SETUP GUIDE
SETUP GUIDE Model DCMA
Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Contents Setting Up Your Studio 540 ����������������������������5 Solving Problems ����������������������������������������22 Before Setting Up Your Computer ���������������� 5 Network Problems ���������������������������������������� 22 Connect the Display ��������������������������������������� 6 Power Problems �������������������������������������������� 23 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse ���������������� 8 Memory Problems ���������������������������������������� 25 Connect the Network Cab
Contents Getting Help ��������������������������������������������������38 Technical Support and Customer Service ������������������������������������������������������������ 39 DellConnect™ ������������������������������������������������ 39 Online Services ���������������������������������������������� 39 Product Information �������������������������������������� 40 Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit ���������������������������������� 41 Before You Call ���������������������������
Setting Up Your Studio 540 This section provides information about setting up your Studio 540 and connecting peripherals. Before Setting Up Your Computer When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer. Restricting airflow around your Studio 540 may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least 10.2 cm (4 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.
Setting Up Your Studio 540 Connect the Display Your computer uses one of two different connectors for connecting the display. The HDMI connector is a high-performance digital connector that carries both video and audio signals for displays such as TVs and monitors with integrated speakers. The VGA connector carries only video signals for displays such as monitors and projectors. -OR- NOTE: A DVI connector may be available on your computer if you purchased an optional discreet graphics card.
Setting Up Your Studio 540 Connect the Video Cable to the Display Check your TV or monitor to see which type of connectors are available. Refer to the following table when identifying the connectors on your display to select the connection type you will use. HDMI VGA If your computer has a DVI connector, use the VGA cable (with blue connectors at both ends) with a DVI-to-VGA adapter (white connector).
Setting Up Your Studio 540 Connect Using the HDMI Connector Connect the display using an HDMI cable. Connect Using the DVI Connector (Optional) Connect the display using a DVI cable. NOTE: You can purchase additional HDMI and DVI cables from the Dell website at dell.com. 8 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse Use the USB connectors on the back panel of the computer to attach a USB keyboard and mouse.
Setting Up Your Studio 540 Connect the Network Cable (Optional) A network connection is not required to complete your computer setup, but if you have an existing network or Internet connection that uses a cable connection (such as a home cable modem or Ethernet jack), you can connect it now. Use only an Ethernet cable (RJ45 connector). Do not plug a telephone cable (RJ11 connector) into the network connector.
Setting Up Your Studio 540 Connect the Power Cables for Your Display and Computer 10 Press the Power Buttons on Your Computer and Display
Setting Up Your Studio 540 Windows Vista Setup To set up Windows Vista for the first time follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection. ® NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable.
Setting Up Your Studio 540 • Wireless LAN (WLAN) connections that provide Internet access using WiFi 802.11 technology. Wireless LAN support requires optional internal components that may or may not be installed in your computer based on decisions made at the time of purchase. NOTE: If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not part of your original order, you can purchase one from the Dell website at dell.com.
Setting Up Your Studio 540 If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following section. NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later. NOTE: Have your ISP information ready.
Using Your Studio 540 Your computer has indicators, buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks. Front View Features 1 Service Tag (located on top of the chassis towards the back) — Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support. 2 Optical drive — Plays or records only standard-size (12 cm) CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™.
Using Your Studio 540 4 Optical drive eject button — Press to eject a disc from the optical drive. 5 6 7 8 IEEE 1394 connector — Connects to high-speed serial multimedia devices such as digital video cameras. • Blinking white — the computer is in sleep state. Line-in or microphone connector — Connects to a microphone for voice or to an audio cable for audio input. • Solid white — the computer is in power-on state. • Blinking amber — there may be a problem with the system board.
Using Your Studio 540 10 Front-panel door grip — Slide up the front panel door grip to cover the FlexBay drive, USB connectors, IEEE 1394 connector, headphone connector, and microphone connector.
Using Your Studio 540 Back View Features 1 Security cable slot — Connects to a lock for a security cable used as an anti-theft device. 7 6 5 1 2 3 4 4 2 5 6 3 7 NOTE: Before you buy a lock, ensure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer. Padlock rings — Attach a commercially available anti-theft device. Expansion card slots (4) — Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express cards.
Using Your Studio 540 Back Panel Connectors 1 2 3 4 IEEE 1394 connector — Connects to high-speed serial multimedia devices such as digital video cameras. Network connector and light — Connects your computer to a network or broadband device. The network activity light flashes when the computer is transmitting or receiving data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady “on” state.
Using Your Studio 540 5 Line-in connector — Connects to a microphone for voice or audio input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. 6 Front L/R line-out connector — Connects to headphones and speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. 7 Microphone connector — Connects to a record/playback device such as a microphone, cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
Using Your Studio 540 Software Features NOTE: For more information about the features described in this section, see the Dell Technology Guide available on your hard drive or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Productivity and Communication You can use your computer to create presentations, brochures, greeting cards, fliers, and spreadsheets. You can also edit and view digital photographs and images. Check your purchase order for software installed on your computer.
Using Your Studio 540 Customizing Your Energy Settings Backing Up Your Data You can use the power options in your operating system to configure the power settings on your computer. Microsoft® Windows Vista® provides three default options: It is recommended that you periodically back up files and folders on your computer. To back up files: • Balanced — This power option offers full performance when you need it and saves power during periods of inactivity.
Solving Problems This section provides troubleshooting information for your computer. If you are unable to solve your problem using the following guidelines, see “Using Support Tools” on page 28 or “Contacting Dell” on page 43. CAUTION: Only trained service personnel should remove the computer cover. See the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com for advanced service and troubleshooting instructions.
Solving Problems Wired Connections If the network connection is lost — The cable is loose or damaged. • Check the cable to ensure it is plugged in and not damaged. The link integrity light on the integrated network connector lets you verify that your connection is working and provides information on the status: • Green — A good connection exists between a 10/100-Mbps network and the computer. • Orange — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps network and the computer.
Solving Problems If the power light is solid white and the computer is not responding — The display may not be connected or powered on. Ensure that the display is properly connected and then turn it off, then back on. If the power light is blinking white — The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the pointer on the trackpad or a connected mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
Solving Problems Memory Problems If you receive an insufficient memory message — • Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem. • See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). • Reseat the memory modules (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Solving Problems Lockups and Software Problems If the computer does not start up — Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet. If the computer stops responding — NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. 2. Click Applications. Turn the computer off.
Solving Problems If a solid blue screen appears — Turn the computer off. If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your pointer or mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer. If you have other software problems — • Back up your files immediately. • Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive or CDs.
Using Support Tools Dell Support Center The Dell Support Center helps you find the service, support, and system-specific information you need. For more information about Dell Support Center and available support tools, click the Services tab at support.dell.com. Click the icon in the taskbar to run the application.
Using Support Tools System Messages If your computer has an issue or error, it may display a System Message that will help you identify the cause and action needed to resolve the issue. NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the following examples, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. Alternatively you could see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Using Support Tools • If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device. • Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). No timer tick interrupt — A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or motherboard failure (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Using Support Tools 3. In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps. Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in “Lockups and Software Problems” on page 26 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin. NOTE: Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers.
Using Support Tools NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media. 4. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive. Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media 1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities media. 2. Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.
System Recovery Options You can restore your operating system in the following ways: • System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files. • Dell Factory Image Restore returns your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
System Recovery Options Starting System Restore 1. Click Start . 2. In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press . NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action. 3. Click Next and follow the remaining prompts on the screen. In the event that System Restore did not resolve the issue, you may undo the last system restore.
System Recovery Options operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using Factory Image Restore. Dell Factory Image Restore 1. Turn on the computer.
System Recovery Options Operating System Reinstallation Before you Begin If you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver. See “System Restore” on page 33.
System Recovery Options 4. Restart the computer. 5. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again. NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program. 6.
Getting Help If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem: 1. See “Solving Problems” on page 22 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. 2. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 31 for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics. 3. Fill out the “Diagnostic Checklist” on page 42. 4. Use Dell’s extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (support.dell.
Getting Help Technical Support and Customer Service Dell’s support service is available to answer your questions about Dell hardware. Our support staff uses computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers. To contact Dell’s support service, see “Before You Call” on page 42 and then see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell. com.
Getting Help Dell Support e-mail addresses • mobile_support@us.dell.com • support@us.dell.com • la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) • apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses • apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) • sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only) Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) • ftp.dell.com Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.
Getting Help Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows: 1. Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box. 2. For the telephone number to call for your region, see “Contacting Dell” on page 43. 3. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return. 4.
Getting Help Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. You may also be asked for your Service Tag (located on the top of your computer). Remember to fill out the following Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer.
Getting Help a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell. • Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code: • Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed: Contacting Dell For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: reinstall your operating system. your Operating System disc. run a diagnostic program for your computer, reinstall desktop system software, or update drivers for your computer, and readme files. the Drivers and Utilities disc. learn more about your operating system, maintaining peripherals, RAID, Internet, Bluetooth®, networking, and e-mail. the Dell Technology Guide available on your hard drive.
Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: find safety best practices information for your computer. Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell/regulatory_ compliance. review Warranty information, Terms and Conditions (U.S. only), Safety instructions, Regulatory information, Ergonomics information, and End User License Agreement.
Specifications Computer Model Processor Studio 540 Type This section provides information that you may need when setting up, updating drivers for, and upgrading your computer. NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start → Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
Specifications Drives Memory Externally accessible two 5.25-inch drive bays for SATA DVD+/-RW Super Multi Drive or Blu-ray Disc™ combo or Bluray Disc RW optical drive Memory type 800 MHz, DDR2 DIMM Minimum 1 GB Maximum 4 GB (32-bit operating system) 8 GB (64-bit operating system) one 3.5 inch bay for FlexBay Internally accessible two 3.
Specifications Computer Information Expansion Bus RAID support RAID 0 (striping) RAID 1 (mirroring) BIOS chip (NVRAM) 8 MB PCI Express • x16 slot bi-directional speed - 8 GB/s Expansion Bus Bus types PCI 2.3 PCI Express 1.0A (x1) PCI Express 2.0 (x16) SATA 1.0, 2.0, and USB 2.0 SATA 1.5 Gbps and 3.0 Gbps USB 480 Mbps high speed, 12 Mbps full speed, and 1.
Specifications Expansion Bus Audio PCI Express x1 Type Realtek ALC888S, High Definition Audio Connectors two Connector size 36 pins System Board Connectors Connector data width (maximum) 1 PCI Express lane Chassis fan one 3-pin connector Front panel audio HDA header one 10-pin connector PCI Express x16 Connectors one Front panel control one 10-pin connector Connector size 164 pins connectors Internal USB device Connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lane five 10-pin connecto
Specifications System Board Connectors External connectors PCI Express x16 one 164-pin connector Video one VGA and one HDMI connector Power one 24-pin connector Network adapter RJ45 connector Power 12 V one 4-pin connector USB Processor 775 pin Processor fan one 4-pin connector two front-panel and four back-panel USB 2.0 compliant connectors Serial ATA four 7-pin connectors Audio six connectors for 7.1 support Physical S/PDIF one S/PDIF connector Height 362 mm (14.
Specifications Power Computer Environment Temperature ranges: DC Power Supply Wattage 300 W/350 W NOTE: The 300 W power supply will be used in Energy star systems. Maximum heat dissipation 75 W (300 W PSU) 188.5 W (350 W PSU) NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using the power supply wattage rating. Voltage 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 7.0 A/4.
Specifications Computer Environment Computer Environment Maximum shock (measured with hard drive in head-parked position and a 2-ms half-sine pulse): Altitude (maximum): Operating Storage 52 40 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 20 inches/sec [51 cm/ sec]) 105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 50 inches/sec [127 cm/ sec]) Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft) Storage –15.
Appendix The information in this document applies to the products listed below: • Studio • Studio 540 • Studio 540n Macrovision Product Notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners.
Index B via DSL 12 via WLAN 12 backups creating 21 conserving energy 21 Contacting Dell online 43 C calling Dell 42 card reader 16 customer service 39 customizing your desktop 20 CDs, playing and creating 20 chipset 47 coaxial digital cables 19 your energy settings 21 D computer capabilities 20 data, backing up 21 connect(ing) DellConnect 39 displays 6 Dell Diagnostics 31 optional network cable 9 Dell Factory Image Restore 33 to the Internet 11 Dell Support Center 28 using dial-up 11 Del
Index Dell Technology Guide for futher information 44 H hard drive Diagnostic Checklist 42 type 47 drivers and downloads 45 hard drive activity light 15 DVDs, playing and creating 20 hardware problems diagnosing 30 E eject button 15 email addresses Hardware Troubleshooter 30 HDMI connector location 19 for technical support 40 energy conserving 21 expansion bus 48 F finding more information 44 front-side connectors 14 FTP login, anonymous 40 display 6 headphone front connector 15 help getting as
Index ISP Internet Service Provider 11 N network connection fixing 23 L line-in connector 15 network connector M network speed media card reader 16 memory minimum and maximum 47 memory problems solving 25 Memory Stick reader 16 location 18 testing 22 O order status 40 P power button and light 15 memory support 47 power connector 17 microphone connector 15 power problems, solving 23 Microsoft Windows Vista 11 problems, solving 22 MMC 16 processor 46 Multi Media Card reader 16 products inf
Index R worldwide 39 reinstalling Windows 33 system board connectors 49 resources, finding more 44 System Messages 29 restoring factory image 34 system reinstall options 33 System Restore 33 S SD card reader 16 T SDHC card reader 16 technical support 39 security cable slot 17 temperature operating and storage ranges 51 shipping products for return or repair 41 software features 20 software problems 26 solving problems 22 S/PDIF connector 19 specifications 46 support email addresses 40 support
Index Windows Vista Program Compatibility Wizard 26 reinstalling 36 setup 11 wireless network connection 22 X xD-Picture Card reader 16 58
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