Dell 540S User Manual

SETUP GUIDE

Model DCSLA

Studio Slim

SETUP GUIDE

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.

__________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Dell

, the

DELL

logo,

Trademarks used in this text:

Pentium

, and

Celeron

countries; trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Semiconductor Corporation; trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.

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.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista,

are registered trademarks and

Blu-ray Disc

YOURS IS HERE

Core

and

Windows Vista start button

is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association;

July 2008 P/N GN033 Rev. A00

, and

is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other

DellConnect

are trademarks of Dell Inc.;

are either trademarks or registered

Realtek

is a trademark of Realtek

Bluetooth

is a registered

Intel

Contents

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s. . . . . . . . .5

Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect a Video Cable to the Computer . . . . 6

Connect the Video Cable to the Display . . . .7

Connect the Keyboard and Mouse. . . . . . . . . 8

Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . . 9

Connect the Power Cables for Your

Display and Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Press the Power Buttons on Your

Computer and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Windows Vista

Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . 11

Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Using Your Studio Slim 540s. . . . . . . . . . . .14

Front View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Back View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Back Panel Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 25

Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Contents

System Recovery Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . . 36

Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Technical Support and Customer

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

DellConnect

™

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

AutoTech Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Returning Items for Repair Under

Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Finding More Information and

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

This section provides information about setting up your Studio Slim 540s and connecting peripherals.

Before Setting Up Your Computer

When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.

Restricting airflow around your Studio Slim 540s may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least

10.2 cm (4 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other sides. You should never put your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

Connect a Video Cable to the Computer

Your computer uses one of two different connectors for the display. The HDMI connector is a high-performance digital connector that carries both video and audio signals for displays such as TVs and monitors with integrated speakers. The VGA connector carries only video signals for displays such as monitors and projectors.

NOTE: A DVI connector may be available on your computer if you purchased an optional discrete graphics card.

-OR-

Connect the Video Cable to the Display

Check your TV or monitor to see which type of connectors are available. Refer to the following table when identifying the connectors on your display to select the connection type you will use.

HDMI

VGA

DVI

You can connect to the display using the following connectors available on your computer: the VGA connector, the HDMI connector, or the DVI connector (optional).

Connect Using the VGA Connector

If your display has a VGA connector, use a VGA cable (with blue connectors at both ends).

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

If your display has a DVI connector, use the VGA cable (with blue connectors at both ends) with a VGA-to-DVI adapter (white plug).

NOTE: You can purchase a VGA-to-DVI adapter from the Dell website at dell.com.

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

Connect Using the HDMI Connector

Connect the display using an HDMI cable.

Connect Using a DVI Connector (Optional)

Connect the display using a DVI cable.

NOTE: You can purchase additional HDMI and DVI cables from the Dell website at dell.com.

Connect the Keyboard and Mouse

Connect your keyboard and mouse to the USB connectors on the back panel of the computer.

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

A network connection is not required to complete your computer setup, but if you have an existing network or Internet connection that uses a cable connection (such as a home cable modem or Ethernet jack), you can connect it now. Use only an Ethernet cable (RJ45 connector). Do not plug a telephone cable (RJ11 connector) into the network connector.

To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network port or a 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.

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

Connect the Power Cables for Your Display and Computer

Press the Power Buttons on Your Computer and Display

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

Windows Vista® Setup

To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection.

NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable.

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by

country.

To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

DSL connections that provide high-speed • Internet access through your existing telephone line or cellular telephone service. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously.

Cable modem connections that provide • high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

Satellite modem connections that provide • high-speed Internet access through a satellite television system.

Dial-• up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable (or satellite) modem connections. Your computer does not have an integrated modem. An optional USB modem must be used for dialup service with your computer.

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

Wireless LAN • connections that provide Internet access using WiFi 802.11 technology. Wireless LAN support requires optional internal components that may or may not be installed in your computer based on decisions made at the time of purchase.

NOTE: If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not part of your original order, you can purchase one from the Dell website at dell.com.

Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.

Setting Up a Wireless Connection

Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your

wireless router. To set up your connection to a wireless router:

Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.

Click 2. Start

→ Connect To.

Follow the instructions on the screen to 3. complete the setup.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:

Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.

Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft2. Windows

desktop.

Follow the instructions on the screen to 3. complete the setup.

If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following section.

Setting Up Your Studio Slim 540s

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.

Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.

Click 2. Start

→ Control Panel.

Under 3. Network and Internet, click Connect

to the Internet.

The Connect to the Internet window appears.

Click either 4. Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect:

Choose a. Broadband if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem, or Bluetooth

wireless technology

connection.

Chose b. Dial-up if you will use an optional USB dial-up modem or ISDN.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.

Follow the instructions on the screen and 5. use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

Your computer has indicators, buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks.

Front View Features

Service Tag — Use the Service Tag

(located on top of the chassis towards the back) to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support.

Eject button for Optical drive — Press

here to open/close the CD/DVD/Blu-ray Disc™ drive.

Optical drive panel — This panel covers

the CD/DVD/Blu-ray Disc drive.

FlexDock open/close — Press here to

open/close the FlexDock.

FlexDock (optional) — Can contain an

optional Media Card Reader.

Using Your Studio Slim 540s

8 9

2 3

4 5

Power button and light — Turns the

power on or off when pressed. The light in the center of this button indicates the power state:

Blinking white — the computer is in • sleep state.

Solid white — the computer is in • power-on state.

Blinking amber — there may be a • problem with the system board.

Solid amber — the system board • cannot start initialization. There may be a problem with either the system board or power supply.

USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connects

USB devices that are connected occasionally, such as memory keys, digital cameras, and MP3 players.

Using Your Studio Slim 540s

Headphone connector — Connects

to headphones.

NOTE: To connect to a powered speaker or sound system, use the audio out or S/PDIF connector on the back of your computer.

Microphone or line-in connector —

Connects to a microphone for voice or to an audio cable for audio input.

Hard drive activity light — Turns on

when the computer reads or writes data. A blinking blue light indicates hard drive activity.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the hard drive activity light is blinking.

Using Your Studio Slim 540s

Using the Optical Drive

Place the disc in the center of the disc tray, with the label facing outwards and gently push the disc tray.

The drive automatically pulls the disc in and begins reading its content.

To eject a disc from the drive, press the eject button. A few seconds later the disc ejects.

Using Your Studio Slim 540s

Back View Features

Back panel connectors — Plug

USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector. For more information, see “Back Panel Connectors” on page 18.

Card slots — Access connectors for any

installed PCI and PCI Express cards.

Power supply LED — Indicates power

availability for the power supply.

NOTE: May or may not be available on your computer.

Power connector — Insert the power

cable.

Using Your Studio Slim 540s

Back Panel Connectors

4 5

IEEE 1394 — Connects to high-speed

serial multimedia devices such as digital video cameras.

Network connector and light —

Connects your computer to a network or broadband device. The network activity light flashes when the computer is transmitting or receiving data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady “on” state.

Back L/R surround —

Connects to multichannel-capable speakers.

Center/subwoofer — Connects to a

subwoofer.

Line-in — Connects to a microphone

for voice or audio input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

Using Your Studio Slim 540s

Front L/R line-out connector —

Connects to headphones and speakers with integrated amplifiers.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

Microphone — Connects to a

record/playback device such as a microphone, cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

Side L/R surround — Connects to

computers with 7.1 speakers, and provides enhanced surround audio.

On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

HDMI 1.2 — Connects to a TV for

both audio and video signals.

NOTE: For a monitor without built-in speakers, only the video signals will be read.

USB 2.0 (4) — Connects USB

devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.

VGA — Connects to a monitor or

projector for video signals. S/PDIF — Connects to amplifiers and TVs

for digital audio through optical digital cables. This format carries an audio signal without going through an analog audio conversion process.

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