Dell F970N manual

SETUP GUIDE INSPIRON ™[...]

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Models DCME and DCMF SETUP GUIDE INSPIRON ™[...]

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer . CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A W ARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury , or death. If you purcha[...]

3 Setting Up Y our Inspiron ™ Desktop . . . . . . . 5 Before Setting Up Y our Computer . . . . . . . . . 5 Connect the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . 8 Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . . 8 Connect the Power Cables to Y our Display and Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

4 Contents Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2 Automated Order -Status Service . . . . . . . . . 4 3 Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3 Returning Items for Repair Under W arranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 Before Y ou Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

5 INSPIRON Setting Up Y our Inspiron ™ Desktop This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 535/537/545/546 desktop and connecting peripherals. WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, read the safety information that shipped with your computer . For additional safety best practice information, see the [...]

6 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Connect the Display Y our computer has an integrated VGA video connector . Y ou can use this connector to connect to the display . NOTE: A DVI or HDMI connector may be available on your computer if you purchased an optional discrete graphics card. Refer to the following table when identifying the connectors on[...]

7 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Connect Using the HDMI Connector If your display has a DVI connector , use a DVI cable (with white connectors at both ends) with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter . NOTE: Y ou can purchase an HDMI-to-DVI adapter from the Dell website at www .dell.com . Connect Using the DVI Connector If your display has a VGA connector ,[...]

8 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Connect the Keyboard and Mouse NOTE: The exact location of connectors may be different than what is shown. Use the USB connectors on the back panel of the computer to connect a USB keyboard and mouse. Connect the Network Cable (Optional) NOTE: The exact location of connectors may be different than what is show[...]

9 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop 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 [...]

10 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Press the Power Button on Y our Computer and Display Windows Vista ® Setup T o set up Windows V ista 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[...]

11 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Connect to the Internet (Optional) NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country . T o connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). Y our ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options: DSL connections that provide hi[...]

12 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular tele[...]

13 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop NOTE: Have your ISP information ready . If you do not have an ISP , the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one. Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs. Click 2. Start → Control Panel . Under 3. Network and Internet , click Connect to the Internet . The Connect to the Inter[...]

INSPIRON 14 Y our computer has indicators and buttons that provide information and enable you to perform common tasks. The connectors on your computer provide the option of attaching additional devices. Front View Features 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Using Y our Inspiron ™ Desktop[...]

15 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop 1 Optical drive panel eject button (2) — Press to open or close the optical drive. 2 USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connects to USB devices such as memory keys, digital cameras, and MP3 players. 3 Headphone connector — Connects to headphones. NOTE: T o connect to a powered speaker or sound system, use the audio ou[...]

16 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Back View Features 1 2 4 5 3 1 Power connector — For power cable connection. Appearance may vary . 2 V oltage selector switch — For selecting the voltage rating. 3 Power supply diagnostic light — Indicates power availability for power supply . Green light — Power is available for • the power supply . [...]

17 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Back Panel Connectors NOTE: Some back panel connectors may not be available on your computer . For details, see “Specifications” on page 50. VGA video connector — Connects to the display . On computers with a video card, use the connector on the card. HDMI video connector — Connects to the display . On com[...]

18 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop 7 1 5 6 7 1 5 6 Microphone connector (pink) — Connects to a microphone for voice or audio input into a sound or telephony program. Line-out connector (green) — Connects to headphones and speakers with integrated amplifiers. Line-in connector (blue) — Connects to devices like cassette or CD players. Software [...]

19 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Entertainment and Multimedia Y ou can use your computer to watch videos, play games, create your own CDs, listen to music and radio stations. Y our optical disc drive may support multiple disc media formats including CDs, Blu-ray Discs (if the option is selected at the time of purchase), and DVDs. Y ou can downloa[...]

20 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Customizing Y our Energy Settings Y ou can use the power options in your operating system to configure the power settings on your computer . Microsoft ® Windows Vista ® provides three default options: Balanced • — This power option offers full performance when you need it and saves power during periods of[...]

21 INSPIRON 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 T ools” on page 28 or “Contacting Dell” on page 46. WARNING: Only trained service personnel should remove the computer cover . See the Service Manual on[...]

22 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 and network activity lights on the integrated network connector let you verify that your connection is working and provide information on the status: Link in[...]

23 Solving Problems Power Problems If the power light is off — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power . Reseat the power cable into both the • power connector on the computer and the electrical outlet. If the computer is plugged into a power strip, • ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet a[...]

24 Solving Problems If you encounter interference that hinders reception on your computer — An unwanted signal is creating interference by interrupting or blocking other signals. Some possible causes of interference are: Power , keyboard, and mouse extension • cables. T oo many devices connected to a power • strip. Multiple power strips[...]

25 Solving Problems If you experience other memory problems — Ensure that you are following the memory • installation guidelines (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com ). Check if the memory module is compatible • with your computer . Y our computer supports DDR2 memory . For more information about the t[...]

26 Solving Problems If the computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears — CAUTION: Y ou might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer [...]

27 Solving Problems If you have other software problems — Back up your files immediately . • Use a virus-scanning program to check the • hard drive or CDs. Save and close any open files or programs • and shut down your computer through the Start menu. Check the software documentation or • contact the software manufacturer for [...]

INSPIRON 28 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. The home page provides links to access: [...]

29 Using Support T ools Beep Codes Y our computer may emit a repetitive beep code during start-up to help troubleshoot problems when error messages cannot be displayed. NOTE: T o replace parts see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com . One beep — BIOS ROM checksum failure. Possible motherboard failure Contact Dell (s[...]

30 Using Support T ools 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 runnin[...]

31 Using Support T ools No boot device available — No bootable partition on hard disk drive, the hard disk drive cable is loose, or no bootable device exists. 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 t[...]

32 Using Support T ools Hardware T roubleshooter If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware T roubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility . T o start the Hardware T roubleshooter: Click 1. Start → Help and Support . T ype 2. hardware troubleshooter in t[...]

33 Using Support T ools Starting Dell Diagnostics From Y our Hard Drive The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive. NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see “Contacting Dell” on page 46. Ensure that the computer is connected to an 1. electrical outlet that is known to be working [...]

34 Using Support T ools When the boot device list appears, highlight 3. CD/DVD/CD-RW and press <Enter>. Select the 4. Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>. T ype 1 to start the CD menu and press 5. <Enter> to proceed. Select 6. Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple vers[...]

35 INSPIRON Y ou 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 Restor e retu rns yo ur har d drive to the[...]

36 System Recovery Options System Restore The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows you to restore your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. Any changes that Syste[...]

37 System Recovery Options Dell Factory Image Restore CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer . If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolv[...]

38 System Recovery Options Click 6. Dell Factory Image Restore . The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears. NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory T ools , then Dell Factory Image Restore . Click 7. Next . The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears. CAUTION: If you do not want to proceed with Factory [...]

39 System Recovery Options NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities disc contains drivers that were installed during the assembly of the computer . Use the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from which you ordered your computer , or whether you requested the disc, the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc an[...]

INSPIRON 40 If you experience a problem with your computer , you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem: See “Solving Problems” on page 1. 21 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 2. 32 for procedures on how to run Dell Diag[...]

41 Getting Help T echnical 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. T o contact Dell’ s support service, see “Before Y ou Call” on page 45 and then see the contact information for your [...]

42 Getting Help Online Services Y ou can learn about Dell products and services on the following websites: www .dell.com • www .dell.com/ap • (Asian/Pacific countries only) www .dell.com/jp • (Japan only) www .euro.dell.com • (Europe only) www .dell.com/la • (Latin American and Caribbean countries) www .dell.ca • (Cana[...]

43 Getting Help 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 your region, see “Conta[...]

44 Getting Help Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows: Call Dell to obtain a Return Material 1. Authorization Number , and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box. For the telephone number to call for your 2. region, see “Contacting Del[...]

45 Getting Help Before Y ou 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 . Y ou may also be asked for your Service T ag. Remember to fill out the following Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for[...]

46 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 [...]

47 Getting Help Select the appropriate service or support link 4. based on your need. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is 5. convenient for you.[...]

INSPIRON 48 Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: reinstall your operating system. your Operating System disc. find your system model number . the back of your computer . run a diagnostic program for your computer , reinstall desktop system software, or update drivers for your computer , and readme files. the Drivers and Utili[...]

49 Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: find safety best practices information for your computer . review W arranty information, T erms and Conditions (U.S. only), Safety instructions, Regulatory information, Ergonomics information, and End User License Agreement. Before working inside your computer , read the safety informat[...]

INSPIRON 50 Specifications Computer Model Inspiron 535 Inspiron 537 Inspiron 545 Inspiron 546 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 Suppo[...]

51 Specications Front Panel Connectors USB two USB 2.0-compliant connectors Audio one microphone connector; one headphone connector Expansion Slots PCI Express x16 one slot supporting full-height cards PCI Express x1 one slot supporting full-height cards PCI two slots supporting full-height cards Computer Environment T emperature ranges: Operati[...]

52 Specications Computer Environment Storage 105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2 msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 50 inches/ sec [127 cm/sec]) Altitude (maximum): Operating – 15.2 to 3,048 m ( – 50 to 10,000 ft) Storage – 15.2 to 10,668 m ( – 50 to 35,000 ft) Airborne contaminant level G2 or lower as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985 Power DC Powe[...]

53 Specications By model 535/537 545 546 Processor Intel ® Celeron ® Intel Celeron AMD ™ Sempron ™ Intel Pentium ® Dual-Core Intel Pentium Dual-Core AMD Athlon ™ Intel Core ™ 2 Duo Intel Core2 Duo AMD Athlon X2 Intel Core2 Quad (537 only) Intel Core2 Quad AMD Phenom ™ Memory Connectors two four four Minimum 1 GB (1 x 1 GB DIMM) 1 GB[...]

54 Specications By model 535/537 545 546 Back Panel Connectors Audio Microphone connector Microphone connector Microphone connector Line-out connector Line-out connector Line-out connector Line-in connector Line-in connector Line-in connector Side L/R surround connector Rear L/R surround connector Center/subwoofer connector USB four USB 2.0-comp[...]

55 INSPIRON Appendix 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. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporatio[...]

INSPIRON 56 B backups creating 20 C calling Dell 45 CDs, playing and creating 19 computer capabilities 18 connect(ing) displays 6 optional network cable 8 to the Internet 10 using dial-up 11 conserving energy 20 Contacting Dell online 46 customer service 41 customizing your desktop 19 your energy settings 20 D data, backing up 20 DellConnect 41 Del[...]

57 Index E email addresses for technical support 42 energy conserving 20 F finding more information 48 front-side connectors 14 FTP login, anonymous 42 H hard drive type 50 hardware problems diagnosing 32 Hardware T roubleshooter 32 HDMI display 6 headphone front connector 15 help getting assistance and support 40 I Internet connection 11 ISP Inter[...]

58 Index network speed testing 21 O order status 43 P power button and light 15 power problems, solving 23 problems, solving 21 products information and purchasing 43 R reinstalling Windows 35 resources, finding more 48 restoring factory image 37 S shipping products for return or repair 44 software features 18 software problems 25 solving problems [...]

59 Index U USB 2.0 back connectors 17 front connectors 15 W warranty returns 44 Windows, reinstalling 35 Windows Vista Program Compatibility Wizard 26 reinstalling 39 setup 10 wireless network connection 21[...]

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Printed in the U.S.A. 0 F 9 7 0 N A 0 0 www .dell.c om | support.dell. com[...]