Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, P owerEdge, P owerV ault, P owerApp,
DellNet, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, Intel SpeedStep, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
The computer does not start up
The computer stops responding
A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For?Find it Here
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to set up my computer
Setup Diagram
Finding Information9
What Are You Looking For?Find it Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, online courses, 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
• Service and support — Service call status and support
history, service contract, online discussions with
technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product specifications, and
white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software
updates
• Desktop 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.
®
Pentium®M
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to
identify your computer
when you use
support.dell.com
contact technical
support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when
contacting technical support.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
site.
Corporate, government, and education customers can also
use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available
in all regions.
or
10Finding Information
What Are You Looking For?Find it Here
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click the
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
Finding Information11
12Finding Information
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Setting Up a Printer
NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.
See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:
•Obtain and install updated drivers.
•Connect the printer to the computer.
•Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.
•Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.
Printer Cable
Your printer connects to your computer with a USB cable. Your printer may not come with a printer
cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you
purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in
the computer box.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer13
Connecting a USB Printer
NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.
1
Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.
2
Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.
3
Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The
USB connectors fit only one way.
USB connector on computer
USB printer cable
USB connector
on printer
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
Use the Media Card Reader to transfer data directly to your computer.
The Media Card Reader supports the following memory types:
•xD-Picture Card
•SmartMedia (SMC)
•CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II)
•MicroDrive Card
•SecureDigital Card (SD)
•MultiMediaCard (MMC)
•Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)
14Setting Up and Using Your Computer
For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on
page 83.
xD-Picture Card
and SmartMedia (SMC)
CompactFlash Type I
and II (CF I/II) and
MicroDrive Card
Memory Stick
(MS/MS Pro)
SecureDigital Card (SD)/
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
To use the Media Card Reader:
1
Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.
2
Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector.
If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try
again.
Connecting a TV (Optional)
NOTE: To connect a TV to your computer, you must have a video card that has TV-out functionality and
an S-video cable, which is available at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not
included with your computer.
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 55.
2
Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.
3
Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer15
Changing the Display Settings
1
After you connect the TV, turn on the computer.
®
The Microsoft
2
Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.
Windows® desktop displays on the monitor.
•In clone mode, the monitor and TV display the same image.
•In extended desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively
doubling the amount of viewable work space.
For information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user’s guide in
the Help and Support Center (click the
, click
system guides
Device guides
Start
button, click
Help and Support
, click
, and then click the guide for your graphics card).
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter
NOTE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the
network cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone
wall jack.
1
Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.
Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.
2
Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.
User and
network device
16Setting Up and Using Your Computer
network adapter connector on computer
network adapter
connector
network cable
Network Setup Wizard
The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you
through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a
home or small office.
1
Click the
click
2
On the welcome screen, click
3
Click
NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the
integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later operating systems.
4
Complete the checklist and required preparations.
5
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
Start
button, point to
Network Setup Wizard
Checklist for creating a network
All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications
.
Next
.
, and then
.
Connecting to the Internet
NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service
provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet
connection options:
•Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up
connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.
•DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone
line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same
line simultaneously.
•Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable
TV line.
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your
computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are
using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an AOL or MSN connection:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Double-click the
3
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
MSN Explorer
or
AOL
icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer17
If you do not have an
Internet connection with a different ISP:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Click the
New Connection Wizard
The
3
Click
Connect to the Internet
4
In the next window, click the appropriate option:
•If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click
service providers (ISPs)
•If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a
setup CD, click
•If you have a CD, click
5
Click
Next
If you selected
instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
6
Click the appropriate option under
Next
click
7
Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet
Problems" on page 31. 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.
MSN Explorer
Start
button and click
Set up my connection manually
.
Set up my connection manually
.
or
AOL
Internet Explorer
appears.
.
.
Use the CD I got from an ISP
How do you want to connect to the Internet?
icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an
.
Choose from a list of Internet
.
.
, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the
, and then
Playing a CD or DVD
NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when
you are not using the drive.
NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.
1
Press the eject button on the front of the drive.
2
Place the disc, label side up in the center of the tray
3
Press the disc into the center of the tray until it clicks into place.
18Setting Up and Using Your Computer
4
Press the eject button or gently push in the tray.
To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that
came with your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer19
A CD player includes the following basic buttons:
Play.
Move backward within the current track.
Pause.
Move forward within the current track.
Stop.
Go to the previous track.
Eject.
Go to the next track.
A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:
Stop.
Play.
Fast forward.
Pause.
Fast reverse.
Go to the next title or chapter.
Go to the previous title or chapter.
For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click
20Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Help
on the CD or DVD player (if available).
Adjusting the Volume
NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.
1
Click the
Volume Control
2
In the
slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.
For more information on volume control options, click
Start
button, point to
.
Volume Control
All Programs → Accessories→ Entertainment
window, click and drag the bar in the
Help
in the
Volume Control
Volume Control
, and then click
column and
window.
Adjusting the Picture
If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much
memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties.
1
Click the
2
Under
3
Under
4
In the
setting to
5
Click the drop-down menu under
6
Click OK.
Start
button and click
Pick a category
Pick a task...
Display Properties
800 by 600 pixels
, click
, click
Control Panel
Appearance and Themes
Change the screen resolution
window, click and drag the bar in
.
Color quality
.
.
.
, and then click
Screen resolution
Medium (16 bit)
to change the
.
Copying CDs and DVDs
NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs.
This section applies only to computers that have a CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD
(combo) drive.
NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell™ may vary by country.
The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use
Sonic DigitalMedia for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on
your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click
the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
How to Copy a CD or DVD
NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive
and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support
website at www.sonic.com.
The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell computers can write to and read DVD+/-R,
DVD+/-RW and DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to and may not read
DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer21
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic
DigitalMedia.
1
Click the
click
2
Under the
3
To copy the CD or DVD:
•
Start
button, point to
Copy
.
Copy
tab, click
If you have one CD or DVD drive
Copy
button. The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies the data to a
All Programs→
Disc Copy
Sonic→ DigitalMedia Projects
.
, ensure that the settings are correct and click the
temporary folder on your computer hard drive.
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click
OK
, and then
Disc
.
If you have two CD or DVD drives
•
source CD or DVD and click the
, select the drive into which you have inserted your
Disc Copy
button. The computer copies the data from
the source CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD.
Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have
created automatically ejects.
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW) while
DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.
Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you
cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use
blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.
Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you
create a DVD+/-R disc, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or
"closed" during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RWs if you plan
to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.
CD-Writable Drives
Media TypeReadWriteRewritable
CD-RYesYesNo
CD-RWYesYesYes
DVD-Writable Drives
Media TypeReadWriteRewritable
CD-RYesYesNo
CD-RWYesYesYes
22Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Media TypeReadWriteRewritable
DVD+RYesYesNo
DVD-RYesYesNo
DV D +R WYesYe sYe s
DV D -R WYe sYe sYe s
DVD+R DLYesYesNo
DVD-R DLMaybeNoNo
DVD-RAMMaybeNoNo
Helpful Tips
•Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after
you start Sonic DigitalMedia and open a DigitalMedia project.
•Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play
in most home or car stereos.
•You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic DigitalMedia.
•Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software
installed.
•Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may not support all
available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player, see the
documentation provided with your DVD player or contact the manufacturer.
•Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a
650-MB file to a blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1–2 MB of the blank space to
finalize the recording.
•Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording
techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You
can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project
permanently to a blank CD-R.
•See the Sonic website at
www.sonic.com
for additional information.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer23
Power Management
The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity
your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor
or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire
computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, the Windows desktop is
restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode.
NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in
Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network,
different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows.
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out.
When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it
entered standby mode.
To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:
1
Click the
2
Under
3
Under
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the
Turn Off Computer
To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Start
button and click
Pick a category
or pick a Control Panel icon
, click
, and then click
Control Panel
Performance and Maintenance
Stand by
, click
Power Options
.
.
.
.
Start
button, click
NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and
then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the
desktop is restored to the state it was in
To activate hibernate mode:
1
Click the
2
Under
3
Under
4
Define your hibernate settings on the
To exit from hibernate mode
from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the
computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the
computer is in hibernate mode.
24Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Start
button and click
Pick a category
or pick a Control Panel icon
, click
before it entered hibernate mode.
Control Panel
Performance and Maintenance
, click
Power Schemes
,
press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit
.
Power Options
tab,
.
.
Advanced
tab, and
Hibernate
tab.
Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store
the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file
before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted,
Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.
Power Options Properties
Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the
Options Properties
1
Click the
2
Under
3
Under
4
Define your power settings on the
Power Schemes Tab
Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows
schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the
The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has
different settings for starting standby mode or hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and
turning off the hard drive.
The
Power schemes
•
Always On
Home/Office Desk
•
minimal power conservation.
•
Portable/Laptop
Presentation
•
conservation).
•
Minimal Power Management
conservation.
•
Max Battery
batteries for extended periods of time.
If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the
,
monitor
out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the
default settings for that scheme, unless you click
scheme.
Turn off hard disks, System stand by
window. To access the
Start
button and click
Pick a category
or pick a Control Panel icon
, click
Performance and Maintenance
Power Options Properties
Control Panel
, click
Power Schemes
.
Power Options
tab,
window:
.
.
Advanced
Power schemes
tab, and
Hibernate
drop-down menu.
drop-down menu displays the following schemes:
(default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.
— If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require
— If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling.
— If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power
— If you want your computer to run with minimal power
— If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from
, or
System hibernates
Save As
and enter a new name for the changed
field, and then select a time-
Power
tab.
Turn off
NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may
appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this
problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer25
Advanced Tab
The
Advanced
•Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.
•Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from
standby mode or hibernate mode.
•Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the
computer.
To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and
click
OK
Hibernate Tab
The
Hibernate
you defined on the
Hibernate
For more information on power management options:
1
Click the
2
In the
3
In the
tab allows you to:
.
tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings
Power Schemes
tab.
Start
button and click
Help and Support
Performance and maintenance
tab, click the
Help and Support
window, click
Enable hibernate support
.
Performance and maintenance
window, click
Conserving power on your computer
check box on the
.
.
Understanding Intel® Viiv™ Technology (Optional)
Intel Viiv technology is a technology aimed at the digital home enthusiast that includes:
•A BIOS with Quick Resume
•Device drivers
This technology allows the user’s system to quickly return to an active state after non-use
Intel Viiv technology is an option for systems that are ordered with Microsoft
Media Center Edition 2005 and dual core processors.
Using Intel® Viiv™ Quick Resume Technology (Optional)
When running in the Intel Viiv Quick Resume Technology (QRT) mode, your power button is
used as a quick on/off feature. Pressing the power button once causes the display to go blank and
the audio to mute. In this mode, the computer is still operating as indicated by the power button
indicator and diagnostic lights 1, 2, and 4 being lit. Also, you may notice that the hard drive
indicator may blink when the hard drive is being accessed by an external device.
To resume normal computer operation, briefly press the power button, press any key on the
keyboard, move the mouse, or press a button on the optional Microsoft
Center Edition 2005 remote control.
26Setting Up and Using Your Computer
®
Windows® XP
®
Windows® XP Media
Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup
The QRT drivers must be installed before this feature becomes active. These drivers are installed
when this option is ordered. Also, Quick Resume is enabled in system setup when this feature is
ordered.
1
Enter system setup (see page 100).
2
Press the arrow keys to highlight the
access the menu.
3
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the
to access the menu.
4
Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight the On option and press <Enter> to enable
the Quick Resume feature.
Power Management
Quick Resume
menu option and press <Enter> to
option and press <Enter>
Enabling the QRT feature in the Operating system
1
Click the
2
Under
3
Under
4
Click the
5
Ensure that the check boxes for Enable away mode and Options are checked.
6
Click the
7
From the
Nothing
8
From the
Nothing
Start
button and click
Pick a category
or pick a Control Panel icon
Away
Advanced
When I press the power button on my computer
.
When I press the sleep button on my computer
.
, click
tab.
tab.
Control Panel
Performance and Maintenance
, click
.
Power Options
.
.
drop-down menu, select
drop-down menu, select
Do
Do
Hyper-Threading
Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by
allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain
tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft
(SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of
Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some
programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the
software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about
using Hyper-Threading with your software.
®
Windows® XP Service Pack 1
Setting Up and Using Your Computer27
To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:
1
Click the
2
Click
3
In the
is enabled, the processor is listed twice.
You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on
accessing system setup, see page 100.
Start
button, right-click
Hardware
Device Manager
and click
My Computer
Device Manager
window, click the plus (+) sign next to
, and then click
.
Properties
Processors
.
. If Hyper-Threading
28Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Solving Problems
Troubleshooting Tips
Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:
•If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures
and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
•If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
•If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may
help technical support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
•If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
Battery Problems
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the
battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
REPLACETHEBATTERY — If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on
the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see page 92).
If the battery still does not work properly, contact Dell (see page 111).
Drive Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
ENSURETHAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZESTHEDRIVE — Click the Start button and
click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your
antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from
recognizing the drive.
Solving Problems29
TESTTHEDRIVE —
• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
NOTE: This system supports an optional USB floppy drive.
CLEANTHEDRIVEORDISK — See page 108.
CHECKTHECABLECONNECTIONS
RUNTHE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See page 51.
RUNTHE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See page 48.
CD and DVD drive problems
NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a
defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all
DVD drives.
ADJUSTTHE WINDOWSVOLUMECONTROL —
• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.
• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.
CHECKTHESPEAKERSANDSUBWOOFER — See "Sound and Speaker Problems" on page 41.
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
CLOSEOTHERPROGRAMS — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when
writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the
CD/DVD-RW.
TURNOFFSTANDBYMODEIN WINDOWSBEFOREWRITINGTOA CD/DVD-RW DISC — See page 24
or search for the keyword standby in Windows Help for information on power management modes.
30Solving Problems
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