Dell 546s manual

SETUP GUIDE INSPIRON ™[...]

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Models DCSLE and DCSLF 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 Extend the Rear Stabilizing Feet ........... 6 Connect the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse ......... 9 Connect the Network Cable (Optional) .... 1 0 Connect the Power Cables to Y our Display and Computer ...[...]

4 Contents Getting Help ........................ 42 T echnical Support and Customer Service .............................. 4 3 DellConnect ™ ......................... 4 3 Online Services ....................... 4 4 Automated Order -Status Service ......... 4 5 Product Information .................... 4 5 Returning Items for Repair Under W arranty[...]

5 INSPIRON Setting Up Y our Inspiron ™ Desktop This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 535s/537s/545s/546s 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 [...]

6 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Extend the Rear Stabilizing Feet With the computer sitting in an upright position, carefully lift the rear of the computer , and rotate the stabilizing feet outwards. The extended feet ensure maximum system stability .[...]

7 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[...]

8 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 , [...]

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

10 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Connect the Network Cable (Optional) NOTE: The exact location of connectors may be different than what is shown. 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[...]

11 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Connect the Power Cables to Y our Display and Computer Press the Power Button on Y our Computer and Display[...]

12 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop 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 agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an I[...]

13 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Dial- • up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable (or satellite) modem connections. Y our computer does not have an integrated modem. An optional USB modem must be used for dial-up service with this computer . Wire[...]

14 Setting Up Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Setting Up Y our Internet Connection T o set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut: Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs. Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft 2. ® Windows ® desktop. Follow the instructions on the screen to 3. complete the setup. If you[...]

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

INSPIRON 16 Using Y our Inspiron ™ Desktop 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9[...]

17 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop 1 FlexBay drive eject button — Press to open the FlexBay drive panel. 2 FlexBay drive panel — Supports a Media Card Reader or an additional hard drive. 3 Power button — T urns the computer on or off when pressed. The light in the center of this button indicates the power state: Solid white — the computer i[...]

18 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Back View Features 1 2 3 4 5 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 . [...]

19 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 52. 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[...]

20 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop 7 1 5 6 7 1 5 6 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 Features NOTE: For more information about the features described in this section, see the Dell T echnology Guide avai[...]

21 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop including CDs, Blu-ray Discs (if the option is selected at the time of purchase), and DVDs. Y ou can download or copy pictures and video files from portable devices, such as digital cameras and cell phones. Optional software applications enable you to organize and create music and video files that can be recorded [...]

22 Using Y our Inspiron™ Desktop Backing Up Y our Data It is recommended that you periodically back up files and folders on your computer . T o back up files: Click 1. Start → Control Panel → System and Maintenance → Welcome Center → T ransfer files and settings . Click 2. Back up files or Back up computer . Click 3. Continue on the User [...]

23 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 30 or “Contacting Dell” on page 48. WARNING: Only trained service personnel should remove the computer cover . See the Service Manual on[...]

24 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[...]

25 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[...]

26 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[...]

27 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[...]

28 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 [...]

29 Solving Problems Ensure that the program is installed and – configured properly . V erify that the device drivers do not – conflict with the program. If necessary , uninstall and then reinstall – the program.[...]

INSPIRON 30 Using Support T ools 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 provi[...]

31 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[...]

32 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[...]

33 Using Support T ools 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[...]

34 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[...]

35 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 48. Ensure that the computer is connected to an 1. electrical outlet that is known to be working [...]

36 Using Support T ools 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 versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer . When the Dell Diag[...]

37 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[...]

38 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[...]

39 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[...]

40 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 [...]

41 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 42 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. 23 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 34 for 2. procedures on how to run Dell Diag[...]

43 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 47 and then see the contact information for your [...]

44 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[...]

45 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[...]

46 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[...]

47 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[...]

48 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 [...]

49 Getting Help Click 3. Contact Us on the left side of the page. 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 50 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[...]

51 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 52 Specifications Computer Model Inspiron 535s Inspiron 537s Inspiron 545s Inspiron 546s 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 S[...]

53 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 half-height cards PCI Express x1 one slot supporting half-height cards PCI two slots supporting half-height cards Computer Environment T emperature ranges: Operati[...]

54 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[...]

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

56 Specications By model 535s 545s 546s 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-compl[...]

57 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 58 B backups creating 22 C calling Dell 47 CDs, playing and creating 20 computer capabilities 20 connect(ing) displays 7 optional network cable 10 to the Internet 12 using dial-up 13 conserving energy 21 Contacting Dell online 48 customer service 43 customizing your desktop 21 your energy settings 21 D data, backing up 22 DellConnect 43 De[...]

59 Index E email addresses for technical support 44 energy conserving 21 F finding more information 50 front-side connectors 16 FTP login, anonymous 44 H hard drive type 52 hardware problems diagnosing 34 Hardware T roubleshooter 34 HDMI display 7 headphone front connector 17 help getting assistance and support 42 I Internet connection 12 ISP Inter[...]

60 Index network speed testing 23 O order status 44 P power button and light 17 power problems, solving 25 problems, solving 23 products information and purchasing 45 R reinstalling Windows 37 resources, finding more 50 restoring factory image 39 S shipping products for return or repair 46 software features 20 software problems 27 solving problems [...]

61 Index U USB 2.0 back connectors 19 front connectors 17 W warranty returns 46 Windows, reinstalling 37 Windows Vista Program Compatibility Wizard 28 reinstalling 41 setup 12 wireless network connection 23[...]

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Printed in the U.S .A. www . dell.c om | support. dell. com[...]