Dell 9200 User Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ 9200

Owner’s Manual

CD or DVD eject button

CD or DVD activity light

FlexBays (2) for optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader

microphone connector

headphone connector

diagnostic lights

hard drive activity light

power button

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

Service Tag

cover release latch

power connector

audio connectors

USB 2.0 connectors (4) (rear quad)

Model DCTA

USB 2.0 connectors (2) (rear dual)

network adapter

card slots for PCI Express x1 (1), PCI Express x16 (1), PCI Express x4 (1), PCI (3)

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.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, P owerV ault, P owerApp,

PowerConnect, XPS, DellNet, Dell TravelLite, Dell OpenManage , and StrikeZone are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, P entium, Intel SpeedStep, Core, Celer on, and V iiv are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, W indows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; the Bluetooth word mark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Dell Inc. is 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.

Model DCTA

June 2006 P/N YH242 Rev. A00

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Back View of the Computer

Back Panel Connectors

Connecting Monitors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One

Monitor With a DVI Connector Connecting a Television (TV) Changing the Display Settings

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connecting a USB Printer

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard

Transferring Information to a New Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Playing CDs and DVDs

Playing a CD or DVD Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Contents 3

Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CDs and DVDs Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

IEEE 1394 (Optional)

Power Management

Overview Standby Mode Hibernate Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Power Options Properties

Cleaning Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Cleaning the Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor Cleaning the Mouse

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Cleaning the Floppy Drive Cleaning CDs and DVDs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

2 Optimizing Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Hyper-Threading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

About Your RAID Configuration

RAID Level 0 Configuration RAID Level 1 Configuration Configuring Your Computer for RAID

Using the Intel Using the Intel

RAID Option ROM Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Application Accelerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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

4 Contents

Dell DataSafe (Optional)

Intel

Viiv™ Technology (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Using Intel

Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup Enabling the QRT Feature in the Operating system

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Viiv™ Quick Resume Technology (QRT) . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

3 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

Media Card Reader Problems

Keyboard Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . 55

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

The screen is blank

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

The screen is difficult to read

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Contents 5

4 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

5 Removing and Installing Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

Removing the Computer Cover

Inside View of Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

6 Contents

System Board Components

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Memory Overview Installing Memory Removing Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Cards

PCI Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

PCI Express Cards

Drive Panels

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Removing the Drive Panel Removing the Drive-Panel Insert Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert Replacing the Drive Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

General Installation Guidelines

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Hard Drive

Floppy Drive

Media Card Reader

CD/DVD Drive

Battery

Replacing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive Adding a Second Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Removing a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive

Removing a Media Card Reader Installing a Media Card Reader

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Removing a CD/DVD Drive Installing a CD/DVD Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Replacing the Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

6 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

System Setup

Overview Entering System Setup System Setup Options Boot Sequence

Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Clearing CMOS Settings

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

. . . . . . . . . 134

. . . . . . . . . . . 134

Contents 7

FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

FCC Class B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Index

8 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: This Owner’s Manual is available as a PDF at support.dell.com.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may

not ship with your computer.

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see "Drivers" on page 70), run the Dell diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 68), or access your documentation.

Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced, technical reference material for technicians or experienced users.

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at

support.dell.com.

Dell™ Product Information Guide

Finding Information 9

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft

Windows® Product Key Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows Product Key

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use

support.dell.com

contact support.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting support.

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the

appropriate support site.

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as the memory, hard drive, and operating system

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, and warranty and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with 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 automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration, providing critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.

To download Desktop System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

segment, then enter your Service Tag or product model.

Select

Select your operating system and language, and then search for the keyword

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary

depending on your selections.

, select your region or business

Drivers & Downloads

Desktop System Software

, then click Go.

10 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to use Windows XP

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support Center

Click

Start→

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, then click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System CD

NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may

not ship with your computer.

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 72.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies according to the

operating system you ordered.

• How to use Linux

• E-mail discussions with users of Dell Precision™ products and the Linux operating system

• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell Precision computer

Dell Supported Linux Sites

• linux.dell.com

• lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linux-precision

Help and Support

After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

Finding Information 11

12 Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Front View of the Computer

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 13

1 cover release latch Use this latch to remove the cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on

page 78).

2 CD or DVD activity

light

3 CD or DVD eject

button

4 FlexBay drives (2) Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader. For

5 vents For adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents.

6 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as

The CD or DVD drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the CD or DVD drive.

Press the CD or DVD eject button to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.

information on using the Media Card Reader, see "Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)" on page 30.

NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space between all

vents and any object near the vents.

NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure that the system is

adequately ventilated. Use only a dry cloth to clean the vent area to avoid water damage to the system.

flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more information on booting to a USB device see "System Setup Options" on page 127.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that

typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

7 power button Press the power button to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the

computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

8 hard-drive activity light The hard-drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to

the hard drive. The light may also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating.

9 diagnostic lights (4) Use the sequence of the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot a problem

with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights" on page 65).

10 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of speakers.

11 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for

voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

12 Service Tag Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support

website or contact support.

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Back View of the Computer

1 power connector Insert the power cable.

2 back I/O connectors Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Back

Panel Connectors" on page 16).

3 card slots (6) Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

Back Panel Connectors

253

1 link integrity light

2 network adapter

connector

• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.

• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.

• Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.

Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a network or broadband device. Connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device, and then connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.

On computers with an additional network connector card, use the connectors on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet).

1112

NOTE: 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.

3 network activity light 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.

4 USB 2.0 connectors (2)

(rear dual)

Use the back, rear-dual USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that

you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices.

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

5 USB 2.0 connectors (4)

(rear quad)

Use the back, rear-quad USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that

you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices.

6 surround sound

connector

7 line-in connector Use the (blue) line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a

8 line-out/headphone

connector

9 microphone connector Use the (pink) microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone

10 center/subwoofer LFE

connector

Use the (black) surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.

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

cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

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

Use the (green) line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.

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

for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.

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

Use the (orange) center/subwoofer connector to attach a center speaker or a single subwoofer.

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

NOTE: The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Audio channel, found in digital surround

sound audio schemes, 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 setup.

11 side surround sound

connector

12 S/PDIF connector Use the S/PDIF connector to transmit digital audio without going through an

Use the (gray) side surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. The side-surround output provides enhanced surround audio for computers with 7.1 speakers.

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

analog audio conversion process.

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

Connecting Monitors

CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTE: Your computer supports one VGA and one DVI connector. If you are connecting two monitors that have

VGA connectors, you must use the optional DVI-to-VGA adapter. If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector. If you are connecting a television, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the television.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

If you purchased a graphics card that supports dual monitors, follow these instructions to connect and enable your monitors. The instructions tell you how to connect two monitors with VGA connectors, one monitor with a VGA connector and one monitor with a DVI connector, or a television.

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 77.

Connect one of the monitors to the (blue) VGA connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI-to-VGA adapter, then connect the adapter to the (white) DVI connector on the back of the computer.

Two VGA Connectors

1 optional DVI-to-VGA adapter 2 DVI connector (white) 3 TV-OUT connector

4 VGA connector (blue)

One VGA Connector and one DVI Connector

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 77.

Connect the VGA connector of the first monitor to the (blue) VGA connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the DVI connector of the second monitor to the (white) DVI connector on the back of the computer.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Connecting a Television (TV)

NOTE: See the documentation that came with your TV to ensure that you properly configure and connect the TV.

NOTE: To connect a TV to your computer, an S-video cable is required. If you do not have an S-video cable, you

may purchase one at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.

Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 77.

Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.

Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.

Connect a VGA or DVI monitor (see "Connecting Monitors" on page 17).

Changing the Display Settings

After you connect the monitor(s) or television, turn on the computer.

The Microsoft

Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.

• In clone mode, both monitors display the same image.

• In extended desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.

For information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the user’s guide in the Help and Support Center (click the Start button, click Help and Support, click User and system guides, click Device guides, and then click the guide for your graphics card).

Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

For dual-monitor capable cards with one DVI connector and one VGA connector

One DVI connector and one VGA connector:

DVI

VGA

Use the appropriate connector(s) when you want to connect your computer to one or two monitors.

Two VGA connectors with one VGA adapter:

Use the DVI-to-VGA adapter when you want to connect your computer to two VGA monitors.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

VGA

For dual-monitor capable cards with two DVI connectors

Two DVI connectors:

Two DVI connectors with a DVI-toVGA adapter:

Two DVI connectors with two DVIto-VGA adapters:

DVI

Use the DVI connectors to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors.

Use the DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to one of the DVI connectors on your computer

DVI

VGA

Use two DVI-to-VGA adapters to connect two VGA monitors to the DVI connectors on your computer.

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers

• Connect the printer to the computer

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with a USB cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

Install the printer driver, if necessary (see the documentation that came with your printer).

Attach the USB printer cable to the appropriate USB connector on the computer and the printer. The connectors fit only one way.

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

1 USB connector on computer 2 USB printer cable 3 USB connector on printer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

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

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

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

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

NOTE: If you use a dial-up connection, you need an add-in PCI modem expansion card.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

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

Double-click the

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

MSN Explorer

AOL

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

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:

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

Click the

The

Click

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD,

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected on the screen to complete the setup.

Click the appropriate option under

Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 51. 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.

Start

button, then click

New Connection Wizard

Connect to the Internet

providers (ISPs)

click

Set up my connection manually

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

Set up my connection manually

Internet Explorer

appears.

Use the CD I got from an ISP

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions

Choose from a list of Internet service

, and then click

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

NOTICE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the network

cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone wall jack.

Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.

Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.

Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

1 network adapter connector on

computer

4 network cable

2 network adapter connector 3 network device

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.

Click the

Network Setup Wizard

On the welcome screen, click

Click

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated

firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack.

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

Return to the

Start

button, point to

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications

Checklist for creating a network

Network Setup Wizard

and follow the instructions on the screen.

, and then click

Transferring Information to a New Computer

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as:

• E-mail messages

• Toolbar settings

• Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer.

NOTE: You can transfer information from the old computer to the new computer by directly connecting a serial

cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must access the Network Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.

For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be available in some countries.

For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System CD for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD

NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System CD. This CD is optional and may not be included with all

computers.

To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:

Start the

When the

On the

When the click

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the Windows XP

On the

Under

On the

After the information has been copied, the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

, then click

Now go to your old computer

at this time.

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

What do you want to do?

, click

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

What do you want to transfer?

welcome screen appears, click

New Computer

screen, click

, then click

I will use the wizard from the Windows XP

screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do

Operating System

screen, click

Transfer files and settings

welcome screen, click

Old Computer

CD.

Perform additional tasks

, then click

screen, select the items you want to transfer, then click

Completing the Collection Phase

screen appears.

not

Click

Finish

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

On the settings and files, then click

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.

Now go to your old computer

Where are the files and settings?

screen on the new computer, click

screen, select the method you chose for transferring your

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Click

Finished

, and then restart the new computer.

Finished

screen appears.

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System CD, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.

To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and perform the following steps:

Click the

Click

When the

On the

drive:

Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, then click OK.

When the disk creation completes and the

Go to the old computer.

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

Click the

In the media), then click

On the

After the information has been copied, the

Start

button.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

, then click

Open

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

What do you want to transfer?

Next.

Start

button, then click

field on the

screen, click

Run

window, browse to the path for

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

welcome screen appears, click

New Computer

screen, click

Now go to your old computer

welcome screen, click

Old Computer

screen, select the items you want to transfer, then click

Completing the Collection Phase

, then click

I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following

fastwiz

(on the appropriate removable

, then click

message appears,

screen appears.

do not

click

Click

Finish

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

On the settings and files, then click

Now go to your old computer

screen on the new computer, click

Where are the files and settings?

. Follow the instructions on the screen.

screen, select the method you chose for transferring your

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Click

Finished

NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I

Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell Computer Using the Microsoft System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell™ Knowledge Base document may not be available in some countries.

, and then restart the new computer.

Finished

screen appears.

Windows® XP Operating

Playing CDs and DVDs

Playing a CD or DVD

NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are

not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move or tilt the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.

Press the eject button or gently push on the tray to close it.

To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs.

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

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.

Click the

Control

In the it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window.

Start

button, point to

Master Volume

All Programs→ Accessories→ Entertainment

control window, click and drag the bar in the

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

, and then click

Master Volume

Volume

column and slide

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.

Click the

Under

In the

800 by 600 pixels

Under

Click OK.

Start

button, and then click

Pick a category

Pick a task...

Display Properties

Color quality

, click

, click the drop-down menu, and then click

Control Panel

Appearance and Themes

Change the screen resolution

window, click and drag the bar in

Screen resolution

Medium (16 bit)

to change the setting to

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 using Roxio Creator Plus

- Dell Edition. You can also use Roxio Creator Plus for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Roxio Creator Plus, 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 Roxio Creator Plus.

Click the

Copy

Under the

To copy the CD or DVD:

•

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Start

button, point to

Copy

tab, click

If you have one CD/DVD drive

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

All Programs→ Roxio→ Creator Projects

Disc Copy

, ensure that the settings are correct and click the

, and then click

Disc Copy

RecordNow

button.

•

If you have two CD/DVD drives

DVD and click the

Disc Copy

, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or

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 media) 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 the maximum storage capacity of a CD-R is reached, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on the CD later.

Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of data. 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 the disc later.

CD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DV D +R W Yes Ye s Ye s

DV D -R W Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29

Helpful Tips

• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Roxio Creator Plus and open a Creator project.

• Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs may not play in many home or car stereos.

• You cannot create audio DVDs with Roxio Creator Plus.

• 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 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.

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 113.

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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