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 or DVD drive
Use the CD/DVD drive for playing a CD/DVD.
3
CD or DVD drive panel
This panel covers the CD/DVD drive. (Shown in open position)
4
CD or DVD eject button
Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.
5
optional CD or DVD drive bay
Can contain an optional CD/DVD drive.
6
optional CD or 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. For information on using the Media Card Reader, see the Sonic website at www.sonic.com for additional information.
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 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 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.
12
front panel door grip
Slide up the front panel door grip to cover the FlexBay drive, four Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, one headphone connector, and one microphone connector.
13
power button,
power light
Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in the center of this button indicates power state. See Controls and Lights 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.
14
drive activity light
The drive activity light is on when the computer 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
power connector
Insert the power cable.
2
power supply LED
Indicates power availability for power supply.
3
back panel connectors
Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector. See Back Panel Connectors for more information.
4
card slots
Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
5
padlock rings
Padlock rings are for attaching a commercially available theft-deterrent device. The padlock rings allows you to secure the computer cover to the chassis with a padlock to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock rings, insert a commercially available padlock through the rings, and then lock the padlock.
6
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.
Back Panel Connectors
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
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.
3
link integrity light
Green — A good connection exists between the 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.
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
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.
9
rear L/R surround connector
Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.
10
USB 2.0 connectors (4)
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.
11
VGA video connector
Connect the monitor's VGA cable to the VGA connector on the computer.
On computers with a video card, use the connector on the card.
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure
Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact your computer's performance, possibly causing it to overheat. Follow the guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure:
NOTICE: The operating temperature specifications indicated in this 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.
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 percent 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.
Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow. Restricting the airflow impacts your computer's performance, possibly causing it to overheat.
Setting Up a Printer
NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.
See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:
Obtain and install updated drivers.
Connect the printer to the computer.
Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.
For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.
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.
Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.
Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and
the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
1
USB connector on computer
2
USB connector on printer
3
USB printer cable
Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer.
Depending on your computer's operating system, a printer wizard may be
available to help you install the printer driver:
If your computer is running the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system and the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
Windows XP
Click Start® Control Panel® Printers and Faxes®Add a printer to start the Add Printer Wizard
Windows Vista®
Click Startand click Network® Add a printer to start the Add Printer Wizard.
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.
Press the eject button on the front of the drive.
Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.
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
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.
Windows XP:
Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories®
Entertainment, and then click Volume Control.
In the Master Volume control window, click and drag the bar in the Master
Volume 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.
Windows Vista:
Click Start, point to Control Panel® Hardware and Sound® Sound,
and then click Adjust System Volume.
In the Volume Mixer window, click and drag the bar in the Speakers
column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.
Adjusting the Picture
If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties:
Windows XP:
Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.
Under Pick a task..., click Change the screen resolution.
In the Display Properties window, click and drag the bar in Screen
resolution to change the setting to 800 by 600 pixels.
Under Color quality, click the drop-down menu, and then click Medium
(16 bit).
Click OK.
Windows Vista:
Click Startand click Control Panel.
Click Appearance and Personalization.
Under Personalization, click Adjust screen resolution.
In the Display Settings window, click and drag the bar in Resolution to
change the setting to 800 by 600 pixels.
Click the drop-down menu under Colors, and then click Medium (16 bit).
Click 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.
Windows® XP
Click the Start button, point to All Programs®Sonic® DigitalMedia
Projects® Copy® Disc Copy.
To 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 DiscCopy button. The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD.
Windows Vista®:
Click Start, point to All Programs®Sonic® DigitalMedia Projects®
Copy® Disc Copy.
To 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 DiscCopy 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
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:
CompactFlash Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive Card
3
Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)
4
SecureDigital Card (SD)/ MultiMediaCard (MMC)
To use the Media Card Reader:
Check the media or card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.
Slide 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.
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.
NOTICE: If you are connecting two monitors that have VGA connectors, you must have the optional DVI adapter to connect the cable. If you are connecting two flat-panel monitors, at least one of them must have a VGA connector. If you are connecting a TV, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the TV.
NOTE: If your computer has integrated video, do not connect either monitor to the integrated video connector. If the integrated video connector is covered by a cap, do not remove the cap to connect the monitor or the monitor will not function.
Connect one of the monitors to the VGA (blue) connector on the back of
the computer.
Connect the other monitor to the optional DVI adapter and connect the
DVI adapter to the DVI (white) connector on the back of the computer.
1
optional DVI adapter
2
DVI (white) connector
3
TV-OUT connector
4
VGA (blue) connector
Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector
Connect the VGA connector on the monitor to the VGA (blue) connector
on the back of the computer.
Connect the DVI connector on the other monitor to the DVI (white)
connector on the back of the computer.
Connecting a TV
NOTE: You must purchase an S-video cable, available at most consumer electronics stores, to connect a TV to your computer. It is not included with your computer.
Connect one end of the S-video cable to the optional TV-OUT connector
on the back of the computer.
Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input connector
on your TV.
Connect the VGA or DVI monitor.
Changing the Display Settings
After you connect the monitor(s) or TV, turn on the computer.
The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.
Enable extended desktop mode in the display settings. In extended
desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other,
effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.
Power Management
Power Management Options in Microsoft® Windows® XP
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, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering 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.
NOTE: The procedures to activate the standby and hibernate modes may vary according to your operating system.
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a designated period of time, known as a time-out. When the computer exits from standby mode, it returns to the operating state it was in prior to entering standby mode.
NOTICE: If your computer loses power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
NOTICE: The graphics card in your computer is installed in the PCI Express x16 slot. When there is a card in this slot and you add a peripheral that does not support s3 suspend, your computer will not enter standby mode.
To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:
Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
Define your standby settings on the Power Schemes Tab and Advanced
Tab.
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.
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 prior to entering hibernate mode.
To activate hibernate mode:
Click Start®Control Panel®Pick a category®Performance and
Maintenance.
Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
Define 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. Because the keyboard and mouse do not function in hibernate mode, pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse does not bring the computer out of hibernation.
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:
Click Start® Control Panel® Pick a category® Performance and
Maintenance.
Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
Define 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, hibernate mode, turning off the monitor, and turning off the hard drive.
NOTICE: If you set the hard drive 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 timeout before 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 want your home or office computer to run with little power conservation.
Portable/Laptop — If your computer is a portable computer that you use for traveling.
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 time-out 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.
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.
Hibernate Tab
The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings as defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab.
For more information on power management options:
Click Start® Help and Support® Performance and maintenance.
In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on
your computer.
Power Management Options in Windows Vista®
The Windows Vista power management features are designed to 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, and Windows operating system sets the default "off" state to standby mode or you can set hibernate mode to reduce power even further.
When the computer exits from a power conservation mode (Standby or Hibernate), the Windows desktop is restored to the state it was in before it entered the mode.
Windows Vista has three main default power management modes:
Balanced
Power Saver
High Performance
Dell has added a fourth, Dell-Recommended mode that sets power management to the most typical settings for the majority of our customers. This is the active Power Plan.
Standby Mode
Standby mode is the default "off" state for Windows Vista. 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:
Click Startand click Control Panel.
Click System and Maintenance.
Under System and Maintenance, click Power Options.
The next dialog box will show three power plans - the top option is Dell Recommended - this is the currently active plan.
There is also a show additional plans arrow underneath the three power plans. You can have many power plans, but only three are displayed and the top one is the active plan.
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click Start, then click the off button icon. Windows Vista sets Standby as the default off state.
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. Windows Vista has a new feature called Hybrid Sleep mode - this saves the data into a file and also puts the system into standby. If you lose power, the system retains your data on the hard drive and resumes to the same state you left it. Go to Help and Support and search for Hybrid Sleep for further information. Hybrid Sleep provides fast wake if the system is in standby, and also keeps your data safe by storing it to the hard drive.
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. Windows Vista may mask Hibernate from the user if Hybrid Sleep is enabled. See Help and Support for further information - search for Hibernate.
To activate hibernate mode immediately (if available):
Click Startand click the arrow .
Select Hibernate from the list.
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 Vista recreates the hibernate file automatically.
Power Plan Properties
Define your standby mode settings, display mode settings, hibernate mode settings (if available), and other power settings in the Power Plan Properties window. To access the Power Plan Properties window:
Click Startand click Control Panel.
Click System and Maintenance.
Under System and Maintenance, click Power Options. This takes you to
the main Select a Power Plan window.
In the Select A Power Plan window, you can change or modify power
settings.
Power Management Modes
Windows Vista has three main default power management modes:
Balanced
Power Saver
High Performance
Dell has added a fourth Dell-Recommended mode that sets power management to the most typical settings for the majority of our customers.This is the active Power Plan for all Dell shipping configurations.
To change the default settings for a plan:
Click Startand click Control Panel.
Under Pick a category, click System and Maintenance.
Under System and Maintenance, click Power Options.
A number of options are available on the left-hand side of the Power Options dialog box.
Click Change Plan Settings just below any of the power plans to change settings such as:
Require a password on wakeup.
Choose what power buttons do.
Create a power plan (you can choose the settings you want and create a custom power plan here).
Choose when to turn off the display
Change when the computer sleeps.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab allows you to set many different settings beyond the basic ones above. If you do not know or are not sure what to set, then leave settings at the default. To access the advanced settings:
Choose the Power Plan you want to change.
Click Change Plan Settings from just below the plan name.
Click Change Advanced Power Settings.
CAUTION: There are many different settings in the Power Options, Advanced Settings dialog box. Use care when making setting changes.
Click Startand then click Help and Support to explore the capabilities of the advanced settings.
Enabling Cool 'n' Quiet Technology
Cool 'n' Quiet™ technology controls your computer's processor performance automatically, dynamically adjusting the operating frequency and voltage, according to the task at hand. When an application does not require full performance, significant amounts of power can be saved. Performance is designed to still be responsive, with maximum processor performance being delivered when required, and automatic power savings when possible.
Select Cool and Quiet from the Power Management group, and change
the setting to On.
Click on the Start® Settings® Control Panel® Power Options to access
the Power Options Properties window.
From the Power Schemes tab, click the Power Schemes drop-down menu
and select Minimal Power Management and then click OK.
Cool 'n' Quiet technology is now enabled.
Windows Vista®:
Windows Vista automatically sets AMD™ Cool 'n' Quiet technology in the Dell Recommended, Balanced, and Power Saver power plans. It is disabled in the High Performance power plan.
About RAID Configurations (For Windows Vista
only)
This section provides an overview of the redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configuration you may have selected when you purchased your computer. Your computer supports RAID level 1. A RAID level 1 is recommended for users that desire a high level of data integrity.
The drives in a RAID configuration should be the same size in order to ensure that the larger drive does not contain unallocated (and therefore unusable) space.
RAID Level 1 Configuration
RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as mirroring to enhance data integrity. When data is written to the primary drive, the data is also duplicated, or mirrored, on the second drive in the configuration. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy advantages.
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.
NOTE: In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the size of the smallest drive in the configuration.
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the computer was purchased. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see About RAID Configurations (For Windows Vista only). For information on how to install a hard drive, see Hard Drives.
To configure RAID hard drive volumes use the Nvidia MediaShield ROM utility before you install the operating system onto the hard drive.
Ensure that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin.
Enable the corresponding "SATA in Primary or second RAID" where your
hard drives are connected
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select Enabled, and then press
<Enter>. Press F10 key and then press <Enter> to exit system setup and
resume the boot process.
Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility
NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard drive(s). Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.
Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration. Ideally, however, the drives should be of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see About RAID Configurations (For Windows Vista only). For information on how to install a hard drive, see Installing a Hard Drive.
NOTE: If the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
The Define a New Array window appears.
Press <Tab> to navigate to the RAID Mode field.
To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Mirroring.
Press <Tab> to navigate to the Free Disks field.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select a hard drive to include in the
RAID array and then use the right-arrow key to move the selected drive
from the Free Disks field to the Array Disks field. Repeat for each disk you
want to include in the RAID array.
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID 1 array.
After assigning the hard drives to an array, press <F9>.
The Clear disk data prompt appears.
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step.
Press <Y> to clear all data from the selected drives.
The Array List window appears.
To review the details of the array that you set up, use the arrow keys to
highlight the array in the Array Detail window and press <Enter>.
The Array Detail window appears.
NOTE: To delete an array, use the arrow keys to select the array and press <D>.
Press <Enter> to return to the previous screen.
Press <Ctrl><X> to exit the RAID BIOS.
Using Nvidia MediaShield
Nvidia MediaShield allows you to view and manage RAID configurations.
Rebuilding a RAID Configuration
If one of the hard drives in a RAID array fails, you can rebuild the array by restoring the data to a replacement drive.
NOTE: Rebuilding an array can only be performed on RAID 1 configurations.
Launch Nvidia MediaShield.
Click to select your RAID configuration (Mirroring) in the management
utility window.
Select Rebuild Array in the System Tasks pane.
The NVIDIARebuild Array Wizard appears.
Click Next.
Select the hard drive you want to rebuild by clicking the checkbox beside it.
Click Next.
Click Finish.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and displays the status of the rebuild process.
NOTE: You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the array.
NOTE: You can use any available (RAID-enabled) free disk to rebuild an array.
Transferring Information to a New Computer
You can use your operating system "wizards" to help you transfer files and other data from one computer to another—for example, from an old computer to a new computer. For instructions, see the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is running.
Windows® XP:
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer.
You can transfer data, such as:.
E-mail messages
Toolbar settings
Window sizes
Internet bookmarks
To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:
Click Start, point to All Programs®Accessories®System Tools, and then
click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears.
Click Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer, and then
click Next.
On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard
from the Windows XP CD, and then click Next.
When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to the source
(old) computer that contains the data to be transferred. Do not clickNext
at this time.
To copy data from the source computer:
On the source computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD.
On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform
additional tasks
Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings.
On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer, and then
click Next.
On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method of your
preference.
On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to
transfer, then click Next.
After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection
Phase screen appears.
Click Finish.
To transfer data to the new computer:
On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click
Next.
On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you
chose for transferring your files and settings, and then click Next.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen
appears.
Click Finished and restart the computer.
Windows Vista®:
The Windows Vista operating system provides the Windows Easy Transfer wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as:
User account
Files and folders
Program settings
Internet settings and favorites
E-mail settings, contacts, and messages
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer.
There are two ways to access the Windows Easy Transfer wizard:
When Windows Vista setup is completed, you will see the Windows Vista
Welcome Center. In the Welcome Center click Transfer Files and Settings
to start Windows easy Transfer.
If the Welcome Center dialog box has been closed, you can access Easy
Transfer by clicking the Start®All Programs®Accessories®System
Tools®Windows Easy Transfer.
Double-click the Windows Easy Transfer icon to begin the process.
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.
Connect 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.
Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.
1
network adapter connector
2
network device
3
network cable
4
network adapter connector on computer
Network Setup Wizard
The Microsoft® Windows® 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.
Windows XP:
Click Start, point to All Programs®Accessories®Communications, and
then click Network Setup Wizard.
On the welcome screen, click Next.
Click 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 SP1.
Complete the checklist and required preparations.
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on
the screen.
Windows Vista®:
Click Startand then click Network.
This brings up the Network dialog screen. Click Network and Sharing Center.
NOTE: This screen also provides links to Add a Printer and to Add a Wireless Device (if available).
This will bring up the Network and Sharing Center dialog screen - click
Set up a connection or network from the list of tasks on the left-hand side
of this dialog screen.
From a list of tasks to choose from, such as, Connect to the Internet,
Set Up a wireless router or access point and more. Choose the task most
appropriate for your network and follow the on-screen prompts.
For more information, access Help and Support - use the search term Network.
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). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:
DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line or cellular telephone service. 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.
Satellite modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through a satellite television system.
Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable (or satellite) modem connections.
Wireless LAN connections that provide Internet access using Bluetooth® wireless technology.
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/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
Follow 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 following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.
NOTE: If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems." 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.
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
Windows XP:
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
Click the Start button, then click Internet Explorer.
The New Connection Wizard appears.
Click Connect to the Internet.
In 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.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
Click Next.
If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the
Internet?, and then click Next.
Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Windows Vista®:
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
Click Startand click Control Panel
Under Network and Internet, click Connect to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
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.
Chose 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.
Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information
provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
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.
