Dell Desktop and Notebooks User's Guide
Contents 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................. 6 Finding Information................................................................................................................................................................6 Documents Shipped with Your Computer and Available Online...................................................................................... 9 Product Information...........
8 Power Management Modes......................................................................................................... 26 Power Plans......................................................................................................................................................................... 26 9 Keyboard and Touchpad.............................................................................................................. 27 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad...........................
21 Troubleshooting Your Computer.................................................................................................45 Dell Technical Update Service........................................................................................................................................... 45 Dell Diagnostics....................................................................................................................................................................45 Drive Problems...........
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 © 2015 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
1 Introduction 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
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.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/drivershome/ showproductselector?fkey=drivers_ps and select one of the following options: • • • Auto-detect your product Enter a Service Tag or Express Service Code - Enter your Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Submit.
What Are You Looking For? • My device documentation • How to set up my computer • • Basic troubleshooting information How to run the Dell Diagnostics Find It Here Setup and Features Information Tech Sheet / Quick Start Guide This document includes a front and back view of your computer, along with basic setup information. NOTE: This document may be optional and may not ship with your computer. NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at dell.
What Are You Looking For? • Dell System Software (DSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.
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.
2 Using The Battery 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.
Dell Battery Information Utility NOTE: The 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. The Dell Battery Information Utility denotes the health of your primary and secondary (if installed) battery. Green denotes that there are no problems, while yellow and red requires your attention.
3 Using the Display 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.
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. If the video resolution setting is higher than that supported by the display, the computer enters the pan mode.
4 Playing Multimedia 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.
5 Connecting to a Network Topics: • • • • • Setting Up Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Connecting to a WLAN Dell QuickSet Utilities/Dell ControlPoint Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) 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.
Windows 8.1 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 Connect to a network. The Networks window appears. Windows will show all the available networks. You can select your network and click Connect. NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network. 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.
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. See “Setting Up Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)" for more information about how to prepare for connecting your computer to a WLAN.
6 Connect to a Device Topics: • • • • • • • Connecting the Computer to a Television (TV) Enabling the Display Settings for a Television (TV) Using An External Monitor Using an External Monitor as Your Primary Display: Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays Setting Up Your Printer Wireless Printing Connecting a device using Bluetooth 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
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.
Adding a Printer Windows 7 > Devices and Printers. 1. In Windows 7, click Start 2. Click Add a Printer. The Add Printer Wizard appears. 3. Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard. Windows 8 1. Click on Desktop Icon > Click on Computer > Open Control Panel > Device and Printers. 2. Click Add a Printer. The Add Printer Wizard appears. 3. Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard. Windows 8.1 1. 2. 3. 4. Click on PC settings Icon > Click on Control Panel.
Connecting a device using Bluetooth Before you can add a Bluetooth-enabled device to your computer, you must do two things to make sure your computer and the device are ready to connect: 1. Add a Bluetooth adapter to your computer if it does not already have one. You can do this by plugging the adapter into a USB port. 2. Set up the Bluetooth-enabled device so that your computer can find it.
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/ .
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. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround sound setup. Side surround sound connector — Connect additional speakers. RCA S/PDIF connector — Transmit digital audio without the need of analog audio conversion.
Modem connector (RJ-11) Connects the telephone line to the modem connector. IEEE 1394 The IEEE 1394 interface is a serial bus interface standard and enables simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth isochronous (real-time) data interaction between computers, peripherals, and consumer electronics products such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, TVs, and digital cameras. With IEEE 1394-compatible products and systems, you can transfer video or still images without losing quality.
8 Power Management Modes 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.
9 Keyboard and Touchpad Topics: • • • • • Using the Keyboard and Touchpad Keyboard Properties Touchpad Customizing the Touchpad and Trackstick Changing the Trackstick Cap 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.
10 Security 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 ExpressCard slot has one connector that supports 54-mm cards. The slot also supports adapters for 34-mm cards.
Passwords NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer. A primary (or system) password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways. The following table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.
Using a Hard-Drive Password The hard-drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for an external hard drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive. • • • • • • • After assigning a hard-drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you restore the computer to normal operation from standby mode.
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.
11 Drivers 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.
12 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 • • Restoring to factory settings Using the Operating System Restoring Your Operating System 33
13 My Dell Downloads 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. Change your My Dell Downloads account password.
14 My Dell Support Center 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 to dell.
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.
16 Dell Digital Delivery 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.
17 Windows Live Essentials 2011 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.
18 Dell Webcam Manager 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 > All Programs / Programs. 1. Click Start 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: • • • • • • 40 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.
20 System Setup System Setup enables you to manage your computer hardware and specify BIOS‐level options.
Keys Navigation Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing in the main screen displays a message that prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the system. Displays the System Setup help file. Updating the BIOS It is recommended to update your BIOS (system setup), on replacing the system board or if an update is available. For laptops, ensure that your computer battery is fully charged and connected to a power outlet 1. Re-start the computer. 2.
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press . The System Security screen appears. 2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked. 3. Select System Password , enter your system password, and press or . Use the following guidelines to assign the system password: • • • • A password can have up to 32 characters. The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.
7. Power-off the computer and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet. 8. Remove the cover. 9. Replace the jumper on the pins. 10. Install the cover. 11. Follow the procedures in After Working Inside Your Computer. 12. Power-on the computer. 13. Go to the system setup, and assign a new system or setup password.
21 Troubleshooting Your 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.com/support. Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Owner’s Manual.
• • • • Check the telephone line connection Check the telephone connector Connect the modem directly to the telephone wall connector Use the different telephone line: 1. Verify that the telephone line is connected to the connector on the modem. (The connector has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.) 2. Ensure that you insert the telephone line connector into the modem until it clicks into place. 3. Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone.
Data error The hard drive cannot read the data. Decreasing available memory One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules or, if necessary, replace them. DISK C: Failed initialization The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. Drive not ready The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.
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, and boot the computer from a CD or DVD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard- Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. Hard-drive disk failure The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
Memory allocation error The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try to run the program again. If the error message still appears, see the software documentation. Memory data line 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.
Optional ROM bad checksum The optional ROM apparently failed. Contact Dell. A required .DLL file was not found The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. Remove and then re-install the program. • • • • Click Control Panel > Program and Features. Select the program you want to remove. Click Uninstall or Change or Repair and follow the prompts on the screen. See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Keyboard / External Keyboard Problems NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional. Check the following if you encounter any issues with your external keyboard: Check the Keyboard Cable Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
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. 2. 3. 4. Press the [Ctrl] +[Shift] + [Esc] keys simultaneously. Click Task Manager > Applications. Select the program that is no longer responding. Click End Task. Check the software documentation - If necessary, uninstall and then re-install the program.
If you have problems with a card not provided by Dell - Contact the PC Card manufacturer. Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Safety and Regulatory Information documents. General Check the network-cable connector - Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both, the network connector on the back of the computer and the network connector.
Docking Power Considerations If a computer is connected to a Dell docking station while the computer is running, presence of the docking device is ignored until the AC adapter is connected to the computer. Docking While the Computer Is Running If a computer is connected to a Dell docking station while the computer is running, presence of the docking device is ignored until the AC adapter is connected to the computer.
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. No sound from integrated speakers Adjust the Windows volume control - Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse directly to the computer. To verify that the problem is with the mouse, check the touchpad 1. 2. 3. 4. Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse. Turn on the computer. At the Windows desktop, use the touchpad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it. If the touchpad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.
Tasks Description Eliminate possible interference Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances. Rotate the computer to face a different direction Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality. Adjust the Windows display settings Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality. 1. Click Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes . 2. Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon. 3.
22 Getting Help and Contacting Dell 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.
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. You can also find keywords and query words by looking in the "Keywords" and "Additional query words" sections that are found in some articles.
Query Word Description kbSysSettings Operating system setup and registry settings kbTimeServ W32 time service kbVirtualMem Virtual memory kbwindowsupdate Windows Update kbWinsock Communication sockets such as NET Winsock and MFC Socks Table 5.
To check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered, you can go to http://www.dell.com/support, or you can call the automated order-status service. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your region on dell.com/support.
Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code / Service Tag ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist below. If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for technical assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer.
Prior to entering the airplane, verify that using a computer is permitted. Some airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during flight. All airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing.
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.
24 Cleaning Your Computer 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.
Optical Disk If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CD or DVD, try cleaning the disc. 1. Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole. NOTE: To avoid damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc. 2. With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.
25 Traveling With Your Computer 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.
