Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Vostro, 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, Outlook, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Intel, Pentium, and
Celeron are registered trademarks, SpeedStep and Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming
the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names other than its own.
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
See the setup diagram that came with
your system.
Finding Information11
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
support.dell.com
• 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.
or contact support.
12Finding 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
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.
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.
To download
1
Go to
support.dell.com
Downloads
2
Enter your Service Tag or product
model.
3
In the
menu, click
4
Select the operating system and
operating system language for your
computer, and click
5
Under
and Configuration Utilities
Dell Desktop System Software
Desktop
System Software:
and click
.
Download Category
All
.
Submit.
Select a Device
, scroll to
drop-down
System
, and click
.
Finding Information13
What Are You Looking For?Find it Here
• How to use Windows Vista™
• 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™, click the
Windows Vista Start button
click
2
Type a word or phrase that describes
your problem, and then click the arrow
icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your
problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Start and click
.
Help and Support
.
and
14Finding Information
Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Front View of the Computer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Setting Up and Using Your Computer15
1location of Service TagUse the Service Tag to identify your computer
when you access the Dell Support website or call
technical support.
2eject button for optical
drive
3FlexBay open/closePress here to open or close the floppy/media card
4optical driveCan contain an optional optical drive.
5FlexBay driveCan contain an optional floppy drive or optional
6power buttonPress the power button to turn on the computer.
7power lightThe light in the center of this button indicates
8USB 2.0 connectors (2)Use the front USB connectors for devices that you
9microphone connectorUse the microphone connector to attach a personal
10headphone connectorUse the headphone connector to attach
11drive activity lightThe drive activity light is on when the computer
Press here to open or close the optical drive.
reader panel
Media Card Reader. For information on using the
Media Card Reader, see "Media Card Reader" on
page 136.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the
power button to turn off the computer. Instead,
perform an operating system shutdown.
power state.
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras,
or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup
Options" on page 172 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.
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.
headphones and most kinds of speakers.
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.
16Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Back View of the Computer
1
2
5
3
1 back panel connectorsPlug USB, audio, and other devices into the
appropriate connector. See "Back Panel Connectors"
on page 18 for more information.
2 card slotsAccess connectors for any installed PCI and PCI
Express cards.
3 power supply LEDIndicates power availability for power supply.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer17
4
4 power connectorInsert the power cable.
5 padlock ringsPadlock rings are for attaching a commercially
available 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.
Back Panel Connectors
1network activity
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.
10
34
8
9
5
6
7
18Setting Up and Using Your Computer
2network adapter
connector
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.
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.
3link integrity light
4center/subwoofer
connector
5line-in connectorUse the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback
6front L/R line-out
connector
• Green — A good connection exists between a
10/100-Mbps network and the computer.
• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.
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.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer19
7microphone
connector
8side L/R surround
connector
9rear L/R surround
connector
10 USB 2.0
connectors (4)
11 VGA video
connector
Use the pink connector to attach a personal 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.
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.
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 in your Owner’s Manual reflect
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 165.
•Leave a 10.2 cm (4 in) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the
computer to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
•If your enclosure has doors, the doors need to be of a type that allows at
least 30% airflow through the enclosure (front and back).
20Setting Up and Using Your Computer
•If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at
least 5.1 cm (2 in) clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to
permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer21
•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 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.
22Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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.
1
2
1 USB connector on
computer
3
2 USB connector on
printer
Setting Up and Using Your Computer23
3 USB printer cable
3
Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer.
4
Depending on your computer’s operating system, a printer wizard may be
available to help you install the printer driver:
In Windows
®
XP, click
Start→
Printers and Faxes→ Add a printer
the Add Printer Wizard.
In Windows Vista™, click
→
Network→ Add a printer
Start
the Add Printer Wizard.
5
Install the printer driver if necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and
Utilities" on page 88 and the documentation that came with your printer.
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 out, in the center of the tray. Secure the edges of
the disc under the tabs along the edge of the tray.
to start
to start
3
Gently push in the tray.
NOTE: If you use a module that shipped with another computer, you need to install
the drivers and software necessary to play DVDs or write data. For more
information, see the Drivers and Utilities CD.
24Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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
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).
Setting Up and Using Your Computer25
Adjusting the Volume
NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.
1
Open the
2
Click and drag the bar in the
down to increase or decrease the volume.
For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volu me
Control window.
Volume Control
window.
Volume Control
column and slide it up or
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
Start→
2
Under
3
Under
setting.
4
In the drop-down menu under
click
OK
Windows Vista
1
Click Start → Control Panel→ Appearance and Personalization
2
Under
Display Properties
The
Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes
Pick a task...
Screen resolution
.
Personalization
, click
Change the screen resolution
, click and drag the bar to reduce the resolution
Color quality
, click
Adjust Screen Resolution
window appears.
, click
Medium (16 bit)
.
.
and
.
.
3
Under
Resolution:
4
In the drop-down menu under
5
Click OK.
26Setting Up and Using Your Computer
click and drag the bar reduce the resolution setting.
Colors:
, click
Medium (16 bit)
.
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 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.
1
Open Roxio Creator Plus.
2
Under the
3
To copy the CD or DVD:
•
Copy
tab, click
If you have one CD/DVD drive
then click
Disc Copy
Disc Copy
.
, ensure that the settings are correct, and
. 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
OK
.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer27
•
If you have two CD/DVD drives
inserted your source CD or DVD, and then click
, 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.
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 TypeReadWriteRewritable
CD-RYesYesNo
C D- RWYesYe sYe s
DVD-Writable Drives
Media TypeReadWriteRewritable
CD-RYesYesNo
C D- RWYesYe sYe s
DVD+RYesYesNo
DVD-RYesYesNo
DV D +R WYe sYe sYe s
28Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Media TypeReadWriteRewritable
DV D -R WYesYesYe s
DVD+R DLYesYesNo
DVD-R DLMaybeNoNo
DVD-RAMMaybeNoNo
Helpful Tips
•After you start Roxio Creator Plus and open a Creator project, you can use
Microsoft
®
Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or
CD-RW.
•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
sonic.com
for additional information.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer29
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 138.