Dell XPS 710 Owner's Manual
Front and Back View of the Computer
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
Transferring Information to a New Computer
|
1 |
front I/O connectors |
Plug USB and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see Front I/O Connectors). |
||
|
2 |
3.5-inch drive bays (2) |
Can hold an optional Media Card Reader or floppy drive. |
||
|
3-6 |
5.25-inch drive bays (4) |
Can hold a CD/DVD drive, or a SATA hard drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay carrier. NOTE: The hard-drive carrier is only for use in the 5.25-inch drive bays. The floppy-drive/Media Card Reader and hard-drive carriers are not interchangeable. |
||
|
7 |
front panel LEDs (4) |
Multi-colored lights provide illumination for the front of the computer. NOTE: The color of the front panel LEDs can be adjusted in system setup (see System Setup). |
||
|
8 |
CD/DVD drive tray eject button (4) |
Use to eject the drive tray of a CD/DVD drive. NOTE: The CD/DVD drive tray eject button is not a handle. The self-tending doors open automatically when the eject button is pressed and the drive tray is ejected. |
||
|
9 |
front panel LEDs (4) |
Multi-colored lights provide illumination for the front of the computer. NOTE: The color of the front panel LEDs can be adjusted in system setup (see System Setup). |
||
|
10 |
power button |
Press to turn on the computer.
NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the system or to place it into a power-saving state (see Power Management). |
||
|
11 |
power light |
The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
|
||
|
12 |
computer stand |
Attach the computer stand to provide stability to the system.
|
|
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 |
diagnostic lights (4) |
Use the sequence of these diagnostics lights to help troubleshoot a problem with your computer (see Diagnostic Lights). |
|
4 |
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. |
|
5 |
network link light |
The network link light is on when a good connection exists between a network and the computer. |
|
6 |
USB 2.0 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. |
|
7 |
IEEE 1394 connector |
Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. |
|
1 |
power connector |
Insert the power cable. The appearance of this connector may differ from what is pictured. |
|
2 |
back panel LEDs (2) |
Multi-colored lights provide illumination for the I/O panel on the back of the computer. NOTE: The color of the back panel LEDs can be adjusted in system setup (see System Setup). |
|
3 |
back I/O connectors |
Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see Back I/O Connectors). |
|
4 |
card slots |
Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express cards. NOTE: Some connector slots support full-length cards. |
|
1 |
link integrity light |
|
|
2 |
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. |
|
3 |
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. |
|
4 |
keyboard connector |
Plug a standard PS/2 keyboard into the purple keyboard connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a keyboard to the computer. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector. |
|
5 |
mouse connector |
Plug a standard PS/2 mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector. |
|
6 |
side surround sound connector |
Use the (silver) side surround connector to attach additional speakers. |
|
7 |
center subwoofer/LFE connector |
Use the (orange) subwoofer connector to attach a single subwoofer. 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. |
|
8 |
surround sound connector |
Use the (black) surround sound connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. |
|
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 speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. |
|
11 |
microphone connector |
Use the (pink) microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. |
|
12 |
S/PDIF connector |
Use the S/PDIF connector to transmit digital audio without going through an analog audio conversion process. |
|
13 |
serial connector |
Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial port. If necessary, the address for this port can be modified through system setup (see System Setup). |
|
14 |
USB 2.0 connectors (6) |
Use the back 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 flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. |
|
15 |
IEEE 1394 connector |
Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. |
|
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
|
CAUTION: Your computer is heavy and can be difficult to maneuver. Seek assistance before attempting to lift, move, or tilt the computer and always lift correctly to avoid injury; avoid bending over while lifting. |
|
CAUTION: The computer stand should be installed at all times to ensure maximum system stability. Failure to install the stand could result in the computer tipping over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer. |
|
NOTE: If the thumb screw is not already installed in the stand, it has been packaged separately. |
|
1 |
captive screw |
2 |
stabilizing feet (closed) |
3 |
computer stand |
|
4 |
slots (6) |
|
|
|
|
|
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: Depending on the options selected when you purchased your computer, your video card may have two DVI ports, or one DVI and one VGA port. |
|
1 |
DVI (white) connector |
2 |
TV-OUT connector |
3 |
VGA (blue) connector |
|
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
|
NOTE: If your monitor has a VGA connector and your computer does not have a VGA port, follow the instructions in Connecting a Monitor (With an Adapter). |
The computer performs a shutdown of the operating system, and then turns off.
|
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds. |
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.
|
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. |
The computer performs a shutdown of the operating system, and then turns off.
|
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds. |
|
1 |
DVI (white) connector |
2 |
DVI-to-VGA adapter (optional) |
3 |
TV-OUT connector |
|
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
Dual graphics card configurations with multi-GPU technology enabled support only a single monitor. The monitor must be connected to the primary graphics card in order to function.
|
NOTE: If you have not modified your primary graphics card settings in the BIOS, then the left DVI connector at the rear of your computer is the default primary connector. |
|
NOTE: If your primary graphics card is equipped with two DVI ports and you are using a monitor with a VGA connector, a DVI-to-VGA adapter is required to connect the monitor (see Connecting a Monitor (With an Adapter)). |
The computer performs a shutdown of the operating system, and then turns off.
|
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds. |
To connect a monitor with a DVI connector, use the (white) DVI port on the primary graphics card.
To connect a monitor with a VGA connector, use the (blue) VGA port on the primary graphics card.
|
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 and use two or more monitors in a dual graphics card configuration, multi-GPU technology must be disabled. To disable multi-GPU, see Changing the Display Settings to Support Two or More Monitors. |
|
NOTE: Depending on the options selected when you purchased your computer, your video card may have two DVI ports, or one DVI and one VGA port. |
The computer performs a shutdown of the operating system, and then turns off.
|
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds. |
|
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. |
To connect two or more monitors directly to the DVI or VGA ports on your computer, see Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter).
To connect the VGA connectors of one or more monitors to the DVI port(s) on your computer, see 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: 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.
The computer performs a shutdown of the operating system, and then turns off.
|
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds. |
|
NOTE: Dual graphics card configurations with multi-GPU technology enabled support only a single monitor. In order to connect and use two or more monitors in a dual graphics card configuration with multi-GPU technology, multi-GPU must be disabled. |
The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.
For information on disabling multi-GPU technology, see the documentation that came with your graphics card.
For more information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the device user's guide in the Help and Support Center (click Start, click Help and Support, click User and system guides, click Device guides, and then click the guide for your graphics card).
|
NOTICE: In order to use the migrating option to convert a RAID configuration without losing data, your hard drive must initially be set up as a single drive RAID 0 array before the operating system is loaded onto the drive (see Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility for instructions). |
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 Dell XPS computer supports RAID level 0 and RAID level 1. A RAID level 0 configuration is recommended for high-performance programs while RAID level 1 is recommended for users that desire a high level of data integrity.
|
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.
|
NOTICE: Because a RAID level 0 configuration provides no data redundancy, a failure of one drive results in the loss of all data. To protect your data when using a RAID level 0 configuration, perform regular backups. |
RAID level 0 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 drive(s) 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 hard 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 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. |
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 Your RAID Configuration. For information 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 Nvidia MediaShield ROM utility and is performed before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses Nvidia MediaShield and is performed after you have installed the operating system and Nvidia RAID drivers.
Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin.
|
NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see System Setup Options. |
|
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. |
|
NOTE: Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing RAID configuration (see Converting From One RAID Configuration to Another RAID Configuration. |
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 Your RAID Configuration. 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.
To create a RAID 0 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Striping.
To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Mirroring.
|
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID 1 array and four drives per RAID 0 array. |
The Clear disk data prompt appears.
|
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step. |
The Array List window appears.
The Array Detail window appears.
|
NOTE: To delete an array, use the arrow keys to select the array and press <D>. |
Nvidia MediaShield allows you to create, view, and manage RAID configurations.
|
NOTE: Use Nvidia MediaShield to create a RAID configuration only when you are adding one or more new hard drives to an existing (non-RAID) single-drive computer, and you want to configure the new drive(s) into a RAID array. |
Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration using Nvidia MediaShield. 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 Your RAID Configuration.
|
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. |
|
NOTE: Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing RAID configuration (see Converting From One RAID Configuration to Another RAID Configuration. |
The NVIDIA Create Array Wizard appears and lists the disks that are available for configuration.
The Free Disk Selection window appears.
|
NOTE: Only RAID-enabled hard drives are listed as free disks. |
|
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID 1 array and four per RAID 0 array. |
The Clearing System Data window appears.
|
NOTICE: The Clear System Data option deletes all data on the selected drive. |
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists the array along with any other installed hard drives.
|
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. |
|
NOTE: If your computer currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume, your computer will become unbootable. |
The NVIDIA Delete Array Wizard appears.
A confirmation screen appears with the name and size of the array that you have marked for deletion.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists any remaining arrays along with any other installed hard drives.
|
NOTICE: In order to use the migrating option to convert a RAID configuration without losing data, your hard drive must initially be set up as a single drive RAID 0 array before the operating system is loaded onto the drive (see Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility for instructions). |
Nvidia MediaShield utilizes a one-step process known as migrating to change the current state of a disk or array without losing any data. If needed, additional hard drives can be added to an existing array, including a single-drive RAID 0 configuration for conversion to a two-drive RAID 0 configuration; however, the capacity of the resulting array must be equal to or greater than the size of the original configuration.
RAID 1 to RAID 1 conversions cannot be performed using the migrating process:
|
NOTICE: Additional hard drives to be used in the (migrated) array must be no smaller than any of the drives in the current configuration. |
|
NOTE: Ensure that all drives to be used in the RAID configuration are RAID-enabled (see Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode.) |
The NVIDIA Convert Array Wizard appears.
|
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step. |
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and displays the status of the upgrade/migration process along with any other installed hard drives.
|
NOTE: The time it takes to convert an array depends on several factors, such as the speed of the CPU, the type and size of the hard drive being used, the operating system, etc. |
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 and configurations. |
The NVIDIA Rebuild Array Wizard appears.
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. |
|
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 or tilt the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs. |
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 observe all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs. |
A CD player includes the following basic controls:
| 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 controls:
| 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).
|
NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing. |
For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window.
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.
|
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 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 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 Roxio Creator Plus. |
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click OK.
Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects.
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.
|
Media Type |
Read |
Write |
Rewritable |
|---|---|---|---|
CD-R | Yes | Yes | No |
CD-RW | Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
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 |
DVD-RAM | Maybe | No | No |
|
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:
For information on installing a media card reader, see Installing a Media Card Reader.
|
1 |
xD-Picture card and SmartMedia Card (SMC) |
2 |
Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo) |
3 |
Secure Digital card (SD/miniSD)/MultiMedia-Card (MMC/RS-MMC) |
|
4 |
CompactFlash card Type I and II (CF I/II) and MicroDrive card |
|
|
|
|
If you encounter resistance, remove the card, check for proper orientation, and then try again.
The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.
|
NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP SP1. |
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer wizard to move data from one computer to a new computer. You can move data such as:
The data can be transferred over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD/DVD or floppy disk.
To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:
The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears.
To copy data from the source computer:
After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.
To transfer data to the new computer:
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.
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 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 computer 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:
To immediately activate standby mode without a period of inactivity, click Start, 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 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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
The Advanced tab allows you to:
To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click OK.
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: