Dell Vostro A840 Setup And Quick Reference Manual
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Dell Vostro A840 Setup And Quick Reference Manual

Dell Vostro A840 Setup And Quick Reference Manual

Dell laptop setup and quick reference guide
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Vostro™ | A840/A860
Setup and
Quick Reference Guide

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Summary of Contents for Dell Vostro A840

  • Page 1 Vostro™ | A840/A860 Setup and Quick Reference Guide...

  • Page 2: Macrovision Product Notice

    Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Vostro, Wi-Fi Catcher, DellConnect, are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and is used by Dell under license; Intel, Pentium, Core, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Specifications Troubleshooting Error Messages System Messages Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems Dell Diagnostics ..Troubleshooting Tips Power Problems Memory Problems ..... . .
  • Page 4 Lockups and Software Problems ....Dell Technical Update Service Dell Support Center ..Reinstalling Software ..
  • Page 5 Before You Call ... . . Contacting Dell ... . . Index ..... . 71...
  • Page 6 Contents...

  • Page 7: About Your Computer

    About Your Computer Front View device status lights audio connectors touch pad E V I C E S T A T U S L I G H T S The lights located on the palm rest towards the front of the computer indicate the following: Power light –...

  • Page 8: Right View

    A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Attach headphones to the Attach a microphone to the T O U C H P A D — Provides the functionality of a mouse. Right View connector connector display...
  • Page 9 K E Y B O A R D keyboard, see Dell Technology Guide. O P T I C A L D R I V E the optical drive, see Dell Technology Guide. (RJ-11) Connects the telephone line to the modem connector.

  • Page 10: Left View

    Left View PC card slot 3-in-1 card reader slot IEEE 1394a USB connectors (2) connector network connector VGA connector security cable slot air vents C A R D S L O T as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a blank installed in the slot to prevent foreign matter from entering the computer interior when a card is not installed.
  • Page 11 N E T W O R K C O N N E C T O R (RJ-45) Connects the computer to a network. The two lights next to the connector indicate status and activity for wired network connections. For information on using the network adapter, see the device user’s guide supplied with your computer.

  • Page 12: Battery Removal

    CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
  • Page 13 battery battery release latches (2) To remove the battery: Ensure that the computer is turned off. Slide the two release latches on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay. To replace the battery, slide the battery into the bay until it clicks into place.
  • Page 14 About Your Computer...

  • Page 15: Quick Setup

    For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries.
  • Page 16 Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet. Connect the network cable. Connect USB devices, such as a mouse or keyboard.

  • Page 17: Connecting To The Internet

    Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer. NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer.

  • Page 18: Microsoft ® Windows Vista ® Operating System

    ISP, perform the steps in the section below. NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet, see the Dell Technology Guide. If you have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

  • Page 19: Transferring Information To A New Computer

    Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup. Transferring Information to a New Computer NOTE: The instructions in this section are for computers with Windows Vista operating system installed. Click the Windows Vista Start button and then click Transfer files and settings→...
  • Page 20 Quick Setup...

  • Page 21: Specifications

    NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer. Processor Vostro A840 ® Processor type Intel Core™2 Duo ®...
  • Page 22 System Information Vostro A840 Chipset Intel GM965 Express/ICH8M Data bus width 64 bits DRAM bus width dual-channel (2) 64-bit buses Processor address 36 bits bus width Flash EPROM 2 MB Graphics bus internal PCI bus 32 bits Memory Vostro A840...
  • Page 23 Memory (continued) Vostro A840 Minimum memory 512 MB Maximum memory 4 GB Ports and Vostro A840 Connectors Audio microphone connector, stereo headphone/speakers connector Mini-Card one PCI-E Mini-Card slot Modem RJ-11 port Network adapter RJ-45 port two 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors two 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors...
  • Page 24 3-in-1 media memory card Ricoh 5C847 controller 3-in-1 media memory card 3-in-1 combo card connector 3-in-1 combo card connector connector Cards supported SD/SDIO/MMC Communications Vostro A840 Modem: Type v.92 Data/Fax MDC Modem Controller softmodem Interface HDA Bus Network adapter 10/100 Ethernet LAN on system board...
  • Page 25 Video Vostro A840 Video type: integrated on system board, hardware accelerated Data bus integrated video Video controller Intel Extreme Graphics Video memory up to 128 MB Audio Vostro A840 Audio type two-channel high definition audio (Azalia) Audio controller Conexant CX20561-12Z...
  • Page 26 Audio (continued) Vostro A840 Speaker one 4-ohm speaker Internal speaker amplifier 2-W channel into 4 ohms Volume controls program menus Display Vostro A840 Type (active-matrix TFT) WXGA Active area (X/Y) 303.36 x 189.6 Dimensions: Height 206 mm (8.11 inches) Width 320 mm (12.6 inches)
  • Page 27 Display (continued) Vostro A840 Viewing angles: WXGA Horizontal 40/40° WXGA Vertical 15/30° Pixel pitch: 0.2373 Power Consumption (panel with backlight) (typical): WXGA 6.2 W (max) with no inverter losses 6.5 W (max) with no inverter losses Keyboard Vostro A840 Number of keys 86 (U.S.
  • Page 28 Touch Pad Vostro A840 X/Y position resolution 240 cpi (graphics table mode) Size: Width 73.0-mm (2.9-inch) sensor-active area) Height 42.9-mm (1.7-inch) rectangle) Battery Vostro A840 Type 6-cell “smart” lithium ion 4-cell “smart” lithium ion Dimensions: Depth 53.4 mm (2.10 inches) Height 20 mm (0.78 inch)
  • Page 29 4 hours (when computer is off) (approximate) Operating time Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power-intensive conditions. See Dell Technology Guide for more information. Life span 300 charge/discharge cycles (approximate) Temperature range: Operating 0°...
  • Page 30 AC Adapter Vostro A840 Input voltage 100–240 VAC Input current (maximum) 1.5 A Input frequency 50–60 Hz Output current 4.34 A (maximum at 4-second pulse); 3.34 A (continuous) Output power 65 W Rated output voltage 19.5 +/–1.0 VDC Dimensions: Height 28.2 mm (1.11 inches)
  • Page 31 AC Adapter (continued) Vostro A840 Temperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Physical Vostro A840 Height 31.1mm to 35.6 mm (1.2 to 1.4 inches) Width 340 mm (13.39 inches) Depth 250 mm (9.85 inches) Weight (with 4-cell battery) 2.03 kg (4.47 lb)
  • Page 32 Maximum shock (measured with hard drive in head-parked position and a 2-ms half-sine pulse): Operating Storage Airborne containment level Vostro A840 Vostro A860 10% to 90% (noncondensing) 10% to 90% (noncondensing) 5% to 95% (noncondensing) 5% to 95% (noncondensing) 0.66 GRMS 0.66 GRMS...

  • Page 33: Troubleshooting

    See your Service Manual at support.dell.com for more information. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 69). A C H E D I S A B L E D D U E T O F A I L U R E primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed.
  • Page 34 F A I L E D I N I T I A L I Z A T I O N hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). R I V E N O T R E A D Y —...
  • Page 35 Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
  • Page 36 Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). E M O R Y A D D R E S S L I N E F A I L U R E A T...
  • Page 37 O T I M E R T I C K I N T E R R U P T system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). R E A D F A I L U R E A T —...
  • Page 38 H U T D O W N F A I L U R E board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set → tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). — The operating system —...
  • Page 39 I M E R C H I P C O U N T E R on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). N E X P E C T E D I N T E R R U P T I N P R O T E C T E D M O D E —...

  • Page 40: System Messages

    A R D D I S K D R I V E F A I L U R E drive failure during hard drive POST. Check cables, swap hard disks, or see "Contacting Dell" on page 69 for assistance. A R D...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting Software And Hardware Problems

    O T I M E R T I C K I N T E R R U P T system board might be malfunctioning or system board failure (see "Contacting Dell" on page 69 for assistance). U S B O V E R C U R R E N T E R R O R the USB device.

  • Page 42: Dell Diagnostics

    If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems (see "Lockups and Software Problems" on page 47) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
  • Page 43 Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive, and follow the instructions on the screen.

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting Tips

    If an error message occurs in a program, see the program documentation. NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view. Power Problems CAUTION:...
  • Page 45 Remove and then reinstall any expansion cards, including graphics cards (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S S T E A D Y A M B E R —...

  • Page 46: Memory Problems

    Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem. • See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). Before working inside your...

  • Page 47: Lockups And Software Problems

    • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). F Y O U E X P E R I E N C E O T H E R M E M O R Y P R O B L E M S —...

  • Page 48: A Program Crashes Repeatedly

    A program stops responding N D T H E P R O G R A M — Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager, and click the Applications tab. Click to select the program that is no longer responding, and click End Task. A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or the...

  • Page 49: Other Software Problems

    The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications. To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com/technicalupdate. Dell Support Center The Dell Support Center helps you find the service, support and system-specific information you need.
  • Page 50 About Your System (System Documentation, Warranty Information, System Information, Upgrades & Accessories) The top of the Dell Support Center home page displays your system’s model number along with its service tag and express service code. For more information on Dell Support Center, see the Dell Technology Guide.

  • Page 51: Reinstalling Software

    (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 51). Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

  • Page 52: Using The Drivers And Utilities Media

    NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to enter the Device Manager. Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties. Click the Drivers tab→...

  • Page 53: Manually Reinstalling Drivers

    At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities program displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the Drivers and Utilities program.

  • Page 54: Using The Operating System

    NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view. NOTE: Set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.

  • Page 55: Using The Operating System Media

    Starting System Restore Click Start In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press <Enter>. NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.

  • Page 56: Reinstalling Windows

    For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer. To reinstall Windows, you need the Dell™ Operating System media and the Dell Drivers and Utilities media. NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed during the assembly of the computer.
  • Page 57 NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program. When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and press <Enter>. Press any key to Boot from CD-ROM, and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
  • Page 58 Reinstalling Software...

  • Page 59: Finding Information

    NOTE: Your Service Tag/Express Service Code is located on your computer. • A diagnostic program for your computer • Drivers for your computer • Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com. • Notebook System Software (NSS) • Readme files...
  • Page 60 Support Documentation This type of information may have shipped with your computer. For additional regulatory information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage on www.dell.com at the following location: www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Service Manual The Service Manual for your computer can be found at support.dell.com.
  • Page 61 Document/Media/Label Contents Dell Technology Guide The Dell Technology Guide is available at support.dell.com. ® ® Microsoft Windows License Label Your Microsoft Windows License is located on your computer. • About your operating system • Using and maintaining devices • Understanding technologies such as RAID, Internet, Bluetooth technology, e-mail, networking, and more.
  • Page 62 Finding Information...

  • Page 63: Getting Help

    Dell Support (support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures. See "Online Services" on page 64 for a more extensive list of Dell Support online. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, see "Contacting Dell" on page 69.

  • Page 64: Technical Support And Customer Service

    To contact Dell's support service, see "Before You Call" on page 67, and then see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell.com. Online Services You can learn about Dell products and services at the following websites: www.dell.com www.dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific countries only) www.dell.com/jp (Japan only) www.euro.dell.com (Europe only)

  • Page 65: Autotech Service

    You can access Dell Support through the following websites and e-mail addresses: • Dell Support websites: support.dell.com support.apj.dell.com (Asia Pacific and Japan only) support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) support.euro.dell.com (Europe only) • Dell Support e-mail addresses: mobile_support@us.dell.com support@us.dell.com suporte@dell.com (Brazil) la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries...

  • Page 66: Automated Order-Status Service

    Automated Order-Status Service To check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com, or you can call the automated order-status service. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting Dell"...

  • Page 67: Before You Call

    Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 68). If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands...
  • Page 68 Address: Phone number: Service Tag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer): Express Service Code: Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician): Operating system and version: Devices: Expansion cards: Are you connected to a network? Yes No...

  • Page 69: Contacting Dell

    Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: Visit support.dell.com, and verify your...
  • Page 70 Getting Help...
  • Page 71 12 connecting AC adapter, 16 Internet, 17 network, 17 network cable, 16 USB devices, 16 contacting Dell, 63, 69 Dell contacting, 63, 69 software updates, 49 Support Utility, 49 technical support and customer service, 64 Technical Update Service, 49...
  • Page 72 59 Dell Technology Guide, 61 Service Manual, 60–61 drivers, 51 Drivers and Utilities media, 59 identifying, 51 reinstalling, 51 returning to a previous version, 51 Drivers and Utilities media, 52, 59 Dell Diagnostics, 42 End User License Agreement (EULA), 60...
  • Page 73 network connector description, 11 networks connecting, 17 Notebook System Software, 59 operating system media, 55 operating system product key, 61 phone numbers, 69 power power light conditions, 44 troubleshooting, 44 regulatory information, 60 reinstalling drivers and utilities, 51 software, 51 S.M.A.R.T, 41 safety information, 60 security cable slot...
  • Page 74 31 ports and connectors, 23 processor, 21 system information, 22 touch pad, 28 video, 25 support, 63 contacting Dell, 69 DellConnect, 64 online services, 64 regional, 64 technical support and customer service, 64 support information, 60 Terms and Conditions, 60...
  • Page 75 troubleshooting (continued) programs and Windows compatibility, 48 software, 47–49 tips, 44 updates software and hardware, 49 view back, 10 front, 7–8 warranty information, 60 Windows License label, 61 Windows Vista Program Compatibility wizard, 48 wizards Program Compatibility wizard, 48...
  • Page 76 Index...

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