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Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 106) or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 85). Readme files may be included on your CD to...
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• Microsoft Windows License Label These labels are located on the bottom of your computer. • Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact technical support. • Enter the Express Service Code to direct...
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Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support Utility" on page 88. • How to use Windows XP Windows Help and Support Center •...
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Windows System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. • Dell PC Restore — Dell PC Restore returns your computer to its original operating state. Dell PC Restore may not ship with your computer.
About Your Computer Determining Your Computer’s Configuration Based on selections that you made when purchasing your computer, your computer has one of several different video controller configurations. To determine your computer’s video controller configuration: ® ® 1 Access the Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center.
Front View camera touch pad buttons display touchpad power button keyboard biometric reader — For more information about the camera, see "Using the Optional Camera" on page 45. C A M E R A — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 33. D I S P L A Y —...
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(2) — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons. S P E A K E R S D E V I C E S T A T U S L I G H T S Turns on when you turn on the computer, and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.
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Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, use the wireless switch. For information on using the wireless switch, see "Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator" on page 82. ® Turns on when a card with Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled.
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— The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key. For information K E Y B O A R D on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key Combinations" on page 36. — Press the button to launch either Dell Media Experience or Dell MediaDirect. ™ E L L...
— Turns on/off wireless devices such as Wi-Fi and internal cards with Bluetooth technology and W I R E L E S S S W I T C H scans for wireless networks. For more information about scanning for wireless networks, see "Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator" on page 82.
Right Side View cable lock slot optical drive USB connector Wireless switch — You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive bay. O P T I C A L D R I V E B A Y For more information, see "Optical Drive"...
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air vent (RJ-45) N E T W O R K C O N N E C T O R Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow lights next to the connector indicate activity for wired network communications. For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer.
Bottom View air vent battery-bay release latch hard drive battery communications card cover — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 116 and "Hard drive H A R D D R I V E problems" on page 90. —...
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— Releases the battery from the battery bay. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 43. BATTERY BAY LATCH RELEASE — Provides information on the battery charge status. See "Checking the Battery Charge" B A T T E R Y C H A R G E G A U G E on page 40.
Setting Up Your Computer Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options: •...
4 In the next window, click the appropriate option: • If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs). • If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System CD. This CD is optional and may not be included with all computers. Prepare the New Computer for the File Transfer 1 Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard by clicking Start All Programs Accessories...
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the optional Operating System CD, you must create a wizard disk that lets you create a backup of your data files. Create the wizard disk on removable media so that you can move it from your new computer to your old computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears. 3 Click Finished and restart the new computer. NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search s s upport.dell.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I ™ Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell Computer Using the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System CD?).
Connecting a USB Printer NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on. 1 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so. 2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
Surge Protectors Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector.
Using the Display Adjusting Brightness When a Dell™ computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the brightness to the lowest comfortable setting by pressing <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key on the keyboard. NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your portable computer, not monitors or projectors that you attach to your portable computer or docking device.
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If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values. 1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes. 3 Under Pick a task..., click the area you want to change, or under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Display.
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric Keypad The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys.
Key Combinations System Functions <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> Opens the Task Manager window. Display Functions <Fn><F8> Displays icons representing all currently available display options (for example, display only, external monitor or projector only, both display and projector, and so on). Highlight the desired icon to switch the display to that option.
QuickSet Key Combinations If QuickSet is installed, you can use other shortcut keys for functions such as the Battery Meter or activating power management modes. For more information about QuickSet key combinations, right- click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help. Adjusting Keyboard Settings To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and click Keyboard.
The touch pad has silk screening on the right side and at the bottom to indicate vertical and horizontal scrolling capability. Scrolling is enabled by default. To disable this feature, modify the mouse properties through the Control Panel. NOTE: The scroll zones may not work with all application programs. For the scroll zones to function properly, the application program must be able to use the touch-pad scroll feature.
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.
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described below or by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click H H elp.
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To enter standby mode: • Click Start Shut Down Stand by. • Depending on how you set the power management options on the Advanced tab (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 43) in the Power Options Properties window, use one of the following methods: –...
Charging the Battery NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, the AC adapter charges a completely discharged 6-cell battery in approximately 1 hour with the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on and also with the higher-capacity 9-cell battery. You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
Using the Optional Camera If you ordered a camera when you bought your computer, the camera is integrated in the computer display. The camera and its integrated directional microphone allows you to take photos and videos and to communicate visually and verbally with other computer users. The swivel action of the camera is manually adjustable.
Manually Adjusting the Camera Settings If you do not want the camera to use automatic settings, you can manually adjust the camera settings. 1 Double-click the icon in the notification area and click Camera Settings. 2 In the Camera Settings window: •...
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shutter button The QuickCapture window appears and the blue camera light turns on. You can now direct the camera to point at the object or person that you want to record. The QuickCapture window on the screen shows you the camera target view. 2 To take a picture, click Take a Picture, or press the shutter button.
Using Multimedia Playing a CD or DVD NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are not using the drive. NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs. NOTE: Depending on the aspect ratio of your display, movies may display differently.
3 Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray and snap the disc onto the spindle. NOTE: If you use a CD/DVD drive that shipped with another computer, you may need to install the drivers and software necessary to play CDs or DVDs or write data.
The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD using Roxio Creator Plus - Dell Edition. You can also use Roxio Creator Plus for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Roxio Creator Plus, and then click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Roxio Creator Plus. 1 Click Start All Programs Roxio Creator Projects RecordNow Copy. 2 Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy. 3 To copy the CD or DVD: •...
DVD-Writable Drives Media Type Read Write Rewritable CD-R CD-RW DVD+R DVD-R DVD+RW DVD-RW DVD+R DL DVD-R DL Maybe DVD-RAM Maybe Helpful Tips ® ® • Use Microsoft Windows Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Roxio Creator Plus and open a Creator project.
Programs or click the Media Experience icon on the desktop. If the Computer Is Turned Off or in Hibernate Mode When your computer is turned off or in hibernate mode, you can press the Dell MediaDirect button to start the computer and automatically launch the Dell MediaDirect application program.
Dell MediaDirect button Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience Help The Dell media application program on your computer provides help information. When you launch either program, click the desktop icon for additional help. Using Multimedia...
Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to a TV or other audio device are not included with your computer. Cables and component video adapters are available for purchase from Dell. Your computer has an S-video TV-out connector that, together with a standard S-video cable (available from Dell), enables you to connect the computer to a TV.
It is recommended that you connect video and audio cables to your computer in one of the following combinations. NOTE: See the diagrams at the beginning of each subsection to help you determine which method of connection you should use. •...
1 Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. NOTE: You can connect an S-video cable directly to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer (without the component video adapter) if your TV or audio device supports S-video but not S/PDIF digital audio. 2 Plug one end of the S-video cable into the S-video output connector on the computer.
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composite video adapter S-video cable S/PDIF digital audio cable 1 Turn off the computer and the TV and/or the audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer. 3 Plug one end of the S-video cable into the S-video output connector on the composite video adapter.
® ® 8 See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV in Microsoft Windows XP" on page 68 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV. Composite Video and Standard Audio audio input connector S-video TV-out connector composite video adapter composite video adapter composite video cable...
composite video adapter composite video cable 4 Plug the other end of the composite video cable into the composite video-input connector on the TV. 5 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on the computer. 6 Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the audio input connectors on your TV or other audio device.
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composite video adapter composite video cable standard audio cable 1 Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer. 3 Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite video-input connector on the composite video adapter.
6 Plug the other end of the digital audio cable into the S/PDIF input connector on your TV or other audio device. 7 Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.
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1 Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer. 3 Plug all three ends of the component video cable into the component video-output connectors on the component video adapter.
Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio S-video TV-out connector component video adapter component video adapter component video cable standard audio cable Using Multimedia...
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1 Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer. 3 Plug all three ends of the component video cable into the component video-output connectors on the component video adapter.
Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio If your computer has a DVD drive, you can enable digital audio for DVD playback. 1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click PowerDVD to launch the Cyberlink PowerDVD application. 2 Insert a DVD into the DVD drive. If the DVD begins playing, click the stop button.
7 Click the arrows beside the Audio listening mode setting to scroll through the options, and select the CL Headphone option. 8 Click the arrows beside the Dynamic range compression option to select the most suitable option. 9 Click the Back button once, and then click the Back button again to return to the main menu screen. ®...
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black cable connector 2 Connect the speaker’s green cable connector to the left headphone connector. 3 Connect the speaker’s yellow cable connector to the right headphone connector. Using Multimedia...
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green cable connector yellow cable connector Using Multimedia...
Using Cards ExpressCards ExpressCards leverage PC Card technology to provide a fast and convenient way to add memory, wired and wireless network communications (including wireless wide area network [WWAN] communications), multimedia, and security features to your computer. See "Specifications" on page 163 for information on supported ExpressCards. NOTE: An ExpressCard is not a bootable device.
2 Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector. If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again. The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the floppy disk or CD that came with the ExpressCard.
Media Memory Cards The 5-in-1 media memory card reader provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card. NOTE: A media memory card is not a bootable device. The 5-in-1 media memory card reader reads the following media memory cards: •...
To install a media memory card: 1 Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up. 2 Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector. If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again. The computer recognizes the media memory card and automatically loads the appropriate device driver.
Using Networks Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it. To connect a network cable: 1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer. NOTE: Insert the cable connector until it clicks into place, and then gently pull the cable to ensure that it is securely attached.
Network Setup Wizard ® ® The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office. 1 Click Start All Programs Accessories Communications...
Start Button and Connect To Option 1 Click Start Connect To Show all connections. If Wireless Network Connection does not appear under LAN or High-Speed Internet, you may not have a wireless network card. If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. 2 To view detailed information about the wireless network card: Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
Verify the type of wireless network card installed in your computer and then search for that name on the Dell Support website at s s upport.dell.com. For information on the type of wireless network card that is installed in your computer, see "Checking Your Wireless Network Card"...
To access the Help and Support Center: 1 Click Start Help and Support. 2 Under Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System Guides. 3 Under Device Guides, select the documentation for your wireless network card. Completing the Connection to the WLAN...
CD that accompanied your card if purchased separately from your computer) If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user’s guide for instructions. The user’s guide is available through the Windows Help and Support Center (or on the CD that accompanied your card if you purchased it separately from your computer).
Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13. The user's guide is also available on the Dell Support website at s s upport.dell.com and on the CD included with your Mobile Broadband card if you purchased the card separately from your computer.
Through Dell™ QuickSet" on page 80. Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator The wireless switch on your Dell computer uses the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator software to scan specifically for WiFi wireless local area networks (LAN) in your vicinity. To scan for WiFi networks, slide the switch toward the front of the computer and release, so that the switch springs back to the middle "on"...
Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock. A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. To use the lock, attach it to the security cable slot on your Dell™ computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.
Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is optional and may be purchased when you order your Dell™ computer, or you can contact your Dell sales representative for information about this security feature.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer. Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD). Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
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If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue. 4 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive. Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD 1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
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If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 141. NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
3 Ensure that the Show icon on the taskbar option is checked. NOTE: If the Dell Support Utility is not available from the S S tart menu, go to s s upport.dell.com and download the software. The Dell Support Utility is customized for your computing environment.
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound • Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running. • Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly. Hard drive problems A hot hard drive may prevent the operating —...
U X I L I A R Y D E V I C E F A I L U R E mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup program (see "Using the System Setup Program" on page 171). If the problem persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 141.
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X T E N D E D M E M O R Y S I Z E H A S C H A N G E D the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell"...
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I C E N S E D C O N T E N T I S N O T A C C E S S I B L E I N E D I A I R E C T Rights Management (DRM) restrictions on the file, so the file cannot be played. See "Dell MediaDirect™ problems" on page 98. A memory module may be —...
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If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup program. Then immediately exit the program. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 171. If the message reappears, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 141. The reserve battery that supports the system configuration settings may —...
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Information Guide NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional. External Keyboard problems NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Product Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Information Guide The computer does not start up N S U R E T H A T T H E A D A P T E R 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 The computer stops responding NOTICE:...
Click EagleVision to use a video enhancement technology that detects video content and dynamically adjusts the brightness/contrast/saturation ratios. NOTICE: You cannot reinstall the Dell MediaDirect feature if you voluntarily reformat the hard drive. Contact Dell for assistance. See "Contacting Dell" on page 141. Other software problems H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N O R C O N T A C T T H E S O F T W A R E M A N U F A C T U R E R F O R T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G —...
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