Reference Guide
Table Of Contents
- Contents
- Finding Information
- Microsoft Windows Desktop
- Monitors and Displays
- Navigation Devices (Mouse, Keyboard, Touch Pad)
- Printers-Settings and Drivers
- Drives and Media
- Shutting Down Your Computer
- Windows Vista®
- Windows® XP
- Shutdown States
- Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer
- Shutting Down Your Computer When it Fails to Shut Down Normally
- Shutting Down a Computer When it Stops Responding and Displays a Solid Blue Screen
- Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode
- Restarting Your Computer After a Power Loss
- Files and Folders
- Managing Applications (Programs)
- Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security)
- Power (Power Settings, Power Protection Devices, and Batteries)
- Networks (LAN, Wireless, Mobile Broadband)
- Overview
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
- Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)
- Ad Hoc Networks
- Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network) Networks
- WiMAX
- WPAN
- Managing Your Network
- Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator
- Managing Networked Computers With Intel® Active Management Technology
- Accessing the Internet
- Overview
- Setting up Your Internet Connection
- Troubleshooting Problems Connecting to the Internet
- Web Browser Settings
- Internet Security and Privacy
- Controlling Pop-ups
- Controlling Unwanted Toolbars
- Content Advisory/Parental Controls
- Bookmarking Favorite Websites
- Searching for Information on the Internet
- Changing the Internet Communications Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings
- Printing a Web Page
- Freeing up Space and Protecting Your Computer
- Maintaining Privacy by Blocking and Deleting Cookies
- Multimedia (CDs/DVDs, 5.1 Audio, MP3s, TVs, Digital Cameras, and Projectors)
- Overview
- CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ Media
- 5.1 Audio
- Laptop Media Devices (MP3 Players)
- Playing Media Using the Dell Travel Remote
- Adjusting the Volume on Your Computer
- Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio Through the Media Software
- Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in the Windows Audio Driver
- Setting up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones
- Using a Digital Camera With Your Computer
- Using Windows Media Player
- Connecting Your Computer to a TV and Adjusting Display Settings
- Accessing a TV With Your Computer Using a TV Tuner Card
- Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device
- Physically Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device
- Performing the Basic Connection Steps
- Selecting the Correct Input Signal From the TV Menu
- Evaluating Suggested Connection Configurations
- Enabling the Display View for the Computer and the TV
- Configuring Display Settings
- Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel
- Using the Wizards
- Troubleshooting Display Settings
- Security and Privacy
- Protecting Your Computer-Using Administrator Rights, User Groups, and Passwords
- Smart Cards
- Fingerprint Readers
- Facial Recognition Software
- Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer
- Encrypting Files and Folders
- Using Antivirus Software
- Maintaining Security When Using a Public Wireless Network
- Reducing the Risk of Getting Computer Viruses
- Dealing With Cookies
- Avoiding Spyware and Malware
- Microsoft®Windows® XP Pro Remote Desktop
- Restoring Your Operating System
- Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Tools
- Solving Problems
- Battery Problems
- Drive Problems
- Optical Drive Problems
- E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
- Error Messages
- IEEE 1394 Device Problems
- Keyboard Problems for External Keyboards
- Lockups and Software Problems
- Memory Problems
- Mouse Problems
- Network Problems
- Power Problems
- Printer Problems
- Scanner Problems
- Sound and Speaker Problems
- Touch Pad or Mouse Problems for Laptop Computers
- Video and Monitor Problems
- Power Lights
- Dell Technical Update Service
- System Setup
- Ports
- Getting Help
- Glossary
296 Troubleshooting
Windows Vista
1
Click
Start
→
Control Panel
→
Hardware and Sound
→
Mouse
.
2
Adjust the settings as needed.
Windows XP
1
Click
Start →
Control Panel
→
Printers and Other Hardware
→
Mouse
.
2
Adjust the settings as needed.
REINSTALL THE MOUSE DRIVER — See "Installing Drivers for Media Drives" on
page 79.
R
UN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Windows Hardware
Troubleshooter" on page 280.
Network Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
C
HECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable is firmly
inserted into the network connector on the back of the computer and the network
jack.
C
HECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE BACK OF THE COMPUTER — If the link
integrity light is off (see the Service Manual for your computer or see "Diagnostic
Lights for Laptop Computers" on page 275), no network communication is occurring.
Replace the network cable.
R
ESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN
CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS — Contact your network administrator or the
person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are correct and
that the network is functioning.
R
UN THE HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTER — See "Windows Hardware
Troubleshooter" on page 280.
Power Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
I
F THE POWER LIGHT IS BLUE AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See
"Power Lights for Desktop Computers" on page 273 or "Diagnostic Lights for Laptop