Dell Vostro 1200 User Manual
Dell™ Vostro™ 1200 Owner’s Manual
Model PP16S
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.
____________________
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, Vos t ro , and TravelLite are trademarks of Dell Inc.;
Intel and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows
Vis ta are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries. Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Blu-ray Disc is a trademark
of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
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 PP16S
November 2007 P/N RK930 Rev. A00
Contents
1 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2 About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Left Side View
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Back View
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Battery Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
®
Microsoft
Low-Battery Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Conserving Battery Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Management Modes
Standby and Sleep Mode
Hibernate Mode
Configuring Power Management Settings
Accessing Power Options Properties
Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . 35
Contents 3
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Removing the Battery
Storing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4 Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Key Combinations
System Functions
Power Management
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Microsoft
Touch Pad
Customizing the Touch Pad
®
Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5 Using the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Adjusting Brightness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Using a Projector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4 Contents
Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper
®
Microsoft
Windows Vista™
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Using Both a Monitor and Your Computer Display
®
Microsoft
Windows Vista™
Using a Monitor as Your Primary Display
Microsoft
Windows Vista™
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . 46
®
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . 44
. . . 45
6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Playing CDs or DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Copying CDs and DVDs
How to Copy a CD or DVD
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
Helpful Tips
Adjusting the Volume
Adjusting the Picture
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
7 Setting Up and Using Networks . . . . . . . 55
Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable . . 55
®
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft
Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista™
Operating System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) . . . . . . . . . 57
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection
Checking Your Wireless Network Card. . . . . . . 57
Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a
Broadband Modem
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Connecting to a WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Windows® XP
. 57
Microsoft® Windows® Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8 Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
ExpressCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
ExpressCard Blanks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Contents 5
Installing an ExpressCard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . . . . . . . . 65
9 Securing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Passwords
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
About Passwords
Using a Primary (or System) Password
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . 68
Using an Administrator Password . . . . . . . . . 69
Computer Tracking Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Fingerprint Reader (Optional)
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . 70
10 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Hardware Troubleshooter
Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and
Utilities Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
. . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . 79
79
. . . . . . . . . . . . 82
6 Contents
11 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Error Messages
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Lockups and Software Problems. . . . . . . . . . 88
Memory Problems
Network Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
Video and Monitor Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Dell Technical Update Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
. . . . . . 85
. . . . . . . . . . . 95
Dell Support Utility
Accessing the Dell Support Utility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
. . . . . . . . . 99
Clicking the Dell Support Icon . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon
. . . . . . . 99
12 System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Viewing the System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . 102
System Setup Screens
Commonly Used Options
Changing the Boot Sequence
Enabling the Infrared Sensor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
. . . . . . . . . . . 102
. . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Contents 7
13 Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
What Is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . 106
Hardware and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Restoring Your Operating System
Using Microsoft
Windows System Restore . . . . 111
. . . . . . . . . . . 110
Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image
Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Using the Operating System Media
. . . . . . . . 116
14 Traveling With Your Computer . . . . . . . . 119
Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Packing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Travel Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Traveling by Air
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
15 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Technical Support and Customer Service
DellConnect
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
AutoTech Service
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Automated Order-Status Service
. . . . 124
. . . . . . . . . 125
8 Contents
Problems With Your Order
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Before You Call
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
. . . . . 126
Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
16 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
17 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
FCC Class B
Cleaning Your Computer
Computer, Keyboard, and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Mouse (Non-Optical)
Touch Pad
CDs and DVDs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Contents 9
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
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
Drivers and Utilities Media
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer. You can use
the media to reinstall drivers (see
"Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on
page 106).
Readme files may be included on your
media to provide last-minute updates
about technical changes to your computer
or advanced technical-reference material
for technicians or experienced users.
1
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates
can be found at support.dell.com.
Finding Information 11
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
• How to set up my computer
Setup Diagram
NOTE: See the setup diagram that came
with your computer.
NOTE: The appearance of your setup
diagram may vary.
12 Finding Information
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows®
License
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag and
Microsoft® Windows® License labels are
located on your computer.
Your computer’s Service Tag contains
both a Service Tag number and an Express
Service Code.
• 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.
• Use the product key on the License
Label if you need to reinstall your
operating system.
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.
Finding Information 13
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and
tips, articles from technicians, online
courses, and frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business
segment to view the appropriate support
site.
other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as memory, the hard
drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information,
service call and order status, warranty,
and repair information
• Service and support — Service call
status and support history, service
contract, and online discussions with
technical support
• Dell Technical Update Service —
Proactive e-mail notification of software
and hardware updates for your computer
• Reference — Computer documentation,
details on my computer configuration,
product specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches,
and software updates
• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If
you reinstall the operating system for
your computer, you should also reinstall
the NSS utility. NSS provides critical
updates for your operating system and
support for processors, optical drives,
USB devices, and so on. NSS 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 do w nloa d
1
Go to
support.dell.com
Drivers & Downloads.
2
Enter your Service Tag or Product Type
and Product Model, and click
3
Scroll to
Utilities
Software
4
Select
clickGo.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
may vary depending on your selections.
NSS
System Software:
and click
System and Configuration
→
Dell Notebook System
and click
Drivers & Downloads
Download Now
and
Go
.
.
14 Finding Information
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting
hints — Frequently asked questions, hot
topics, and general health of your
computing environment
• How to find information about my
computer and its components
• How to connect to the Internet
• How to add user accounts for different
people
• How to transfer files and settings from
another computer
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is an automated
upgrade and notification system installed
on your computer. This support provides
real-time health scans of your computing
environment, software updates, and
relevant self-support information. Access
the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the taskbar. For more information,
see "Dell Support Utility" on page 98
Windows Welcome Center
The Windows Welcome Center
automatically appears when you use the
computer for the first time. You can
choose to have it appear every time you
start your computer by placing a check in
the Run at startup checkbox. Another
method of accessing the Welcome Center
is to click the Windows Vista Start button
, and then click Welcome Center.
Finding Information 15
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to use Microsoft Windows XP or
Windows Vista™
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support
Microsoft Windows XP:
1
Click the
and Support
2
Either select one of the topics listed, or
type a word or phrase that describes your
problem into the
arrow icon, and then click the topic that
describes your problem.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Microsoft Windows Vista:
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button
, and then click
2
In
Search Help
that describes your problem, and then
press <Enter> or click the magnifying
glass.
3
Click the topic that describes your
problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System Media
The operating system is already installed
on your computer. To reinstall your
operating system, use the Operating
System media. See "Restoring Your
Operating System" on page 110."
Start
button and click
.
Search
box, click the
Help and Support
, type a word or phrase
Help
.
16 Finding Information
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
After you reinstall your operating system,
use the Drivers and Utilities media to
reinstall drivers for the devices that came
with your computer.
Your operating system product key label is
located on your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based
on the operating system you ordered.
Finding Information 17
18 Finding Information
About Your Computer
Front View
2
13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
12 10
1 left array microphone (optional with
camera)
11
9
2 camera (optional)
About Your Computer 19
3 right array microphone (optional with
4display
camera)
5 media control buttons 6 keyboard status lights
7 keyboard 8 fingerprint reader
9 touch pad 10 touch pad buttons
11 speaker 12 device status lights
13 power button
MICROPHONE — The built-in microphone allows you to communicate without
connecting an external microphone.
AMERA — The built-in camera features a 2.0 mega pixel CMOS web camera.
C
ISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on
D
page 43.
EDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Press these buttons to adjust the volume. Press
M
<Fn> and the right-arrow key to toggle on and off these lights for illumination of the
keyboard in low-light environments.
EYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS
K
20 About Your Computer
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
9
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
A
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo
key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key Combinations" on
page 40.
INGERPRINT READER (OPTIONAL)— Helps to keep your Dell™ computer secure.
F
When you slide your finger over the reader, it uses your unique fingerprint to
authenticate your user identity. For more information on the fingerprint reader, see
"Fingerprint Reader (Optional)" on page 70.
OUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse (see "Touch Pad" on page 41).
T
OUCH PAD BUTTONS — Use these buttons much like the buttons on a mouse when
T
using the touch pad to move the cursor on the display (see "Touch Pad" on page 41).
PEAKER — To adjust the volume of the integrated speaker, press the volume control
S
buttons, mute button, or volume-control keyboard shortcuts (see "Key Combinations"
on page 40).
About Your Computer 21
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
Turns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is
in a power management mode.
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the
light is flashing.
Turns on when Bluetooth
NOTE: Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature on your
computer, so the icon turns on only if you ordered Bluetooth wireless
technology with your computer. For more information, see the documentation
that came with your Bluetooth wireless technology.
®
wireless technology is enabled.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
– Solid blue: The battery is fully-charged.
– Flashing amber: The battery is charging.
If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
– Solid blue: The battery is fully-charged.
– Solid amber: The battery is in low battery state.
POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power
management mode (see "Power Management Modes" on page 33).
22 About Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft
®
Windows® operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer
turns off completely (which may take several seconds).
Left Side View
1 32 54
1 USB connectors (2) 2 optical drive
3 eject button 4 54mm ExpressCard slot (wireless)
5 3-in-1 memory card reader
USB CONNECTOR — Interfaces between the computer and add-on devices (such as
audio players, joysticks, keyboards, telephones, scanners, and printers).
PTICAL DRIVE — Supports a floppy or an optical drive, second battery, second hard
O
drive, or a Dell TravelLite™ module (see "Using Multimedia" on page 49).
JECT BUTTON — Ejects media in the optical drive.
E
XPRESSCARD SLOT — Supports one ExpressCard (with a PCMIA adapter). The
E
computer ships with a blank installed in the slot to prevent foreign matter from
entering the computer interior when a card is not installed (see "ExpressCards" on
page 63).
IN-1 MEMORY CARD READER — 3-in-1 Card Reader. Supports the following card
3-
types: SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, MS Duo), including SDHC.
About Your Computer 23
Right Side View
1 453
1 USB connector 2 audio connectors
3 air vent 4 video connector (VGA)
5 security cable slot
USB CONNECTOR — Interfaces between the computer and add-on devices (such as
audio players, joysticks, keyboards, telephones, scanners, and printers).
UDIO CONNECTORS
A
Attach headphones to the connector.
2
Attach a microphone to the connector.
24 About Your Computer
AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents,
which prevents the computer from overheating.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. While it is running, do not store your Dell computer in a low-airflow
environment, such as a closed briefcase. Restricting the airflow can damage the
computer or cause a fire.The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets
hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the
computer.
IDEO CONNECTOR
V
Connects video devices, such as a monitor.
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device
to the computer (see "Security Cable Lock" on page 67).
Back View
2 31
1 AC adapter connector 2 modem connector (RJ-11)
3 network connector (RJ-45)
AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR
Connects an AC adapter to the computer.
About Your Computer 25
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the
computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either
on or off.
CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However,
power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible
cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet
may cause fire or equipment damage.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the
connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the
cable. When you wrap the AC adapter cable, ensure that you follow the angle of the
connector on the AC adapter to avoid damaging the cable.
ODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
M
For information on using the modem, see the online
modem documentation supplied with your computer.
26 About Your Computer
NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
Connects the computer to a network. The two lights next
to the connector indicate status and activity for wired
network connections.
For information on using the network adapter, see the
device user’s guide supplied with your computer.
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To
avoid damaging the computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network
connector.
About Your Computer 27
Bottom View
12
4 3
1 air vents 2 cover for optional internal card with
Bluetooth
®
wireless technology
3 battery 4 battery-bay latch release (2)
COVER FOR OPTIONAL INTERNAL CARD WITH BLUETOOTH
TECHNOLOGY — For more information, see the documentation that came with your
®
WIRELESS
card. To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>.
IR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the fan air
A
vents, preventing the computer from overheating.
28 About Your Computer
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed
briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or
cause a fire.
ATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without
B
connecting the computer to an electrical outlet (see "Using a Battery" on page 31).
BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASES — Release the battery (see "Removing the Battery"
on page 36).
About Your Computer 29
30 About Your Computer
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