Dell A840 manual

V ostro™ | A840/A860 Setup and Quick Reference Guide book.book Page 1 Thursday, September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates importan t information that helps you make better use of your computer . NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potent ial damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for pr operty damage, personal injury , or death. Macrovision Pr[...]

Contents 3 Contents About Y our Computer . . . . . . . . 7 Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Battery Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . 17 Setting Up Y our Internet Co[...]

Contents 4 Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Dell T echnical Update Service . . . 49 Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . 49 Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . 51 Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . 51 Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 [...]

Contents 5 Before Y ou Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 book.book Page 5 Thursday, September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Contents 6 book.book Page 6 Thursday, September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

About Your Computer 7 About Y our Computer Front View D EVICE STATUS LIGHTS The lights located on the palm rest towards the front of the computer indicate the following: 1 device status lights 2 audio connectors 3 touch pad 1 3 2 Power light – T urns on when you turn on the computer , and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. Ha[...]

About Your Computer 8 AUDIO CONNECTORS TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. Right View Attach headphones to the connector Attach a microphone to the connector 1 display 2 keyboard status lights 3 AC adapter connector 4 modem connector 5 keyboard 6 optical drive eject button 7 optical drive light 8 optical drive 2 3 1 6 7 8 5 4 book.[...]

About Your Computer 9 DISPLAY — For more information on the display , see Dell T echnology Guide . K EYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS — The lights located above the keyboard indicate the following: AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer . The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer . Y ou can connect [...]

About Your Computer 10 Left View PC CARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter . The computer ships with a blank installed in the slot to prevent foreign matter from enteri ng the computer interior when a card is not installed. 3- IN -1 MEDIA CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital ph[...]

About Your Computer 11 NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45) VGA CONNECTOR SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer . AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. The fan automatically turns on when the computer gets ho[...]

About Your Computer 12 CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your Dell™ computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan[...]

About Your Computer 13 T o remove the battery: 1 Ensure that the computer is turned off. 2 Slide the two release latches on the bottom of the computer , and then remove the battery from the bay . T o replace the battery, slide the battery into the bay until it clicks into place. 1 battery 2 battery release latches (2) 1 2 book.book Page 13 Thursday[...]

About Your Computer 14 book.book Page 14 Thursday , September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Quick Setup 15 Quick Setup CAUTION: Befor e working inside your computer , r ead the safety inf ormation that shipped with your comput er . F or additional safet y best practices in formation, see the Regulat ory Compliance Homepage at www .dell.com/ regulatory_complianc e. CAUTION: The AC adap ter wor ks wit h electrical outlets worldwide. Ho weve[...]

Quick Setup 16 1 Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet. 2 Connect the network cable. 3 Connect USB devices, such as a mouse or keyboard. book.book Page 16 Thursday , September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Quick Setup 17 4 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer . NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer . 5 Connect to the Internet. See "Connecting to t[...]

Quick Setup 18 T o set up an Internet connection with a desktop shortcut provided by your ISP: 1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft ® Windows ® desktop. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want t[...]

Quick Setup 19 5 Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup. T ransferring Information to a New Computer NOTE: The instructions in this section are for computers with Windows Vista operating sy stem installed. 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click T ransfer files [...]

Quick Setup 20 book.book Page 20 Thursday , September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Specifications 21 Specifications 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 . Processor V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Processor type Intel ® Core™2 Duo Intel ® Pentium™ Dual-Core Intel ® Cele[...]

Specifications 22 Sy stem Information V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Chipset Intel GM965 Express/IC H8M Intel GM965 Express/ICH8M Data bus width 64 bits 64 bits DRAM bus width dual-channel (2) 64-bit buses dual-channel (2) 64-bit buses Processor address bus width 36 bits 36 bits Flash EPROM 2 MB 2 MB Graphics bus internal internal PCI bus 32 bits 32 bit[...]

Specifications 23 Minimum memory 512 MB 512 MB Maximum memory 4 GB 4 GB Memory (continued) V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Ports and Connectors V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Audio microphone connector , stereo headphone/speakers connector microphone connector , stereo headphone/ speakers connector Mini-Card one PCI-E Mini-Card slot one PCI-E Mini-Card slot M[...]

Specifications 24 3-in-1 Media Card Reader V ostro A840 V ostro A860 3-in-1 media memory card controller Ricoh 5C847 Ricoh R5C847 3-in-1 media memory card connector 3-in-1 combo card connector 3-in-1 combo card connector Cards supported SD/SDIO/MMC SD/SDIO/MMC Communications V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Modem: Ty p e v .92 Data/Fax MDC Modem v .92 Dat[...]

Specifications 25 Video V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Video type: integrated on sy stem board, hardware accelerated integrated on sy stem board, hardware accelerated Data bus integrated video integrated video Video controller Intel Extreme Graphics Intel Extreme Graphics Video memory up to 128 MB up to 128 MB Audio V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Audio type [...]

Specifications 26 Speaker one 4-ohm speaker one 4-ohm speaker Internal speaker amplifier 2-W channel into 4 ohms 2-W channel into 4 ohms V olume controls program menus program menus Audio (continued) V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Display V ostro A840 V ostro A860 T ype (active-matrix TF T) WXGA HD Active area (X/Y) 303.36 x 189.6 344.23 x 193.53 Dimens[...]

Specifications 27 Viewing angles: WXGA Horizontal 40/40° 40/40° WXGA V ertical 15/30° 15/30° Pixel pitch: HD 0.2373 0.255 Power Consumption ( panel with backlight) (typical): WXGA 6.2 W (max) with no inverter losses 6 .5 W (max) with no inverter losses Display (continued) V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Keyboard V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Number of ke[...]

Specifications 28 T ouch Pad V ostro A840 V ostro A860 X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) 240 cpi 240 cpi Size: Width 73.0-mm (2.9-inch) sensor -active area) 73. 0-mm (2.9-inch) sensor -active area) Height 42.9-mm (1.7-inch) rectangle) 42. 9-mm (1.7-inch) rectangle) Battery V ostro A840 V ostro A860 T ype 6-cell “smart” lithium ion 4[...]

Specifications 29 V oltage 11.1 VDC (6-cell) 14.8 VDC (4-cell) 11.1 VDC (6-cell) 14.8 VDC (4-cell) Charge time (approximate) : 4 hours (when computer is off) 4 hours (when computer is off) Operating time Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditi ons and can be significantly reduced under certain power -intensive conditions. See D[...]

Specifications 30 AC Adapter V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Input voltage 100–240 V AC 100–240 V AC Input current (maximum) 1.5 A 1.5 A Input frequency 50–60 Hz 50–60 Hz Output current 4.34 A (maximum at 4-second pulse); 3.34 A (continuous) 4.34 A (maximum at 4-second pulse); 3.34 A (continuous) Output power 65 W 65 W Rated output voltage 19.5 +[...]

Specifications 31 T emperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) AC Adapter (continued) V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Phy sical V ostro A840 V ostro A860 Height 31.1mm to 35.6 mm (1.2 to 1.4 i nches) 31.5 to 36.8 mm (1.24 to 1.44 i[...]

Specifications 32 Relative humidity (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing) 5% to 95% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration (using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment): Operating 0.66 GRMS 0.66 GRMS Storage 1.3 GRMS 1.3 GRMS Maximum shock (measured with hard dr[...]

Troubleshooting 33 T roubleshooting CAUTION: T o guard against the likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other expected injuries, alway s unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover . CAUTION: Bef ore working inside your computer , read the safet y information that shipped with your comput er[...]

Troubleshooting 34 D ISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION — The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell Diagnosti cs (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). D RIVE NOT READY — The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay . See your Service Manual [...]

Troubleshooting 35 H ARD - DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR — The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the computer , remove the hard drive (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com ), and boot the computer from the media. Then, shut down t he computer , reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer . Run the Hard Disk Drive t[...]

Troubleshooting 36 I NVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION - PLEASE RUN S YS T E M S ETUP P ROGRAM — The sy stem configuration information does not match the hardware confi guration. The message is most likely to occur after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the sy stem setup program. See your Service Manual at support.d[...]

Troubleshooting 37 M EMORY DATA LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS , READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary , replace them. See your Service Manual at support.dell.com for more information. M EMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS , READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE — A [...]

Troubleshooting 38 N OT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES . E XIT SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — Y ou have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. O PERATING SY STEM NOT FOUND — Reinstall the hard drive (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com ). If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contactin[...]

Troubleshooting 39 T IME - OF - DAY CLOCK LOST POWER — Sy stem configuration se ttings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery . If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the sy stem setup program, then immediately exit the program (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com ). If the[...]

Troubleshooting 40 Sy stem Messages NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating sy stem or the program that was running when the message appeared. A LERT ! P REVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT BOOTING THIS SY STEM HAVE FAILED AT CHECKPOINT [ NNNN ]. F OR HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM , PLEASE NOTE [...]

Troubleshooting 41 N O TIMER TICK INTERRUPT — A chip on the sy stem board might be malfunctioning or sy stem board failure (see "Contacting Dell" on page 69 for assistance). USB OVER CURRENT ERROR — Disconnect the USB device. Use external power source for the USB device. NOTICE - H ARD D RIVE SELF MONITORING SYSTEM HAS REPORTED THAT A[...]

Troubleshooting 42 Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Befor e working inside your computer , read the safet y in formation that shipped with your comput er . F or additional safet y best practices in formation, see the Regulatory C ompliance Homepage at www .dell.com/ regulatory_c ompliance. When to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with [...]

Troubleshooting 43 NOTICE: If you wait too long and the operating sy stem logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft ® Windows ® desktop, and then shut down your computer and try again. NOTICE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities[...]

Troubleshooting 44 5 T ype 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed. 6 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version that is appropriate for your computer . 7 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test that you want to run, and follow the instruc[...]

Troubleshooting 45 I F THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power . • Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet. • Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly . ?[...]

Troubleshooting 46 • Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the sy stem board power connector (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com ). • Ensure that the main power cable and the front panel cable are securely connected to the sy stem board connector (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com ). E LIMINATE INTERF[...]

Troubleshooting 47 • Reseat the memory modules (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com ) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory . • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). I F YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS — • Reseat the memory modules (see your Service Manual a[...]

Troubleshooting 48 A program stops responding E ND THE PROGRAM — 1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the T ask Manager , and click the Applications tab. 2 Click to select the program that is no longer responding, and click End T ask . A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes installation instruct[...]

Troubleshooting 49 Other software problems C HECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION — • Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating sy stem installed on your computer . • Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See [...]

Troubleshooting 50 Click on the icon in the taskbar to run the application. The home page provides links to access: • Self Help (T roubleshooting, Security, Sy stem Performance, Network/Internet, Backup/ Recovery , and Windows Vista) • Alerts (technical support alerts relevant to your computer) • Assistance from Dell (T echnical Support with [...]

Reinstalling Software 51 Reinstalling Software Drivers Identifying Drivers If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary , update the driver . 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button™ , and right-click Computer . 2 Click Properties → Device Manager . NOTE: The User Accoun[...]

Reinstalling Software 52 NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear . If you are an administrator on the computer , click Continue ; otherwise, contact your administrator to enter the Device Manager . 3 Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties . 4 Click the Drivers tab → Roll Back Driver . If Device[...]

Reinstalling Software 53 5 At the Welcome Dell Sy stem Owner screen, click Next . NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities program display s drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer . If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed. If t hose drivers are not displayed, exit the Drivers and [...]

Reinstalling Software 54 6 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files. 7 When the name of t he appropriate driver appears, click the name of the driver → OK → Next . 8 Click Finish and restart your computer . Restoring Y our Operating Sy stem Y o u can restore your operating sy stem in the following [...]

Reinstalling Software 55 Starting Sy stem Restore 1 Click Start . 2 In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press <Enter>. 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 [...]

Reinstalling Software 56 operating sy stem to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver . See "Using Microsoft ® Windows ® Sy stem Restore" on page 54. NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard[...]

Reinstalling Software 57 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 sy stem setup program. 5 When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and press <Enter>. 6 Press any key to Boot from CD-ROM , and follow the instructi[...]

Reinstalling Software 58 book.book Page 58 Thursday , September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Finding Information 59 Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer . Some features or media may not be available in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer . Document/Media/Label Contents Service T ag/Express Service Code The Service T ag/Express Service Co[...]

Finding Information 60 Operating Sy stem Media The Operating Sy stem media is a CD or DVD that may have shipped with your computer . Reinstall your operating sy stem Safety, Regulatory, Wa rranty, and Support Documentation This type of information may have shipped with your computer . For additional regulatory information, see the Regulatory Compli[...]

Finding Information 61 Dell T echnology Guide The Dell T echnology Guide is available at support.dell.com. • About your operating sy stem • Using and maintaining devices • Understanding technologies such as RAID, Internet, Bluetooth ® wireless technology , e-mail, networking, and more. Microsoft ® Windows ® License Label Y our Microsoft Wi[...]

Finding Information 62 book.book Page 62 Thursday , September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Getting Help 63 Getting Help Obtaining Assistance CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover , first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. Follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer . If you experience a problem with your computer , you can complete the foll owing steps to diagnose an[...]

Getting Help 64 the Dell Accessories folder , double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions. For instructions on using the Dell Support, see "T echnical Support and Customer Service" on page 64. NOTE: Some of the following services are not alway s available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your lo[...]

Getting Help 65 Y ou can access Dell Suppor t through the following websites and e-mail addresses: • Dell Support websites: support.dell.com support.apj.dell.com (Asia Pacific and Japan only) support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) support.euro.dell.com (Europe only) • Dell Support e-mail addresses: mobile_support@us.dell.com support@us.dell.com supor[...]

Getting Help 66 Automated Order -Status Service T o check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com , or you can call the automated order -status service. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order . For the telephone number to call for your region, see "[...]

Getting Help 67 3 Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being retur ned (power cables, software floppy disks, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit. 4 Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials. Y ou are responsible for paying shipping expenses. Y ou are also responsible for insuring [...]

Getting Help 68 Diagnostics Checklist Name: Date: Address: Phone number: Service T ag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer): Express Service Code: Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician): Operating sy stem and version: Devices: Expansion cards: Are you connected to a network? Y es No Network, version[...]

Getting Help 69 Contacting Dell 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. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be availab[...]

Getting Help 70 book.book Page 70 Thursday , September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]

Index 71 Index B battery removal, 12 C connecting AC adapter, 16 Internet, 17 network, 17 network cable, 16 USB devices, 16 contacting Dell, 63, 69 D Dell contacting, 63, 69 software updates, 49 Support Utility, 49 technical support and customer service, 64 Technical Update Service, 49 Dell Diagnostics, 42 starting from the Drivers and Utilities me[...]

Index 72 documentation, 59 Dell Technology Guide, 61 Service Manual, 60–61 drivers, 51 Drivers and Utilities media, 59 identifying, 51 reinstalling, 51 returning to a previous version, 51 Drivers and Utilities media, 52, 59 Dell Diagnostics, 42 E End User License Agreement (EULA), 60 ergonomics information, 60 Express Service Code, 59 F finding i[...]

Index 73 N network connector description, 11 networks connecting, 17 Notebook System Software, 59 O operating system media, 55 operating system product key, 61 P phone numbers, 69 power power light conditions, 44 troubleshooting, 44 R regulatory information, 60 reinstalling drivers and utilities, 51 software, 51 S S.M.A.R.T, 41 safety information, [...]

Index 74 software problems, 48 reinstalling, 51 troubleshooting, 48–49 updates, 49 specifications AC adapter, 30 all, 21 audio, 25 battery, 28 communications, 24 display, 26 environmental, 31 keyboard, 27 memory, 22 physical, 31 ports and connectors, 23 processor, 21 system information, 22 touch pad, 28 video, 25 support, 63 contacting Dell, 69 D[...]

Index 75 troubleshooting ( continued ) programs and Windows compatibility, 48 software, 47–49 tips, 44 U updates software and hardware, 49 V view back, 10 front, 7–8 W warranty information, 60 Windows License label, 61 Windows Vista Program Compatibility wizard, 48 wizards Program Compatibility wizard, 48 book.book Page 75 Thursday , September [...]

Index 76 book.book Page 76 Thursday , September 25, 2008 2:38 PM[...]