NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in system setup, thus overriding options that you set through system setup. An exception is the External Hot Key option, which you can disable or enable only through system setup. For more information on configuring features for your operating system, see Windows Help and Support (click Start , and then click Help and Support).
You can use system setup as follows:
To set or change user-selectable features such as your computer password
To verify information about the computer's current configuration such as the amount of system memory
After you set up the computer, run system setup to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. You may want to write down the information for future reference.
The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer, such as:
System configuration
Boot order
Boot (start-up) configuration
Basic device configuration settings
System security and hard drive password settings
NOTE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change the system setup settings. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.
Viewing the System Setup Screen
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Microsoft Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
System Setup Screen
NOTE: For information about a specific item on a system setup screen, highlight the item and see the Help area on the screen.
On each screen, the system setup options are listed at the left. To the right of each option is the setting or value for that option. You can change settings that appear as white type on the screen. Options or values that you cannot change (because they are determined by the computer) appear less bright.
The upper-right corner of the screen displays help information for the currently highlighted option; the lower-right corner displays information about the computer. System setup key functions are listed across the bottom of the screen.
Commonly Used Options
Certain options require that you reboot the computer for new settings to take effect.
Changing the Boot Sequence
The boot sequence, or boot order, tells the computer where to look to find the software needed to start the operating system. You can control the boot sequence and enable/disable devices using the Boot Order page of the system setup program.
The Boot Order page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be installed in your computer, including but not limited to the following:
Diskette Drive
Internal HDD
USB Storage Device
CD/DVD/CD-RW drive
Modular bay HDD
NOTE: Only devices that are preceded by a number are bootable.
During the boot routine, the computer starts at the top of the list and scans each enabled device for the operating system start-up files. When the computer finds the files, it stops searching and starts the operating system.
To control the boot devices, select (highlight) a device by pressing the down-arrow or up-arrow key, and then enable or disable the device or change its order in the list.
To enable or disable a device, highlight the item and press the space bar. Enabled items are preceded by a number; disabled items are not preceded by a number.
To reorder a device in the list, highlight the device and press <u> to move the device up the list or <d> to move a device down the list.
Boot sequence changes take effect as soon as you save the changes and exit the system setup program.
Performing a One-Time Boot
You can set a one-time-only boot sequence without entering the system setup program (you can also use this procedure to boot the Dell Diagnostics on the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive).
Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
Turn on the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12>
immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
When the boot device list appears, highlight the device from which you
want to boot and press <Enter>.
The computer boots to the selected device.
The next time you reboot the computer, the previous boot order is restored.
Cleaning Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Computer, Keyboard, and Display
CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and remove any installed batteries. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys on the keyboard and to remove any dirt or lint from the display.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the computer or display, do not spray cleaning solution directly onto the display. Only use products specifically designed for cleaning displays, and follow the instructions that are included with the product.
Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with either water or a display cleaner. Do not use alcohol or an ammonia-based cleaner. Wipe the display gently working from the center to the edges until it is clean and any fingerprints are removed. Do not use excessive pressure.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the antiglare coating, do not wipe the display with soap or alcohol.
Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water and wipe the computer and keyboard. Do not allow water from the cloth to seep between the touch pad and the surrounding palm rest.
To clean your monitor screen, lightly dampen a soft, clean cloth with water. You can also use a special screen-cleaning tissue or solution suitable for the monitor's antistatic coating.
Wipe the keyboard, computer, and monitor plastics with a soft cleaning cloth moistened with a solution of three parts water and one part dishwashing detergent.
Do not soak the cloth or let water drip inside your computer or keyboard.
Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water, and wipe it gently across the
surface of the touch pad. Do not allow water from the cloth to seep
between the touch pad and the surrounding palm rest.
Mouse
NOTICE: Disconnect the mouse from the computer before cleaning the mouse
If your screen cursor skips or moves abnormally, clean the mouse.
Cleaning a Non-Optical Mouse
Clean the outside casing of the mouse with a cloth moistened with a mild
cleaning solution.
Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise,
and then remove the ball.
Wipe the ball with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Blow carefully into the ball cage or use a can of compressed air to dislodge
dust and lint.
If the rollers inside the ball cage are dirty, clean the rollers with a cotton
swab moistened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.
Recenter the rollers in their channels if they are misaligned. Ensure that
fluff from the swab is not left on the rollers.
Replace the ball and retainer ring, and turn the retainer ring clockwise
until it clicks into place.
Cleaning an Optical Mouse
Clean the outside casing of the mouse with a cloth moistened with a mild cleaning solution.
Media
NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the optical drive, and follow the instructions that come with the compressed air product. Never touch the lens in the drive.
If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your media, try cleaning the discs.
Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the
center hole.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.
With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the
unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the
disc.
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are also safe to use on DVDs.
