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 in) clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.
NOTICE: 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 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 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 that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.
NOTE: If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see Error Messages. 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 XP
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
Click Start®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.
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.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
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®
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.
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.
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 that your computer is running.
Microsoft® Windows® XP
The MicrosoftWindows 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
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.
NOTE: You can transfer information from an old computer to a new computer by directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must access the Network Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.
For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be available in certain countries.
For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System media for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System Media
NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System media.
To prepare a new computer for the file transfer:
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click Start®All Programs®Accessories® System Tools®Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears,
click Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer®Next.
On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard
from the Windows XP CD®Next.
When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or
source computer. Do not click Next at this time.
To copy data from the old computer:
On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System media.
On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform
additional tasks.
Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings® Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer®Next.
On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to
transfer and 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 settings and files and 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 new computer.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the
Operating System Media
To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System media, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.
To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and perform the following steps:
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click Start®All Programs®Accessories® System Tools®Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears,
click Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer®Next.
On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I want to create a
Wizard Disk in the following drive® Next.
Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.
When the disk creation completes and the Now go to your old
computer message appears, do not click Next.
Go to the old computer.
To copy data from the old computer:
On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.
Click Start®Run.
In the Open field on the Run window, browse to the path for fastwiz (on
the appropriate removable media) and click OK.
On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer®Next.
On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to
transfer and 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 settings and files and click Next. Follow the
instructions on the screen.
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 new computer.
NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System?).
NOTE: Access to the Dell™ Knowledge Base document may not be available in certain countries.
Windows Vista
Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click 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.
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.
If your computer is running the Windows Vista® operating system, click the Windows Vista Start button , and click Network® Add a printer to start the Add Printer Wizard.
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.
Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors
Shutdown your system.
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.
Restart your system.
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
Shutdown your system.
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.
Restart your system.
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.
Shutdown your system.
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.
Restart your system.
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 Protection Devices
Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:
Surge protectors
Line conditioners
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.
Line Conditioners
NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.
NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Power Management
Power Management Options in 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.
To set standby mode to automatically activate after a defined period of inactivity:
Click Start®Control Panel®Pick a category®Performance and
Maintenance.
Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click Start®Turn Off Computer®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 inprior 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.
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.
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 time-out 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 an extended period 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 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.
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.
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.
