User manual DELL DIMENSION 9200C

book.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM DellTM DimensionTM 9200C Owner's Manual front panel door (open) diagnostic lights hard drive activity light front panel door (push to open) power button power light headphone connector microphone connector IEEE 1394 connector CD or DVD drive light USB 2.0 connectors (2) optional floppy drive or Media Card Reader* voltage selection switch line-out connector line-in connector rear surround sound connector modem connector power connector microphone connector side-surround sound connector center/LFE connector S/PDIF out connector integrated video connector USB 2.0 connectors (6) network connector IEEE 1394 connector PCI Express x16 card slot PCI Express x1 card slot *Not present on certain computers. Model DCCY w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m book.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates 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, DellNet, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, Intel SpeedStep, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 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 DCCY August 2006 P/N YH430 Rev. A01 book.book Page 3 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Contents Finding Information ................................ 9 1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . Front and Back View of the Computer . Front View. . . . . . Back View. . . . . . Back I/O Connectors Setting Up a Printer ............... 13 13 13 15 16 17 17 18 18 20 20 20 20 21 22 22 23 25 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 28 29 ..................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................... ......................... ......................... ..................... Printer Cable . . . . . . . Connecting a USB Printer. Using a Media Card Reader (Optional) Connecting a TV (Optional) ........................... ....................... .................... Changing the Display Settings Setting Up a Home and Office Network . Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . Connecting to the Internet . ..................... ..................... ........................... .................... Setting Up Your Internet Connection Playing a CD or DVD ............................... ........................... ........................... Adjusting the Volume . Adjusting the Picture . Copying CDs and DVDs. ............................. ........................ ........................ ........................ How to Copy a CD or DVD. . Using Blank CDs and DVDs . Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . Power Management ............................... ......................... ......................... ......................... Standby Mode . . . . . . Hibernate Mode. . . . . . Power Options Properties Contents 3 book.book Page 4 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Intel® ViivTM Technology (Optional) . ® ...................... ......... ......... ......... 30 30 31 31 31 Using Intel ViivTM Quick Resume Technology (Optional) Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup . . . . . . . . Enabling the QRT feature in the Operating system . . . . Hyper-Threading and Dual-Core Technology .................. 2 Solving Problems. Troubleshooting Tips . Battery Problems. Drive Problems . ............................. 33 33 33 34 34 35 35 37 38 38 39 39 39 39 40 40 40 40 41 41 42 43 43 44 45 .............................. ................................ ................................. ........................ ........................ .................... CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems . . . . E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . Error Messages ................................. .......................... Media Card Reader Problems IEEE 1394 Device 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 4 Contents book.book Page 5 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Sound and Speaker Problems . ......................... ........................ ........................ 46 46 47 47 47 48 No sound from speakers . . No sound from headphones Video and Monitor Problems .......................... ....................... ....................... The screen is blank . . . . . . The screen is difficult to read. 3 Troubleshooting Tools Diagnostic Lights. Dell Diagnostics .......................... 49 49 52 52 54 54 54 55 56 56 56 ................................ ................................. ..................... When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Drivers ...................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............. What Is a Driver? . . Identifying Drivers . Reinstalling Drivers . Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Restoring Your Operating System ........................ .............. Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . 4 Removing and Installing Parts. Before You Begin. .................... 61 61 61 61 62 62 64 65 66 66 68 68 70 ................................ .................. .................. .................. Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . Before Working Inside Your Computer . Removing the Computer Cover. Inside View of Your Computer . System Board Components. Memory. ......................... ......................... ........................... ..................................... .............. .............. .............. .............. DDR2 Memory Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations Installing Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contents 5 book.book Page 6 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Cards ....................................... ...................................... ............... ............... ............... ............... 70 74 75 75 75 76 76 76 78 81 81 83 85 85 87 89 89 91 93 93 94 94 96 Drives. Connecting Drive Cables . . . . . . . . . . . Drive Interface Connectors . . . . . . . . . . Power Cable Connector . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables. Hard Drive .................................... ........................... ........................... Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive CD/DVD Drive. .................................. ......................... ......................... Removing a CD/DVD Drive Installing a CD/DVD Drive. Media Card Reader ............................... ...................... ...................... Removing a Media Card Reader Installing a Media Card Reader. Floppy Drive (Optional). ............................. .......................... .......................... Removing a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive Modem ...................................... ........................... Replacing the Modem Battery ...................................... ........................... ......................... Replacing the Battery. Replacing the Computer Cover 5 Specifications . System Setup . ............................... 97 101 101 102 103 106 107 108 109 ................................. .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... Overview . . . . . . . Entering System Setup System Setup Options. Boot Sequence . . . . Jumper Settings ................................ ........................ Clearing Forgotten Passwords. Clearing CMOS Settings . ........................... 6 Contents book.book Page 7 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Cleaning Your Computer . ........................... .................... .................... .................... .................. ......... ......... 109 109 110 110 110 111 111 111 111 112 Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . FCC Notices (U.S. Only) FCC Class B Contacting Dell. ............................ ................................ ................................ Index . ....................................... 133 Contents 7 book.book Page 8 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 8 Contents book.book Page 9 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers" on page 55), run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 52), 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 and 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 book.book Page 10 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM What Are You Looking For? · How to set up my computer Find It Here Setup Diagram · Service Tag and Express Service Code · Microsoft Windows Product Key Label 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. 10 Finding Information book.book Page 11 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM What Are You Looking For? · 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 on 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. · How to use Windows XP · How to work with programs and files · How to personalize my desktop Find It Here 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. 2 Select Drivers & Downloads, then click Go. 3 Click 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. Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click Start Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. Finding Information 11 book.book Page 12 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM What Are You Looking For? · How to reinstall my operating system Find It Here 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, use the Operating System CD (see "Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore"). 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. NOTE: The color of your Operating System 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 12 Finding Information book.book Page 13 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Setting Up and Using Your Computer Front and Back View of the Computer Front View NOTE: The front panel door does not close when you are using the Flash Media, IEEE 1394, USB, or headphone connectors. 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 3 1 2 4 Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13 book.book Page 14 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 1 2 3 CD/DVD drive eject button CD/DVD drive-activity light USB 2.0 connectors (2) Press this button to eject a CD/DVD from the drive. The drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from the CD or DVD drive. Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras (see "System Setup" on page 101 for more information on booting to a USB device). It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards. 4 IEEE 1394 connector Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras. It is recommended that you use the back IEEE 1394 connector for devices that typically remain connected, such as external hard drives and other storage devices. 5 power button Press this button to turn on the computer. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown. 6 power light The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states: · No light -- The computer is turned off. · Steady green -- The computer is in a normal operating state. · Blinking green -- The computer is in a power-saving state. · Blinking or solid amber -- See "Power Problems" on page 43. Press this button to access the front-panel connectors. 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, the microphone connector is on the card. 9 10 headphone connector hard-drive activity light Use the green headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers. The hard drive activity light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating. For more information on what each diagnostic light means, see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 49. This panel covers the CD/DVD drive, the Media Card Reader, and the optional floppy drive. 7 8 front-panel door release button microphone connector 11 12 diagnostic lights front-panel door 14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 15 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Back View 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 voltage selection switch power connector back panel connectors card slots See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for more information. Insert the power cable. Plug IEEE 1394, USB and other devices into the appropriate connector. Access connectors for any installed PCI Express cards. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15 book.book Page 16 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Back I/O Connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14 1 link integrity light 13 12 11 10 9 8 · 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. · Off -- The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network. 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. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached. NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector. On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card. 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. 2 network adapter connector 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 modem connector to connect your computer to the Internet. Use the black surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. 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. 4 5 6 modem connector rear surround sound connector line-in connector 7 line-out connector 16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 17 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 8 microphone Use the pink connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card. Use the grey surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Audio channel found in digital surround sound audio schemes that 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 set-up. This connector is used to transmit digital audio without going through an analog audio conversion process. If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the computer. Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards. It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras. 9 10 side surround sound connector center/LFE connector 11 12 13 S/PDIF connector VGA connector USB 2.0 connectors (6) 14 IEEE 1394 connector Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras. 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. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17 book.book Page 18 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way. 1 2 3 1 USB connector on computer 2 USB printer cable 3 USB connector on printer 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 (mini SD and MS Pro Duo can be supported with an adapter) SecureDigital Card (SD) Mini SD Card 18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 19 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM · · · MultiMediaCard (MMC) Reduced size MMC Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro/Duo Pro) For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 87. 1 2 3 4 1 3 xD-Picture Card and SmartMedia (SMC) Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro) 2 4 CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive Card SecureDigital Card (SD)/ MultiMediaCard (MMC) To use the Media Card Reader: 1 Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion. NOTICE: If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again. 2 Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19 book.book Page 20 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Connecting a TV (Optional) NOTE: To connect a TV to your computer, you must have a video card that has TV-out functionality and an S-video cable, which is available 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 61. 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. Changing the Display Settings 1 After you connect the TV, turn on the computer. The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the monitor. 2 Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings. · · In clone mode, the monitor and TV 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). Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter NOTE: 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. 20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 21 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 1 2 2 3 1 3 network adapter connector on computer network cable 2 4 network adapter connector 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 1 (SP1) or later operating systems. 4 Complete the checklist and required preparations. 5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21 book.book Page 22 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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. 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. 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 and 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. 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. 22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 23 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 6 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next. NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP. 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 35. 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. 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. 1 Press the eject button on the front of the drive. 2 Place the disc, label side up in the center of the tray. 3 Press the disc into the center of the tray until it clicks into place. 4 Press the eject button or gently push in the tray. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23 book.book Page 24 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 creating 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. Play. Fast forward. Pause. Fast reverse. Go to the next title or chapter. Go to the previous title or chapter. For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help on the CD or DVD player (if available). 24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 25 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 Volume Control window, click the bar in the Volume Control 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, 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 Click the drop-down menu under Color quality, 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 CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive. NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country. 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. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25 book.book Page 26 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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. CD-Writable Drives Media Type CD-R CD-RW Read Yes Yes Write Yes Yes Rewritable No Yes 26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 27 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 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. · · · Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27 book.book Page 28 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Power Management 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, the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode. NOTE: If your computer has a card in the PCI Express x16 slot and you add a peripheral that does not support S3 suspend, your computer will not be able to enter stand-by 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. 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 computer 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. To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity: 1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance. 3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options. To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click Start, 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 Start, then click Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance. 3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options. 4 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 mouse do not function in hibernate mode, pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation. 28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 29 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 Start, then click Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance. 3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options. 4 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. 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 want your home or office computer to run with little power conservation. Portable/Laptop -- If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling. Presentation -- If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power conservation). 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. NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) 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. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29 book.book Page 30 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 you 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. Intel® ViivTM Technology (Optional) Intel Viiv technology is a technology aimed at the digital home enthusiast that includes: · · A BIOS that supports Intel® Quick Resume Technology Device drivers This technology allows the user's system to quickly return to an active state after non-use. Intel Viiv technology is an option for systems that are ordered with Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 and dual core processors. Using Intel® ViivTM Quick Resume Technology (Optional) When running in the Intel Viiv Quick Resume Technology (QRT) mode, your power button is used as a quick on/off feature. Pressing the power button once causes the display to go blank and the audio to mute. In this mode, the computer is still operating as indicated by the power button indicator and diagnostic lights 1, 2, and 4 being lit. Also, you may notice that the hard drive indicator may blink when the hard drive is being accessed by an external device. To resume normal computer operation, briefly press the power button, press any key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press a button on the optional Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 remote control. 30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 31 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup The QRT drivers must be installed before this feature becomes active. These drivers are installed when this option is ordered. Also, Quick Resume is enabled in system setup when this feature is ordered. 1 Enter system setup (see page 102). 2 Press the arrow keys to highlight the Power Management menu option, then press to access the menu. 3 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the Quick Resume option, then press to access the menu. 4 Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight the On option, and then press to enable the Quick Resume feature. Enabling the QRT feature in the Operating system 1 Click the Start button, then click Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance. 3 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options. 4 Click the Away tab. 5 Ensure that the check boxes for Enable away mode and Options are checked. 6 Click the Advanced tab. 7 From the When I press the power button on my computer drop-down menu, select Do Nothing. 8 From the When I press the sleep button on my computer drop-down menu, select Do Nothing. Hyper-Threading and Dual-Core Technology 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. Dual-Core is an Intel technology in which two physical computational units exist inside a single CPU package, thereby increasing computing efficiency and multi-tasking ability. If dual-core technology is supported, two processors are visible. 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 Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading and dual-core technology, some programs have not been optimized for them and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading or dual-core technology with your software. Setting Up and Using Your Computer 31 book.book Page 32 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM 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 102. 32 Setting Up and Using Your Computer book.book Page 33 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Solving Problems Troubleshooting Tips Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer: · · · · If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed. If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected. If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s). If an error message occurs in a program, see the program's documentation. Battery Problems CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. R E P L A C E T H E B A T T E R Y -- If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 94). If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 113). Solving Problems 33 book.book Page 34 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. EN S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T ® W I N D O W S ® R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E -- Click the Start button, then click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. TEST T H E D R I V E -- · Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective. · Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer. NOTE: This system supports an optional USB floppy drive. C L E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I S K -- See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 109. CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS R U N T H E HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER -- See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on page 56. R U N T H E D E L L D I A G N O S T I C S -- See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 52. CD and DVD drive problems NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD or DVD. NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives. AD J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L -- · Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. · Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up. · Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked. C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R S A N D S U B W O O F E R -- See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 46. 34 Solving Problems book.book Page 35 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 2:32 PM Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S -- The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data during the writing process. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW. TURN O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N WINDOWS B E F O R E W R I T I N G T O A C D / D V D - R W D I S C -- See "Power Management" on page 28 or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help and Support Center for information on power management modes. Hard drive problems RUN CHECK DISK -- 1 Click Start, then click My Computer. 2 Right-click Local Disk C:. 3 Click Properties. 4 Click the Tools tab. 5 Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 6 Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors. 7 Click Start. E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network. C H E C K T H E M I C R O S O F T O U T L O O K ® EX P R E S S S E C U R I T Y S E T T I N G S -- If you cannot open your e-mail attachments: 1 In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security. 2 Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark, as needed.