Dell Desktop and Notebooks User's Guide
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Copyright © 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Contents 1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 9 Finding Information...............................................................................................................................9 Using the Dell Support Site............................................................................................................. 9 Finding the Product Using Service Tag.......................................................
............................................................................................................................................................. 23 Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable..................................................................23 Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) .............................................................. 23 Setting Up Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)............................
8 Power Management Modes.............................................................................. 35 Power Plans......................................................................................................................................... 35 9 Keyboard and Touchpad................................................................................... 37 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad....................................................................................................
18 Dell Webcam Manager.................................................................................... 52 Accessing Dell Webcam ManagerEnabling the Digital Array Microphone in the Dell Webcam Center.................................................................................................................................................. 52 19 Using a Touchscreen Display (For Tablet PC's)...........................................53 20 System Setup..................................................
programTimer chip counter 2 failedUnexpected interrupt in protected modeX: \ is not accessible, The device is not readyWARNING: Battery is critically low......................................60 Keyboard / External Keyboard Problems........................................................................................... 64 Check the Keyboard CableCheck the External KeyboardCheck the Integrated KeyboardRun the Keyboard Diagnostics Tests........................................................................
Product Information............................................................................................................................78 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit.................................................................................. 78 Before You Call....................................................................................................................................79 Travel Tips..........................................................................
Introduction 1 This User's Guide is developed to help the users to efficiently use Dell desktops and notebooks. The following information is covered in this document: 1. Battery (for notebooks only) 2. Display (for notebooks only) 3. Connecting to a network 4. Connecting to an external device 5. Drives and ports 6. Power management 7. Keyboard and touchpad 8. Security 9. Power management 10. Software and applications 11.
System Detect application to proceed pop-up appears. Read the terms and conditions, and select . Save the dellsystemdetect.application file to complete the Service-Tag detection. NOTE: Only after a successful installation will the application identify the Service Tag of the computer. Selecting the Product If you do not have the Service Tag, you can visit the Product Selection page, dell.
What Are You Looking For? • Drivers for my computer Find It Here NOTE: The Resource media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the media to re-install drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers"). To run Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics"), or to access your documentation.
What Are You Looking For? • • • • • • • • • • • • Find It Here 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 memory, the hard drive, and the operating system. Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here NOTE: The Operating System media 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 media (see Reinstalling Windows) After you reinstall your operating system, use the Resources media to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. Your operating system product key label is located on the base cover of your computer.
Owner's Manual This document includes the following information: • Removing and Installing Components • BIOS/System Setup • Diagnostics and Troubleshooting • Technical Specifications • Contacting Dell The document is only available online at www.dell.com/support Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at dell.com.
– Get Help: View Dell Technical Support options, Customer Support, Tours and Training, Online Tools, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Information, FAQs, and so on. – Backup and Recovery: Create recovery media, launch recovery tool, and online file backup. – System Performance Improvement Offers: Acquire software and hardware solutions that will help improve your system performance. For more information about My Dell Support Center and to download and install the available support tools, go to dell.
Using The Battery 2 Battery Performance NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the paper warranty document that shipped with your computer. You can also verify the warranty details from the Dell support site after you enter the Service Tag or the Express Service Code. For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell computer with the main battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65 °C (149 °F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.
• Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off). • Flashing orange: The battery charge is low. • Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.
Using the Display 3 Adjusting Brightness When a Dell computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the display brightness to the lowest comfortable setting by pressing and the up- or down-arrow key on the keyboard. NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your portable computer, not monitors or projectors that you attach to your portable computer or docking device.
To set the display resolution and refresh rate for your display, perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using. Windows 7 1. Click the Start button > Control Panel > Display. 2. In the Make it easier to read what’s on your screen, select Smaller, Medium, or Larger. Windows 7 also provides a Magnifier tool that temporarily enlarges just a part of the screen.
NOTE: The ambient-light sensor adjusts the display backlighting on your portable computer only. It does not control the brightness on any external monitors or projectors.
Playing Multimedia 4 Adjusting the Volume Most speakers have a volume control, but you can also control the overall level of sound on your computer using Windows. The quickest way to change the volume for your computer speakers is to click the Speakers button in the notification area of the taskbar, and then move the sliders up or down to increase or decrease the speaker volume.
Connecting to a Network 5 Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable (RJ-45) connected to it. 1. Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector at the back of your computer. NOTE: Insert the cable connector until it clicks into place, and then gently pull the cable to ensure that it is securely attached. 2.
1. Point to the upper-right edge of the screen to bring the charms menu and click Search. 2. In the search box, type network and then click Network and Sharing Center → Set up a new connection or network → Connect to the Internet. The Connect to the Internet window appears. NOTE: If you select a secured network, you must enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted. Network security settings are unique to your network. Dell cannot provide this information.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. Connecting to a WLAN NOTE: Before you connect to a WLAN, ensure that you have followed the instructions in "Setting Up Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)" NOTE: The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology or cellular products. This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network using wireless technology. Specific network names and configuration details vary.
NOTE: Depending on your computer, you can use either a Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or MiniCard, but not both, to establish a Mobile Broadband network connection. To set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need: • A Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini-Card (depending on your computer’s configuration). • An activated Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or activated Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for your service provider.
Connect to a Device 6 Connecting the Computer to a Television (TV) NOTE: To connect your computer to a TV, your computer needs to have an output port that matches one of the input ports on your TV, such as VGA, DVI, or HDMI ports. After you have the right cable, follow these steps to connect your computer to your TV: 1. Turn off your computer and position it within easy reach of your TV. Disconnect the monitor (for desktops), but leave the mouse and keyboard connected. 2.
8. Click Yes. Using An External Monitor Overview You can attach your computer to an external monitor or projector and use it as an extension of your display (known as "dual independent display" or "extended desktop" mode). Extended desktop will allow you to use both screens independently and drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.
multi-monitor configuration, you will need to access the Screen Resolution control panel, which is similar to that in Windows 7. Setting Up Your Printer You can connect one or more printers to your computer and also add one or more computers to your printer. Adding a Printer Windows 7 1. In Windows 7, click Start → Devices and Printers. 2. Click Add a Printer. The Add Printer Wizard appears. 3. Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard. Windows 8 1.
Wi-Fi setup using Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) If your printer and router are both compatible with WPS there should be an option in the printer’s network menu to use this method of setup. If so, when prompted, press the WPS button on your router and the corresponding button on the printer to wirelessly connect the printer to the network.
7 Drives and Ports Depending on your computer model, the location of the drives and ports and their location may differ. Some ports may be offered only with Notebooks. For specific information on the ports available on your computer, see the Quick Start Guide / Setup Features and Information Tech Sheet / Owner’s Manual available on http://www.dell.com/support/ . DisplayPorts / Mini-DisplayPorts DisplayPort is a digital display interface that defines a royalty-free, digital audio/video interconnect.
Line-out connector — Connect headphones or speakers with integrated amplifiers. Rear surround out — Connect multichannelcapable speakers. Center/LFE surround out — Connect a single subwoofer. NOTE: The Low Frequency Effects (LFE) audio channel, found in digital surround sound audio schemes, carries only frequency information (80 Hz and below). The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely low bass extension.
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) HDMI transmit audio and video signals in a single digital interface. HDMI connects audio and video sources such as set-top boxes, DVD players, Blu-ray Disc players, computers, and video game consoles to compatible digital audio devices, such as computers, monitors, video projectors, and digital televisions. Advantages of HDMI • Delivers high-quality audio and video without the loss in quality due to the conversion or compression of a video or audio signal.
• Fast — Supports delivery of time-critical data at multiple speeds, currently including 100, 200, 400, and 800 Megabits per second over a single continuous cable or bus. This enables high-quality audio and video applications at low costs. Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format (S/PDIF) S/PDIF is a standard for transferring audio in digital format. You can connect the S/PDIF output from your computer to the S/PDIF input on your home theater receiver. This connection allows you to set up a 5.
Power Management Modes 8 The following section describes the various power management modes available in Windows. Power management modes helps you reduce the power consumption of your computer by regulating power supply to the various components. The system setup and the operating system allows you to configure when the power supply to certain components should be reduced or cut off. Some common power-saving states in Microsoft Windows are: Table 2.
To select a particular power plan: 1. Click the power/battery icon on the taskbar. NOTE: The battery icon is available only in notebook computers. 2. Click More Power Options. A new window displaying the power options is displayed. 3. Select the power plan that you wish to change or select for your computer. NOTE: For more information about the configuration of your computer, go to Help and Support in your Windows operating system and select the option to view information about your computer.
Keyboard and Touchpad 9 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad The following section lists several basic functions available on your computer keyboard and notebook’s touchpad: Keyboard Properties Open the Keyboard icon from the Printers And Other Hardware category of the Control Panel; the Keyboard Properties dialog box is displayed.
Changing the Trackstick Cap You can replace your trackstick cap if it wears down from prolonged use or if you prefer a different color.
Security 10 The following section covers information about various PC cards which can be used with your laptop/ desktop. Using PC Cards See the specifications section of the Owner’s Manual for information on supported PC card types. NOTE: A PC Card is not a bootable device. The PC Card slot has one connector that supports a single Type I or Type II card. The PC Card slot supports CardBus technology and extended PC Cards. "Type" of card refers to its thickness, not its functionality.
(the smart card) with something only the user should know (a PIN) to provide more secure userauthentication than passwords alone. Installing a Smart Card You can install a smart card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card. To install a smart card: 1. Hold the card so that the gold contact pad is facing upward and pointing toward the smart card slot. 2. Slide the smart card into the smart card slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.
Access User Accounts from the Control Panel to create user accounts and add or change passwords. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer. If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state. NOTE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled. If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password.
the primary password, the computer prompts you for both. Two different passwords provide greater security. NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard drive when a hard-drive password is assigned. If the administrative password is installed when the user creates the primary hard-drive password, then the administrative password can be used in place of the primary hard-drive password.
b. Select Security > TPM Activation and press Enter. c. Under TPM Activation, select Activate and press Enter. NOTE: You only need to activate TPM feature once. d. After you complete this process, the computer either restarts automatically or prompts you to restart your computer.
Drivers 11 A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program. A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes. Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.
Reinstalling Drivers Follow the steps below after extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section: 1. Click the Windows Start button > Control Panel > Device Manager. 2. Right-click the device and select Update Driver Software > Browse my computer for driver software. 3. Enter the path, where the file was extracted to, or click Browse to browse to the location of the file > click Next and close after the driver is installed.
Restoring Your Operating System You can restore your operating system by performing any of the following: • Microsoft Windows System Restore – Restoring your computer – Undoing the system restore • Restoring to Dell Factory Image • Using the Operating System – Restoring to factory settings 46 12
My Dell Downloads 13 My Dell Downloads is a software repository that allows you to download and install software that you purchased or was pre-installed on your computer and did not receive the media for. NOTE: My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions. NOTE: You must register to access My Dell Downloads. My Dell Downloads allows you to: • View all software that was originally shipped with the system. • Download and install entitled software.
My Dell Support Center 14 My Dell Support Center is a one-stop control panel for system tools and diagnostics. It provides access to online tools, Dell technical support links, Dell customer support channels, device manager, network connections, system alerts, performance improvement offers, warranty and system information, and links to other Dell tools and diagnostic services. To download or upgrade to the latest version of My Dell Support Center, go todell.
15 Smart Settings Overview The Smart Settings is an application that enables you to make optimal use of your laptop computer's resources by selecting different modes. The modes allows you to enable or disable certain computer's features like Keyboard Backlight, Ambient Light Sensor and so on. You can launch Smart Settings by clicking on the icon in the system notification area. NOTE: You can enable multiple modes at the same time.
Dell Digital Delivery 16 Dell Digital Delivery is an easy and new way to buy software when you purchase a computer. You can automatically download and install available software titles on select computers. All it takes is an Internet connection and a few minutes- so you can enjoy the customization Dell stands for, without the wait, and get right back to work. How does it work? Dell Digital Delivery allows you to purchase select software titles at the same time you purchase your computer.
Windows Live Essentials 2011 17 Windows Essentials (formerly Windows Live Essentials and Windows Live Installer) is a suite of freeware applications by Microsoft that offer integrated and bundled e-mail, instant messaging, photo-sharing, blog publishing, and security services. Essentials programs are designed to integrate well with each other, with Microsoft Windows, and with other Microsoft web-based services such as SkyDrive and Outlook.com.
Dell Webcam Manager 18 The Dell Webcam Manager acts as a hub for all the webcam features and configuration options. Dell Webcam Manager includes: • Webcam Center — Control core recording functions of the webcam such as video recording, motion detection, and photo capture. • Webcam Console — Configure webcam features like picture quality, face tracking, pan and zoom, audio and video effects, and so on. Accessing Dell Webcam Manager 1. Click Start → All Programs / Programs. 2.
19 Using a Touchscreen Display (For Tablet PC's) The touchscreen feature converts your computer into an interactive display. The following are some of the basic tasks that you can perform using a touchscreen display: • Tap or double-tap a folder or an application to open it. • Move a finger quickly in the desired direction to flip through content in the active window like pages in a book. • Zoom-in by moving two fingers apart to enlarge the view of the active window.
System Setup 20 System Setup enables you to manage your computer hardware and specify BIOS‐level options.
Table 3. Navigation Keys Keys Navigation Up arrow Moves to the previous field. Down arrow Moves to the next field. Allows you to select a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field. Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop‐down list, if applicable. Moves to the next focus area. NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only. Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen.
System and Setup Password You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer. Password Type Description System password Password that you must enter to log on to your system. Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS settings of your computer. CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
Deleting or Changing an Existing System and/or Setup Password Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is Locked. To enter the System Setup, press immediately after a power-on or reboot. 1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press .
Troubleshooting Your Computer 21 You can troubleshoot your computer using indicators like Diagnostic Lights, Beep Codes, and Error Messages during the operation of the computer. Dell Technical Update Service The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications. To register for the Dell Technical Update service, go to dell.
7. Check the cable connections. 8. Check the hardware incompatibilities. NOTE: See "Using the Hardware Troubleshooter Tool". 9. Run the Dell diagnostics. NOTE: See "Dell Diagnostics". E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone connector only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network. Check the Microsoft Outlook Settings If you cannot open your e-mail attachments.
scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to https://www.dell.com/support and search for the keyword spyware. Error Messages If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. Auxillary device failure The touchpad, trackstick, or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup program.
Extended memory size has changed The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, Contact Dell. The file being copied is too large for the destination drive The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.
Insert bootable media The operating system is trying to boot to a non-bootable CD or DVD. Insert a bootable CD or DVD. Invalid configuration information-Please run system setup program The system configuration information does not match the hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program. Keyboard clock line failure For external keyboards, check the cable connection.
Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Re-install the memory modules or, if necessary, replace them. Memory read/write failure at address, read value expecting value A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Re-install the memory modules or, if necessary, replace them. No boot device available The computer cannot find the hard drive.
Shutdown failure A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics. Time-of-day clock lost power System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup program. Then immediately exit the program. If the message reappears, Contact Dell.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the computer. Check the External Keyboard 1. Shut down the computer, wait for one minute, and turn on the computer again. 2. Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine. 3. From the Windows desktop, click All Programs > Accessories > Notepad. 4. Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk, CD, or DVD. End the program 1. Press the [Ctrl] +[Shift] + [Esc] keys simultaneously. 2. Click Task Manager > Applications. 3. Select the program that is no longer responding. 4. Click End Task. Check the software documentation - If necessary, uninstall and then re-install the program.
Run the Dell diagnostics - If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem. PC Card or ExpressCard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Safety and Regulatory Information documents. Check the card - Ensure that the card is properly inserted into the connector. Ensure that the card is recognized by Windows - Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer. Check the battery status light - If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
AC Power Loss While the Computer Is Docked If a computer loses AC power while docked to a Dell docking station, the computer immediately goes into low-performance mode. Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Owner’s Manual. NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.
2. If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner. Re-install the scanner driver – See the scanner documentation for instructions. Sound and Speaker Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Safety and Regulatory Information documents. NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your speaker, contact the speaker’s manufacturer.
Adjust the windows volume control - Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Touchpad or Mouse Problems Check the touchpad settings 1. Click Start > Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Mouse. 2. Try adjusting the settings. Check the mouse cable - Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable, check it for damage, and firmly re-connect the cable.
Tasks Description Check the battery If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer. Test the electrical outlet Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. Check the AC adapter Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell.
Getting Help and Contacting Dell 22 If you need information about Dell products or services, or if you experience problems using your computer, you can get help from one of the self-help resources, or you can call Dell to get help from a Dell technician. Self-Help Options • • Access Windows Help and Support by clicking Start → Help and Support. See the Microsoft Website, microsoft.com, for more information about your Microsoft Windows operating system.
products. Each article bears an ID number and articles are often referred to by their Knowledge Base (KB) ID. How to query the Microsoft Knowledge Base by using keywords and query words To quickly find an article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, you can search by using keywords and query words. This article lists keywords and query words that you can use in your searches.
Query Word Description kbkern32dll Kernel 32 issues and errors in Windows kbKernBase Kernel/Base issues kbNLB Network Load Balancing Cluster, Windows Load Balancing Service (WLBS) kbRD Remote Desktop kbRegistry Windows registry kbRPC Remote procedure calls kbSafeMod Safe Mode kbScanDisk Microsoft ScanDisk kbshell The Windows shell that lets users group-start and otherwise control applications kbsound Sound/audio kbSysPrepTool Microsoft Systems Preparation Tool kbSysSettings Operatin
Query Word Description kbRepair Repair processes and tools kbsetup Setup kbui Configuring the user interface kbUpgrade Upgrading or migration kbUSB Universal serial bus kbvirus Viruses and macro viruses kbwizard Using wizards Table 6.
The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access this service through the technical support service. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your region on dell.com/support. Dell Connect / GoToAssit DellConnect / GoToAssit is a Web-based technology that enables Dell service and support associates to access a customer's computer to diagnose and repair it, all under the customer's supervision.
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. Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code / Service Tag ready when you call.
Travel Tips NOTE: Do not move the computer while using the optical drive to prevent loss of data. NOTE: Do not check the computer as baggage. • Consider changing your power management options to maximize battery operating time. • If you are traveling internationally, carry proof of ownership—or of your right to use the computer if it is company-owned—to speed your passage through customs.
23 Pro Support Support Services for End Users and IT Professionals Minimize disruptions and maintain a high level of productivity through Dell's suite of support services that you can tailor to align with your organization's entire IT landscape. Dell offers world-class support services such as ProSupport service to fit any size and type of business.
Cleaning Your Computer 24 Computer, Keyboard, and Display CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and remove any installed batteries. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances. • Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys on the keyboard.
2. Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise to release it, and remove the ball. 3. Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth. 4. Blow carefully into the ball cage or use a can of compressed air to dislodge dust and lint. 5. If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol. 6. Re-center the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned.
Traveling With Your Computer 25 Identifying Your Computer • Attach a name tag or business card to the computer. • Write down your Service Tag and store it in a safe place away from the computer or carrying case. Use the Service Tag if you need to report a loss or theft to law enforcement officials and to Dell. • Create a file on the Microsoft Windows desktop called if_found. Place information such as your name, address, and phone number in this file.