From the Microsoft® Windows® operating system desktop, you can click the Start button to access resources, programs, and specialized tools for managing the way Windows appears and functions on your computer.
The Start button may differ in appearance depending on the version of Windows, but it is consistently located on the left side of the Windows taskbar.
This information center provides instructions, hints, and general information about Microsoft Windows and explains how to use available features. It also provides access to documentation for your computer and devices installed on your computer. To access Windows Help and Support:
Click Start or ® Help and Support.
Click the topic or task you want to perform.
If the specific task is not listed, use the search option.
In the StartSearch field (or Search in Windows XP), type a word or phrase
that describes your question, and then press <Enter> or click the arrow or
the magnifying glass.
Click the topic that describes your question.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows Vista®
Basic Computer Information
Click Start® Control Panel®System and Maintenance® System to view your computer information.
Windows® XP
User's Guides
To view the user's guides available on your computer, click Start® Help and Support®Dell User and System guides (from the Pick a Topic options).
Basic Information
Click Start® Help and Support®Tools (from the Pick a Task options) to view your computer information and to diagnose problems.
You can also view more details about your computer through the Control Panel (see Control Panel).
Control Panel
To manage viewing features and computer functions, click Startor ®Control Panel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:See Windows Help and Support: click Start or ® Help and Support.
Information About Installed Hardware
Device Manager
Use the Device Manager to view a list of all devices installed on your computer and to learn more about how a specific device is configured.
Windows Vista®
Click Start® Control Panel® System and Maintenance®System®Device Manager (listed under Tasks).
Windows® XP
Click Start® Control Panel® Performance and Maintenance®System®Hardware tab®Device Manager.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:To learn more about your computer's hardware components, see the View your computer information topic in Windows Help and Support: click Start or® Help and Support.
Hardware Devices Installed on Your Computer
Click Start or ® All Programs®Accessories®System Tools®System Information.
Double click Components to expand the Components category.
Device Specifications
Click Startor ® All Programs®Accessories®System
Tools®System Information.
Double click Components to expand the Components category.
Click the device category to view a table identifying the component or
device name and related setting and configuration information.
Exporting System Information as a Text File
Click Start or ® All Programs®Accessories®System
Tools®System Information.
On the File menu, click Export.
In File name, type the filename.
Select the file type from the Save as type drop-down menu.
Click Save.
Programs Installed on Your Computer
Click Startor ® All Programs to view available programs.
If a program is not listed under All Programs, use the Search feature to search for a specific program:
Windows Vista®
Click Start®Search.
Enter the name of the program in the Search field.
Press <Enter>.
Windows® XP
Click Start® Search®All Files or Folders.
Enter the name of the program and click Search.
Wireless Networking
Wireless network information is available in the following sources:
Device guides
See Microsoft Windows Help and Support to access device guide for the specific wireless card installed in your computer. The device guide provides helpful information about connecting to a wireless network, as well as managing a wireless network connection.
Windows Help and Support
See Microsoft Windows Help and Support for general information about wireless networking.The "Networking and the Web" topic provides an overview, requirements, details on connections, and tutorials in basic networking.
Dell Forums: Information on forums for discussion and support of Dell products.
Contact Us: Information on various options available for contacting Dell.
Technical Support
Drivers and Downloads
Enterprise Resource Center
Find Express Service Code
Manuals
My Systems List
Security Center
Support History & Status
System Configuration
Technical Subscriptions
Troubleshooting Search
Windows Vista Center
Windows XP Support Center
Wireless Center
Customer Service
Dell Financial Services
FAQs
Invoices
Missing, Wrong & Damaged
Order Status
Ownership Transfer
International Ownership Transfer
Packing Slips
Pickup/Redelivery
Dell Dollars/Rebate Center
Report a Stolen System
Returns
Update Billing Address
Warranty Information
Expired Warranty Service
Extend & Upgrade Warranty
Ownership Transfer
International Ownership Transfer
Service Contracts & Forms
Warranty Status
Dell Forums
Support Forums
Discussion Forums
Contact Us
Customer Service
Financing Support
Sales Support
Technical Support
International Notebook Support
BIOS (System Setup Program) Settings
The BIOS is a utility that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. You may need to update your BIOS settings when you remove and replace certain hardware components.
NOTE: Although your computer's time, date, or password can be changed using the BIOS, using options provided by the operating system is recommended.
Use the system setup program to:
Change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove hardware in your computer.
Set or change user-selectable options such as your password.
Verify information about your computer's current configuration, such as the amount of system memory.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:To learn more about accessing the system setup program and configuring hardware components, see "System Setup" on page 301.
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