are accessible through the Display Properties 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. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage ...
...provided. Use the tabs to select the items you want to adjust. From the Start menu: Microsoft Windows Desktop 39 Windows Vista® From the desktop: 1 Right-click an open area of these components are accessible through the Display Properties 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. Changing the Desktop Appearance Start button Control Panel Display Properties window You can manage ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 40
... instructions provided. The Display Properties window appears. 4 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...
... instructions provided. The Display Properties window appears. 4 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
...saver activates, you may need to log-in again to access your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Windows Vista 1 Right...a specified time. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen Saver to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK...
...saver activates, you may need to log-in again to access your computer to select a new screen saver. 4 Adjust the length of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Click the Screen Saver tab, and select a new screen saver. Windows Vista 1 Right...a specified time. Windows XP 1 Right-click an open area of inactive time and select a personal graphic. You can set the length of the desktop. 2 Click Personalize. The Personalize appearance and sounds window appears. 3 Click Screen Saver to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 42
Start Button (Menu) Overview The Start button opens the Start menu, which provides access to access 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 to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for 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. NOTE: After the screen saver activates, you may need to log-in to : • Control Panel • Programs • Files • Computer settings • Tools that monitor your computer to remain inactive before the screen saver appears. 5 Click OK. 4 Select the length of time for your computer's performance • Windows Help and Support 42 Microsoft Windows Desktop
Dell Technology Guide
Page 43
... Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the Start menu tab. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. 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 Start button. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. HINT...
... Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. See "Shutting Down Your Computer" on the Start menu tab. Microsoft Windows Desktop 43 You can add shortcuts to restart or shut down your computer. 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 Start button. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Start Button" on page 23. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Start button, see "Windows Basics" in your computer. HINT...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 44
...8226; Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to display the pop-up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft... Windows Desktop Hold your cursor over each item to enhance performance HINT: A list of your computer. Through the Control Panel, you can customize ...
...8226; Change hardware settings • Set network and Internet preferences • Customize the appearance of the items you maintain and customize your desktop • Set up printers and other devices • Perform maintenance to display the pop-up text box that explains its function. 44 Microsoft... Windows Desktop Hold your cursor over each item to enhance performance HINT: A list of your computer. Through the Control Panel, you can customize ...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 45
... Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to display its pop-up the space on your hard drive or rearrange items on your hard drive to... changes to manage and improve your computer's performance and make programs run faster, and so on page 125 for you to enhance performance. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel provides tools for related information.
... Help and Support: click Start or → Help and Support. Accessing and Using the Control Panel FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop, see "Windows Basics" in or attached to display its pop-up the space on your hard drive or rearrange items on your hard drive to... changes to manage and improve your computer's performance and make programs run faster, and so on page 125 for you to enhance performance. Microsoft Windows Desktop 45 Managing Your Computer Performance The Control Panel provides tools for related information.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 46
Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop 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.
Windows XP Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ Administrative Tools→ Computer Management. Then click Device Manager. 46 Microsoft Windows Desktop 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.
Dell Technology Guide
Page 47
... Screen To clean the display for safety procedures to follow when working with water. Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. Monitors and Displays 47 Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about...
... Screen To clean the display for safety procedures to follow when working with water. Also see the safety information that shipped with your computer for a desktop computer, wipe the screen with a soft cloth dampened with your computer. Monitors and Displays 47 Monitors and Displays FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about...
Dell Technology Guide
Page 49
... and the display must support the resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the...
... and the display must support the resolution, and the necessary video drivers must be installed. Windows® XP 1 Right-click an open area of the desktop. 2 Click Properties. The Display Properties window appears. 3 Select the Setting tab. Windows Vista® 1 Right-click an open area of the...