User manual DELL DIMENSION 9200

DellTM DimensionTM 9200 Owner's Manual Service Tag CD or DVD eject button CD or DVD activity light FlexBays (2) for optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader microphone connector headphone connector diagnostic lights hard drive activity light power button USB 2.0 connectors (2) power connector cover release latch audio connectors USB 2.0 connectors (4) (rear quad) USB 2.0 connectors (2) (rear dual) network adapter card slots for PCI Express x1 (1), PCI Express x16 (1), PCI Express x4 (1), PCI (3) Model DCTA w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. If you purchased a DellTM n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable. ____________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, PowerConnect, XPS, DellNet, Dell TravelLite, Dell OpenManage, and StrikeZone are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Core is trademark of Intel Corporation; Intel, Pentium, Intel SpeedStep, Celeron, and Viiv are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; the Bluetooth word mark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Dell Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. Model DCTA September 2006 P/N YH242 Rev. A01 Contents Finding Information ................................ 9 1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . Front View of the Computer Back View of the Computer Back Panel Connectors Connecting Monitors. ............... 13 13 15 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 25 26 26 28 28 ........................... ........................... ............................. .............................. ........ ........ ........ ........ Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors . . . . . Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting a Television (TV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Up a Printer ............................... ......................... ......................... Printer Cable . . . . . . . Connecting a USB Printer. Connecting to the Internet . ........................... .................... .................... Setting Up Your Internet Connection Setting Up a Home and Office Network . Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . ..................... ..................... ................. ....... ....... Transferring Information to a New Computer . Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Playing CDs and DVDs . ............................. ........................... ........................... ........................... Playing a CD or DVD . Adjusting the Volume . Adjusting the Picture . Contents 3 Copying CDs and DVDs. ............................. ........................ ........................ ........................ ..................... 28 29 29 30 31 32 32 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 35 How to Copy a CD or DVD. . Using Blank CDs and DVDs . Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . Using a Media Card Reader (Optional) IEEE 1394 (Optional) Power Management ............................... ............................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... Overview . . . . . . . . . Standby Mode . . . . . . Hibernate Mode. . . . . . Power Options Properties Cleaning Your Computer . ............................ .............. .............. .............. .............. Cleaning the Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Cleaning the Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning the Floppy Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Optimizing Performance . Hyper-Threading . About Your RAID Configuration ........................ 37 37 37 38 38 39 40 42 46 46 46 47 47 ................................ ......................... ................. ................. ................. ................. ................. RAID Level 0 Configuration . . . . . . . . RAID Level 1 Configuration . . . . . . . . Configuring Your Computer for RAID . . . Using the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility Using the Intel® Application Accelerator Dell DataSafe (Optional) . ............................ ...................... ........... ........... ........... Intel® ViivTM Technology (Optional) . Using Intel® ViivTM Quick Resume Technology (QRT) Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup . . . . . . Enabling the QRT Feature in the Operating system. . 4 Contents 3 Solving Problems. Troubleshooting Tips . Battery Problems. Drive Problems . ............................. 49 49 49 50 50 51 51 53 54 54 55 55 55 55 55 56 56 56 57 57 58 59 60 60 61 61 62 62 62 63 .............................. ................................ ................................. ........................ ........................ .................... CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems . . . . E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . Error Messages ................................. .......................... Media Card Reader Problems Keyboard Problems ............................... ........................ .... .... .... .... .... .... .... Lockups and Software Problems The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A program crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system . A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Problems Mouse Problems . ................................ ................................ ............................... Network Problems . Power Problems ................................. ................................ ................................ ......................... ........................ ........................ Printer Problems . Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems . No sound from speakers . . No sound from headphones Video and Monitor Problems .......................... ....................... ....................... The screen is blank . . . . . . The screen is difficult to read. Contents 5 4 Troubleshooting Tools Diagnostic Lights. Dell Diagnostics .......................... 65 65 68 69 70 70 70 71 72 72 72 74 ................................ ................................. ........................ Dell Diagnostics Main Menu Drivers ...................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............. What Is a Driver? . . Identifying Drivers . Reinstalling Drivers . Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Restoring Your Operating System ........................ .............. .............. Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . 5 Removing and Installing Parts. Before You Begin. .................... 77 77 77 77 78 78 80 81 82 82 83 85 86 86 91 100 100 101 102 103 ................................ .................. .................. .................. Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . Before Working Inside Your Computer . Removing the Computer Cover. Inside View of Your Computer . System Board Components. Memory. ......................... ......................... ........................... ..................................... ............................. ............................. ............................. Memory Overview Installing Memory. Removing Memory Cards ....................................... ............................. ............................. PCI Cards . . . . . PCI Express Cards Drive Panels .................................. .................... .................... .................... .................... Removing the Drive Panel . . . . Removing the Drive-Panel Insert . Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert . Replacing the Drive Panel . . . . 6 Contents Drives. ..................................... ..................... 103 104 104 105 106 107 109 109 111 112 112 115 116 117 118 120 120 121 General Installation Guidelines . Hard Drive ................................... ....................... ....................... ....................... Removing a Hard Drive . . . Installing a Hard Drive . . . Adding a Second Hard Drive Floppy Drive .................................. ......................... ......................... Removing a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive Media Card Reader .............................. ..................... ..................... Removing a Media Card Reader Installing a Media Card Reader. CD/DVD Drive. ................................. ........................ ........................ Removing a CD/DVD Drive Installing a CD/DVD Drive. Battery ..................................... .......................... ........................ Replacing the Battery. Replacing the Computer Cover 6 Appendix .................................. ................................. ................................. .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... ........................ 123 123 127 127 127 129 132 134 135 135 135 136 Specifications System Setup . Overview . . . . . . . Entering System Setup System Setup Options. Boot Sequence . . . . Clearing Forgotten Passwords. Clearing CMOS Settings . ........................... .................. ......... ......... Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . Contents 7 FCC Notice (U.S. Only) FCC Class B Contacting Dell. ............................. 136 136 137 ................................ ................................ Glossary Index . ..................................... 159 171 ....................................... 8 Contents Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries. NOTE: This Owner's Manual is available as a PDF at support.dell.com. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer. What Are You Looking For? · · · · A diagnostic program for my computer Drivers for my computer My device documentation Desktop System Software (DSS) Find It Here Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see "Drivers" on page 70), run the Dell diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 68), or access your documentation. Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced, technical reference material for technicians or experienced users. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com. · · · · · · Warranty information Terms and Conditions (U.S. only) Safety instructions Regulatory information Ergonomics information End User License Agreement DellTM Product Information Guide Finding Information 9 What Are You Looking For? · Service Tag and Express Service Code · Microsoft® Windows® Product Key Label Find It Here Service Tag and Microsoft Windows Product Key These labels are located on your computer. · 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. · Solutions -- Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions · Community -- Online discussion with other Dell customers · Upgrades -- Upgrade information for components, such as the memory, hard drive, and operating system · Customer Care -- Contact information, service call and order status, and warranty and repair information · Service and support -- Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with support · Reference -- Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers · Downloads -- Certified drivers, patches, and software updates · Desktop System Software (DSS)-- If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration, providing critical updates for your operating system and support for DellTM 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel® processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. Dell Support Website -- support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the appropriate support site. To download Desktop System Software: 1 Go to support.dell.com, select your region or business segment, then enter your Service Tag or product model. 2 Select Drivers & Downloads, then click Go. 3 Select your operating system and language, and then search for the keyword Desktop System Software. NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary depending on your selections. 10 Finding Information What Are You Looking For? · How to use Windows XP · How to work with programs and files · How to personalize my desktop Find It Here Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click Start Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, then click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. Operating System CD NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may not ship with your computer. The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 72. After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. Your operating system product key label is located on your computer. · How to reinstall my operating system NOTE: The color of your CD varies according to the operating system you ordered. · How to use Linux · E-mail discussions with users of Dell PrecisionTM products and the Linux operating system · Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell Precision computer Dell Supported Linux Sites · linux.dell.com · lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linux-precision Finding Information 11 12 Finding Information Setting Up and Using Your Computer Front View of the Computer 1 12 2 11 3 10 9 8 7 4 6 5 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13 1 2 3 4 cover release latch CD or DVD activity light CD or DVD eject button FlexBay drives (2) Use this latch to remove the cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on page 78). The CD or DVD drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the CD or DVD drive. Press the CD or DVD eject button to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive. Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader. For information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page 31. For adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents. 5 vents NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space between all vents and any object near the vents. NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure that the system is adequately ventilated. Use only a dry cloth to clean the vent area to avoid water damage to the system. 6 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more information on booting to a USB device, see "System Setup Options" on page 129. NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards. Press the power button to turn on the computer. 7 power button NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. 8 hard-drive activity light The hard-drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light may also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating. Use the sequence of the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot a problem with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 65). Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or contact support. 9 10 11 12 diagnostic lights (4) headphone connector microphone connector Service Tag 14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer Back View of the Computer 1 4 2 3 1 2 3 4 power connector back I/O connectors card slots (6) power selection switch Insert the power cable. Plug USB, network, S/PDIF, and audio devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Back Panel Connectors" on page 16). Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards. Manually select AC input power: 115 volts or 230 volts Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15 Back Panel Connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 1 link integrity light 11 10 · Green -- A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer. · Orange -- A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. · Yellow -- A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer. · Off -- The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network. 2 network adapter connector NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector. Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a network or broadband device. Connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device, and then connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached. On computers with an additional network connector card, use the connectors on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet). NOTE: It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation. 3 network activity light Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state. Use the back, rear-dual USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards. NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices. 4 USB 2.0 connectors (2) (rear dual) 16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 5 USB 2.0 connectors (4) (rear quad) Use the back, rear-quad USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards. NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices. Use the (black) surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. Use the (blue) line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. Use the (green) line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. Use the (pink) microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. Use the (orange) center/subwoofer connector to attach a center speaker or a single subwoofer. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. 6 surround sound connector line-in connector 7 8 line-out/headphone connector microphone connector 9 10 center/subwoofer LFE connector NOTE: The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Audio channel, found in digital surround sound audio schemes, carries only low frequency information of 80 Hz and below. The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely low bass extension. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround sound setup. 11 side surround sound connector Use the (gray) side surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. The side-surround output provides enhanced surround audio for computers with 7.1 speakers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. 12 S/PDIF connector Use the S/PDIF connector to transmit digital audio without going through an analog audio conversion process. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. Connecting Monitors CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: Your computer supports one VGA and one DVI connector. If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must use the optional DVI-to-VGA adapter. If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector. If you are connecting a television, you can connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the television. 17 Setting Up and Using Your Computer If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you how to connect two monitors with VGA connectors, one monitor with a VGA connector and one monitor with a DVI connector, or a television. Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 77. 2 Connect one of the monitors to the (blue) VGA connector on the back of the computer. 3 Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI-to-VGA adapter, then connect the adapter to the (white) DVI connector on the back of the computer. 1 2 3 Two VGA Connectors 4 One VGA Connector and one DVI Connector 3 TV-OUT connector 1 4 optional DVI-to-VGA adapter VGA connector (blue) 2 DVI connector (white) Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 77. 2 Connect the VGA connector of the first monitor to the (blue) VGA connector on the back of the computer. 3 Connect the DVI connector of the second monitor to the (white) DVI connector on the back of the computer. 18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer Connecting a Television (TV) NOTE: See the documentation that came with your TV to ensure that you properly configure and connect the TV. NOTE: To connect a TV to your computer, an S-video cable is required. If you do not have an S-video cable, you may purchase one at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer. 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 77. 2 Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer. 3 Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV. 4 Connect a VGA or DVI monitor (see "Connecting Monitors" on page 17). Changing the Display Settings 1 After you connect the monitor(s) or television, turn on the computer. The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor. 2 Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings. · · In clone mode, both monitors display the same image. In extended desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space. For information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user's guide in the Help and Support Center (click the Start button, click Help and Support, click User and system guides, click Device guides, and then click the guide for your graphics card). For dual-monitor capable cards with one DVI connector and one VGA connector One DVI connector and one VGA connector: Two VGA connectors with one VGA adapter: DVI VGA VGA VGA Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want to connect your computer to one or two monitors. Use the DVI-to-VGA adapter when you want to connect your computer to two VGA monitors. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19 For dual-monitor capable cards with two DVI connectors Two DVI connectors: Two DVI connectors with a DVI-toVGA adapter: Two DVI connectors with two DVIto-VGA adapters: DVI DVI DVI VGA VGA VGA Use the DVI connectors to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors. Use two DVI-to-VGA adapters to Use the DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to one of the connect two VGA monitors to the DVI connectors on your computer. DVI connectors on your computer Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer. See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to: · · · · Obtain and install updated drivers Connect the printer to the computer Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance Printer Cable Your printer connects to your computer with a USB cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box. 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 Install the printer driver, if necessary (see the documentation that came with your printer). 3 Attach the USB printer cable to the appropriate USB connector on the computer and the printer. The connectors fit only one way. 20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 1 2 3 1 USB connector on computer 2 USB printer cable 3 USB connector on printer 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), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options: · · · Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections. DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously. Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line. NOTE: If you use a dial-up connection, you need an add-in PCI modem expansion card. If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions. Setting Up Your Internet Connection To set up an AOL or MSN connection: 1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21 If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop, or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP: 1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Click the Start button, then click Internet Explorer. The New Connection Wizard appears. 3 Click Connect to the Internet. 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. If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP. NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP. 5 Click Next. If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. 6 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next. 7 Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup. If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 51. If you cannot connect to the Internet, but 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. Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter NOTICE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the network cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone wall jack. 1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer. Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure. 2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device. 22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 3 2 1 1 4 network adapter connector on computer network cable 2 network adapter connector 4 3 network device 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 the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard. 2 On the welcome screen, click Next. 3 Click Checklist for creating a network. NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack. 4 Complete the checklist and required preparations. 5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen. Transferring Information to a New Computer The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as: · · · · E-mail messages Toolbar settings Window sizes Internet bookmarks Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23 You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network, with an add in PS2/serial adapter (optional), or you can store it on a removable media, such as a writable CD or USB drive, for transfer to the new computer. NOTE: You can transfer information from the old computer to the new computer by directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers. However, this requires that you install a PS2/serial adapter (optional), which provides a serial connector (COM). Also, the old computer needs to have a serial connector. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must access the Network Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer. For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be available in some countries. For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System CD for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. 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. To prepare the new computer for the file transfer: 1 Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. 2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next. 3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer, then click Next. 4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD, then click Next. 5 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: 1 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD. 2 On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks. 3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings. 4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next. 5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer, then click Next. 6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer. 24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer, then click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears. 8 Click Finish. To transfer data to the new computer: 1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next. 2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files, then click Next. The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer. When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears. 3 Click Finished, and then restart the new computer. Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System CD, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media. To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and perform the following steps: 1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. 3 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next. 4 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer, then click Next. 5 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following drive:, then click Next. 6 Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, then click OK. 7 When the disk creation completes and the Now go to your old computer message appears, do not click Next. 8 Go to the old computer. To copy data from the old computer: 1 On the old computer, insert the wizard disk. 2 Click the Start button, then click Run. 3 In the Open field on the Run window, browse to the path for fastwiz (on the appropriate removable media), then click OK. 4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next. 5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer, then click Next. 6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25 7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer, then click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears. 8 Click Finish. To transfer data to the new computer: 1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next. 2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files, then click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen. The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer. When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears. 3 Click Finished, and then restart the new computer. NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.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?). NOTE: Access to the DellTM Knowledge Base document may not be available in some countries. Playing CDs and DVDs 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 or tilt the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs. 1 Press the eject button on the front of the drive. 2 Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray. 26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 3 Press the eject button or gently push on the tray to close it. To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer. NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs. A CD player includes the following basic buttons: Play Move backward within the current track Pause Move forward within the current track Stop Go to the previous track Eject Go to the next track A DVD player includes the following basic buttons: Stop Restart the current chapter Play Fast forward Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27 Pause Fast reverse Advance a single frame while in pause mode Go to the next title or chapter Continuously play the current title or chapter Go to the previous title or chapter Eject For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help on the CD or DVD player (if available). Adjusting the Volume NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories Entertainment, and then click Volume Control. 2 In the Master Volume control window, click and drag the bar in the Master Volume column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume. For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window. Adjusting the Picture If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties. 1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes. 3 Under Pick a task..., click Change the screen resolution. 4 In the Display Properties window, click and drag the bar in Screen resolution to change the setting to 800 by 600 pixels. 5 Under Color quality, click the drop-down menu, and then click Medium (16 bit). 6 Click OK. Copying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs. This section applies only to computers that have a DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive. NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country. 28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 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. How to Copy a CD or DVD NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support website at www.sonic.com. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell computers can write to and read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to and may not read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media. NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Roxio Creator Plus. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Roxio Creator Projects, and then click RecordNow Copy. 2 Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy. 3 To copy the CD or DVD: · If you have one CD/DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click the Disc Copy button. The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive. When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click OK. · If you have two CD/DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or DVD and click the Disc Copy button. The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD. Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects. Using Blank CDs and DVDs CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW media) while DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media. Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After the maximum storage capacity of a CD-R is reached, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on the CD later. Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of data. After you create a DVD+/-R disc, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is finalized or closed during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on the disc later. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29 CD-Writable Drives Media Type CD-R CD-RW DVD-Writable Drives Media Type CD-R CD-RW DVD+R DVD-R DVD+RW DVD-RW DVD+R DL Read Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Write Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Rewritable No Yes No No Yes Yes No Read Yes Yes Write Yes Yes Rewritable No Yes 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. Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs may not play in many home or car stereos. You cannot create audio DVDs with Roxio Creator Plus. Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed. Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your DVD player or contact the manufacturer. Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1­2 MB of blank space to finalize the recording. Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R. See the Sonic website at www.sonic.com for additional information. · · · 30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer Using a Media Card Reader (Optional) Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer. The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types: · · · · · · · xD-Picture Card SmartMedia (SMC) CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) MicroDrive Card SecureDigital Card (SD) MultiMediaCard (MMC) Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro) For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 115. 1 2 4 3 1 4 xD-Picture Card and SmartMedia (SMC) CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive Card 2 Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro) 3 SecureDigital Card (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31 To use the Media Card Reader: 1 Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion. 2 Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector. If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again. IEEE 1394 (Optional) IEEE 1394 is a digital interface that can move large amounts of data between computers and peripheral devices. IEEE 1394 is ideal for use with multimedia devices because it speeds the transfer of data and large files, which enables a computer to connect directly to devices such as digital video cameras. NOTE: The connector can accept 4-pin IEEE 1394 devices with the use of an adapter. Your computer may have an optional front IEEE 1394 connector. This connector is only available if you purchased an add-in card that uses IEEE 1394. To purchase a card, contact Dell. Power Management Overview The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering the mode. NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows. NOTE: The procedures to activate the standby and hibernate modes may vary according to your operating system. Standby Mode Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a designated period of time, known as a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering standby mode. NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data. NOTICE: The graphics card in your computer is installed in the PCI Express x16 slot. When there is a card in this slot and you add a peripheral that does not support s3 suspend, your computer will not enter standby mode. To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity: 1 Click the Start button, then click Control Panel. 2 Define your standby settings on the Power Schemes tab and Advanced tab. 32 Setting Up and Using Your Computer To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the Start button, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Stand by. To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse. Hibernate Mode Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive, and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was in prior to entering hibernate mode. To activate hibernate mode: 1 Click the Start button, then click Control Panel. 2 Define your hibernate settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab. To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit from hibernate mode. Because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode, pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation. Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer's hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically. Power Options Properties Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the Power Options Properties window. To access the Power Options Properties window: 1 Click the Start button, then click Control Panel. 2 Define your power settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab. Power Schemes Tab Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the Power schemes drop-down menu. The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different settings for starting standby mode, hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive. NOTICE: If you set the hard drive to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive. The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes: · · Always On (default) -- If you want to use your computer with no power conservation. Home/Office Desk -- If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require minimal power conservation. 33 Setting Up and Using Your Computer · · Minimal Power Management -- If you want your computer to run with minimal power conservation. Max Battery -- If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from batteries for extended periods of time. If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a time-out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme. Advanced Tab The Advanced tab allows you to: · · · Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access. Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode. Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer. To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click OK. Hibernate Tab The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings as defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab. For more information on power management options: 1 Click the Start button, then click Help and Support. 2 In the Help and Support window, click Performance and maintenance. 3 In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer. Cleaning Your Computer CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Cleaning the Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances. · Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from the slots and holes on your computer and from between the keys on the keyboard. 34 Setting Up and Using Your Computer NOTICE: Do not wipe the display screen with any soap or alcohol solution. Doing so may damage the antiglare coating. · · To clean your monitor screen, lightly dampen a soft, clean cloth with water. If possible, use a special screen-cleaning tissue or solution suitable for the monitor's antistatic coating. Wipe the keyboard, computer, and plastic part of the monitor with a soft cleaning cloth moistened with a solution of three parts water and one part dishwashing detergent. Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard. Cleaning the Mouse If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse. To clean a non-optical mouse: 1 Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball. 2 Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth. 3 Blow carefully into the ball cage to dislodge dust and lint. 4 If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol. 5 Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers. 6 Replace the ball and retainer ring, and then turn the retainer ring clockwise until it clicks into place. Cleaning the Floppy Drive NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You might accidentally misalign the heads, which prevents the drive from operating. Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated floppies to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal operation. Cleaning CDs and DVDs NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and follow the instructions that come with the compressed air. Never touch the lens in the drive. If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning the discs. 1 Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole. NOTICE: To prevent damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc. 2 With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc. For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 35 36 Setting Up and Using Your Computer Optimizing Performance Hyper-Threading Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of HyperThreading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using HyperThreading with your software. To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology: 1 Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. 2 Click Hardware, then click Device Manager. 3 In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to Processors. If Hyper-Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice. You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see "Entering System Setup" on page 127. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. About Your RAID Configuration This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration you may have selected when you purchased your computer. There are several RAID configurations are available in the computer industry for different types of uses. Your Dell DimensionTM computer supports RAID level 0 and RAID level 1. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance programs or gaming, and a RAID level 1 configuration is recommended for users that desire a high level of data integrity, such as that required in digital photography and audio. NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 1 configuration is not inherently better or worse