Dell 2350 User Manual
Dell™ Dimension™ 2350 Series
service tag
CD or DVD
headphone
connector
CD or DVD
volume
control dial
floppy drive light*
CD or DVD drive
activity light
CD or DVD eject button
second bay for optional drive
floppy drive eject button*
power light
power button
USB 2.0 connectors (2) headphone connector
power connector
voltage selection switch
keyboard connector
serial connector
video connector
line-out connector
hard-drive activity light
*On computers with an optional floppy drive.
cover thumbscrew*
mouse connector
diagnostic lights (4)
parallel connector
microphone connector
USB 2.0 connectors (4)
PCI card slots (3)
line-in connector
cover latch*
network adapter
connector
*Your computer may not have a cover
thumbscrew or a cover latch.
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Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your
computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you
how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal
injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file. To access
the help file, see page 34.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
Windows
®
operating systems are not applicable.
®
____________________
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, DellNet, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, and Latitude
are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium 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 any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names
other than its own.
March 2003 P/N K0511 Rev. A00
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
General
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
When Using Your Computer
When Working Inside Your Computer
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Ergonomic Computing Habits
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1 Setting Up and
Using Your Computer
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Printer Cable
Connecting a Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Connecting a USB Printer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter
Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
. . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Contents 3
Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using Easy CD Creator Basic
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . 28
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
How to Copy a CD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Turning Off the Computer
2 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Finding Help Information
Battery Problems
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Floppy drive problems
CD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Problems writing to a CD-RW drive
DVD drive problems
Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Error Messages
General Problems
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Other technical problems
General hardware problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4 Contents
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mouse Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Power Problems
Printer Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Sound and Speaker Problems
No sound from speakers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
No sound from headphones
Video and Monitor Problems
If the screen is blank
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
If the screen is difficult to read
3 Advanced Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Drivers
Using System Restore
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
What Is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers
Creating a Restore Point
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
. . . . . . 61
Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . 63
Contents 5
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Before You Reinstall
Reinstalling Windows XP
4 Adding Parts
Front and Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Front View
Back View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Removing the Computer Cover
Looking Inside Your Computer
System Board
Adding Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Adding a Second CD or DVD Drive
Adding Memory
Adding a Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Replacing the Computer Cover
5 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Standard Settings
Viewing Settings
System Setup Program Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Clearing Forgotten Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
6 Contents
Replacing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
. . . . . 100
. . . . . . 100
Contacting Dell
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Regulatory Notices
NOM Information (Mexico Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
. . . . . . . . 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Limited Warranties and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Limited Warranty for the U.S.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . 124
Limited Warranty Terms for Canada
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Dell Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only)
Intel® Warranty Statement for Pentium® and Celeron
. . . . . . . . . . . . 130
®
Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Contents 7
8 Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure 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 wire size of 26 American wire 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 9
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).
• Be sure 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.
(continued)
10 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 the 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 11
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 otherwise provided to you. 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.
12 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 battery 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 are 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
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, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Tel l M e Ho w help file when
setting up and using your computer. To access the Tell Me How help file, see "Finding Help
Information" on page 34.
When Using Your Computer 13
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 "Replacing the Battery" on page 98.
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal
agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
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(continued)
14 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
ResourceCD
You can use this CD to access documentation and reinstall drivers (see
page 60).
Owner’s Manual
• Express Service Code and Service Tag
Number
•Microsoft
®
Windows® License Label
Express Service Code and Windows License Label
Located on your computer (see page 68).
Finding Information for Your Computer 15
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
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• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and support
questions
• Online discussions with other users and
technical support
• Documentation for my computer
If you reinstall your operating system, use the ResourceCD to reinstall
drivers for the devices that came with your computer (see page 60).
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 status, warranty, and
repair information
• Downloads — drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — computer documentation, product specifications, and
white papers
• How to set up my computer Setup diagram
16 Finding Information for Your Computer
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• 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 M e H o w.
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 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Finding Information for Your Computer 17
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18 Finding Information for Your Computer
1
SECTION 1
Setting Up and
Using Your Computer
Setting Up a Printer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to the Internet
Copying CDs
Turning Off the 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
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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 30).
NOTICE: For best results, use a 3 m (10 ft) or shorter parallel cable.
3 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten
the two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips
into the two notches.
20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
parallel connector on computer
connector on printer
screws (2)
parallel printer
cable
notches (2)
4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard
clips (2)
window appears, click Cancel.
5 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your
printer.
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 connector on the computer and the printer.
The USB connectors fit only one way.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21
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Transferring Information to a New Computer
Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer 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 source computer, and then you import the data to the new
computer.
USB connector on
computer
USB printer
cable
USB connector
on printer
If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, the wizard can be
launched from the Windows XP operating system CD or from a floppy disk created on the
Windows XP computer. 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 floppy disk, a Zip
disk, or a writable CD.
22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
To transfer information to a new computer:
NOTE: The CD that you need to place in your CD or DVD drive is titled
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then
Operating System
.
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.
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.
NOTE: 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 connection device.
NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall jack.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23
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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.
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.
network wall jack
network adapter
connector on computer
network cable
NOTE: 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 the Network
4
Setup Wizard.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen.
24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Connecting to the Internet
NOTE: Internet service providers vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet
service provider (ISP), such as America Online or DellNet™ by MSN. Your ISP will offer
one or more of the following Internet connection options:
• 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 America Online or DellNet by MSN connection:
1 Save any work in progress and close all 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 any work in progress and close all open programs.
2 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
3 Click Network and Internet Connections.
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.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25
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.
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NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and
9
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 "Internet, Modem, and E-Mail
Problems" on page 37. 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
NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.
This section applies only to computers that have a CD- or DVD-recording 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.
NOTE: The information in this section also applies to using Easy CD Creator Basic with a
DVD+RW or a DVD+R drive.
26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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-RW 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 recording 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.
NOTE: Some music and game CDs are copy-protected. 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→ Roxio 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
Center (see "Finding Help Information" on page 34). The 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
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs
Your CD-RW drive writes to two different types of recording media—CD-R and CD-RW
discs. Use blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) disks to record music or permanently store data
files. After creating 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 CDRW (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
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music and data CDs. You can use Windows 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 before you
record the project permanently to a blank CD-R disc.
• See the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com for additional helpful tips.
28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
How to Copy a CD
NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you 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.
The 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.
NOTE: 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.
Insert a blank CD into the CD-RW drive and close the tray.
6
The recording starts automatically.
7 After the recording completes, click OK.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29
Turning Off the Computer
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather
than by pressing the power button.
NOTE: If you are having difficulty turning off your computer, see "General Problems" on
page 40.
1
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.
3 Click Tu r n of f .
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
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4 Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.
30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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