Dell 2300C User Manual
Dell™ Dimension™ 2300C
front door
power button
hard-drive light CD or DVD drive light
* On computers with integrated IEEE 1394 connectors.
** On computers with integrated PC Card connectors.
parallel connector
serial connector
breakaway hinges
IEEE 1394 connector*
PC Card connectors (2)**
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
headphone connector
mouse connector
video connector
diagnostic lights (4)
keyboard connector
USB 2.0 connectors (4)
microphone connector
line-out connector
line-in connector
IEEE 1394 connector*
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network connector
modem connectors (2)
power connector
voltage selection switch (see page 9)
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT: A HINT 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.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
F or a co mplete list of abbr eviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help
file. To access help files, see page 36.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2003 Dell Computer Corporation.All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex, and
Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Celeron are registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows 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 Computer Corporation disclaims an y proprietary interest
in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
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. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision
Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise
authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
June 2003 P/N 2W209 Rev. A02
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
When Using Your Computer
When Working Inside Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Ergonomic Computing Habits
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Connecting the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Printer Cable
Connecting a Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connecting a USB Printer
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional)
Transferring Information to a New Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . 19
. . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . 24
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter
Network Setup Wizard
Connecting to the Internet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Contents 3
Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Using Easy CD Creator Basic
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . 29
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
How to Copy a CD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Turning Off the Computer
2 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Finding Help Information
Battery Problems
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
CD drive problems
Problems writing to a CD-RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
DVD drive problems
Hard drive problems
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Error Messages
General Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Other technical problems
General hardware problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4 Contents
IEEE 1394 Problems
Keyboard Problems
Mouse Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
PC Card Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Video and Monitor Problems
If the screen is blank
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
If the screen is difficult to read
3 Advanced Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Drivers
Using System Restore
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
What Is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers
Creating a Restore Point
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
. . . . . . 63
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Reinstalling Microsoft
Before You Reinstall
Reinstalling Windows XP
4 Adding Parts
Front and Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . 64
®
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Contents 5
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Back View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Reattaching the Front Door
Opening the Computer Cover
Looking Inside Y our Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
System Board
Adding PC Cards (Optional)
PC Card Types
Installing a PC Card
Removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Adding Other Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Adding Memory
Closing the Computer Cover
5 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Standard Settings
Viewing Settings
System Setup Program Screens
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Clearing For g ot ten Passwords
Replacing the Battery
Dell Technical Support Policy
Contacting Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Regulatory Information
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
6 Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensur e your own personal safety and to help protect
your computer and working environment from potential damage.
General
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service
technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power cables into properly
grounded electrical outlets. These cables are equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure
proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable.
If you must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with properly grounded plugs.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not use your computer during an
electrical storm.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any
cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical
storm.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be
manufactured with a minimum wir e si ze of 26 A merican wir e gauge (AWG) and an FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.
Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the
computer before disconnecting a device from the computer.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions 7
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network cable, first unplug
the cable from the network adapter on the back of your computer, and then from the
network jack. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer, first plug the cable
into the network jack, and then into the network adapter.
• To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and decreases in
electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply
(UPS).
• Ensure that nothing rests on your computer’s cables and that the cables are not located
where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
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• Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or
electric shock by shorting out interior components.
• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling
vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer
in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
• Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless the AC adapter cable has
been disconnected from the electrical outlet.
• When you use the AC adapter to run the computer or to charge t he battery, place the AC
adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor.
• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care
when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
(continued)
8 CAUTION: Safety Instructions
When Using Your Computer
As you use your computer, observe the following safe-handling guidelines.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer
covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on) removed.
• Your computer is equipped with one of the following:
– A fixed-voltage power supply — Computers with a fixed-voltage power supply do not
have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and operate at only one voltage (see
the regulatory label on the outside of the computer for its operating voltage).
– An auto-sensing voltage circuit — Computers with an auto-sensing voltage circuit do
not have a voltage selection switch on the back panel and automatically detect the
correct operating voltage.
– A manual voltage selection switch — Computers with a voltage selection switch on
the back panel must be manually set to operate at the correct operating voltage.
NOTICE: To help avoid damaging a computer with a manual voltage selection switch, set the
switch for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. For Japan,
the voltage selection switch must be set to the 115- V position even though th e AC power available in
Japan is 100 V. Also, ensure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to
operate with the AC power available in your location.
• Before working inside the computer, unplug the computer to help prevent electric shock
or system board damage. Certain system board components continue to receive power
any time the computer is connected to AC power.
When Using Your Computer 9
When Using Your Computer
(continued)
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as explained in
your online Dell™ documentation or in instructions otherwise provided to you by
Dell. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.
NOTICE: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the
computer before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a device from the
computer.
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1 Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system menu.
2 Turn off your computer and any devices connected to the computer.
3 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal
around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything
inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis
to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
4 Disconnect your computer and devices, including the monitor, from their electrical
outlets. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the
cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this
type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull
connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also,
before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
10 When Using Your Computer
When Using Your Computer
• Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a
card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such
as a microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
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. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact
your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest batter y deposit site.
(continued)
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s
electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
• Do not remove components from their antistatic packing material until you ar e ready to
install the component in your computer . Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging,
discharge static electricity from your body.
• When transporting an electrostatic sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.
• Handle all electrostatic sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAU TION: Improper or prolonge d keyboard use may result in injur y.
CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in
eye strain.
F or comfort a nd efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Tell Me How help file when
setting up and using your computer.
When Using Your Computer 11
When Using Your Computer
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium coin-cell battery. The lithium coin-cell battery is a long-life
battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need
to replace it, see page 93.
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal
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agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
(continued)
12 When Using Your Computer
Finding Information for Your Computer
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
• How to set up a printer
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
• How to add parts
• How to contact Dell
• Warranty information
Resou rceCD
You can use this CD to access documentation and reinstall drivers
(see page 61).
Owner’s Manual
Finding Information for Your Computer 13
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• Express Service Code and Service Tag
Express Service Code and Product Key
Number
®
•Microsoft
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Windows® License Label
Located on your computer.
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD
If you reinstall your operating system, use the ResourceCD to
reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and support
questions
• Online discussions with other users and
technical support
• Documentation for my computer
Dell Support website
The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:
• Knowledge Base — hints, tips, and online courses
• Customer Forum — 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, order stat us, warranty, and
repair information
• Downloads — drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — computer documentation, product specifications,
and white papers
14 Finding Information for Your Computer
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• How to set up my computer Setup Diagram
• Tips on using Windows
• How to clean my computer
• How to use my mouse and keyboard
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer and
devices
Tell Me How Help File
1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
2 Click User and system guides, and then click User’s guides.
3 Click Tell Me How.
Windows XP Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then click
the arrow icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 F ollow the instructions shown on the screen.
Finding Information for Your Computer 15
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16 Finding Information for Your Computer
SECTION 1
Setting Up and Using
Your Computer
Connecting the AC Adapter
Attaching and Removing the Computer Stand
Setting Up a Printer
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device (Optional)
Transferring Information to a New Computer
1
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to the Internet
Copying CDs
Turning Off the Computer
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Connecting the AC Adapter
1 Connect the AC adapter to the plug on the AC power cable.
CAUTION: If you decide to connect the green ground wire to an
electrical outlet,
wire and power leads because electrical shock, fire, or damage to
your computer can occur (see the following figure).
2 If you decide not to connect the green ground wire to the electrical
outlet, go to step 4.
3 Connect the metal ground connector to the grounding source on the
outlet (see the following figure):
a Loosen the grounding source.
b Slide the meta l ground connector behind the grounding source,
and tighten the grounding source.
do not permit
contact between the green ground
4 Connect the AC power cable to the outlet.
18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
grounding source
metal ground connector
Attaching and Removing the Computer
Stand
To attach the stand:
1 Rotate the computer to an upside-down position.
2 Insert the screw into the bottom of the stand.
3 Align the two tabs and the screw on the stand with the tab holes and
screw hole in the bottom of the computer.
screw
tabs (2)
tab holes (2)
screw hole
HINT: Place your
computer on a soft
surface to prevent
scratching the top cover.
4 Tighten the screw.
5 Place the computer in the upright position.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19
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To remove the stand:
1 Turn the computer over so that the stand is at the top.
2 Loosen the screw and lift the stand away.
3 Place the computer in a horizontal position until you reattach the
stand.
20 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 either a USB cable or a parallel
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.
Connecting a Parallel Printer
1 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.
2 Turn off the computer (see page 31).
NOTICE: For best results, use a 3 m (10 ft) or shorter parallel cable.
Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the
3
computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the
connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21
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screws (2)
parallel printer
cable
4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New
parallel connector on computer
connector on
printer
clips (2)
notches (2)
Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
5 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the docum ent at ion that
came with your printer.
Connecting a USB Printer
HINT: You can connect
USB devices while the
computer is turned on.
22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
1 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.
2 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the docum ent at ion that
came with your printer.
3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer
and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
USB connector on the
computer
USB connector
on printer
USB printer
cable
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device
(Optional)
IEEE 1394 devices can move large amounts of data between computers and
devices and are ideal for use with multimedia devices, such as digital video
cameras.
Your computer provides an IEEE 1394 connector on both the front and
back panels. (See "Front and Back View of the Computer" on page 70 for
locations.)
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23
HINT: The connector can
accept six-pin IEEE 1394
devices with the use of an
adapter.
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IEEE 1394
connector
IEEE 1394
cable
Transferring Information to a New
Computer
Windows XP provid es a Files and Settings Tran sfer Wizard to move data,
such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks,
from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the sourc e
computer, and then you import the data to the new comput er.
If the source computer uses another Windows operati ng s yst em, the wiza rd
can be launched from the Windows XP operating system CD. You can
transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection,
or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD.
To transfer information to a new computer:
HINT: The CD that you
need to place in your CD
or DVD drive is titled
Operating System
.
1
Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System
Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and
then click Next.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter
Before you connect your computer to a network, it must have a network
adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.
To connect a network cable:
1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the
back of your computer.
2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection
device.
network adapter
connector on computer
network cable
network
wall jack
Network Setup Wizard
Windows XP 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.
HINT: Insert the cable
until it clicks into place,
and then gently pull it to
ensure that it is secure.
HINT: Do not use a
network cable with a
telephone wall jack.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→
Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 Click checklist for creating a network.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25
HINT: Selecting the
connection method This
computer connects
directly to the Internet
enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.
Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to
4
the Network Setup Wizard.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Connecting to the Internet
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:
HINT: ISPs may vary by
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country.
• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a phone line.
Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable
modem connections.
• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through
your existing phone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the
Internet and use your phone 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 cable 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 MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Windows
desktop.
3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you
want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:
®
1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
3 Click Network and Internet Connections.
26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
4 Click Set up or change your Internet connection.
5 In the Internet Properties window, click Setup and then click Next.
The New Connection Wizard appears.
6 Click Connect to the Internet.
7 In the next window, click the appropriate option:
• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose
from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs).
• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but
you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection
manually.
• If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP.
8 Click Next.
If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 9.
Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the
setup.
9 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to
the Internet?, and then click Next.
10 Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see page 39. 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.
Copying CDs
This section applies only to computers that have a CD- or DVD-record ing
device.
The information in this section is based on the Roxio Easy CD Creator
Basic documentation that came with your computer. See the following
section, "Using Easy CD Creator Basic," for instructions on how to locate
that documentation.
HINT: If you do not know
which type of connection
to select, contact
your ISP.
HINT: Ensure that you
follow all copyright laws
when you create CDs.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27
HINT: The information in
this section also applies to
using Easy CD Creator
Basic with a DVD+RW or
a DVD+R drive.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
To burn CDs, you need to use CD-burner software. Roxio Easy CD Creator
Basic is your computer's CD-burner software. The software includes these
project programs that enable you to record specialty CDs for different types
of uses:
• DirectCD allows you to format a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc so that
you can use Microsoft
®
Windows® Explorer to drag and drop data
files to the CD-RW drive. You can use a DirectCD-formatted CD-R W
disc like another hard drive on your computer because CD-RW discs
are fully rewritable (CD-R discs can be used with DirectCD, but that
media type has overwriting limitations—see "Using Blank CD-R Discs
or Blank CD-RW Discs" for re cording media differences).
• MusicCD allows you to burn custom music CDs.
• DataCD allows you to copy a variety of your documents, such as
spreadsheet or accounting files, to a CD for permanent storage.
HINT: Some music and
game CDs are copyprotected. If you have a
CD that cannot be copied,
you must use the original
CD for everyday use.
• Disc Copier allows you to make a backup copy of almost any type of
CD. This program allows you to make a copy of a CD for everyday use
so that you can archive and save the original copy. (Disc Copier is
titled "CD Copier" in some versions of Roxio CD Creator Basic.)
All four project programs are available on the Easy CD Creator Basic Select
a Project menu screen. To view the Select a Project menu screen, click the
Start button, point to All Programs→ Roxi o Easy CD Creator, and then
click Project Selector.
Using Easy CD Creator Basic
See the Easy CD Creator Basic documentation for instructions on how to
use the program, information about different recording techniques, and CD
media limitations. The Easy CD Creator Basic documentation is located in
the Microsoft
documentation is also provided on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD, which
is included with your computer. Each Easy CD Creator Basic project
program also has thorough online help files.
®
Windows® XP Help and Support Center (see page 36). The
28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs
Your CD-RW drive writes to two different types of recor ding media—CD-R
and CD-RW discs. Use blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) disks to record music
or permanently store data files. After cr eating a CD-R disc, you cannot write
to that disc again without changing your method of recording (see the
Roxio documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RW
(CD-ReWritable) discs when you want to write, erase, rewrite, and update
your files onto CDs.
Helpful Tips
• You must use the Easy CD Creator Basic project programs to copy and
record all music and data CDs. You can use W indows Explorer to drag
and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW disc only after you first use
DirectCD to format the disc.
• You must use CD-R discs to burn music CDs that you want to play in
regular stereos. CD-RW discs do not play in most home or car stereos.
• If you want to copy files from the Internet or files from a floppy or Zip
drive, copy those files to your hard drive first, and then burn your CD.
Your CD-RW drive requires a steady stream of data to properly record.
Direct Internet downloads, floppy drives, and Zip drives may not be
able to provide a steady data stream to your CD-RW drive.
• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers
that have MP3 software installed.
• Ensure that you set the sampling rate to at least 128 Kbps when you
burn MP3 files to a CD. Otherwise, recording errors may occur.
• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc to its maximum capacity;
for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The
CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the
recording.
• Use a blank CD-RW disc to practice CD recording until you are
familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can
erase the CD-RW disc and try again. You can also use blank CD-RW
discs to test music file projects bef ore you record the project
permanently to a blank CD-R disc .
• See the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com for additional
helpful tips.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29
How to Copy a CD
HINT: If you have a
DVD/CD-RW combo drive
and experience recording
problems, first check for
available software
patches at the Dell
Support website at
support.dell.com and if
necessary, the Roxio
support website at
support.roxio.com.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
This procedure assumes that your computer is equipped with a single
CD-RW drive (without an additional CD drive). If your computer is
equipped with both types of drives, see the Roxio documentation for
instructions on how to copy CDs from a CD drive to a CD-RW drive.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Roxio Easy CD
Creator, and then click Project Selector.
The Select a Project window appears.
2 Click Disc Copier. (Disc Copier is titled "CD Copier" in some versions
of Easy CD Creator Basic.)
The Disc Copier window appears and displays your CD-RW drive in
the Copy from and the Record to lists.
3 Insert the source CD that you want to copy into the CD-RW drive.
The Disc Copier project program briefly checks the source CD in the
CD-RW drive to ensure that it is a readable CD.
4 Click Copy.
Depending on the size of the files that are being copied, the copy
process may take a few minutes.
5 After the source CD is copied, remove the source CD from the
CD-RW drive tray.
The CD-RW drive tray opens automatically after the source CD is
copied.
HINT: You must use
CD-R discs to burn music
CDs that you want to
play in regular stereos.
CD-RW discs do not play
in most home or car
stereos.
30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Insert a blank CD into the CD-RW drive and close the tray.
6
The recording starts automatically.
After the recording completes, click OK.
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