Me and My Dell © 2015 Dell Inc.
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. 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. Dell™ and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.
Contents Setting up your computer 11 Connecting to the internet 11 Connecting to the internet using LAN 11 Connecting to the internet using WLAN 11 Connecting to the internet using WWAN 12 Setting up audio 13 Configuring 5.1/7.1 audio 14 Connecting 5.1 speakers 15 Connecting 7.
Camera 22 Webcam 22 3D camera 22 Intel RealSense 3D camera 22 Wireless display 22 Keyboard Physical keyboard Keyboard backlight 22 23 23 On-screen keyboard 24 Keyboard connection types 24 Wired 24 Wireless 24 Service Tag and Express Service code 25 Locating the label on your computer 25 Dell support website 25 BIOS setup program 25 Storage device 26 Internal storage devices 26 Removable storage devices 26 Optical drives and discs 26 Memory cards 27 Memory module 29 Sy
TV tuners 33 Internal 33 External 33 Speakers 34 2.1 Audio 34 5.1 Audio 34 7.
Using your touch pad Touch pad gestures 43 44 Scroll 44 Zoom 45 Rotate 46 Flick 47 Quick Launch 47 Using your touch screen Touch screen gestures 47 48 Zoom 48 Dwell 48 Flick 49 Rotate 49 Scroll 49 Using Bluetooth Pairing a Bluetooth device with your computer or tablet Using the webcam 50 50 51 Capturing a still image 51 Recording a video 52 Selecting the camera and microphone 52 Ports and connectors Audio Types of audio ports 53 53 53 USB 54 USB ports 54 eSATA 56 Vi
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) 56 DisplayPort 56 Mini DisplayPort 56 Advantages of DisplayPort 57 HDMI 57 Advantages of HDMI 57 Mini HDMI 57 Micro HDMI 58 S/PDIF Software and Applications Absolute Getting Help on Absolute 58 59 59 59 My Dell Downloads 59 Dell SupportAssist 60 Downloading Dell SupportAssist 60 Accessing SupportAssist 60 PC Checkup 61 Solution Station Solution Station Offerings Quickset Installing Quickset NVIDIA 3D Applications 61 62 62 63 63 Playing Games
Restoring your operating system 65 System recovery options 65 Dell Backup and Recovery 66 Dell Backup and Recovery basic 66 Accessing Dell Backup and Recovery 66 Creating system reinstall discs 67 Restoring your computer 67 Dell Backup and Recovery premium 67 Upgrading to Dell Backup and Recovery premium 67 Restoring data from a system backup 67 Restoring specific files or folders from a Full System Backup 67 Restoring specific files or folders from a File & Folder Backup 68 Creating
Operating System disc 73 Reinstalling the operating system using the Operating System disc System reinstall media 73 Restoring your computer using system reinstall media Troubleshooting 73 74 75 Basic troubleshooting steps 75 Diagnostics 75 Pre-Boot System Assessment Invoking PSA 75 75 Enhanced PSA 76 LCD BIST 77 Starting LCD BIST 77 Invoking ePSA 78 Beep codes BIOS 79 80 Changing BIOS settings 80 Entering BIOS setup program 80 Resetting BIOS password 81 Remove the CMOS batte
Getting help and contacting Dell 83 Getting help 83 Contacting Dell 84 References 85 Computer maintenance 85 Power management 85 Configuring power settings Configuring the power button behavior Improving battery life 86 87 87 Dell longevity mode 88 Dell desktop mode 88 Migration tips Migrating from one Windows operating system to a newer Windows operating system 89 89 Ergonomic instructions 90 Dell and the environment 91 Regulatory compliance policy 93 Contact details for regulator
Setting up your computer The setup procedure varies according to your computer. For setup instructions specific to your computer or tablet, see the Quick Start Guide that shipped with your computer or at www.dell.com/support. Connecting to the internet You can connect your computer to the internet using cable, DSL, dial‑up, or a WWAN connection. You may also install a wired or wireless router to share your cable or DSL internet connection with multiple devices.
Windows 8.1 1. Click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar and click or tap . 2. Click the network you want to connect to. 3. Click Connect. 4. Enter the network password, if prompted. NOTE: You may have configured the network key while setting up the router or the router may have a default network key. For details, contact the router manufacturer. 5. Turn on/off file sharing (optional). Windows 7 1. In the notification area, click . 2. Click the network you want to connect to. 3. Click Connect. 4.
Windows 8.1/Windows RT 1. Click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar. 2. Click or tap . 3. Click or tap the network you want to connect to. 4. Click or tap Connect. 5. If prompted, type the access point name (APN) or PIN, the user name, and the password. Windows 7 1. Click Start , type Mobile Broadband Utility in the search box and press Enter. 2. In the Mobile Broadband Utility window, click Connect. 3. If prompted, type the access point name (APN) or PIN, the user name, and the password.
Configuring 5.1/7.1 audio Configure your computer to provide multi-channel audio output. Windows 8.1/10 1. Type Audio in the search box. NOTE: In Windows 10, click or tap the search icon to access the search box. In Windows 8.1, access the Search charm to access the search box. 2. Click or tap Manage audio devices. 3. Under Playback tab, click or tap Speakers or Headphones. 4. Click or tap Configure and click or tap Test. You should hear a tone from every speaker. 5.
Connecting 5.1 speakers 1 Rear audio connector on the 5 computer Center/LFE surround out on the speaker 2 Center/LFE surround out on the computer 6 Front audio connector on the speaker 3 Front audio connector on the computer 7 Rear audio connector on the speaker 4 5.
Connecting 7.1 speakers 1 Rear audio connector on the computer 6 Center/LFE surround out on the speaker 2 Center/LFE surround out on the computer 7 Front audio connector on the speaker 3 Side audio connector on the computer 8 Rear audio connector on the speaker 4 Front audio connector on the computer 9 Side audio connector on the speaker 5 7.
Setting up your printer You can connect a printer to your computer using USB. Some printers may also support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection. NOTE: The features supported by your printer and the steps to install may vary depending on the printer model. For more information on setting up the printer, see the documentation that is shipped with your printer. If you are installing a wired printer, connect the printer to your computer using the USB cable before performing these steps.
Setting up your webcam Integrated webcam The integrated webcam is present on the laptop display or external display. If you order the webcam along with your computer, the drivers and software are installed when you receive your computer. Use the media shipped with the computer only to reinstall them. For more information on using the webcam, see “Using the webcam”.
About your computer Power adapter Power adapters are used to supply power to portable computers, tablets and certain desktop computers. The Dell power-adapter kit consists of the power adapter and the power cable. The power‑adapter rating (65 W, 90 W, and so on) depends on the device it is designed for, and the power cable varies based on the country where the power adapter is shipped.
Battery Batteries are mainly classified by their power ratings, such as 45 WHr, 65 WHr, and so on. The battery allows you to use your device when it is not connected to a power outlet. The life cycle of the battery is the number of time it can be discharged and recharged without affecting the operating time significantly. After the battery life-cycle reaches its end, you must replace the battery.
Touch pad A touch pad is available on most laptops and provides the functionality of a mouse. It has a touch-sensitive surface that senses the motion and position of your fingers. You can use the touch pad to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and click by tapping the surface. Gesture‑enabled touch pads support gestures such as zoom, pinch, rotate, scroll, and so on. You can also purchase external touch pads.
Camera Webcam Allows you to video chat, capture photos, and record videos. 3D camera 3D camera allows you to capture and stream three-dimensional images, making it possible to perceive distance, size, dimensions of objects through the built-in sensors. This enables enhanced interactivity during video conferencing, online gaming, and so on.
• Shortcut keys to perform specific tasks or to launch specific features • Function keys, F1 through F12 • Navigation keys for moving the cursor around in documents or windows: Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, Insert, and arrow keys Physical keyboard Physical keyboards are used with laptop and desktop computers. Laptops generally have a built-in keyboard. External keyboards are generally used with desktop computers.
The backlit keyboard on Dell laptops have different lighting states. Press the Fn and the right-arrow key to switch between the various lighting states. NOTE: Backlit keyboard may not be available on all computers. To check if backlit keyboard is available on your computer, see the Specifications of your computer at www.dell.com/support.
Service Tag and Express Service code You can find the Service Tag and the Express Service Code of your computer using one of the following: • Label on the computer or tablet • SupportAssist tile on your computer. For more information, see “Dell SupportAssist”. • Dell support website at www.dell.
Storage device Storage devices allow you to store data for later use. Storage devices can be internal or external. Most storage devices store data till you manually delete the data. Examples of storage devices are hard‑disk drives (HDD), solid‑state drives (SSD), optical-disc drives, flash drives, and so on. Internal storage devices Internal storage devices are installed on your computer and generally cannot be removed while the computer is turned on.
Memory cards Memory cards, also referred to as media or flash cards, use flash memory to store data. They are rewritable, fast, and retain data even when power supply is cut off. They are commonly used in devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, media players, gaming consoles, and so on. Your computer may have a media-card reader to read and write to these cards.
Extreme Digital (xD) Memory Stick XC (MSXC) Compact Flash I, II/Compact Flash MD Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick Pro Duo Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo Memory Stick (MS)/Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro) Smart Media/Smart Media XD 28 Storage device
Memory module A memory module stores temporary data that your computer needs to perform tasks. Any file or application loads in the memory modules before you can open or use them. Memory modules are categorized based on their capacity (in GB) and speed (in MHz). Faster and higher amount of memory generally provides better performance. Common memory‑module types are: • Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) — Used in desktop computers.
System board A system board forms the central part of computers. All other devices connect to the system board to be able to interact with each other. The system board holds various controllers and connectors that help in exchange of data among various components of the computer. A system board may also have integrated graphics, sound, and network capabilities.
Processors are mainly classified based on: • Number of processing cores • Speed or frequency measured in GigaHertz (GHz) or MegaHertz (MHz) • On-board memory, also referred to as cache These aspects also determine the performance of the processor. Higher values generally mean better performance. Some processors may be integrated on the system board. Some of the processor manufacturers are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and so on.
Thermal grease Thermal grease, also called thermal gel or thermal compound, is used to create a heat-inductive layer between a processor and heat sink. Applying thermal grease between the processor and heat sink increases the heat transfer from the processor to the heat sink, as the thermal grease has better conductivity than air. Video card Video cards process graphics data and send video output to a display device such as a monitor or projector.
TV tuners You can use TV tuners to watch television on your computer. TV tuners are available for desktop and laptop computers as internal or external devices. NOTE: TV Tuners are not supported in all computers. Internal • PCI-E • PCI External • USB • PC Card • ExpressCard TV tuners are mostly standalone, however, some video cards also have built-in TV tuners. For more information on using TV tuners, see the documentation for the TV tuner.
Speakers Laptops and tablets have built-in speakers for audio output. Desktops also have a built-in speaker. However, they are used only to produce beeps to indicate errors or failures. You can also connect external speakers to your computer or tablet. Speakers may support 3.5 mm audio connector, USB, or wireless connection to your computer. Speakers are generally categorized by the number of audio channels they support such as; 2, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, and so on.
Webcam A webcam allows you to capture videos and photos, and can also be used for video calls. Your display may have a built-in webcam or you can connect external webcam to your computer. Camera quality is mainly defined by the number of pixels it can capture. To use the webcam, you must install webcam drivers and software. If you ordered the webcam along with your computer, the drivers and software are generally installed when you receive your computer.
Modem Modems allow you to connect your computer or router to the internet. Modems can be analog (dial-up) or digital (DSL or cable). DSL or cable modems are generally provided by your internet service provider. • Dial-up modem — Electronic devices that convert analog phone signals into digital signals that the computer can process and digital computer signals into analog signals that can be transmitted over the telephone lines. Dial-up modems can be internal or external.
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Adapter Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) controllers allow wireless connectivity through cellular tower technology. This technology is mainly available on phones, tablets, and business-class laptops. A SIM card and a service contract may be required for WWAN connectivity. Bluetooth Bluetooth allows you to connect other Bluetooth-enabled devices to your computer or tablet, over a short distance.
Using your computer Charging the battery Connect the power adapter to your computer or tablet to charge the battery. The battery gets charged when the computer or tablet is in use or turned off. The internal circuitry of the battery prevents it from overcharging. NOTE: If the battery becomes too hot due to being in a hot environment, it may not charge when you connect the power adapter. Allow the battery to cool down for it to resume charging.
Fn and Esc Activate a power management mode. You can reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different power management mode using the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window. F2 Rename the selected item. F3 Search for a file or folder. F4 Display the address bar drop-down in Windows Explorer. F5 Refresh the active window. F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop. F10 Activate the menu bar in the active program. Ctrl and c Copy a selected item.
Ctrl and right-arrow key Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word. Ctrl and left-arrow key Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word. Ctrl and down-arrow key Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph. Ctrl and up-arrow key Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph. Ctrl, Shift with an arrow key Select a block of text. Shift with any arrow key Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document.
Keyboard shortcuts — Windows 8.1/Windows RT This table provides some keyboard shortcuts specific to Windows 8.1 and Windows RT. These keyboard shortcuts are in addition to the keyboard shortcuts that are already available in earlier versions of the Windows. Windows key and start typing Search your computer. Ctrl and + Zoom in to a large number of items on the screen such as apps pinned on the Start screen.
Windows key, Ctrl, and Tab Displays the sidebar of open apps and keeps the sidebar on screen even after you release the keys. You can then navigate through open apps using the up/down arrow keys. Windows key, Shift, and . Snap an app to the left. Windows key and . Cycle through open apps. NOTE: For special shortcut keys available on your computer, see the Quick Start Guide that shipped with your computer or at www.dell.com/support.
Windows 7 1. Click Start → Control Panel. 2. If your Control Panel is displayed by Category, click the View by: dropdown menu and select Small icons or Large icons. 3. Click Keyboard. 4. Adjust the keyboard settings you want to change and click OK to save the settings and close the window. Using numeric keypad on a laptop 1 Numeric keypad Your laptop may have a numeric keypad integrated into the keyboard. The keypad corresponds to the keypad on an extended keyboard.
• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice quickly on the touch pad without removing your finger from the touch pad after the second tap, then move the selected object by sliding your finger over the surface. Touch pad gestures NOTE: Some touch pad gestures may not be supported on your computer. NOTE: You can change the touch pad gestures settings by double‑clicking the touch pad icon in the notification area.
Horizontal Auto‑Scroll — Allows you to scroll left or right on the active window. Move two fingers left or right at a fast pace to start horizontal auto‑scroll. Tap on the touch pad to stop auto scrolling. Circular Scroll Up/Down — Allows you to scroll up/down. In the vertical‑scroll zone at the right edge of the touch pad, move your finger clockwise to scroll up and counterclockwise to scroll down. Circular Scroll Left/Right — Allows you to scroll left/right.
Move a finger down in the zoom zone to zoom‑out. Two‑finger zoom — Allows you to zoom-in or zoom-out using two fingers. Place two fingers on the touch pad and then move them apart to zoom‑in. Place two fingers on the touch pad and then bring them closer to zoom‑out. Rotate Twist — Allows you to rotate active content, in 90‑degree increments, using two fingers.
Flick Allows you to flip content forward or backward. Move three fingers quickly to the left or right to flip content backwards or forward. Quick Launch Allows you to open your favorite applications. Tap three fingers on the touch pad to launch the preconfigured application. NOTE: Use the touch pad configuration tool to choose the application to be launched. Using your touch screen NOTE: Avoid using the touch screen in dusty, hot, or humid environments.
Touch screen gestures Touch screen gestures enhance the usability of a touch screen by allowing you to perform tasks like zoom, scroll, rotate, and so on, by sliding or flicking your finger on the display. NOTE: Some of these gestures are application-specific and may not work in all applications. Zoom Place two fingers on the touch screen and then move them apart to zoom‑in. Place two fingers on the touch screen and then bring them closer to zoom‑out.
Flick Move a finger quickly in the desired direction to flip through content in the active window like pages in a book. Flick also works vertically when navigating content such as images or songs in a playlist. Rotate Rotate clockwise — Keeping a finger or thumb in place, move the other finger in an arched direction to the right. Rotate counter-clockwise — Keeping a finger or thumb in place, move the other finger in an arched direction to the left.
Scroll Horizontal – Scroll right or left on the active window. Move a finger to the right or left to start horizontal scrolling. Using Bluetooth You can connect (pair) Bluetooth devices such as mice, keyboard, headsets, phones, TV, and so on. For details on pairing the device with your computer, see the documentation of the device. NOTE: Make sure that you have Bluetooth drivers installed on your computer. Pairing a Bluetooth device with your computer or tablet Windows 10 1.
2. Right-click the Bluetooth icon in the notification area of your taskbar and click or tap Add a Device. NOTE: If you are unable to locate the Bluetooth icon, click or tap the arrow next to the notification area. 3. In the Add a device window, select the device and click or tap Next. NOTE: If your device is not listed, make sure that your device is discoverable. 4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the pairing process.
Recording a video 1. Open Dell Webcam Central. 2. Click or tap the Record Videos tab. 3. Click or tap the recording icon to start recording a video. 4. Once you have completed recording the video, click or tap the recording icon again to stop recording. NOTE: To configure options such as video size, self-timer, time‑lapse recording, video quality and so on, click or tap the drop‑down arrow next to the recording icon.
Ports and connectors Audio Audio connectors allow you to connect speakers, headphones, microphones, sound systems, amplifiers, or TVs audio output. NOTE: Your computer may not support all the audio ports. For information on the ports available on your computeror tablet, see the Quick Start Guide that shipped with your computer or tablet or Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Types of audio ports Headphone port — Connect headphones, powered speaker, or sound system.
Side-surround sound port — Connect left/right speakers. RCA S/PDIF port — Transmits digital audio without the need of analog audio conversion. Optical S/PDIF port — Transmits digital audio, using optical signals, without the need of analog audio conversion. USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) allows you to connect peripherals to a computer or a tablet. These peripherals include mouse, keyboard, printer, external drives, cameras, phones, and so on.
USB standards USB 3.1 — This is also referred to as SuperSpeed USB. This port supports peripherals such as storage devices, printers, and so on. Provides data transfer speeds of 5 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 1) and 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2). USB 3.0 — This is also referred to as SuperSpeed USB. This port supports data transmission speed of up to 4.8 Gbps and is backward compatible with older USB standards and is backward compatible with older USB standards. USB 2.0 — This is referred to as Hi-Speed USB.
eSATA eSATA allows you to connect external storage devices, such as hard drives and optical drives, to your computer. It provides the same bandwidth as internal SATA ports. Your computer may have a standalone eSATA port or an eSATA/USB combo port. Visual Graphics Array (VGA) Visual Graphics Array (VGA) allows you to connect to monitors, projectors, and so on. You can connect to a HDMI or DVI port using the VGA to HDMI or VGA to DVI adapters respectively.
Advantages of DisplayPort • • • • • Supports high resolutions and high refresh‑rates Supports 3D transmission Supports multiple display‑devices simultaneously Supports High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) Supports plug-and-play adapters that allow you to connect displays using older connection standards such as DVI, HDMI, and VGA • DisplayPort cables can extend up to 15 meter (49.
Micro HDMI Micro High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) provides digital connection between your computer and portable devices such as smart phones, laptops, and so on. This connector resembles the micro-USB connector found on most smartphones. S/PDIF S/PDIF is a standard for transferring audio in digital format. You can use S/PDIF to audio devices such as sound cards, speakers, home theater systems, TVs, and so on. It provides 5.1 audio support.
Software and Applications Absolute Absolute provides persistent endpoint security and data risk management solutions for computers, tablets, and smartphones. Persistence technology allows you to consistently assess risk, secure the lifecycle of each device, and preemptively respond to security incidents. NOTE: Persistence technology may not be supported on all computers. Getting Help on Absolute Dell provides help on persistence technology through Absolute Software.
Dell SupportAssist SupportAssist provides system updates, detects issues and sends you alerts based on your device, which makes solving and preventing problems easier. This application provides support with features that help you resolve problems and prevent new ones. Some features include: • Alerts and updates • Customized support • Predictive issue resolution for failure prevention Downloading Dell SupportAssist SupportAssist is already installed on all new Dell computers and tablets.
PC Checkup NOTE: PC checkup is available only on selected models. Use PC Checkup to check your hard‑drive usage, run hardware diagnostics, and track the changes made to your computer. • Drive Space Manager — Manage your hard drive using a visual representation of the space consumed by each type of file. • Performance and Configuration History — Monitor system events and changes over time. This utility displays all hardware scans, tests, system changes, critical events, and restoration points of the system.
Solution Station Offerings Type Offerings Warranty and ongoing care Extend warranty or service, contact Dell Tech Concierge Installations and setup Computer setup Wireless‑network setup Software installation Windows operating‑system installation Internal‑hardware upgrades TV and home theater installation Antivirus installation Internet and email setup Computer‑accessories setup Internet parental control setup File transfer and data backup Troubleshooting and repair Speed up your computer Virus and sp
Installing Quickset Quickset is pre-installed on a new Dell computer. If you need to reinstall Quickset, download it from the Dell support website at www.dell.com/ support. NOTE: If you restore your computer using PC Restore or a similar application, Quickset is restored as well. NVIDIA 3D Applications The NVIDIA 3DTV Play application installed on your computer allows you to play 3D games, watch Blu-ray 3D videos, and browse 3D photos. It supports the same games as NVIDIA 3D Vision.
Captures a 3D screenshot of the current game, and saves the file in a folder in the Documents folder. To view the file, use the NVIDIA 3D Photo Viewer. Shows/hides in-game compatibility message Displays the NVIDIA recommended settings for the current game. Increases convergence Move objects towards you; maximum convergence places all objects in front of the scene in your space; also used to place the laser sight.
Restoring your operating system System recovery options You can restore the operating system on your computer using one of the following options: CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore or the Operating System disc permanently deletes all files on your computer. If possible, backup your data files before using these options. Option Description Dell Backup and Recovery Use this as the first solution to recover your operating system.
Dell Backup and Recovery Dell Backup and Recovery has two versions: • Dell Backup and Recovery Basic • Dell Backup and Recovery Premium Features Basic Premium Restore your system back to factory state Backup files manually Restore files from backup Backup and restore to and from the Cloud (You must purchase a cloud storage subscription to use this feature after 60 days) Continuously backup files to minimize data loss X Create a full system backup (including applications a
Creating system reinstall discs 1. Launch Dell Backup and Recovery. 2. Click or tap Factory Recovery Media tile. 3. Follow the instructions on the screen. Restoring your computer 1. Launch Dell Backup and Recovery. 2. Click or tap the Recovery tile. 3. Click or tap System Recovery. 4. Click or tap Yes, Continue. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restoring specific files or folders from a File & Folder Backup 1. Launch Dell Backup and Recovery. 2. Click or tap the Recovery tile, and then select Recover your Data. 3. Click or tap Browse, choose your files and folders, then select OK. 4. Click or tap Restore Now. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. Creating a Full System Backup 1. Launch Dell Backup and Recovery. 2. Click or tap the Backup tile, and then select System Recovery. 3. Click or tap Backup Now. 4.
Dell Factory Image Restore CAUTION: Using the Dell Factory Image Restore option permanently removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. Prepare backup media of applications you need to reinstall before using Dell Factory Image Restore. NOTE: Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on certain computers. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only as the last method to restore your operating system.
Starting Dell Factory Image Restore CAUTION: 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 performing Dell Factory Image Restore. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. 1. Turn on or restart the computer. 2.
System Restore CAUTION: Backup data files regularly. System Restore does not monitor or recover your data files. System Restore is a Microsoft Windows tool that helps you undo software changes to your computer without affecting your personal files like documents, photos, emails, and so on. Every time you install a software or device driver, your computer updates Windows system files to support the new software or device. Sometimes, this may cause some unexpected errors.
Windows 8.1 Using system restore 1. Click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar. 2. Click or tap Control Panel. 3. Type Recovery in the search box. 4. Click or tap Recovery and click or tap Open System Restore. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. Undoing the last system restore 1. Click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar. 2. Click or tap Control Panel. 3. In the System window, click or tap Action Center. 4. At the lower-right corner of Action Center window, click or tap Recovery. 5.
Operating System disc CAUTION: Reinstalling the operating system using the Operating System disc permanently deletes all data and software from your computer. NOTE: The Operating System disc is optional and may not ship with your computer. You can use the Operating System disc to install or reinstall the operating system on your computer. You must reinstall all drivers and software after reinstalling the operating system using the Operating System disc.
Restoring your computer using system reinstall media To restore your computer using the system reinstall media: 1. Turn off your computer. 2. Insert the system recovery disc into the optical drive or connect the USB key and turn on the computer. 3. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately to access the boot menu. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until your computer loads the operating system; then, restart your computer and try again 4.
Troubleshooting Basic troubleshooting steps This section lists some basic troubleshooting steps you can use to resolve common issues with your computer. • Make sure your computer is turned on and all the components are receiving power. • Make sure all the cables are firmly connected to the respective ports. • Make sure that the cables are not damaged or frayed. • Make sure that there are no bent or broken pins on the connectors. • Restart your computer and check whether the problem persists.
3. Select Diagnostics and press . 4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the test. If a component fails the test, the test stops, the computer beeps, and an error code is displayed. Note the error code(s) and search for solutions at www.dell.com/support or contact Dell. Follow the instructions on the screen to continue to the next test, retest the component that failed, or stop the test and restart the computer.
The status area has four tabs: • Configuration — Displays detailed configuration and status information about all devices that can be tested using ePSA. • Results — Displays all tests that are executed, their activity, and results for each test. • System Health — Displays the status of the battery, power adapter, fans, and so on. • Event Log — Provides detailed information about all tests. The Stat column displays the status of the tests.
Invoking ePSA To invoke ePSA: 1. Restart the computer. 2. Press at the Dell logo to access the BIOS setup program. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop, then restart your computer and try again. 3. Select Diagnostics and press . 4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the test and note any error messages that appear.
Beep codes Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start-up if there are errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. If this occurs, note the beep code and contact Dell for assistance. NOTE: Some of the beep codes mentioned in the table below may not apply to your computer.
BIOS BIOS stores hardware information about your computer and passes on the information to the operating system when the computer boots up. You can make changes to the basic hardware settings stored in the BIOS using BIOS setup program. You can use BIOS setup program to: • Set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password. • Determine the devices installed on your computer, such as amount of memory, type of hard drive, and so on.
Resetting BIOS password BIOS passwords are used to add extra security to computers. You can configure your computer to prompt for a password when booting or when entering BIOS setup program. Use one of the following methods, depending on your computer type, to reset lost or forgotten BIOS passwords. CAUTION: Resetting the BIOS password involves clearing all data from the CMOS. If you have changed any BIOS settings, you must make those changes again after resetting the password.
Changing the boot sequence You may need to change the boot sequence to boot from a device other than your default device, for example when reinstalling the operating system or, using a recovery disc or USB drive. You can select the boot order using the Boot Menu or the BIOS setup program. Using boot menu Use the Boot Menu to change the boot sequence of your computer for the current boot.
Getting help and contacting Dell Getting help You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources: Information about Dell product and services www.dell.com Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 Dell Help & Support app Windows 10 Get started app Windows 8.1 Help + Tips app Accessing help in Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 In Windows search, type Help and Support, and press Enter.
Learn about your operating system, setting up and using your computer, data backup, diagnostics, and so on. See Me and My Dell at www.dell.com/ support/manuals. Contacting Dell To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your country.
References Computer maintenance It is recommended that you perform the following tasks to avoid general computer problems: • Provide direct access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer. • Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. • Back up your data regularly. • Perform a virus scan regularly. • Check your computer for errors using SupportAssist and other tools available on your computer.
• Hybrid sleep — Hybrid sleep is a combination of sleep and hibernation. It puts any open documents and programs in memory and on your computer storage, and then puts your computer into a low-power state so that you can quickly resume your work. When hybrid sleep is turned on, putting your computer into sleep automatically puts your computer into hybrid sleep. • Shut down — Shutting down your computer helps when you are not planning to use the computer for a considerable period of time.
Configuring the power button behavior To configure the power button behavior: Windows 10/8.1 1. Right-click anywhere on the Start screen. 2. Click or tap All apps at the bottom-right corner of the screen. 3. Under Windows System, click or tap Control Panel. NOTE: For Windows 8.1/Windows RT click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar and click or tap Control panel. 4. If your Control Panel is displayed by Category, click or tap the View by: drop‑down and select Small icons or Large icons. 5.
You can improve the battery performance by: • Operating the computer on AC power when possible. Battery life reduces with the number of times the battery is discharged and recharged. • Configuring the power management settings using Microsoft Windows Power Options to optimize your computer’s power usage (see “Power management”). • Enabling the sleep/standby and hibernation features of your computer.
Your Dell laptop automatically monitors the charging and discharging behavior of your battery, and if applicable, displays a message to enable Desktop Mode. NOTE: Dell desktop mode may not be supported on all computers. To enable or disable desktop mode: 1. Right-click the battery icon on the Windows notification area, and then click or tap Dell Extended Battery Life Options. The Battery Meter dialog box is displayed. 2. Click or tap the Desktop mode tab. 3.
Ergonomic instructions CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury. CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain. For comfort and efficiency, use the ergonomic guidelines when setting up and using your computer. Laptops are not necessarily designed for continuous operation as office equipment. If you intend to use you laptop continuously, it is recommended that you connect an external keyboard.
1 monitor at or below eye level 4 feet flat on the floor 2 monitor and keyboard positioned directly in front of the user 5 arms at desk level 3 monitor stand 6 wrists relaxed and flat NOTE: For the latest ergonomic instructions, see www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Dell and the environment Green is not about limitation, it is about possibility. It is about finding a better way.
Bamboo — Nature’s eco-friendly packaging solution To help achieve the shared goal of finding new ways to help preserve our planet’s natural resources, Dell provides practical, but innovative packaging solutions that help minimize environmental effects. Less packaging means less hassle for customers. Recyclable packaging makes it easy to dispose. And sustainable materials are good for our planet. Bamboo packaging is used to ship several Dell products.
Regulatory compliance policy For complete details, visit www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Contact details for regulatory compliance web site For any questions related to Product Safety, EMC or Ergonomics, send an e-mail to Regulatory_Compliance@dell.com. Additional compliance information The World Wide Trade Compliance Organization (WWTC) is responsible for managing Dell’s compliance to import and export regulations, including product classification.
