531
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Dell™ Inspiron™ 531 Owner’s Manual
Model DCMA
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data
and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury,
or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to
Microsoft
®
Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary" on
page 189.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, YOURS IS HERE, Inspiron, Dell TravelLite, and
Strike Zone are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG,
Inc. and is used by Dell under license; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and Windows Vista start
button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries; Intel and Intel SpeedStep are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation;
AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Sempron, and Cool ’n’ Quiet are trademarks of Advanced MicroDevices,
Inc; Nvidia is a registered trademark of Nvidia Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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.
Model DCMA
April 2008
Contents
1 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Back View of the Computer
Back Panel Connectors
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Setting Up a Printer
Printer Cable
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Connecting a USB Printer
Playing CDs and DVDs
Adjusting the Volume
Adjusting the Picture
Copying CDs and DVDs
How to Copy a CD or DVD
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
Helpful Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
. . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . 30
. . . 15
Connecting Two Monitors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Connecting Two Monitors With VGA
Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Contents 3
Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector
and One Monitor With a DVI Connector
Connecting a TV
Changing the Display Settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . 32
Power Management
Power Management Options in
Microsoft
Standby Mode
Hibernate Mode
Power Options Properties
Power Schemes Tab
Advanced Tab
Hibernate Tab
Power Management Options in
Windows Vista
Standby Mode
Hibernate Mode
Power Plan Properties
Enabling Cool ’n’ Quiet Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
®
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . 40
About RAID Configurations (For Windows
Vista only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
RAID Level 1 Configuration
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility
Using Nvidia MediaShield
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . 42
. . . . . 43
4 Contents
Transferring Information to a New Computer
. . . . . . 44
Setting Up a Home and Office Network . . . . . . . . . 47
Connecting to a Network Adapter
Network Setup Wizard
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . 47
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
. . . . . . . . 49
3 Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Battery Problems
Drive Problems
CD and DVD drive problems
Hard drive problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Error Messages
Keyboard Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . 58
The computer does not start up
The computer stops responding
A program stops responding
. . . . . . . . . . . . 59
A program crashes repeatedly
A program is designed for an earlier
Microsoft
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
Media Card Reader Problems
®
Windows® operating system . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . 54
. . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . 59
. . . . . . . . . . 59
Memory Problems
Mouse Problems
Network Problems
Power Problems
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Contents 5
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
No sound from speakers
No sound from headphones
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Video and Monitor Problems
If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
. . . . . . . . . . . 72
4 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Beep Codes
System Messages
Dell Diagnostics
Drivers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . 80
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From
Your Hard Drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the
Drivers and Utilities Media
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
What is a Driver?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
. . . . . . . . . . 84
6 Contents
Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities
Restoring Your Operating System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore
Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory
Image Restore
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Using the Operating System CD
. . . . 88
. . . . . . . . . . 94
5 Removing and Installing Parts . . . . . . . . 97
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
. . . . . . . 98
Removing the Computer Cover
Inside View of Your Computer
System Board Components
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments
Memory
Cards
Bezel
Drives
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Memory Installation Guidelines
Installing Memory
Removing Memory
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
PCI and PCI Express Cards
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Removing the Bezel
Replacing the Bezel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
. . . . . . . . . . 108
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Recommended Drive Cable Connections
Connecting Drive Cables
Drive Interface Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables
Hard Drives
Installing a Second Hard Drive
Floppy Drive
Media Card Reader
CD or DVD Drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
. . . . . . . . . . 125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
. . . . . 104
. . . . . 121
. . . 122
Contents 7
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Replacing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Power Supply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Replacing the Power Supply
Processor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Removing the Processor
Installing the Processor
I/O Panel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Removing the I/O Panel
Installing the I/O Panel
Processor Fan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Removing the Processor Fan
Installing the Processor Fan
Chassis Fan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Removing the Chassis Fan
Replacing the Chassis Fan
System Board
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Removing the System Board
Installing the System Board
. . . . . . . . . . . . 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . 154
. . . . . . . . . . . . 157
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
. . . . . . . . . . . . 162
. . . . . . . . . . . . 164
8 Contents
Replacing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
A Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
System Setup
Overview
Entering System Setup
System Setup Options
Boot Sequence
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
Clearing CMOS Settings
Flashing the BIOS
Cleaning Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Mouse
Floppy Drive
CDs and DVDs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software
and Peripherals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Definition of "Third-Party" Software
and Peripherals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
. . . . . . . . . 179
. . . . . . . 180
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
Getting Help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Obtaining Assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Technical Support and Customer Service
DellConnect
Online Services
AutoTech Service
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Automated Order-Status Service
. . . . . 183
. . . . . . . . . 185
Contents 9
Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Product Information
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Before You Call
Contacting Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
. . . . . 186
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
10 Contents
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your
computer. Some features or media may not be available 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
NOTE: See the setup diagram that came with
your system.
NOTE: The appearance of your setup diagram
may vary.
Finding Information 11
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• Service Tag and Express
Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your
computer when you use
contact support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct
your call when contacting support.
NOTE: As an increased security measure, the
newly designed Microsoft Windows license
label incorporates a missing portion or "hole" to
discourage removal of the label.
support.dell.com
or
12 Finding Information
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints
and tips, articles from technicians,
and 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,
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.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the
appropriate support site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education
customers can also use the customized Dell
Premier Support website at
premier.support.dell.com.
To download
1
Go to
support.dell.com
Downloads
and
2
Enter your Service Tag or Product Type and
Product Model and click
3
Scroll to
Utilities
and click
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may
vary depending on your selection.
Desktop
System and Configuration
Download Now
System Software:
and click
.
Go
Dell Desktop System Software
.
Drivers
.
Finding Information 13
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• How to use your Windows®
operating system
• How to work with programs and
files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1
To access Windows Help and Support:
• In Windows XP, click
Help and Support
• In Windows Vista
Windows Vista start button™
and click
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your
problem and press <Enter>.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Start
.
®
, click the
Help and Support
and click
.
14 Finding Information
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Front View of the Computer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1 Service Tag
(located on top of the
chassis towards the
rear)
2 CD or DVD drive Use the CD/DVD drive for playing a CD/DVD.
3 CD or DVD drive panel This panel covers the CD/DVD drive.
4 CD or DVD eject button Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.
Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you
access the Dell Support website or call technical support.
(Shown in open position)
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15
5 optional CD or DVD
drive bay
6 optional CD or DVD
eject button
7 FlexBay drive Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media
8 USB 2.0 connectors (4) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect
9 IEEE 1394 connector
(optional)
10 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones
11 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal
12 front panel door grip Slide up the front panel door grip to cover the FlexBay
13 power button,
power light
Can contain an optional CD/DVD drive.
Press to eject a disk from the optional CD or DVD
drive.
Card Reader. For information on using the Media Card
Reader, see the Sonic website at www.sonic.com for
additional information.
occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable
USB devices (see "System Setup Options" on page 173
for more information on booting to a USB device).
It is recommended that you use the back USB
connectors for devices that typically remain connected,
such as printers and keyboards.
Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as
digital video cameras.
and most kinds of speakers.
computer microphone for voice or musical input into a
sound or telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone
connector is on the card.
drive, four Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, one
headphone connector, and one microphone connector.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
The light in the center of this button indicates
power state. See "Controls and Lights" on page 170 for
more information.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power
button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an
operating system shutdown.
14 drive activity light The drive activity light is on when the computer reads
data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light
might also be on when a device such as a CD player is
operating.
16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Back View of the Computer
1
2
6
3
5
4
1 power connector Insert the power cable.
2 power supply LED Indicates power availability for power supply.
3 back panel
connectors
4 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
5 padlock rings Padlock rings are for attaching a commercially available
6 security cable slot Security cable slot lets you attach a commercially available
Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate
connector. See "Back Panel Connectors" on page 18 for
more information.
theft-deterrent device. The padlock rings allows you to
secure the computer cover to the chassis with a padlock to
prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer.
To use the padlock rings, insert a commercially available
padlock through the rings, and then lock the padlock.
antitheft device to the computer. For more information,
see the instructions included with the device.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17
Back Panel Connectors
1 network activity
light
2 network adapter
connector
3 link integrity light
12
11
Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or
receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic
may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.
To attach your computer to a network or broadband device,
connect one end of a network cable to either a network port
or your network or broadband device. Connect the other
end of the network cable to the network adapter connector
on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that
the network cable has been securely attached.
10
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network
connector.
On computers with a network connector card, use the
connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and
connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3
wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure
reliable operation.
• Green — A good connection exists between the network
and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.
18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
4 center/subwoofer
connector
5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback
6 front L/R line-out
connector
7 microphone Use the pink connector to attach a personal computer
8 side L/R surround
connector
9 rear L/R surround
connector
10 USB 2.0
connectors (4)
11 VGA video
connector
Use the orange connector to attach a speaker to a Low
Frequency Effects (LFE) audio channel. LFE audio channel
is found in digital surround sound audio schemes that
carries only low frequency information of 80 Hz and below.
The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely
low bass extension. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt
the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround
sound set-up.
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the
card.
Use the green line-out connector (available on computers
with integrated sound) to attach headphones and most
speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the
card.
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or
telephony program.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone
connector is on the card.
Use the gray connector to provide enhanced surround audio
for computers with 7.1 speakers.
On computers with a sound card, the microphone
connector is on the card.
Use the black surround connector to attach multichannelcapable speakers.
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors
for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks
or cameras.
Connect the monitor’s VGA cable to the VGA connector on
the computer.
On computers with a video card, use the connector on
the card.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact
your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat. Follow the
guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure:
NOTICE: The operating temperature specifications indicated in this manual
reflects the maximum ambient operating temperature. The room ambient
temperature needs to be a consideration when installing your computer in an
enclosure. For example, if the ambient room temperature is at 25°C (77°F),
depending on your computer’s specifications, you only have 5° to 10°C (9° to 18°F)
temperature margin before you reach your computer’s maximum operating
temperature. For details about your computer’s specifications, see "Specifications"
on page 167.
• Leave a 10.2 cm (4 inches) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the
computer to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
• If your enclosure has doors, they need to be of a type that allows at least
30 percent airflow through the enclosure (front and back).
• If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at
least 5.1 cm (2 inches) clearance from the back of the computer to the wall
to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow.
Restricting the airflow impacts your computer’s performance, possibly
causing it to overheat.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21
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.
For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the
printer manufacturer.
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 and computer.
If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your
computer, the cable may arrive in the computer’s shipping box.
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
Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and
the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
1
2
3
1 USB connector on
computer
3
Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer.
4
Depending on your computer’s operating system, a printer wizard may be
2 USB connector on
printer
3 USB printer
cable
available to help you install the printer driver:
If your computer is running the Microsoft
system and the
Add New Hardware Wizard window appears
®
Windows® XP operating
, click
Windows XP
Click
Start Control Panel Printers and Faxes Add a printer
the Add Printer Wizard
Windows Vista
Click
Start
®
and click
Network Add a printer
to start the Add Printer
Wizard.
5
Install the printer driver if necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and
Utilities" on page 84 and the documentation that came with your printer.
Cancel
to start
.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23
Playing CDs and DVDs
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
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.
A CD player includes the following basic buttons:
Play
Move backward within the current track
Pau se
Move forward within the current track
Stop
Go to the previous track
Eject
Go to the next track
24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:
Stop
Restart the current chapter
Play
Fast forward
Pau se
Fast reverse
Advance a single frame while in pause mode
Go to the next title or chapter
Continuously play the current title or chapter
Go to the previous title or chapter
Eject
For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click 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.
Windows XP:
Click the
1
Entertainment
2
In the
Volume
For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Vo lu me
Control window.
Windows Vista:
Click
1
and then click
2
In the
column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.
Start
button, point to
, and then click
Master Volume
control window, click and drag the bar in the
All Programs Accessories
Volume Control
.
Master
column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume
Start
, point to
Adjust System Volume
Volume Mixer
Control Panel Hardware and Sound Sound
.
window, click and drag the bar in the
Speakers
,
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25
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:
Windows XP:
1
Click the
2
Under
3
Under
4
In the
resolution
5
Under
(16 bit)
6
Click OK.
Windows Vista:
1
Click
2
Click
3
Under
4
In the
change the setting to
5
Click the drop-down menu under
6
Click OK.
Start
button, and then click
Pick a category
Pick a task...
Display Properties
to change the setting to
Color quality
.
Start
and click
Appearance and Personalization
Personalization
Display Settings
, click
Appearance and Themes
, click
Change the screen resolution
window, click and drag the bar in
800 by 600 pixels.
, click the drop-down menu, and then click
Control Panel
, click
Adjust screen resolution
window, click and drag the bar in
800 by 600 pixels
Colors
Control Panel
.
.
.
, and then click
.
.
.
Screen
Medium
.
Resolution
Medium (16 bit)
to
.
26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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.
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied
using Sonic DigitalMedia.
Windows® XP
Click the
1
Projects
2
To copy the CD or DVD:
•
Start
button, point to
Copy Disc Copy
If you have one CD or DVD drive
click the
Disc Copy
button. The computer reads your source CD or DVD
All Programs
Sonic DigitalMedia
.
, ensure that the settings are correct and
and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click
OK
.
If you have two CD or DVD drives
•
inserted your source CD or DVD and click the
, select the drive into which you have
Disc Copy
The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD to the
blank CD or DVD.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27
button.
Windows Vista®:
1
Click
Start
, point to
Copy Disc Copy
2
To copy the CD or DVD:
•
If you have one CD or DVD drive
click the
Disc Copy
All Programs
Sonic DigitalMedia Projects
.
, ensure that the settings are correct and
button. The computer reads your source CD or DVD
and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click
•
If you have two CD or DVD drives
inserted your source CD or DVD and click the
, select the drive into which you have
Disc Copy
OK
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 Type Read Write Rewritable
CD-R Yes Yes No
C D- RW Ye s Yes Ye s
28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
DVD-Writable Drives
Media Type Read Write Rewritable
CD-R Yes Yes No
C D- RW Ye s Yes Ye s
DVD+R Yes Yes No
DVD-R Yes Yes No
DV D +R W Ye s Yes Ye s
DV D -R W Ye s Ye s Yes
DVD+R DL Yes Yes No
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 Computer 29
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)
For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media
Card Reader" on page 134.
1
2
3
4
30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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