Dell XPS 400 User Manual

0 (0)

Dell™ XPS 400

Owner’s Manual

Service Tag

CD or DVD eject button

CD or DVD activity light

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

headphone connector

diagnostic lights

hard-drive activity light

power button

USB 2.0 connectors (2)

cover latch release

power connector

sound-card connectors (5)

network adapter

USB 2.0 connectors (5)

card slots for

PCI Express x1 (1), PCI Express x16 (1),

PCI Express x4 (1), PCI (3)

Model DCTA

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2005 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, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, DellNet, and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium, and Intel SpeedStep are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft 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 DCTA

November 2005

P/N WD741

Rev. A02

Contents

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

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Connecting a USB Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15

Playing CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16

Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

Adjusting the Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

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

18

How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Using Blank CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

Connecting Two Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One

 

Monitor With a DVI Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22

Connecting a TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23

Changing the Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23

Setting Up a Home and Office Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23

Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24

Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25

Hibernate Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25

Power Options Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25

IEEE 1394 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27

Contents 3

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

27

About Your RAID Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28

RAID Level 0 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28

RAID Level 1 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

29

Configuring Your Computer for RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

29

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility . . . . . .

30

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel® Application Accelerator . . . . . .

32

Understanding Intel® Viiv™ Technology (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

35

Using Intel® Viiv™ Quick Resume Technology (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . .

36

Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36

Enabling the QRT feature in the Operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36

2 Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37

Battery Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38

CD and DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38

Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

39

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

39

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

41

Media Card Reader Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42

Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43

The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43

The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43

A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43

A program crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system . . . . .

44

A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44

Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

45

Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

45

4 Contents

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

46

Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

47

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

48

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

48

Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

49

No sound from speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

49

No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50

Video and Monitor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50

If the screen is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50

If the screen is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

51

3 Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

53

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

57

What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

57

Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58

Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .

59

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

59

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

61

4 Removing and Installing Parts

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

63

Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

63

Turn Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

63

Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

64

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

65

Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

67

Contents 5

Removing the Computer Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

68

Inside View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

70

System Board Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

71

Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

72

Memory Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

72

Installing Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

74

Removing Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

76

Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

76

PCI Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

77

PCI Express Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

81

Drive Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

89

Removing the Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

89

Removing the Drive-Panel Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

90

Replacing the Drive-Panel Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

90

Replacing the Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

91

Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

92

General Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

92

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

92

Removing a Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

93

Installing a Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

94

Adding a Second Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

95

Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

96

Removing a Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

96

Installing a Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

98

Media Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

99

Removing a Media Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

99

Installing a Media Card Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

101

CD/DVD Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

102

Removing a CD/DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

103

Installing a CD/DVD Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

104

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

106

Replacing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

106

Replacing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

107

6 Contents

5

Appendix

 

 

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

109

 

System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

113

 

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

113

 

Entering System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

114

 

System Setup Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

116

 

Boot Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

119

 

Clearing Forgotten Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

121

 

Clearing CMOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

122

 

Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

122

 

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

122

 

Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123

 

Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123

 

CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123

 

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123

 

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . .

124

 

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . .

124

 

FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

124

 

Class A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

125

 

Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

125

 

FCC Identification Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

126

 

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

126

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

145

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?

Find It Here

 

 

• Warranty information

Dell™ Product Information Guide

Terms and conditions (U.S. only)

Safety instructions

Regulatory information

Ergonomics information

End User License Agreement

 

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

 

support.dell.com.

 

 

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

Finding Information

 

9

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

What Are You Looking For?

Service Tag and Express Service Code

Microsoft Windows License Label

Find It Here

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 or contact technical support.

Enter the Express

Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.

10 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?

Find It Here

 

 

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

from technicians, online courses, frequently asked

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

questions

site.

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers

customers

can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such

at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be

as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

available in all regions.

• 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, Intel® Pentium® M

 

processors, 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 Desktop System Software:

 

1 Go to support.dell.com and click Downloads.

 

2 Enter your Service Tag or product model.

 

3 In the Download Category drop-down menu, click All.

 

4 Select the operating system and operating system

 

language for your computer, and click Submit.

 

5 Under Select a Device, scroll to System and

 

Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Desktop System

 

Software.

 

Finding Information

 

11

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

What Are You Looking For?

Find It Here

 

 

• How to use Windows XP

Windows Help and Support Center

• Documentation for my computer

1

Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

2

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and

 

 

click the arrow icon.

 

3

Click the topic that describes your problem.

 

4

Follow the instructions on the screen.

 

 

 

12 Finding Information

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

Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance

Printer Cable

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

13

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Connecting a USB Printer

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

1Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

2Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

3Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

USB connector on computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

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

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

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

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

14 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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

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

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

3Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:

1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer. The New Connection Wizard appears.

3Click Connect to the Internet.

4In the next window, click the appropriate option:

If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs).

If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually.

If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP.

5Click Next.

If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

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

6Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.

7Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 39. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

15

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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.

1Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

2Place 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

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Eject

Go to the next track

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.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs AccessoriesEntertainment, and then click Volume Control.

2In the Volume Control window, click and drag the bar in the Volume Control column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

17

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.

3Under Pick a task..., click Change the screen resolution.

4In the Display Properties window, click and drag the bar in Screen resolution to change the setting to 800 by 600 pixels.

5Click the drop-down menu under Color quality, and then click Medium (16 bit).

6Click OK.

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.

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.

1Click the Start button, point to All ProgramsSonicDigitalMedia Projects, and then click Copy.

2Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

3To copy the CD or DVD:

If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click the Disc Copy button. 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.

If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or DVD and click the 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.

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

Yes

Yes

 

 

 

 

DVD-Writable Drives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media Type

Read

Write

Rewritable

 

 

 

 

CD-R

Yes

Yes

No

CD-RW

Yes

Yes

Yes

DVD+R

Yes

Yes

No

DVD-R

Yes

Yes

No

DVD+RW

Yes

Yes

Yes

DVD-RW

Yes

Yes

Yes

DVD+R DL

Yes

Yes

No

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

19

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Media Type

Read

Write

Rewritable

 

 

 

 

DVD-R DL

Maybe

No

No

DVD-RAM

Maybe

No

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.

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)

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

For information on installing a Media Card Reader, see "Installing a Media Card Reader" on page 101.

Memory Stick

xD-Picture Card (MS/MS Pro)

and SmartMedia (SMC)

CompactFlash Type I

and II (CF I/II) and

MicroDrive Card

SecureDigital Card (SD)/

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

To use the Media Card Reader:

1Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.

2Slide the media or card into the appropriate slot until it is completely seated in the connector.

If you encounter resistance, do not force the media or card. Check the card orientation and try again.

Connecting Two Monitors

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

Product Information Guide.

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

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

21

 

Dell XPS 400 User Manual

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 63.

2Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

3Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the DVI adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

optional DVI adapter

DVI (white) connector

TV-OUT connector

VGA (blue) connector

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

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 63.

2Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of the computer.

3Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Connecting a TV

NOTE: To connect a TV to your computer, you must purchase an S-video cable, which is available at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.

1Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 63.

2Connect one end of the S-video cable to the TV-OUT connector on the back of the computer.

3Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector on your TV.

4Connect the VGA or DVI monitor.

Changing the Display Settings

1After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.

The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.

2Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.

In clone mode, both monitors display the same image.

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

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

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

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

1Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer. Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.

2Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

23

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

network adapter

network device

connector

 

network adapter connector on computer

network cable

Network Setup Wizard

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

1Click the Start button, point to All ProgramsAccessoriesCommunications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.

2On the welcome screen, click Next.

3Click Checklist for creating a network.

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack.

4Complete the checklist and required preparations.

5Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Power Management

The Microsoft® Windows® XP power management features can reduce the amount of electricity your computer uses when it is on and you are not using it. You can reduce power to just the monitor or the hard drive, or you can use standby mode or hibernate mode to reduce power to the entire computer. When the computer exits from a power conservation mode, the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode.

NOTE: Windows XP Professional includes security and networking features not available in Windows XP Home Edition. When a Windows XP Professional computer is connected to a network, different options related to security and networking appear in certain windows.

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in before it entered standby mode.

To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.

To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click the Start button, click

Turn Off Computer, and then click Stand by.

To exit from standby mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.

NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits from hibernate mode, the desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered hibernate mode.

To activate hibernate mode:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.

4Define your hibernate settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.

To exit from hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit from hibernate mode. Pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation, because the keyboard and the mouse do not function when the computer is in hibernate mode.

Because hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory, Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you. If the computer’s hard drive becomes corrupted, Windows XP recreates the hibernate file automatically.

Power Options Properties

Define your standby mode settings, hibernate mode settings, and other power settings in the Power Options Properties window. To access the Power Options Properties window:

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

25

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

3Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.

4Define your power settings on the Power Schemes tab, Advanced tab, and Hibernate tab.

Power Schemes Tab

Each standard power setting is called a scheme. If you want to select one of the standard Windows schemes installed on your computer, choose a scheme from the Power schemes drop-down menu. The settings for each scheme appear in the fields below the scheme name. Each scheme has different settings for starting standby mode or hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive.

The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the following schemes:

Always On (default) — If you want to use your computer with no power conservation.

Home/Office Desk — If you use your computer as a home or office computer and you require minimal power conservation.

Presentation — If you want your computer to run without interruption (using no power conservation).

Minimal Power Management — If you want your computer to run with minimal power conservation.

Max Battery — If your computer is a portable computer and you run your computer from batteries for extended periods of time.

If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a timeout from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme.

NOTICE: If you set the hard drive (hard disk) to time-out before the monitor does, your computer may appear to be locked up. To recover, press any key on the keyboard or click the mouse. To avoid this problem, always set the monitor to time-out before the hard drive.

Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab allows you to:

Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.

Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode.

Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer.

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click OK.

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Hibernate Tab

The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings you defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the

Hibernate tab.

For more information on power management options:

1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2In the Help and Support window, click Performance and maintenance.

3In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer.

IEEE 1394

IEEE 1394 is a digital interface that can move large amounts of data between computers and peripheral devices. IEEE 1394 is ideal for use with multimedia devices because it speeds the transfer of data and large files, which enables a computer to connect directly to devices such as digital video cameras.

NOTE: The connector can accept 4-pin IEEE 1394 devices with the use of an adapter.

Your computer may have an optional front IEEE 1394 connector (see "Front View of the Computer" on page 65). This connector is only available if you purchased an add-in card that uses IEEE 1394. To purchase a card, contact Dell.

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.

To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:

1Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

2Click Hardware and click Device Manager.

3In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to Processors. If Hyper-Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see page 114. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

27

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

About Your RAID Configuration

This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration that you might have selected when you purchased your computer. Although several RAID configurations are available, Dell offers either a RAID level 0 configuration or a RAID level 1 configuration for its Dimension™ computers. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance gaming, and a RAID level 1 configuration is recommended for the data integrity requirements of digital photography and audio.

The Intel® RAID controller on your computer can only create a RAID level 0 configuration using two or three physical drives. If a third drive is present, then that drive can be made part of a RAID level 0 configuration using the Intel RAID configuration program, or it can be used as a spare drive in a RAID level 1 configuration (see "Creating a Spare Hard Drive" on page 35). The drives should be the same size in order to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.

NOTE: RAID levels do not represent a hierarchy. A RAID level 1 configuration is not inherently better or worse than a RAID level 0 configuration.

RAID Level 0 Configuration

A RAID level 0 configuration uses a storage technique known as "data striping" to provide a high data access rate. Data striping is a method of writing consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drives to create a large virtual drive. Data striping allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 0

segment 1

 

segment 2

 

 

 

segment 3

 

segment 4

 

 

 

segment 5

 

segment 6

 

 

 

hard drive 1

 

hard drive 2

Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full capacities of the drives. For example, if you have two 120-GB drives installed, you have 240 GB on which to store data.

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

NOTICE: Because RAID level 0 configurations provide no data redundancy, if one drive fails, then the data on the other drive is also inaccessible. Therefore, ensure that you perform regular backups when you use a RAID level 0 configuration.

RAID Level 1 Configuration

RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as "mirroring." When data is written to the primary drive, it is then duplicated, or mirrored, on the other drive. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy advantages.

serial ATA RAID configured for RAID level 1

segment 1

segment 2

segment 3

segment 4

segment 5

segment 6

hard drive 1

segment 1 duplicated

segment 2 duplicated

segment 3 duplicated

segment 4 duplicated

segment 5 duplicated

segment 6 duplicated

hard drive 2

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drive. Also, because data is duplicated on both drives, a RAID level 1 configuration using two 120-GB hard drives collectively has a maximum of 120 GB on which to store data.

Configuring Your Computer for RAID

At some point you may want to configure your computer for RAID if you did not select a RAID configuration when you purchased your computer. You must have at least two hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For instructions on how to install a hard drive, see page 92.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. One method uses the Intel® RAID Option ROM utility and is performed before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, or Intel Matrix Storage Console, and this method is performed after you have installed the operating system

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

 

29

 

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

and the Intel Matrix Storage Console. Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before starting any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

1Enter system setup (see page 113).

2Press the upand down-arrow keys to highlight Drives, and press <Enter>.

3Press the upand down-arrow keys to highlight SATA Operation, and press <Enter>.

4Press the leftand right-arrow keys to highlight RAID On, press <Enter>, and then press <Esc>.

NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 116.

5Press the leftand right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and press <Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process.

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility

NOTE: Although any size drives may be used to create a RAID configuration using the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, ideally the drives should be of equal size. In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number (two) of drives in the configuration. In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration will be the smaller of the two drives used.

Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration

NOTICE: You will lose any data on your hard drives when you create a RAID configuration using the following procedure. Back up data you want to keep before continuing.

NOTE: Use the following procedure only if you are reinstalling your operating system. Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing storage configuration to RAID level 0 configuration.

1Set your computer to RAID-enabled mode (see page 30).

2Press <Ctrl><i> when you are prompted to enter the Intel® RAID Option ROM utility.

3Press the upand down-arrow keys to highlight Create RAID Volume, and press <Enter>.

4Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default, and press <Enter>.

5Press the upand down-arrow keys to select RAID0(Stripe), and press <Enter>.

6If there are more than two hard drives available, press the upand down-arrow keys and spacebar to select the two or three drives you want to use to make up your configuration, and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: Select the strip size closest to the size of the average file you want to store on the RAID volume. If you do not know the average file size, choose 128 KB as your strip size.

7 Press the upand down-arrow keys to change the strip size, and press <Enter>.

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Loading...
+ 118 hidden pages