SETUP GUIDE
Studio Slim SETUP GUIDE Model DCSLA
Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Contents Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s ����������������5 Solving Problems ����������������������������������������22 Before Setting Up Your Computer ���������������� 5 Network Problems ���������������������������������������� 22 Connect the Display ���������������������������������������� 6 Power Problems �������������������������������������������� 23 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse ���������������� 8 Memory Problems ���������������������������������������� 24 Connect the Network Cable (O
Contents Getting Help ��������������������������������������������������38 Technical Support and Customer Service ������������������������������������������������������������ 39 DellConnect™ ������������������������������������������������ 39 Online Services ���������������������������������������������� 39 Product Information �������������������������������������� 40 Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit ���������������������������������� 40 Before You Call ���������������������������
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s This section provides information about setting up your Studio Slim 540s and connecting peripherals. Before Setting Up Your Computer When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer. Restricting airflow around your Studio Slim 540s may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least 10.
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s Connect the Display Your computer uses one of two different connectors for connecting the display. The HDMI connector is a high-performance digital connector that carries both video and audio signals for displays such as TVs and monitors with integrated speakers. The VGA connector carries only video signals for displays such as monitors and projectors. -ORNOTE: A DVI connector may be available on your computer if you purchased an optional discrete graphics card.
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s Connect the Video Cable to the Display Check your TV or monitor to see which type of connectors are available. Refer to the following table when identifying the connectors on your display to select the connection type you will use. HDMI VGA DVI If your display has a DVI connector, use the VGA cable (with blue connectors at both ends) with a DVI-to-VGA adapter (white connector).
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s Connect Using the HDMI Connector Connect the display using an HDMI cable. Connect Using the DVI Connector (Optional) Connect the display using a DVI cable. NOTE: You can purchase additional HDMI and DVI cables from the Dell website at dell.com. 8 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse Connect your keyboard and mouse to the USB connectors on the back panel of the computer.
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s Connect the Network Cable (Optional) A network connection is not required to complete your computer setup, but if you have an existing network or Internet connection that uses a cable connection (such as a home cable modem or Ethernet jack), you can connect it now. Use only an Ethernet cable (RJ45 connector). Do not plug a telephone cable (RJ11 connector) into the network connector.
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s Connect the Power Cables for Your Display and Computer 10 Press the Power Buttons on Your Computer and Display
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s Windows Vista® Setup To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection. NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable.
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s • Wireless LAN connections that provide Internet access using WiFi 802.11 technology. Wireless LAN support requires optional internal components that may or may not be installed in your computer based on decisions made at the time of purchase. NOTE: If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not part of your original order, you can purchase one from the Dell website at dell.com.
Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following section. NOTE: 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. NOTE: Have your ISP information ready.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s Your computer has indicators, buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks. 1 2 3 4 5 Front View Features 1 Service Tag — Use the Service Tag (located on top of the chassis towards the back) to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support. 2 Eject button for Optical drive — Press here to open/close the CD/DVD/Blu-ray Disc™ drive.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s 6 Power button and light — Turns the power on or off when pressed. The light in the center of this button indicates the power state: 8 NOTE: To connect to a powered speaker or sound system, use the audio out or S/PDIF connector on the back of your computer. • Blinking white — the computer is in sleep state. • Solid white — the computer is in power-on state. • Blinking amber — there may be a problem with the system board.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s Using the Optical Drive Place the disc in the center of the disc tray, with the label facing outwards and gently push the disc tray. The drive automatically pulls the disc in and begins reading its content. To eject a disc from the drive, press the eject button. A few seconds later the disc ejects.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s Back View Features 1 Back panel connectors — Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector. For more information, see “Back Panel Connectors” on page 18. 2 Card slots — Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards. 3 Power supply LED — Indicates power availability for the power supply. 1 NOTE: May or may not be available on your computer. 4 Power connector — Insert the power cable.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s Back Panel Connectors 12 1 IEEE 1394 connector — Connects to high-speed serial multimedia devices such as digital video cameras. 2 Network connector and light — Connects your computer to a network or broadband device. The network activity light flashes when the computer is transmitting or receiving data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady “on” state. 3 Back L/R surround connector — Connects to multichannel-capable speakers.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s 6 Front L/R line-out connector — Connects to headphones and speakers with integrated amplifiers. 9 NOTE: For a monitor without built-in speakers, only the video signals will be read. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. 7 Microphone connector — Connects to a record/playback device such as a microphone, cassette player, CD player, or VCR. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s Software Features NOTE: For more information about the features described in this section, see the Dell Technology Guide on your hard drive or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Productivity and Communication You can use your computer to create presentations, brochures, greeting cards, fliers, and spreadsheets. You can also edit and view digital photographs and images. Check your purchase order for software installed on your computer.
Using Your Studio Slim 540s Customizing Your Energy Settings Backing Up Your Data You can use the power options in your operating system to configure the power settings on your computer. Microsoft® Windows Vista® provides three default options: It is recommended that you periodically back up files and folders on your computer. To back up files: • Balanced — This power option offers full performance when you need it and saves power during periods of inactivity.
Solving Problems This section provides troubleshooting information for your computer. If you can not solve your problem using the following guidelines, see “Using Support Tools” on page 28 or “Contacting Dell” on page 42. CAUTION: Only trained service personnel should remove the computer cover. See the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com for advanced service and troubleshooting instructions.
Solving Problems Wired Connections If the network connection is lost — The cable is loose or damaged. • Check the cable to ensure it is plugged in and not damaged. The link integrity light on the integrated network connector lets you verify that your connection is working and provides information on the status: • Green — A good connection exists between a 10/100-Mbps network and the computer. • Orange — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps network and the computer.
Solving Problems If the power light is solid white and the computer is not responding — The display may not be connected or powered on. Ensure that the display is properly connected and then turn it off, then back on. If the power light is blinking white — The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the pointer on the trackpad or a connected mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
Solving Problems • Reseat the memory modules (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. If you experience other memory problems — • Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). • Check if the memory module is compatible with your computer. Your computer supports DDR2 memory.
Solving Problems If the computer stops responding — NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. Turn the computer off. If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer. If a solid blue screen appears — Turn the computer off.
Solving Problems ––Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information. ––Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly. ––Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program. ––If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Using Support Tools Dell Support Center The Dell Support Center helps you find the service, support, and system-specific information you need. For more information about Dell Support Center and available support tools, click the Services tab at support.dell.com. Click the icon in the taskbar to run the application.
Using Support Tools System Messages If your computer has an issue or error, it may display a System Message that will help you identify the cause and action needed to resolve the issue. NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the following examples, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. Alternatively you could see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Using Support Tools • If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device. • Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). No timer tick interrupt — A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or motherboard failure (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Using Support Tools 3. In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps. Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in “Lockups and Software Problems” on page 46 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin. NOTE: Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers.
Using Support Tools 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. Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media 1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities media. 2. Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.
System Recovery Options You can restore your operating system in the following ways: • System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files. • Dell Factory Image Restore returns your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
System Recovery Options Starting System Restore 1. Click Start . 2. In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press . NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action. 3. Click Next and follow the remaining prompts on the screen. In the event that System Restore did not resolve the issue, you may undo the last system restore.
System Recovery Options operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using Factory Image Restore. Dell Factory Image Restore 1. Turn on the computer.
System Recovery Options Operating System Reinstallation Before you Begin If you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver. See “System Restore” on page 33.
System Recovery Options 4. Restart the computer. 5. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again. NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program. 6.
Getting Help If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem: 1. See “Solving Problems” on page 22 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. 2. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 31 for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics. 3. Fill out the “Diagnostic Checklist” on page 42. 4. Use Dell’s extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (support.dell.
Getting Help Technical Support and Customer Service Dell’s support service is available to answer your questions about Dell hardware. Dell’s support staff uses computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers. To contact Dell’s support service, see “Before You Call” on page 41 and then see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell. com.
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) • apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses • apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) • sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only) Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) • ftp.dell.com Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.
Getting Help 4. Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see “Diagnostic Checklist” on page 42), indicating the tests that you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics (see “Dell Diagnostics” on page 31). 5. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit. 6. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials. 7.
Getting Help Diagnostic Checklist • Name: • Date: • Address: • Phone number: • Service Tag (bar code on the top of your computer towards the back): • Express Service Code: • Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician): • Operating system and version: • Devices: • Expansion cards: • Are you connected to a network? Yes /No • Network, version, and network adapter: • Programs and versions: 42 See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the computer’s
Getting Help To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Visit support.dell.com. 2. Verify your country or region in the Choose A Country/Region drop-down menu at the bottom of the page. 3. Click Contact Us on the left side of the page. 4. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need. 5. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.
Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: reinstall your operating system. your operating system disc. run a diagnostic program for your computer, reinstall desktop system software, or update drivers for your computer, and readme files. the Drivers and Utilities disc. learn more about your operating system, maintaining peripherals, RAID, Internet, Bluetooth®, networking, and e-mail. the Dell Technology Guide available on your hard drive.
Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: find safety best practices information for your computer. the safety and regulatory documents that shipped with your computer and also see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell/regulatory_compliance. review Warranty information, Terms and Conditions (U.S. only), Safety instructions, Regulatory information, Ergonomics information, and End User License Agreement.
Specifications Computer Model Processor Studio Slim 540s Type This section provides basic information that you may need when setting up, updating drivers for, and upgrading your computer. 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.
Specifications Drives Externally accessible Memory one 5.25-inch drive bay for SATA DVD+/-RW Super Multi Drive or Blu-ray Disc™ combo or Blu-ray Disc RW drive, Media Card Reader one 3.5-inch bay for FlexDock or FlexBay Internally accessible two 3.
Specifications Computer Information RAID support RAID 0 (striping) Expansion Bus PCI Express RAID 1 (mirroring) BIOS chip (NVRAM) 8 MB Expansion Bus Bus types PCI 2.3 PCI Express 1.0 A (x1), 2.0 (x16) SATA 1.0, 2.0, and USB 2.0 Bus speeds PCI 48 133 MB/s • x1 slot bi-directional speed - 500 MB/s • x16 slot bi-directional speed - 8 GB/s SATA 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps USB 480 Mbps high speed, 12 Mbps full speed, and 1.
Specifications Expansion Bus Video PCI Express x1 Integrated Intel GMA X4500HD Discrete PCI Express x16 card (optional) Connectors two Connector size 36 pins Connector data width (maximum) 1 PCI Express lane Audio Type PCI Express x16 Connector one Connector size 164 pins Connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lane integrated 7.
Specifications System Board Connectors External Connectors PCI 2.3 one 124-pin connector Video PCI Express x1 two 36-pin connectors PCI Express x16 one 164-pin connector Network adapter RJ45 connector Power one 24-pin connector USB Power 12 V one 4-pin connector two front-panel and four back-panel USB 2.0 compliant connectors Processor 775 pin Audio Processor fan one 4-pin connector Realtek ALC888S (7.
Specifications Power Physical DC power supply: Height 362 mm (14.2 inches) Wattage 250 W Width 100 mm (3.9 inches) Maximum heat dissipation 135 W Depth 435 mm (17.13 inches) 62.5 W (ENERGY STAR 4.0) Weight 9 kg (19.8 lb.) NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using the power supply wattage rating. Voltage 115/230 VAC.
Appendix The information in this document applies to the products listed below: • Studio Slim • Studio Slim 540s • Studio Slim 540sn Macrovision Product Notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners.
Index A via DSL 12 via WLAN 12 airflow, allowing 5 connectors B backups creating 21 C back view 17 conserving energy 21 Contacting Dell online 42 customer service 39 calling Dell 41 customizing CDs, playing and creating 20 your desktop 20 coaxial digital cables 19 your energy settings 21 computer capabilities 20 computer, setting up 5 connect(ing) 9 power cable 10 to the Internet 11 using dial-up 11 D data, backing up 21 DellConnect 39 Dell Diagnostics 31 Dell Factory Image Restore 33 53
Index Dell Support Center 28 Dell support website 45 H hard drive Dell Technology Guide for futher information 44 Diagnostic Checklist 41 type 47 hard drive activity light 15 hardware problems display, connecting 6 diagnosing 30 drivers and downloads 45 Hardware Troubleshooter 30 E HDMI email addresses for technical support 40 energy conserving 21 display 6 headphone front connector 15 help getting assistance and support 38 expansion bus 48 F finding more information 44 front-side connectors 1
Index M memory minimum and maximum 47 problems, solving 22 processor 46 products information and purchasing 40 memory problems solving 24 memory support 47 Microsoft Windows Vista 11 N R reinstalling Windows 33 resources, finding more 44 restoring factory image 34 network connection fixing 23 network connector location 18 network speed testing 22 P S setup, before you begin 5 shipping products for return or repair 40 software features 20 software problems 25 solving problems 22 power button and lig
Index worldwide 39 Windows Vista system board connectors 50 Program Compatibility Wizard 26 System Messages 29 reinstalling 36 system reinstall options 33 System Restore 33 T technical support 39 U USB 2.
Printed in the U.S.A. www.dell.com | support.dell.
