Dell INSPIRON 530 DCMF, INSPIRON 530 Owner's Manual
Dell™ Inspiron™ 530 Owner’s Manual
Model DCMF
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 183.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 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, and Inspiron are trademarks of Dell
Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under
license; Microsoft, Windows, 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.
Model DCMF
November 2007 P/N KP338 Rev. A04
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . . . 15
Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Back View of the Computer
Back Panel Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Setting Up a Printer
Printer Cable
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . 21
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
. . . . . . . . . 30
Contents 3
Connecting Two Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting Two Monitors With
VGA Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting One Monitor With a
VGA Connector and
One Monitor With a DVI Connector
. . . . . . . . . 33
Connecting a TV
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Changing the Display Settings
Power Management
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Power Management Options in
Microsoft
Standby Mode
Hibernate Mode
Power Options Properties
®
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Management Options in
Windows Vista™
Standby Mode
Hibernate Mode
Power Plan Properties
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Enabling SpeedStep™ Technology
About RAID Configurations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . 40
RAID Level 1 Configuration
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R)
Option ROM Utility
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel(R)
Matrix Storage Manager
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . 47
Microsoft
4 Contents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
®
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Setting Up a Home and Office Network. . . . . . . . . 52
Connecting to a Network Adapter
. . . . . . . . . 52
Setting Up a Network in the
®
Microsoft
Operating System
Windows® XP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Setting Up a Network in the
Windows Vista™ Operating System
Connecting to the Internet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
. . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . 54
2 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Battery Problems
Drive Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
CD and DVD drive problems
Hard drive problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . 59
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Error Messages
Keyboard Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
The computer does not start up
The computer stops responding
A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . 64
A program is designed for an earlier
®
Microsoft
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
Windows® operating system . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . 60
Contents 5
Media Card Reader Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Memory Problems
Mouse Problems
Network Problems
Power Problems
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
No sound from speakers
No sound from headphones
Video and Monitor Problems
If the screen is blank
If the screen is difficult to read
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
. . . . . . . . . . . 77
3 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
6 Contents
Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Beep Codes
System Messages
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
. . . . . . . . . 84
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From
Your Hard Drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the
Drivers and Utilities Media
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
What is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
. . . . . . . . . . 89
Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems
®
in the Microsoft Windows
Windows Vista™ Operating System
Restoring Your Operating System
Using Microsoft
®
XP and
. . . . . . . . . . . 91
. . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Windows® System Restore . . . 92
Click the System Restore tab and ensure that
Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
. . . . . . . 94
Using Dell PC Restore and
Dell Factory Image Restore
Using the Operating System CD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
. . . . . . . . . . 97
4 Removing and Installing Parts . . . . . . . . 99
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Removing the Computer Cover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
. . . . . . . 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Inside View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
System Board Components
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments
Memory
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Memory Installation Guidelines
Installing Memory
Removing Memory
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
. . . . . 106
. . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Contents 7
Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
PCI and PCI Express Cards
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Bezel
Removing the Bezel
Replacing the Bezel
Drives
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Recommended Drive Cable Connections
Connecting Drive Cables
Drive Interface Connectors
. . . . . . . . . . . . 114
. . . . . 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Connecting and Disconnecting
Drive Cables
Hard Drives
Floppy Drive
Media Card Reader
CD/DVD Drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Battery
Power Supply
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Replacing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Replacing the Power Supply
I/O Panel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Removing the I/O Panel
Installing the I/O Panel
Processor Fan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Removing the
Processor Fan/Heat Sink Assembly
Installing the
Processor Fan/Heat Sink Assembly
. . . . . . . . . . . 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
. . . . . . . 150
. . . . . . . 151
8 Contents
Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Removing the Processor
Installing the Processor
Chassis Fan
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Removing the Chassis Fan
Replacing the Chassis Fan
System Board
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Removing the System Board
Installing the System Board
Replacing the Computer Cover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
. . . . . . . . . . . . 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . 159
. . . . . . . . . . . 160
A Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
System Setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Overview
Entering System Setup
System Setup Options
Boot Sequence
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Clearing CMOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Flashing the BIOS
Cleaning Your Computer
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor
Mouse
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Floppy Drive
CDs and DVDs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
. . . . . . . . . 176
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Contents 9
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . 178
Definition of "Dell-Installed"
Software and Peripherals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Definition of "Third-Party"
Software and Peripherals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
Contacting Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
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
• How to set up my computer
Dell™ Product Information Guide
Setup Diagram
Finding Information 11
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
• 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
Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows®
License
These labels are located on your computer.
•Use the Service Tag to identify your
computer when you use
or contact support.
•Enter the Express Service Code to direct
your call when contacting support.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
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.
• 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
12 Finding Information
What Are You Looking For? Find it Here
• 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.
• How to use your Windows® operating
system
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
To download
1
Go to
and Downloads
2
Click
3
Select your product model and click
Confirm
Go
.
4
Click
5
Click
Dell - Utility
6
Click
Desktop
support.dell.com
System Software:
and click
Drivers
.
Select Model
.
, or enter a service tag and click
System Utilities
Desktop System Software
, and click
Run
to run the driver, or
.
under
Download Now
Save
.
to
save the driver to your computer.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
may vary depending on your selections.
NOTE: DSS may or may not be available for
your desktop model.
Windows Help and Support
1
To access Windows Help and Support:
• In Windows XP, click
Help and Support
Start and click
.
• In Windows Vista™, click the Windows
Vista Start button
and Support
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your
.
and click
Help
problem, and then click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your
problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Finding Information 13
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
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15
1 Service Tag (located on
top of the chassis
towards the rear)
Use the Service Tag to identify your computer
when you access the Dell Support website or call
technical support.
2 CD/DVD drive Use the CD/DVD drive for playing a CD/DVD.
3 CD/DVD drive panel This panel covers the CD/DVD drive.
(Shown in open position)
4 CD/DVD eject button Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.
5 optional CD/DVD drive
Can contain an optional CD/DVD drive.
bay
6 optional CD/DVD eject
button
Press to eject a disk from the optional CD or
DVD drive.
7 FlexBay drive Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional
Media Card Reader.
8 USB 2.0 connectors (4) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you
connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras,
or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup
Options" on page 170 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.
9 IEEE 1394 connector
(optional)
Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such
as digital video cameras.
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
12 front panel door grip Slide up the front panel door grip to cover the
16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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.
FlexBay drive, four Universal Serial Bus (USB)
connectors, one headphone connector, and one
microphone connector.
13 power button,
power light
14 drive activity light The drive activity light is on when the computer
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 166
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.
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.
Back View of the Computer
1
2
3
7
4
6
5
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17
1 power connector Insert the power cable.
2 voltage selector switch For selecting voltage rating.
3 power supply LED Indicates power availability for power supply.
4 back panel connectors Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the
appropriate connector. See "Back Panel Connectors"
on page 18 for more information.
5 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI
Express cards.
6 padlock rings Padlock rings are for attaching a commercially
available theft-deterrent device. The padlock rings
allow 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.
7 security cable slot Security cable slot lets you attach a commercially
available antitheft device to the computer. For more
information, see the instructions included with the
device.
CAUTION: Ensure that none of the system air vents are blocked. Blocking them
can cause serious thermal problems.
Back Panel Connectors
12
18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
1011 9
34
5
6
7
8
1 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.
2 network adapter
connector
3 link integrity light
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.
• 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.
4 center/subwoofer
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.
5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback
device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on
the card.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19
6 front L/R line-out
connector
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.
7 microphone 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.
8 side L/R surround
connector
9 rear L/R surround
connector
10 USB 2.0
connectors (4)
11 VGA video
connector
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.
20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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 Owner’s
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 163.
• 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% 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.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21
• 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.
22 Setting Up and Using 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.
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.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23
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
®
Windows®
XP operating
window appears, click
If your computer is running the Windows Vista™ operating system, click
the Windows Vista Start button , and click
start the
5
Install the printer driver if necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and
Add Printer Wizard
.
Network→ Add a printer
Utilities" on page 89 and the documentation that came with your printer.
Cancel
to
.
24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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
Press the eject button or 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
Pause
Move forward within the current track
Stop
Go to the previous track
Eject
Go to the next track
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25
A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:
Stop
Restart the current chapter
Play
Fast forward
Pause
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.
1
Click
and then click
2
In the
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
,
26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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:
Microsoft Windows XP
1
Click
2
Under
3
Under
setting.
4
In the drop-down menu under
click
Windows Vista™ Operating System
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button
click
2
Under
Start→
Pick a task...
Screen resolution
Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes
, click
Change the screen resolution
, click and drag the bar to reduce the resolution
Color quality
OK
.
Appearance and Personalization
Personalization
, click
Adjust Screen Resolution
.
.
,
click
, click
Medium (16 bit)
Control Panel
, and then
and
.
.
The
Display Properties
3
Under
4
In the drop-down menu under
5
Click OK.
Resolution:
window appears.
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. 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.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27
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.
1
Click
Start
Disc Copy
2
To copy the CD or DVD:
•
If you have one CD or DVD drive
and click the
or DVD and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer
hard drive.
→
All Programs→
Sonic→ DigitalMedia Projects→ Copy
→
.
, ensure that the settings are correct
Disc Copy
button. The computer reads your source CD
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
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.
28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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
CD-RW Yes Ye s Yes
DVD-Writable Drives
Media Type Read Write Rewritable
CD-R Yes Yes No
CD-RW Yes Ye s Yes
DVD+R Yes Yes No
DVD-R Yes Yes No
DVD +RW Yes Yes Ye s
DVD -RW Yes 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.
Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29
• 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.
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 137.
30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer
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