Dell Dimension XPS R Series Setup Manual
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Dell Dimension XPS R Series Setup Manual

Dell Dimension XPS R Series Setup Manual

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  • Page 1 ® Š...
  • Page 2 Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell , the DELL logo, and Dell Dimension are registered trademarks and DellWare is a registered service mark of Dell Computer Corporation; MS-DOS , Microsoft , Windows , and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
  • Page 3 This guide is intended for anyone who is setting up or starting to use a Dell Dimension XPS R xxx computer system. Both first-time and experienced computer users should complete Chapter 1 to properly configure a system for operation. The remaining chap- ters describe procedures for using software and hardware.
  • Page 4 Setup Guide and Reference and Troubleshooting Guide . It is provided for those who prefer online documents to printed ones. To open the guide, click the Start button, point to Programs—>Dell Accessories, and click Online Guide.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Completing Dell Setup in Windows 98 ........
  • Page 6 Dell Setup Icon ........
  • Page 7 Figure 2-3. Windows Title Bar ........2-4 Figure 2-4.
  • Page 9 After you connect your computer system according to the steps on the Getting Started ® sheet, you need to prepare it for use the first time you start it. Your Dell Dimension ® ® XPS R xxx system has been shipped with either the Microsoft...
  • Page 10 The Important Technical Support Information window appears (see Figure 1-1) and displays your Express Service Code. The Express Service Code helps expe- dite Dell technical support. Record the code and store it in a safe place. NOTE: Dell’s Express Service Code may not be available in all countries.
  • Page 11 Find the Product Key on the Certificate of Authenticity on the front cover of the Getting Started/Microsoft Windows 98 document, enter the Product Key in the fields provided, and then click Next>. 10. When the Start Wizard window appears, click Finish. 11.
  • Page 12 X in the upper-right corner. 16. If you are in the U.S. and ordered a Dell-installed modem with your system, a screen appears that prompts you to set up your Internet access. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

  • Page 13: Setting Up Windows Nt

    Turn on your system and any attached devices. The Dell Software License window appears. By typing y, you are agreeing to read the software license agreement that came with your system. Type y to continue.

  • Page 14: Control Panel

    If you do not have a modem installed, click Cancel and proceed to step 20. 15. Click Next> to let Windows NT detect any installed modem. Dell recommends that you let Windows NT detect your modem. However, you can click the Don’t Detect My Modem; I Will Select From a List radio button, and then manually select a modem.
  • Page 15 20. The Setup program continues configuration and file installation. If you receive a message warning you that your system is running low on registry quota or virtual memory, click OK. Dell adjusted the registry so that you should not exceed the memory threshold.
  • Page 16 It allows you to search for information in multiple ways and to quickly link to related topics. To open the guide, click the Start button, point to Programs—>Dell Accessories, and click Online Guide. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 17 Preparing Your Computer System for Use the First Time...
  • Page 18 1-10 Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 19 Newer versions of device drivers and other software should be downloaded from www.dell.com. NOTE: Dell provides support for your system as it was configured by Dell. When you place the cursor over an option, information about that option is displayed to the right of Contents.
  • Page 20 Double-click this icon to display the contents of your computer. Icons appear for any installed drives, as well as the Control Panel, printers, and so on. Refer to “My Computer” in Chapter 3 for more information. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 21 7DEOH  0DMRU )HDWXUHV RI WKH :LQGRZV 'HVNWRS FRQWLQXHG )HDWXUH )XQFWLRQ Recycle Bin When you delete a file from your system, it moves to the Recycle Bin, where it can later be retrieved. To permanently remove files, empty the Recycle Bin as explained in “Deleting Files”...
  • Page 22 Click the close button to close the document or program. Each time you open a program, a button for that program appears on the taskbar (see Figure 2-4). You can click the buttons to toggle between open programs. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 23 program taskbar buttons )LJXUH  7DVNEDU DQG 3URJUDP %XWWRQV The Control Panel contains many of the tools used to change how Windows looks and works. To access the Control Panel, follow these steps: Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel (see Figure 2-5).
  • Page 24 The wallpaper (background appearance of the Windows desktop) is changed on the Background tab of the Display Properties window. Table 2-3 describes the various parts of this tab. After you make any changes, click OK to apply (activate) them. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 25 7DEOH  %DFNJURXQG 7DE )HDWXUHV )HDWXUH )XQFWLRQ Preview window Displays the current wallpaper or pattern. Wallpaper list Click the name of the wallpaper you want to display, or click (None) if you prefer not to use a wallpaper image. Click the Browse button to use images in a directory you specify.
  • Page 26 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the Desktop Themes icon. The Desktop Themes window opens (see Figure 2-8). Select a theme from the Theme pull-down menu and click OK. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...

  • Page 27: Web View

    Theme pull-down menu )LJXUH  'HVNWRS 7KHPHV :LQGRZ Windows 98 adds Web environment features to the standard Windows interface, such as the ability to single-click an icon, file, or folder to open it. To disable this Web View, right-click on the desktop, point to Active Desktop, and then uncheck View as Web Page (click the item if it is checked).
  • Page 28 Move your mouse cursor to an empty spot on the Windows desktop, and click the right mouse button. From the pop-up menu, point to Arrange Icons. Click the option for the icon arrangement you prefer. The icons are automatically arranged. 2-10 Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...

  • Page 29: Using Windows Help

    An extensive help system is built into your Microsoft operating system. To access Help, click the Start button and then click Help. The Windows Help window appears (see Figure 2-9). )LJXUH  &RQWHQWV 7DE RI :LQGRZV +HOS The Contents tab lists help topics by subject, the Index tab lists topics alphabetically, and the Search tab lets you search for topics based on words you provide.
  • Page 30 2-12 Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 31 This chapter provides information about using Windows 98 and Windows NT to per- form basic tasks, such as starting programs, managing files, and properly shutting down your computer system. It also discusses adding and removing software pack- ages and loading device drivers. To access your programs, follow these steps: Click the Start button, and then point to Programs.
  • Page 32 (see Figure 3-2). You can use this program to locate files on any drive or folder in your computer. To open Windows Explorer, click the Start button, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer. Or right-click the Start button and then click Explore. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 33 drive icons folder icon plus icon )LJXUH  :LQGRZV ([SORUHU The left side of the window shows drives and folders, and the right side lists the files in the drive or folder selected. A plus (+) icon to the left of a drive or folder indicates the presence of additional folders.
  • Page 34 To change the name of a file, follow these steps: Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to locate the file you want to rename. Click the file to select it. Click the File menu, and then click Rename. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 35 H[WHQVLRQ &$87,21 'R QRW FKDQJH WKH ILOHQDPH ODVW WKUHH FKDUDFWHUV DIWHU WKH SHULRG  'RLQJ VR PD\ UHQGHU WKH ILOH XQXVDEOH Type the new filename and press <Enter>. &$87,21 'R QRW GHOHWH ILOHV WKDW DUH SDUW RI DQ LQVWDOOHG SURJUDP 'RLQJ VR PD\ UHQGHU WKH SURJUDP XQXVDEOH To delete a file, follow these steps: Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to locate the file you want to delete.
  • Page 36 OK. )LJXUH  6KXW 'RZQ :LQGRZV :LQGRZ If you are unsure whether Dell installed a particular software package you ordered, you can quickly check by clicking the Start button, pointing to Programs, and scan- ning the programs listed in the Programs menu. If the program is listed, it has already been installed and you do not need to reinstall it from the diskettes or CDs you received with your system.
  • Page 37 To install or configure new software on your computer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If it fails to install or run properly, contact the software manufacturer for technical support. ® NOTE: DellWare products are supported by the item's manufacturer. To receive product support information, call 1-800-753-7201.
  • Page 38 All of the devices installed by Dell already have the appropriate drivers installed. If you add devices, such as a printer, they may require additional drivers to work properly. Contact the device manufacturer if the necessary drivers are not provided on a dis- kette or CD.

  • Page 39: Video Display

    This chapter provides information and tips on using your computer hardware (physical parts of a computer system). It also includes general instructions for adding a printer. Many of the computer devices you might want to use or connect come with their own instructions and/or software.
  • Page 40 Click OK and then Yes to accept the new setting. For more information on monitor adjustments, refer to the documentation that came with your monitor. Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 41 The refresh rate is the rate at which the monitor redraws the video image on the monitor screen. The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye. If the video image appears to flicker (typically at a refresh rate of 60 hertz [Hz]), select a higher supported refresh rate by following these steps: Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  • Page 42 If you see a test bitmap pattern, click Yes and go to step 9. Otherwise, click No and go to step 8. Read the message, and click OK. Select a different display resolution, and then repeat steps 3 through 7 . Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 43 Click the Apply button to change the refresh frequency. 10. Click Cancel or OK to exit the Display Properties window. The keyboard that came with your Dell computer probably looks similar to the one shown in Figure 4-4. One of the special keys on your keyboard is the Windows logo key. When pressed, it displays the Start menu.
  • Page 44 Maximizes all windows Opens Windows Explorer Opens the Run window Opens the Find: All Files window Opens the Find Computer window (if you are connected to a network) Opens the System Properties window Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 45 To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, double-click the Keyboard icon in the Control Panel (refer to “Control Panel” in Chapter 2). The mouse that came with your Dell computer probably looks similar to the one shown in Figure 4-5.
  • Page 46 Your Dell computer came with either a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. Both drives read audio CDs and a variety of other CD formats. The DVD-ROM drive also plays digital versatile discs (DVDs). To use a disc in the drive, follow these steps.
  • Page 47 Subwoofer frequencies are nondirectional. Therefore the subwoofer does not need to be placed in a particular relationship to the satellite speakers. Dell recommends that you place the subwoofer on the floor under a desk. NOTE: Avoid placing speakers or a subwoofer near the monitor. The magnetic field they generate may degrade the picture.
  • Page 48 Windows 98. Examples of Plug and Play devices are a mouse, joystick, and USB speakers. To ensure that a device is Plug and Play-compatible, refer to the manufac- turer’s documentation that came with the device. 4-10 Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 49 To install a Plug and Play device on a system running Windows 98, follow these steps: Save and exit any application programs and files you have open. Shut down Windows 98 as instructed in “Shutting Down Your Computer” in Chapter 3. Turn off the computer system.
  • Page 50 4-12 Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 51 Many common questions about your Dell computer are answered in this chapter. For troubleshooting tips and diagnostic tools, refer to the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide . If you do not find a solution, refer to the “Contacting Dell” section of the Online Guide .
  • Page 52 Library; they are released to either fix problems or add features. Do not update the BIOS or a driver unless you are advised to do so by a Dell technician or you are experi- encing problems with your hardware configuration. Always read the release notes...
  • Page 53 Your computer is set to automatically correct the date after 1/1/2000 occurs. It will then continue to keep and update dates correctly. For more information about Year 2000 issues, refer to the Research and Development section of the Dell Web site (www.dell.com).

  • Page 54: Changing The Refresh Frequency In Windows Nt

    When prompted, click Yes to accept the changes. Monitors do not require drivers; video cards require drivers. Use the video drivers pro- vided with the video card. Newer drivers may also be available from the Dell Web site (www.dell.com). Modems with telephony support have sound capability independent of your com- puter’s audio.

  • Page 55: Getting Help

    Dell provides a number of tools to help you if you don’t understand a procedure described in this guide or if your system does not perform as expected. For informa- tion on these help tools, see Chapter 8, “Getting Help,” in the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide or the “Contacting Dell”...
  • Page 56 Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...
  • Page 57 display properties refresh rate, Windows 98 assistance refresh rate, Windows NT resolution, Windows 98 resolution, Windows NT screen saver wallpaper backing up files drivers backing up programs DVD-ROM drives cautions files backing up CD-ROM drives copying Control Panel deleting finding moving renaming fixing problems...

  • Page 58: Keyboard

    My Computer icon Windows NT shortcuts arranging 2-10 setup shutting down notational conventions software notes drivers frequently asked questions installing removing speakers Plug and Play devices 4-10 Start button printer, adding support Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...

  • Page 59: Accessing Programs

    Windows 98 help 2-11 accessing programs installing software backing up files moving files completing Dell setup program diskette sets copying files removing software deleting files renaming files drivers setting refresh rate file management setting resolution...
  • Page 60 Dell Dimension XPS R xxx Systems Setup Guide...

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