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Vostro™ | A840/A860
Setup and
Quick Reference Guide
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Macrovision Product Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Vostro, Wi-Fi Catcher, DellConnect, are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and is used by Dell under license; Intel, Pentium, Core, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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.
PP37L, PP38L
August 2008 |
P/N G514H |
Rev. A02 |
Contents
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . |
7 |
Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
7 |
Right View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
8 |
Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
10 |
Battery Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . |
12 |
Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
15 |
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . |
17 |
Setting Up Your Internet |
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Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
17 |
Contents
Transferring Information to |
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a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . |
19 |
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . |
21 |
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . |
33 |
Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . |
33 |
System Messages . . . . . . . . . |
40 |
Troubleshooting Software |
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and Hardware Problems . . . . . . |
41 |
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . |
42 |
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . |
44 |
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . |
44 |
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . |
46 |
3
Contents
Lockups and Software
Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Dell Technical Update Service . . . 49
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . 49
Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . 51
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . 51
Reinstalling Drivers and
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Restoring Your Operating System . . 54
Using Microsoft® Windows®
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Using the Operating System
Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Finding Information . . . . . . . . |
59 |
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
63 |
Obtaining Assistance. . . . . . . . . |
63 |
Technical Support and Customer |
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Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
64 |
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . |
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AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . |
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Automated Order-Status |
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Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
66 |
Problems With Your Order . . . . . . |
66 |
Product Information . . . . . . . . . |
66 |
Returning Items for Warranty |
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Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . |
66 |
4
Contents
Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
5
Contents
6
About Your Computer
Front View
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device status lights 2 |
audio connectors |
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touch pad |
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About Your Computer
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
The lights located on the palm rest towards the front of the computer indicate the following:
Power light – Turns on when you turn on the computer, and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.
Hard drive activity light – 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.
Battery status light – Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.
Wi-Fi status light – Turns on when wireless networking is enabled.
7
About Your Computer
AUDIO CONNECTORS
Attach headphones to the 
connector
Attach a microphone to the |
connector |
TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse.
Right View
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1 |
display |
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keyboard status lights |
3 |
AC adapter |
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modem connector |
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connector |
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5 |
keyboard |
6 |
optical drive eject button |
7 |
optical drive light |
8 |
optical drive |
8
DISPLAY — For more information on the display, see Dell Technology Guide.
KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS —
The lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
9Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
ATurns on when the uppercase letter (caps lock) function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer. The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned on or off.
About Your Computer
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.
NOTE: Plug the power cord and the adapter firmly in, and ensure that the light is on.
MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
Connects the telephone line to the modem connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer.
KEYBOARD — For more information on the keyboard, see Dell Technology Guide.
OPTICAL DRIVE — For more information about the optical drive, see Dell Technology Guide.
9
About Your Computer
Left View
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PC card slot |
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3-in-1 card reader slot |
3 |
IEEE 1394a |
4 |
USB connectors (2) |
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connector |
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network connector |
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VGA connector |
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security cable slot |
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air vents |
PC CARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a blank installed in the slot to prevent foreign matter from entering the computer interior when a card is not installed.
3-IN-1 MEDIA CARD READER — Provides
a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on the following digital memory cards:
•Secure digital (SD) memory card
•Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) card
•Multimedia card (MMC)
IEEE 1394A CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394a high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.
USB CONNECTORS
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer, and so on.
10
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.
VGA CONNECTOR
Connects video devices, such as a monitor.
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.
About Your Computer
AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents,
which prevents the computer from overheating. The fan automatically turns on when the computer gets hot.
11
About Your Computer
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your Dell™ 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.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.
Battery Removal
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is
designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Before removing or replacing the battery, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any other external cables from the computer.
12
About Your Computer
To remove the battery:
1 |
1 |
Ensure that the computer is turned off. |
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2 |
Slide the two release latches on the bottom |
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of the computer, and then remove the battery |
from the bay.
2
To replace the battery, slide the battery into the bay until it clicks into place.
1 |
battery |
2 |
battery release latches (2) |
13
About Your Computer
14
Quick Setup
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
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.
Quick Setup
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.
NOTE: Some devices may not be included if you did not order them.
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Quick Setup |
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1 Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter |
3 Connect USB devices, such as a mouse |
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connector on the computer and to the |
or keyboard. |
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electrical outlet. |
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2 Connect the network cable.
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4Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer.
5Connect to the Internet. See "Connecting to the Internet" on page 17 for more information.
Quick Setup
Connecting to the Internet
NOTE: Internet Service Provider(s) (ISP) and ISP offerings vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an ISP. If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to
the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/ satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular phone service for setup instructions.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
NOTE: The instructions in this section are for computers with Windows Vista® operating system only.
17
Quick Setup
To set up an Internet connection with a desktop shortcut provided by your ISP:
1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
3Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the section below.
NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet, see the Dell Technology Guide. If you have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, consult the Connect to the Internet wizard.
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Operating
System
1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2Click the Windows Vista Start button 
→
Control Panel
3Under Network and Internet, click Connect to the Internet.
4In the Connect to the Internet window, click either Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect:
•Choose Broadband if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem, or Bluetooth wireless technology connection.
•Choose Dial-up if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
18
Quick Setup
5Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Transferring Information to a New
Computer
NOTE: The instructions in this section are for computers with Windows Vista operating system installed.
1Click the Windows Vista Start button 
, and then click Transfer files and settings→ Start Windows Easy Transfer.
2In the User Account Control dialog box, click
Continue.
3Click Start a new transfer or Continue a transfer in progress.
4Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy Transfer wizard.
19
Quick Setup
20
Specifications
Specifications
NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
Processor |
Vostro A840 |
Vostro A860 |
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Processor type |
Intel® Core™2 Duo |
Intel® Core™2 Duo |
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Intel® Pentium™ Dual-Core |
Intel® Pentium™ Dual-Core |
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Intel® Celeron® Dual and Single Core |
Intel® Celeron® Dual and Single Core |
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L1 cache |
32 KB per instruction, 32 KB data cache |
32 KB per instruction, 32 KB data cache per |
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per core |
core |
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L2 cache |
512 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB or 4 MB per core |
512 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB or 4 MB per core |
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depending on model |
depending on model |
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External bus |
667 and 800 MHz |
667 and 800 MHz |
frequency |
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21
Specifications
System Information |
Vostro A840 |
Vostro A860 |
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Chipset |
Intel GM965 Express/ICH8M |
Intel GM965 Express/ICH8M |
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Data bus width |
64 bits |
64 bits |
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DRAM bus width |
dual-channel (2) 64-bit buses |
dual-channel (2) 64-bit buses |
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Processor address |
36 bits |
36 bits |
bus width |
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Flash EPROM |
2 MB |
2 MB |
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Graphics bus |
internal |
internal |
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PCI bus |
32 bits |
32 bits |
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Memory |
Vostro A840 |
Vostro A860 |
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Memory module connector |
two user-accessible SODIMM sockets |
two user-accessible SODIMM sockets |
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Memory module capacities |
512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB |
512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB |
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4-GB capable |
4-GB capable |
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Memory type |
DDR2 SODIMM |
DDR2 SODIMM |
22
Specifications
Memory (continued) |
Vostro A840 |
Vostro A860 |
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Minimum memory |
512 MB |
512 MB |
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Maximum memory |
4 GB |
4 GB |
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Ports and |
Vostro A840 |
Vostro A860 |
Connectors |
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Audio |
microphone connector, stereo |
microphone connector, stereo headphone/ |
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headphone/speakers connector |
speakers connector |
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Mini-Card |
one PCI-E Mini-Card slot |
one PCI-E Mini-Card slot |
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Modem |
RJ-11 port |
RJ-11 port |
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Network adapter |
RJ-45 port |
RJ-45 port |
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USB |
two 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors |
two 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors |
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Video |
15-hole connector |
15-hole connector |
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IEEE 1394 |
4-pin mini |
4-pin mini |
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