Use to stack CDs, place a digital camera while transferring images to system and so on.
3
LCD display menu
Use to scroll through the different menu options available on LCD display.
4
LCD navigation buttons
Use to navigate the menu options on LCD display. Use the buttons to scroll up and down, navigate options on left and right, or select.
5
optical drive tray eject button (2)
Use to eject the drive tray of an optical drive.
NOTE: The self-tending doors on the optical drive open automatically when the eject button is pressed.
6
vents
For adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents.
NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space between all vents and any object near the vents.
NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure that the system is adequately ventilated. Use only a dry cloth to clean the vent area to avoid water damage to the system.
7
IEEE 1394 connector
Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.
8
power button
Press to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more information on booting to a USB device, see System Setup.
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
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.
12
3.5-inch flexbays (2)
Can hold an optional Media Card Reader, audio input, video input, output device with or without a graphics accelerator device, floppy drive or an additional hard drive.
13
5.25-inch drive bays (2)
Can hold CD-RW/DVD, audio or video input or output with or without graphics accelerator device, DVD-RW or Blu-ray Disc™.
14
hard-drive activity light
The hard drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light may also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating.
15
diagnostic lights(4)
Use the sequence of these diagnostics lights to help troubleshoot a problem with your computer (see Dell Diagnostics).
16
network indicator light
The network link light is on when a good connection exists between a network and the computer.
17
LCD display
Displays a "Now playing" screen for audio and video applications. Allows you to navigate, select, and launch devices available on your system.
Front I/O Connectors
1
microphone connector
Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
2
headphone connector
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
3
USB connectors (2)
Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more information on bootable USB devices see Boot Sequence.
It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
4
IEEE 1394 connector
Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.
Back View
1
power connector
Insert the power cable. The appearance of this connector may differ from what is pictured.
Recommended for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
4
S/PDIF (RCA)
Connects to external digital stereo speakers.
5
eSATA
Use it to connect to additional storage devices.
6
card slots
Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards.
NOTE: Some connector slots support full-length cards.
7
IEEE 1394
Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.
8
network adapter connector
NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a network or broadband device.
Back I/O Connectors
1
IEEE 1394
Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices.
2
eSATA
Use this connector to connect to external SATA storage devices.
3
S/PDIF (RCA)
Connects to external digital stereo speakers.
4
USB connectors (4)(rear quad)
Use the back, rear-quad USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices.
5
link integrity light
Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.
Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.
Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer.
Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
6
network adapter connector
NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network adapter connector.
Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a network or broadband device. Connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device, and then connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.
On computers with an additional network connector card, use the connectors on the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple network connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet).
NOTE: 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.
7
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.
8
surround sound connector
Use the (black) surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
9
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.
10
line-out/headphone connector
Use the (green) line-out connector to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
11
S/PDIF (optical) connector
Use the S/PDIF optical connector to transmit digital audio without going through an analog audio conversion process.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
12
center/subwoofer LFE connector
Use the (orange) center/subwoofer connector to attach a center speaker or a single subwoofer.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
NOTE: The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Audio channel, found in digital surround sound audio schemes, 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 setup.
13
side surround sound connector
Use the (gray) side surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. The side-surround output provides enhanced surround audio for computers with 7.1 speakers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
14
USB 2.0 connectors (2) (rear dual)
Use the back, rear-dual USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or bootable USB devices.
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 your Owner's Manual reflect the maximum ambient operating temperature. The room's 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 centimeter (4 inch) 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% 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 centimeters (2 inch) of 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.
Connecting Monitors
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, do not overload an electrical outlet, power strip, or convenience receptacle. The total ampere rating of all products plugged into an electrical outlet, power strip, or other receptacle should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.
NOTE: Your video card has three different ports: a DVI (White) port, a DVI-I (Black) port , and a VGA (Blue) port.
1
DVI (white) connector
2
TV-OUT connector
3
VGA (blue) connector
Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter)
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows Vista™, click the Windows Vista Start button™ click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for
about 4 seconds to turn them off.Disconnect the computer and all
attached devices from their electrical outlets.
Connect the DVI or VGA connector of your monitor to the appropriate
connector on the back of the computer:
To connect a monitor with a DVI connector, use the (white) DVI port on your computer.
To connect a monitor with a VGA connector, use the (blue) VGA port on your computer.
NOTE: To connect a monitor with a VGA connector to the DVI-I (black) port on your computer, use a dongle.
Connecting a Monitor (With an Adapter)
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: In order to connect a monitor with a VGA connector to the DVI port on the back of your computer, a DVI-to-VGA adapter is required.
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows Vista,click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for
about 4 seconds to turn them off.
Connect the DVI-to-VGA adapter to the VGA connector on your monitor,
and then connect the other end of the adapter to the (white) DVI port on
the back of the computer.
1
DVI (white) connector
2
DVI-to-VGA adapter (optional)
3
TV-OUT connector
Connecting Two or More Monitors
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Your video card has one DVI (white) port, one DVI-I (black) port, and one VGA (blue) port.
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows Vista, click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for
about 4 seconds to turn them off.
Connect two or more monitors to the appropriate DVI or VGA ports on
the back of the computer.
NOTE: In order to connect a monitor with a VGA connector to the DVI port on the back of your computer, a DVI-to-VGA adapter is required.
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you are connecting a TV to your computer, you may connect only one monitor (VGA or DVI) in addition to the TV.
NOTE: See the documentation that came with your TV to ensure that you properly configure and connect the TV.
To connect a TV to your computer, an S-video cable is required. If you do not have an S-video cable, you may purchase one at most consumer electronics stores. An S-video cable is not included with your computer.
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows Vista, click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for
about 4 seconds to turn them off.
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
Connect one end of the S-video cable to the 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 one monitor, as needed, with a DVI or VGA connector as
described in Connecting Monitors.
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.
About Your RAID Configuration
This section provides an overview of the RAID configuration you may have selected when you purchased your computer. There are several RAID configurations available in the computer industry for different types of uses. Your computer supports RAID level 0 and RAID level 1. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance programs or gaming, and a RAID level 1 configuration is recommended for users who require a high level of data integrity. For example, those in the digital photography and audio industries.
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.
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 0 Configuration
NOTICE: Because RAID level 0 configurations provide no data redundancy, a failure of one drive results in the loss of all data (the data on the remaining drive is also inaccessible). Therefore, ensure that you perform regular backups when you use a 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.
Another advantage of a RAID level 0 configuration is that it utilizes the full storage capacities of the drives. For example, two 120-GB drives combine to provide 240 GB of hard drive space on which to store data.
NOTE: In a RAID level 0 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the size of the smallest drive multiplied by the number of drives in the configuration.
RAID Level 1 Configuration
A RAID level 1 configuration 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. RAID level 1 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 Computer for RAID
Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the computer was purchased. You must have at least two hard drives installed in your computer to set up a RAID configuration. For an explanation of RAID levels, see About Your RAID Configuration. For instructions on how to install a hard drive, see Installing a Hard Drive.
You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. The first 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® Application Accelerator and is performed after you have installed the operating system.
Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before beginning any of the RAID configuration procedures in this document.
Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode
NOTICE: Back up any data you want to keep before entering the RAID-Enabled mode. The RAID configuration procedure can result in loss of all data from the hard drives.
Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and then press
<Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process.
Using the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility
NOTE: Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration using the Intel RAID Option ROM utility. Ideally, however, the drives should be of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of RAID levels, see About Your RAID Configuration.
Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration
NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard drives. Back up any 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.
Press <Ctrl><I> when you are prompted to enter the Intel® RAID
Option ROM utility.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Create RAID Volume,
then press <Enter>.
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name, then press <Enter>.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID0 (Stripe), then press
<Enter>.
If there are more than two hard drives available, press the up- and down-arrow
keys and spacebar to select the two or three drives you want to use to make
up your configuration, 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.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to change the strip size, then press
<Enter>.
Select the desired capacity for the volume, then press <Enter>.
The default value is the maximum available size.
Press <Enter> to create the volume.
Press <Y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.
Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main
Intel® RAID Option ROM utility screen.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select Exit, and then press <Enter>.
Press <Ctrl><I> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option
ROM utility.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Create RAID Volume, then
press <Enter>.
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name, then press
<Enter>.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select RAID1 (Mirror), then press
<Enter>.
If there are more than two hard drives available, press the up- and down-arrow
keys and spacebar to select the two drives you want to use to make up your
volume, then press <Enter>.
Select the desired capacity for the volume, then press <Enter>.
The default value is the maximum available size.
Press <Enter> to create the volume.
Press <Y> to confirm that you want to create the RAID volume.
Confirm that the correct volume configuration is displayed on the main
Intel RAID Option ROM utility screen.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select Exit, and then press <Enter>.
NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on the hard drives in your RAID configuration. Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.
NOTICE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the Intel RAID Option ROM utility, your computer will become unbootable.
Press <Ctrl><I> when you are prompted to enter the Intel RAID Option
ROM utility.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Delete RAID Volume, then
press <Enter>.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want
to delete, then press <Delete>.
Press <Y> to confirm the deletion of the RAID volume.
Press <Esc> to exit the Intel RAID Option ROM utility.
Using the Intel® Application Accelerator
If you already have one hard drive with the operating system installed on it, and you want to add a second hard drive then reconfigure both drives into a RAID volume without losing the existing operating system or data, use the migrating option (see Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration or Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration). Create a RAID level 0 volume or RAID level 1 volume only when:
You are adding two new drives to an existing single-drive computer (with the operating system installed on the single drive), and you want to configure the two new drives into a RAID volume.
You already have a two-hard drive computer configured into a volume, but you still have some space left on the volume that you want to designate as a second RAID volume.
Creating a RAID Level 0 Configuration
NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on the hard drives in your RAID configuration. Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.
On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume to launch the Create
RAID Volume Wizard, then click Next.
On the Select Volume Location screen, click the first hard drive you want
to include in your RAID level 0 volume, then click the right arrow.
Click to add a second hard drive, then click Next.
To add a third hard drive in your RAID level 0 volume, click the right arrow and click on the third drive until three drives appear in the Selected window, and then click Next.
In the Specify Volume Size window, click the Volume Size desired, then
click Next.
Click Finish to create the volume, or click Back to make changes.
Creating a RAID Level 1 Configuration
NOTICE: The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on the hard drives in your RAID configuration. Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.
On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume to launch the Create
RAID Volume Wizard.
Click Next at the first screen.
Confirm the volume name, select RAID 1 as the RAID level, and then
click Next to continue.
On the Select Volume Location screen, click the first hard drive you want
to use to create your RAID level 0 volume, then click the right arrow. Click
to add a second hard drive until two drives appear in the Selected window,
and then click Next.
In the Specify Volume Size window, select the Volume Size desired, then
click Next.
Click Finish to create the volume, or click Back to make changes.
Follow Microsoft Windows procedures for creating a partition on the new
RAID volume.
Deleting a RAID Volume
NOTE: While this procedure deletes the RAID 1 volume, it also splits the RAID 1 volume into two non-RAID hard drives with a partition, and leaves any existing data files intact. Deleting a RAID 0 volume, however, destroys all data on the volume.
Click the Start button and point to Programs® Intel(R) Application
Accelerator® Intel Matrix Storage Manager to launch the Intel® Storage
Utility.
Right-click the Volume icon of the RAID volume you want to delete, then
select Delete Volume.
On the Delete RAID Volume Wizard screen, click Next.
Highlight the RAID volume you want to delete in the Available box, click
the right-arrow button to move the highlighted RAID volume into the
Selected box, and then click Next.
On the Actions menu, select Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard
Drive tolaunch the Migration Wizard.
Click Next on the Migration Wizard screen.
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name.
From the drop-down box, select RAID 0 as the RAID level.
Select the appropriate strip size from the drop-down box, and then
click Next.
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.
On the Select Source Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive from
which you want to migrate, and click Next.
NOTE: The source hard drive should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume.
On the Select Member Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive(s)
to select the member drive(s) to span the stripe array, then click Next.
On the Specify Volume Size screen, select the Volume Size you want,
then click Next.
NOTICE: The next step will result in the loss of all data on the member drive.
Click Finish to start migrating, or click Back to make changes. You can use
your computer normally during the migration process.
On the Actions menu, click Create RAID Volume From Existing Hard
Drive to launch the Migration Wizard.
Click Next on the first Migration Wizard screen.
Enter a RAID volume name or accept the default name.
From the drop-down box, select RAID 1 as the RAID level.
On the Select Source Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive from
which you want to migrate, and click Next.
NOTE: The source hard drive should be the hard drive containing the data or operating system files that you want to keep on the RAID volume.
On the Select Member Hard Drive screen, double-click the hard drive to
select the member drive that you want to act as the mirror in the
configuration, then click Next.
On the Specify Volume Size screen, select the volume size you want, then
click Next.
NOTICE: The next step will result in the loss of all data on the member drive.
Click Finish to start migrating, or click Back to make changes. You can use
your computer normally during migration process.
Creating a Spare Hard Drive
A spare hard drive may be created with a RAID level 1 configuration. The spare hard drive will not be recognized by the operating system, but you will be able to see the spare drive from within Disk Manager or the Intel RAID Option ROM utility. When a member of the RAID level 1 configuration fails, the computer automatically rebuilds the mirror configuration using the spare hard drive as the failed member's replacement.
To mark a drive as a spare hard drive:
Click the Start button and point to Programs® Intel(R) Application
Accelerator® Intel Matrix Storage Manager to launch the Intel® Storage
Utility.
Right-click the hard drive you want to mark as a spare hard drive.
Click Mark as Spare.
To remove a drive as a spare hard drive:
Right-click the spare hard drive icon.
Click Reset Hard Drive to Non-RAID.
Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1 Configuration
If your computer does not have a spare hard drive, and the computer has reported a degraded RAID level 1 volume, you can manually rebuild the computer's redundancy mirror to a new hard drive by performing the following steps:
Click the Start button and point to Programs® Intel(R) Application
Accelerator® Intel Matrix Storage Manager to launch the Intel® Storage
Utility.
Right-click the available hard drive to which you want to rebuild the RAID
level 1 volume, then click Rebuild to this Disk.
You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the RAID level 1 volume.
Dell DataSafe (Optional)
Dell DataSafe is a solution to help you protect your data against unfortunate events such as data loss from system crashes, hard drive failures, software corruption, viruses, and other accidents. Using Intel technology, your computer has a robust level of data protection out of the factory. With Dell DataSafe, you will have a selected area on your system that automatically stores periodic copies of your computer's hard drive data. Not only does Dell DataSafe help you to store and protect your valuable data such as photos, music, videos, files, and more, it also helps restore your computer and your data in the event of a failure. The included software can give you the power to roll back your system to a healthy state after a system problem, easily retrieve deleted files, and recover individual files or an entire hard drive, and the Intel Matrix Storage Console (RAID) allows for continued functionality in the case of a single hard drive failure.
Intel® Viiv™ Technology (Optional)
Intel Viiv technology is a technology aimed at the digital home enthusiast that includes:
A BIOS that supports Intel Quick Resume Technology
Device drivers
This technology allows the user's system to quickly return to an active state after non-use.
Using Intel Viiv Quick Resume Technology (QRT)
When running in the Intel Viiv QRT mode, your power button is used as a quick on/off feature. Pressing the power button once causes the display to go blank and the audio to mute. In this mode, the computer is still operating as indicated by the power button indicator and diagnostic lights 1, 2, and 4 being lit. Also, you may notice that the hard drive indicator may blink when the hard drive is being accessed by an external device.
To resume normal computer operation, briefly press the power button, press any key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Enabling the QRT Feature in System Setup
The QRT drivers must be installed before the Quick Resume feature becomes active. The QRT drivers are installed when this option is ordered. Also, Quick Resume is enabled in system setup when this feature is ordered.
Press the arrow keys to highlight the Power Management menu option,
then press <Enter> to access the menu.
Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the Quick Resume option,
then press <Enter> to access the menu.
Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight the On option, and then
press <Enter> to enable the Quick Resume feature.
Enabling the QRT Feature in the Operating System
Click the Start
button, then click Control Panel.
Click the Away tab.
Ensure that the check boxes for Enable away mode and Options are checked.
Click the Advanced tab.
From the When I press the power button on my computer drop-down
menu, select Do Nothing.
From the When I press the sleep button on my computer drop-down
menu, select Do Nothing.
Using Multimedia
Playing CDs or DVDs
NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD/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 while playing CDs or DVDs.
Press the eject button on the right corner of the drive.
Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.
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 media.
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
These controls may not exist on all players in the system. For more information on playing CDs, DVDs, or BDs, click Help on the CD or DVD player (if available).
Copying Media
This section applies only to computers that have a DVD+/-RW drive or a BD-RE drive.
NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when copying media.
NOTE: The types of optical drives offered by Dell may vary by country.
The following instructions explain how to make a copy of a CD or a DVD using Roxio Creator Plus, and a BD using CyberLink Power DVD 7.0.
The DVD drives and BD drives installed in Dell computers do not support HD-DVD media.
How to Copy a CD or DVD
The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD using Roxio Creator Plus - Dell Edition. You can also use Roxio Creator Plus for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Roxio Creator Plus, and then click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
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 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 Roxio Creator Plus.
Open Roxio Creator Plus.
Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy.
To copy the CD or DVD:
If you have one CD/DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct, and then click Disc Copy. 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/DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or DVD, and then click DiscCopy. 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.
How to Copy a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Media
For information on how to use the BD media, refer to the manual that accompanies the product.
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW media) 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 the maximum storage capacity of a CD-R is reached, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on the CD later.
Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of data. 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 the 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
DVD-R DL
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 Roxio Creator Plus and open a Creator project.
Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs may not play in many home or car stereos.
You cannot create audio DVDs with Roxio Creator Plus.
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 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 sonic.com for additional information.
Using a Media Card Reader
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Use the media card reader to transfer data directly to your computer.
The media card reader supports the following memory types:
Secure Digital card (SD/miniSD)/MultiMedia-Card (MMC/RS-MMC)
4
CompactFlash card Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive card
Inspect the media card to determine the proper orientation for insertion.
Slide the media card into the appropriate slot of the media card reader
until it is completely seated in the connector.
If you encounter resistance, remove the card, check for proper orientation, and then try again.
Understanding the Media Xcelerator™ (Optional)
The Dell Media Xcelerator™ is an internal USB 2.0 bus-powered device that increases the speed and performance of MPEG transcoding and transrating for various 3rd party applications supporting the Sonic DVD engine.
The Xcelerator™ device enables faster format conversion and facilitates resolution changes to MPEG-2 and DVD video streams. The device will allow MPEG2 or DVD based format conversions and fit to disk operations to be completed in significantly less time. A built-in, dedicated processor ensures significantly improved system availability and speed. The Xcelerator also supports MPEG-2 and DVD format stream conversion to low bit-rate MPEG-4 formats for portable video devices.
Features supported include:
Improved system availability through CPU offloading to Xcelerator.
Quicker DVD creation with improved fit to disk capability.
Transcode High Definition MPEG-2 video clips to MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 standard definition
Faster conversions of movies into PC or PMP formats
Transrate MPEG-2 video clips to a lower bit rate to fit onto a DVD, CD, or other media
Higher transcoded video quality at similar bit rates
For more information on the Xcelerator, see the Dell Media Xcelerator™ User's Guide available on the Help and Support Center on your system, or the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
To access Help and Support Center, click Start®Help and Support.
NOTE: The Dell Media Xcelerator is an optional feature and will not be present on your system if you did not order it.
Understanding Windows® SideShow™ and the
LCD display
Your LCD display device is located at the top of the system.
Powered by Windows Sideshow technology,the LCD display device is designed to provide quick to access to information available on a computer running Windows Vista.
SideShow technology uses gadgets, which are add-in programs, to extend information from the computer onto devices such as the LCD display. Gadgets allow you to view information from your computer regardless of whether it is on, off, or sleeping.
Some of the default gadgets available on the LCD allow you to browse web pictures, view photos stored on your system, play or browse audio and video files, set reminders and alarms, monitor PC settings, and set a real-time count down clock.
1
network indicator light
2
menu button
3
navigation and selection buttons
4
LCD display screen
5
hard-drive activity light
6
diagnostic lights (4 nos)
Configuring the LCD display
The LCD display is configured to start whenever your system is powered on. However, the default
NOTE: The screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer.
On the system setup screen navigate to LCD display and change settings to On.
Exit setup.
NOTE: The LCD display simultaneously starts when the system is next powered on.
Adding Gadgets To LCD Display Menu
The LCD display menu includes a list of all the gadgets shipped with your system. It also allows you to remove existing gadgets from the list or add them back. All the gadgets available on the LCD display can be viewed with the help of the Menu button and activated with the help of the Navigation buttons.
To add new gadgets to the LCD display
On your computer, go to Start® Control Panel® Windows Sideshow.
A dialog with the list of all gadgets opens.
Check the boxes for all gadgets you want to add to the LCD display menu.
Click Save.
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.
Your operating system includes a printer wizard to help you install the
printer driver:
Click the Windows Vista Start button™ and click Network ®Add a printer to start the Add Printer Wizard.
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 ISPicon 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.
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.
Windows Vista™
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
Click the Windows Vista Start button™ and 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.
Choose Dial-up if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information
provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
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.
Click Start and then click Connect to® Set up a connection or
network.
Select an option under Choose a connection option.
Click Next, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.
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.
Click Start®Transfer files and settings®Start Windows Easy
Transfer.
In the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
Click Start a new transfer or Continue a transfer in progress.
Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy
Transfer wizard.
Power Management Options in Windows Vista
The Microsoft Vista 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 sleep 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.
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits sleep mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering sleep mode.
To enter sleep mode in Windows Vista, click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu, and then click Sleep.
To exit sleep mode, press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse.
Hybrid Sleep
Hybrid Sleep emulates the Sleep Mode but stores info in RAM to hard drive so that there is no loss of data in case of power loss.
Hybrid Sleep is enabled on your system by default.
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 hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.
To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows Vista, click Start, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu, and then click Hibernate.
NOTE: If Hybrid Sleep is ON then Hibernate will no longer appear on the shutdown menu in Vista.
To enable hibernation, click Start® open Search box and type
powercfg.exe /hibernate ON® press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
To disable hibernation, click Start® open Search box and type
powercfg.exe /hibernate Off® press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Configuring Power Management Settings
You can use the Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your computer.
To access Power Options Properties, click Start® Control Panel® System and Maintenance® Power Options.
button, then click Control Panel.
