book.book Page 1 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Dell™ Vostro™ A100/A180 Setup and Quick Reference Guide This guide provides a features overview, specifications, and quick setup, software, and troubleshooting information for your computer. For more information about your operating system, devices, and technologies, see the Dell Technology Guide at support.dell.com.
book.book Page 2 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM 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.
book.book Page 3 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Contents Contents . . . . . 15 . . . . . . 16 . . . . . . . 7 Connecting to the Internet Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 About Your Computer . Back Panel Connectors . . . . . . . Vostro A100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vostro A180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Up Your Computer Quick Setup 9 9 10 . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . .
book.book Page 4 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Contents Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . System Messages . . . . . . . . . Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems . . . . . . Dell Diagnostics 42 . . . . . . . . . . 42 . . . . . . . . 45 . . . . . . . . . . 45 Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . System Restore 54 54 . . . . 56 Using the Operating System Media .
book.book Page 5 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Contents Online Services. . . . . . . . . . . AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . 64 65 Automated Order-Status Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Problems With Your Order . . . . . 66 . . . . . . . . 66 Product Information . Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . 69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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book.book Page 7 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer About Your Computer Front View 1 1 optical drive 2 3 optional optical drive 4 bay USB 2.
book.book Page 8 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer Back View 1 2 3 6 8 power connector 2 voltage selector switch (optional) 3 power supply light 4 back-panel connectors 5 expansion card slots 6 padlock ring NOTE: The serial and parallel connectors are available only in Vostro™ A180.
book.book Page 9 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer Back Panel Connectors Vostro A100 1 10 9 1 mouse connector 2 link-integrity light 3 network adapter connector 4 network-activity light 5 line-in connector 6 front line-out connector 7 microphone connector 8 USB 2.
book.book Page 10 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer Vostro A180 1 12 11 1 mouse connector 2 parallel connector 3 network activity light 4 network adapter connector 5 link-integrity light 6 line-in connector 7 front line-out connector 8 microphone connector 9 USB 2.
book.book Page 11 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Setting Up Your Computer Quick Setup CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. NOTE: Some devices may not be included if you did not order them. 1 Connect the monitor using only one of the following cables: the dual monitor Y-adapter cable, the white DVI cable, or the blue VGA cable.
book.book Page 12 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer 12 2 Connect a USB device, such as a keyboard or mouse. 3 Connect the network cable. 4 Connect the modem. 5 Connect the power cable(s).
book.book Page 13 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer 6 Press the power buttons on the monitor and the computer. 5 6 7 Connect to your network.
book.book Page 14 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat. Follow the guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure. CAUTION: Before installing your computer in an enclosure, read the safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
book.book Page 15 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. • If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at least 5.1-cm (2-inch) clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation. To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP).
book.book Page 16 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular phone service for setup instructions. 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 Your Internet Connection NOTE: Have your ISP information ready.
book.book Page 17 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer 4 In the Connect to the Internet window, click either Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect: • Choose Broadband if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem, or Bluetooth® wireless technology connection. • Chose Dial-up if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN. NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
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book.book Page 19 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
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book.book Page 22 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Expansion Bus Bus type Bus speed Vostro A100 Vostro A180 PCI 2.3 SATA 1.0 and 2.0 USB 2.0 PCI 2.3 PCI Express 1.0A SATA 1.0 and 2.0 USB 2.0 133 MB/s (PCI) 133 MB/s (PCI) 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps (SATA) x1-slot bidirectional speed — 500 MB/ s (PCI Express) 480-Mbps high speed, 12-Mbps full speed, 1.2-Mbps low speed (USB) x16-slot bidirectional speed — 8 GB/s (PCI Express) 1.5 Gbps and 3.
book.book Page 23 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Expansion Bus (Continued) Vostro A100 PCI Express x1 Vostro A180 N/A one connector size N/A 36 pins connector data width (maximum) N/A 1 PCI Express lane N/A one connector size N/A 164 pins connector data width (maximum) N/A 16 PCI Express lanes Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Externally accessible: two 3.5-inch drive bays two 3.5-inch drive bays Internally accessible four 3.5-inch SATA drive bays four 3.
book.book Page 24 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Drives (Continued) Vostro A100 Available devices Vostro A180 • up to two 3.5-inch SATA hard drives • up to four 3.5-inch SATA hard drives • two 5.25-inch optical disc drive bays • two 5.
book.book Page 25 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Connectors (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Serial ATA two 7-pin connectors four 7-pin connectors Floppy drive N/A one 34-pin connector Processor fan N/A one 4-pin connector Chassis fan one 4-pin connector one 4-pin connector PCI 2.
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book.book Page 27 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Controls and Lights (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Rear of computer: Link integrity light (on the green light — A good connection integrated network adapter) exists between the network and the computer. green light — A good connection exists between the network and the computer. off (no light) — The computer is not off (no light) — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the detecting a physical connection to network.
book.book Page 28 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Power DC power supply: Wattage 180 W Maximum heat dissipation (MHD) 614 BTU/hr Heat dissipation is calculated by using the power supply wattage rating. Voltage (see the safety information that shipped with your computer for important voltage setting information) Coin-cell battery 200-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3.5 A 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 7 A/3.
book.book Page 29 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Physical (Continued) Depth 45.0 cm (17.7 inches) Weight 12.7 kg (28.0 lb) Environmental Temperature: Operating Storage Relative humidity 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration: Storage 5~500 Hz, 2.
book.book Page 30 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Environmental (Continued) Altitude: Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft) Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft) Airborne contaminant level 30 G2 or lower as defined by ISA-S71.
book.book Page 31 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting Troubleshooting CAUTION: To guard against the likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other expected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
book.book Page 32 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting If your computer beeps during start-up: 1 Write down the beep code. 2 Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). Code Description (repetitive short beeps) Suggested Remedy 1 BIOS checksum failure. Possible system board failure Contact Dell.
book.book Page 33 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting Code Description (repetitive short beeps) Suggested Remedy 4 Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). RAM Read/Write failure Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). If the problem persists, contact Dell.
book.book Page 34 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting Error Messages CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. A U X I L I A R Y D E V I C E F A I L U R E — The touch pad or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection.
book.book Page 35 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting D R I V E N O T R E A D Y — The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay. See your Service Manual at support.dell.com for more information. E R R O R R E A D I N G PCMCI A C A R D — The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the card or try another card. See your Service Manual at support.dell.com for more information.
book.book Page 36 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting HARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0 — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com), and boot the computer from a CD. Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive.
book.book Page 37 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting K E Y B O A R D C O N T R O L L E R F A I L U R E — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). K E Y B O A R D D A T A L I N E F A I L U R E — For external keyboards, check the cable connection.
book.book Page 38 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING V A L U E — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See your Service Manual at support.dell.com for more information.
book.book Page 39 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting O P T I O N A L ROM B A D C H E C K S U M — The optional ROM has failed. Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 69). Start→ Help and Support). If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the hard drive. A R E Q U I R E D . DL L F I L E W A S N O T F O U N D — The program that you are trying to S E E K E R R O R — The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive.
book.book Page 40 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 69). TI M E - O F - D A Y N O T S E T - P L E A S E R U N T H E S YS T E M S E T U P P R O G R A M — The time or date stored in the system setup program does not match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and Time options. See your Service Manual at support.dell.com for more information.
book.book Page 41 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting CMOS C H E C K S U M E R R O R — Possible system board failure or RTC battery low. Replace the battery. See your Service Manual at support.dell.com or see "Contacting Dell" on page 69 for assistance. N O B O O T D E V I C E A V A I L A B L E — No bootable partition on hard drive, or the hard drive cable is loose, or no bootable device exists.
book.book Page 42 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting NO T ICE - H A R D D R I V E SEL F MON ITORI NG S YSTEM H A S R E P O R T E D THAT A PARAMETER HAS EXCEEDED ITS NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. DELL RECOMMENDS THAT YOU BACK UP YOUR D A T A R E G U L A R L Y. A PARAMETER OUT OF To start the Hardware Troubleshooter: Windows Vista: 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press to start the search.
book.book Page 43 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting When to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems (see "Lockups and Software Problems" on page 47) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin. NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers.
book.book Page 44 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media. 4 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive, and follow the instructions on the screen. NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only.
book.book Page 45 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Tips Power Problems Follow these tips when troubleshooting 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 (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). • If a device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
book.book Page 46 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting • Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). • Memory Problems IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLUE AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — • Ensure that the display is connected and powered on. • If the display is connected and powered on, see "Beep Codes" on page 31.
book.book Page 47 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS — • • • • Reseat the memory modules (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com).
book.book Page 48 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM — 1 Press simultaneously to access the Task Manager, and click the Applications tab. 2 Click to select the program that is no longer responding, and click End Task. A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
book.book Page 49 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY • Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, CDs, or DVDs. • Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu. OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION • — Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
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book.book Page 51 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software Reinstalling Software Drivers If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 51). Identifying Drivers If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
book.book Page 52 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software 2 Click Properties→ Device Manager. NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to enter the Device Manager. 3 Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties. 4 Click the Drivers tab→ Roll Back Driver.
book.book Page 53 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software 6 At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities program displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the Drivers and Utilities program. For drivers information, see the documentation that came with the device.
book.book Page 54 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software 5 Click the Driver tab→ Update Driver→ Browse my computer for driver software. 6 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files. 7 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click the name of the driver→ OK→ Next. 8 Click Finish and restart your computer.
book.book Page 55 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software computer in an undesirable operating state. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible. NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them. NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
book.book Page 56 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software Using Dell™ Factory Image Restore NOTICE: Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
book.book Page 57 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software 6 Click Dell Factory Image Restore. NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore. 7 On the Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen, click Next. The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears. NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.
book.book Page 58 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed during the assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities media to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from which you ordered your computer, or whether you requested the media, the Dell Drivers and Utilities media and Dell Operating System media may not ship with your computer.
book.book Page 59 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Finding Information 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. Document/Media/Label Service Tag/Express Service Code The Service Tag/Express Service Code is located on your computer. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer. Contents • Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.
book.book Page 60 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Finding Information Document/Media/Label (Continued) Drivers and Utilities Media The Drivers and Utilities media is a CD or DVD that may have shipped with your computer. Contents • A diagnostic program for your computer • Drivers for your computer NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.
book.book Page 61 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Finding Information Document/Media/Label (Continued) Contents Service Manual • How to remove and replace parts The Service Manual for your computer can be found at support.dell.com. • How to configure system settings Dell Technology Guide • About your operating system The Dell Technology Guide is available on your hard drive and on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
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book.book Page 63 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help Getting Help Obtaining Assistance CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. Follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
book.book Page 64 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions. For instructions on using the Dell Support, see "Technical Support and Customer Service" on page 64. NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on availability.
book.book Page 65 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help • Dell Support e-mail addresses: mobile_support@us.dell.com support@us.dell.com la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses: apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) Automated Order-Status Service sales_canada@dell.
book.book Page 66 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help Problems With Your Order If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or packing slip available when you call. For the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting Dell" on page 69.
book.book Page 67 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help 5 Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials. You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted. Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at Dell’s receiving dock and returned to you.
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book.book Page 69 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help Contacting Dell For customers in the United States, call 800-WWWDELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area.
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book.book Page 73 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Index memory troubleshooting, 46 N networks, 13 connecting, 13 O operating system Dell Factory Image Restore, 56 media, 57 reinstalling, 59 System Restore, 54 P phone numbers, 69 power power light conditions, 45 troubleshooting, 45 problems restore to previous state, 54 R regulatory information, 60 reinstalling drivers and utilities, 51 software, 51 Operating System media, 59 operating system product key, 61 S S.M.A.R.
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