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 an optical or 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)
Use the sequence of these diagnostics lights to help troubleshoot a problem with your computer (see Dell Diagnostics).
NOTE: The color of the front panel LEDs can be adjusted in system setup (see System Setup).
8
optical drive tray eject button (4)
Use to eject the drive tray of an optical drive.
NOTE: The optical 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.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
No light — The computer is turned off.
Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.
Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving state.
Steady amber — There may be a problem with an installed device.
Blinking amber — An internal power problem may exist.
12
computer stand
Attach the computer stand to provide stability to the system.
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.
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
diagnostic lights (4)
Use the sequence of these diagnostics lights to help troubleshoot a problem with your computer (see Dell Diagnostics).
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.
Dell recommends 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.
Back View
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 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.
Back I/O Connectors
1
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.
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: Dell recommends 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
Optical S/PDIF connector
Use the optical S/PDIF connector to transmit digital audio without going through an analog audio conversion process.
13
RCA S/PDIF connector
Use the RCA S/PDIF connector to transmit digital audio without going through an analog audio conversion process.
14
USB 2.0 connectors (6)
Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
NOTE: Dell recommends 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.
Attaching the Computer Stand
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.
Remove the thumb screw that is installed on the base of the computer.
NOTE: If the thumb screw is not already installed in the stand, it has been packaged separately.
Insert the six alignment tabs into the corresponding slots on the base of the computer, then slide the
stand forward until all six tabs catch in the slots.
Ensure that the screw hole on the stand is aligned with the screw hole on the base of the computer.
Insert the captive screw into the screw hole, then tighten the screw to secure the stand to the base of
the computer.
1
captive screw
2
stabilizing feet (closed)
3
computer stand
4
slots (6)
With the help of an assistant, carefully set the computer upright.
Carefully, lift the rear of the computer and slide the stabilizing feet outward into the open position.
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: 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
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.
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).
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows XP, click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn off.
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.
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 XP, click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn off.
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 a Monitor in a Dual Graphics Card Configuration
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 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).
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows XP, click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn off.
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 or VGA connector of your monitor to the appropriate connector on the computer's
primary graphics card:
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.
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: 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.
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows XP, click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn off.
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 XP, click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn off.
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 to Support Two or More Monitors
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.
With your monitors connected and turned on, turn on the computer.
The Microsoft® Windows® desktop displays on the primary monitor.
Disable multi-GPU technology in the display settings (applies only to dual graphics card
configurations with multi-GPU technology enabled):
Enable clone mode or extended desktop mode in the display settings.
In clone mode, all monitors display the same image.
In extended desktop mode, you can drag objects from one screen to the other, increasing the amount of viewable work space.
For more information on changing the display settings for your graphics card, see the device's User's Guide in the Help and Support Center. (From the Help and Support Center, click User and system guides®Device guides, and then select the guide for your graphics card.)
About Your RAID Configuration
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 computer supports RAID level 0, RAID level 1, RAID level 5 (customer-installed), or RAID level 0+1 (customer-installed). 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.
RAID level 0 and RAID level 1 require a minimum of two drives. RAID level 5 requires a minimum of three drives. RAID level 0+1 requires a minimum of four drives.
RAID Level 0 Configuration
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 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.
RAID Level 0+1 Configuration
A RAID 0+1 array combines the high data access rate of a RAID level 0 array and the data protection (redundancy) of a RAID level 1 mirror by striping data across two drives and mirroring that striped data on a second set of two drives.
If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the other surviving drives. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drives. Also, because data is duplicated on the primary and additional drives, four 120-GB RAID level 1 drives collectively have a maximum of 240-GB on which to store data.
RAID Level 5 Configuration
RAID level 5 also uses data parity. RAID level 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more drives. It provides data striping at the byte level and also stripe error correction information (rotating parity array). This results in excellent performance and good fault tolerance. RAID level 5 is one of the most popular implementations of RAID.
RAID level 5 is faster than RAID level 1, but requires more hard drives than a RAID level 0 or RAID level 1 configuration.
If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the other surviving drives. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from the surviving drives. Also, because data is duplicated on the primary and additional drives, four 120-GB RAID level 1 drives collectively have a maximum of 360-GB on which to store data.
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the computer was purchased. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see About 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.
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.
Press <Ctrl><N> when prompted to enter the RAID BIOS.
NOTE: If the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
The Define a New Array window appears.
Press <Tab> to navigate to the RAID Mode field.
To create a RAID 0 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Striping.
To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Mirroring.
To create a RAID 0+1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Stripe Mirroring.
To create a RAID 5 configuration, use the arrow keys to select RAID 5.
Press <Tab> to navigate to the Free Disks field.
Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select a hard drive to include in the RAID array and then use the
right-arrow key to move the selected drive from the Free Disks field to the Array Disks field. Repeat for
each disk you want to include in the RAID array.
NOTE: Your computer supports a maximum of two drives per RAID 1 array and four drives per RAID 0 array.
After assigning the hard drives to an array, press <F9>.
The Clear disk data prompt appears.
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step.
Press <Y> to clear all data from the selected drives.
The Array List window appears.
To review the details of the array that you set up, use the arrow keys to highlight the array in the Array
Detail window and press <Enter>.
The Array Detail window appears.
NOTE: To delete an array, use the arrow keys to select the array and press <D>.
Press <Enter> to return to the previous screen.
Press <Ctrl><X> to exit the RAID BIOS.
Using NVIDIA MediaShield
NVIDIA MediaShield allows you to 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.
Creating a RAID Array
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.
After rebooting your computer, launch NVIDIA MediaShield.
Click Create under System Tasks.
The NVIDIA Create Array Wizard appears and lists the disks that are available for configuration.
Click Next.
Click Custom, then click Next.
Use the drop-down box to select Striping (RAID 0), Mirroring (RAID 1), Stripe Mirroring (RAID
0+1), or RAID 5.
Click Next.
The Free Disk Selection window appears.
NOTE: Only RAID-enabled hard drives are listed as free disks.
Click to select the drives that will make up the RAID configuration, click Next, and then click Next
again.
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.
Click Next.
Click Finish to create the RAID configuration.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists the array along with any other installed hard drives.
Deleting a RAID Array
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.
Launch NVIDIA MediaShield.
Click to select the array you want to delete.
Click Delete Array in the System Tasks pane.
The NVIDIADelete Array Wizard appears.
Click Next.
A confirmation screen appears with the name and size of the array that you have marked for deletion.
Click Finish to delete the RAID configuration.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and lists any remaining arrays along with any other installed hard drives.
Converting From One RAID Configuration to Another RAID Configuration
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 0 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.
Under RAID Mode Selection, select Mirroring, Striping, Strip Mirroring, or RAID 5 from the drop-
down menu.
Click Next.
NOTICE: You will lose all data on the selected drives in the next step.
Under Free Disk Selection, select the hard drive(s) you want to include in the (migrated) array by
clicking the checkbox beside it.
Click Finish.
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.
Rebuilding a RAID Configuration
If one of the hard drives in a RAID array fails, you can rebuild the array by restoring the data to a replacement drive.
NOTE: Rebuilding an array can only be performed on RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 0+1 configurations.
Launch NVIDIA MediaShield.
Click to select your RAID configuration (Mirroring) in the management utility window.
Select Rebuild Array in the System Tasks pane.
The NVIDIARebuild Array Wizard appears.
Click Next.
Select the hard drive you want to rebuild by clicking the checkbox beside it.
Click Next.
Click Finish.
The MediaShield RAID management utility window appears and displays the status of the rebuild process.
NOTE: You can use your computer while the computer is rebuilding the array.
NOTE: You can use any available (RAID-enabled) free disk to rebuild an array.
Using Multimedia
NOTICE: Do not press down on the optical drive 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 media.
To open the tray, press the eject button on the front of the drive.
Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray.
To close 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 media player (if available).
Copying CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) 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, DVD, or BD using Roxio Creator. You can also use Roxio Creator 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, and then press <F1>.
The DVD drives and BD drives installed in Dell computers do not support HD-DVD media. For a list of supported media formats, see Using Blank CD, DVD, and BD Media.
How to Copy a CD, DVD, or BD
NOTE: BD media can only be copied to other BD media. DVD media can only be copied to other DVD-recordable/rewritable media. CD media can only be copied to other CD-recordable/rewritable media.
NOTE: Copying a BD-R to BD-RE will not produce an exact copy. Border information will be lost.
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs and BDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Roxio Creator.
Open Roxio Creator Plus.
Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy.
To copy the CD, DVD, or BD:
If you have one optical drive, insert the source disc into the drive, ensure that the settings are correct, and then click the Copy Disc button to continue. The computer reads your source disc and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.
When prompted, insert a blank disc into the drive and click OK.
If you have two optical drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source disc and click the Copy Disc button to continue. The computer copies the data from the source disc to the blank disc.
Once you have finished copying the source disc, the disc that you have created automatically ejects.
Using Blank CD, DVD, and BD Media
CD-writable drives can only write to CD recording media. DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media. BD-writable drives can write to CD, DVD and BD recording media.
Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.
Blank DVD+/-R or BD-R media can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+/-R or BD-R, you cannot write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RW or BD-RE media if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.
CD-Writable Drives
Media Type
Read
Write
Rewritable
CD-R
Yes
Yes
No
CD-RW
Yes
Yes
Yes
DVD-Writable Drives
Media Type
Read
Write
Rewritable
CD-R
Yes
Yes
No
CD-RW
Yes
Yes
Yes
DVD+R
Yes
Yes
No
DVD-R
Yes
Yes
No
DVD+RW
Yes
Yes
Yes
DVD-RW
Yes
Yes
Yes
DVD+R DL
Yes
Yes
No
DVD-R DL
Yes
No
No
DVD-RAM
No
No
No
BD-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
Yes
No
No
DVD-RAM
No
No
No
BD-R
Yes
Yes
No
BD-RE
Yes
Yes
Yes
Helpful Tips
Use Microsoft Windows Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Roxio Creator and open a Creator project.
Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1–2 MB of the blank space to finalize the recording.
Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos.
Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.
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.
You cannot create audio DVDs with Roxio Creator.
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.
Commercially available BD players used in home theater systems may not support all available BD formats. For a list of formats supported by your BD player, see the documentation provided with your BD player or contact the manufacturer.
See the Roxio website at www.sonic.com for additional information.
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)
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.
Network Setup Wizard
The Microsoft Windows operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.
Windows XP:
Click Start, point to All Programs® Accessories® Communications, and then click Network Setup
Wizard.
On the welcome screen, click Next.
Click Checklist for creating a network.
NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP SP1.
Complete the checklist and required preparations.
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows Vista:
Click 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.
Windows XP:
To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:
Click Start, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard.
The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears.
Click Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer, and then click Next.
On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP
CD, and then click Next.
When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to the source (old) computer that contains
the data to be transferred. Do not click Next at this time.
To copy data from the source computer:
On the source computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD.
On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks.
Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings.
On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.
On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer, and then click Next.
On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method of your preference.
On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer, then click Next.
After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.
Click Finish.
To transfer data to the new computer:
On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next.
On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your files
and settings, and then click Next.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears.
Click Finished and restart the computer.
Windows Vista:
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 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 extended periods of time.
If you want to change the default settings for a scheme, click the drop-down menu in the Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System stand by, or System hibernates field, and then select a time-out from the displayed list. Changing the time-out for a scheme field permanently changes the default settings for that scheme, unless you click Save As and enter a new name for the changed scheme.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab allows you to:
Place the power options icon in the Windows taskbar for quick access.
Set the computer to prompt you for your Windows password before the computer exits from standby mode or hibernate mode.
Program the power button to activate standby mode, activate hibernate mode, or turn off the computer.
To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu and click OK.
Hibernate Tab
The Hibernate tab allows you to enable hibernate mode. If you want to use the hibernate settings as defined on the Power Schemes tab, click the Enable hibernate support check box on the Hibernate tab.
For more information on power management options:
Click Start®Help and Support®Performance and maintenance.
In the Performance and maintenance window, click Conserving power on your computer.
Power Management Options in Windows Vista
The 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.
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