Dell Vostro A90 Setup And Quick Reference Manual
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Dell Vostro A90 Setup And Quick Reference Manual

Dell Vostro A90 Setup And Quick Reference Manual

Dell personal computer setup and quick reference guide
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Vostro™ | A90
Setup and
Quick Reference Guide
This guide provides a features overview, specifications, and quick setup, software, and
troubleshooting information for your computer. For more information about your operating
system, devices, and technologies, see the Dell Technology Guide at support.dell.com.
PP39S

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  • Page 1 Setup and Quick Reference Guide This guide provides a features overview, specifications, and quick setup, software, and troubleshooting information for your computer. For more information about your operating system, devices, and technologies, see the Dell Technology Guide at support.dell.com. PP39S...

  • 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

    Contents About Your Computer ..Front View ....Right View ....Left View .
  • Page 4 Lockups and Software Problems Dell Technical Update Service Dell Support Utility ..Dell Diagnostics ..Reinstalling Software ..

  • Page 5: About Your Computer

    About Your Computer Front View power light camera activity light display integrated single analog microphone battery light camera touch pad...
  • Page 6 Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. — D I S P L A Y For more information on the display, see Dell Technology Guide. — T O U C H P A D Provides the functionality of a mouse.

  • Page 7: Right View

    N E T W O R K C O N N E C T O R K E Y B O A R D keyboard, see Dell Technology Guide. Wireless and volume control keys are also located on the keyboard.
  • Page 8 Press <Fn><2> to turn on/off your wireless devices Press <Fn><3> to view details of your battery status, battery health, and to get battery tips Press <Fn><4> to mute the sound Press <Fn><5> to turn down the volume Press <Fn><6> to turn up the volume —...

  • Page 9: Left View

    CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your Dell™ computer in a low- airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.
  • Page 10 M E D I A C A R D R E A D E R fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on the following digital memory cards: • Secure digital (SD) memory card •...

  • Page 11: 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 12 To remove the battery: Ensure that the computer is turned off. Slide the two battery release latches to the unlock position. Slide the battery out. To replace the battery, slide the battery into the bay until it clicks into place.

  • Page 13: Quick Setup

    For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running.
  • Page 14 Connect the network cable. Connect USB devices, such as a mouse or keyboard. 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 15 Internet service wireless router laptop with wireless connection cable or DSL modem laptop with wired connection...

  • Page 16: Connecting To The Internet

    ISP, perform the steps in the appropriate 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 17 ® ® Microsoft Windows XP Operating System Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. Click Start→ Internet Explorer→ Connect to the Internet. In the next window, click the appropriate option: • If you do not have an ISP, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs).

  • Page 18: Transferring Information To A New Computer

    Transferring Information to a New Computer Windows XP provides the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer.
  • Page 19 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD→ Next. When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not click Next at this time. To copy data from the old computer: On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System media.
  • Page 20 Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System Media NOTE: Your computer may or may not have an optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures that involve media. To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System media, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.
  • Page 21 Click Finished and restart the new computer. NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using ® ® the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System?).
  • Page 22 Quick Setup...

  • Page 23: Specifications

    PCI bus 32 bits Memory Memory module one internally-accessible connector SODIMM socket Memory module 1 GB capacities Memory type 533/667/800 MHz DDR2 SODIMM NOTE: For instructions on upgrading your memory, see the Service Manual on the Dell Suppport website at support.dell.com.
  • Page 24 Internal Storage Type SSD (Solid-state drive) (MLC) Capacity 8 GB Ports and Connectors Audio integrated analog microphone, microphone connector, one stereo headphone/speakers connector Network adapter RJ-45 port three 4-pin USB 2.0- compliant connectors Video 15-hole connector Communications Modem Type External V.92 56K USB Modem Modem interface Universal Serial Bus...
  • Page 25 Audio Audio type two-channel high definition audio Audio controller Realtek ALC268 Stereo conversion 24-bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog) Internal interface Intel high-definition audio External interface integrated analog microphone, microphone-in connector, stereo headphones/speakers connector Speaker two 4-ohm speakers Internal speaker 0.5 watt per channel into amplifier 4 ohms Volume controls...
  • Page 26 Display (Continued) Controls brightness can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts (see Dell Technology Guide for more information.) Keyboard Number of keys 61 (U.S. and Canada); 66 (Europe); 68 (Japan); 62 (Korea) Touch Pad X/Y position 240 cpi resolution (graphics table mode)
  • Page 27 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 (approximate) 300 discharge/charge cycles Battery (Continued) Temperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40°...
  • Page 28 AC Adapter (Continued) Dimensions: 30 W (APD): Height 59.2 mm (2.33 in) Width 34.0 mm (1.34 in) Depth 85.0 mm (3.35in) Weight (with 0.15 kg (0.33 lb) cables) 30 W (ESP): Height 57.0 mm (2.24 in) Width 40.0 mm (1.57 in) Depth 80.0 mm (3.15in) Weight (with...
  • Page 29 Computer Environment Temperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Relative humidity (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration (using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment): Operating 0.66 GRMS Storage...
  • Page 30 Specifications...

  • Page 31: Troubleshooting Tips

    Troubleshooting Tips CAUTION: Always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. Using the Hardware Troubleshooter To start the Hardware Troubleshooter: Click Start→ Help and Support. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.

  • Page 32: Power Problems

    — turn it back on. If the problem persists, see the Dell Technology Guide on your computer or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S B L I N K I N G —...

  • Page 33: Memory Problems

    Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 36). Lockups and Software Problems 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.

  • Page 34: A Program Crashes Repeatedly

    The computer does not start up N S U R E T H A T T H E P O W E R C A B L E I S F I R M L Y C O N N E C T E D T O T H E C O M P U T E R A N D T O T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T A program stops responding —...

  • Page 35: Other Software Problems

    Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon on the taskbar, or from the Start menu. If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your taskbar: Click Start→ All Programs→ Dell Support→ Dell Support Settings. Ensure that the Show icon on the taskbar...

  • Page 36: Dell Diagnostics

    Start menu, go to support.dell.com and download the software. For more information about the Dell Support Utility, click the question mark (?) at the top of the Dell Support screen. Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the...

  • Page 37: Drivers And Utilities Media

    Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Dell Drivers and Utilities Media NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer. NOTE: Your computer may or may not have an optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures that involve media.
  • Page 38 Troubleshooting Tips...

  • Page 39: Reinstalling Software

    (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 39). 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 40: Using The Drivers And Utilities Media

    Utilities media and click Finish to restart the computer. When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the Drivers and Utilities media. 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.

  • Page 41: Manually Reinstalling Drivers

    A message appears, stating that the Drivers and Utilities media is detecting hardware in your computer. The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these components in your system window. Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on the screen.

  • Page 42: Using Microsoft ® Windows ® System Restore

    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 43: Using The Operating System Media

    For conventional solid-state drive configurations, the primary solid-state 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 44: Reinstalling Windows

    Insert the Operating System media. If the Install Windows message appears, click Exit. Restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press <0> immediately. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the ®...

  • Page 45: Finding Information

    Contents • Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact support. • Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting support NOTE: Your Service Tag/Express Service Code is located...
  • Page 46 • 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 NOTE: Readme files may be included on your media to...
  • Page 47 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. 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.
  • Page 48 Finding Information...

  • Page 49: Getting Help

    Dell Support (support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures. See "Online Services" on page 50 for a more extensive list of Dell Support online. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, see "Contacting Dell" on page 54.

  • Page 50: Technical Support And Customer Service

    To contact Dell's support service, see "Before You Call" on page 52, 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 51: Autotech Service

    For the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting Dell" on page 54. 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.

  • Page 52: Problems With Your Order

    "Contacting Dell" on page 54. Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call for your region or to speak to a sales specialist, see "Contacting Dell"...
  • Page 53 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 54: 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 55: Index

    11 connecting AC adapter, 13 Internet, 16 network, 14 network cable, 14 USB devices, 14 contacting Dell, 49, 54 Dell contacting, 49, 54 software updates, 35 Support Utility, 35 technical support and customer service, 50 Technical Update Service, 35...
  • Page 56 45 Dell Technology Guide, 47 Service Manual, 47 drivers, 39 Drivers and Utilities media, 46 identifying, 39 reinstalling, 39 returning to a previous version, 39 Drivers and Utilities media, 40, 46 Dell Diagnostics, 36 End User License Agreement (EULA), 47...
  • Page 57 14 overview, 15 Notebook System Software, 46 operating system Dell Factory Image Restore, 43 media, 43 operating system product key, 47 phone numbers, 54 power power light conditions, 32 troubleshooting, 32 regulatory information, 47 reinstalling drivers and utilities, 39...
  • Page 58 23 physical, 28 ports and connectors, 24 processor, 23 touch pad, 26 video, 24 support, 49 contacting Dell, 54 DellConnect, 50 online services, 50 regional, 50 technical support and customer service, 50 support information, 47 Terms and Conditions, 47 track stick/touch pad buttons description, 6–7...
  • Page 59 view back, 9 front, 5, 7 warranty information, 47 Windows License label, 47 Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 18 wizards Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 18...
  • Page 60 Index...

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