Dell Vostro 1200 (Early 2009) User Manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.comDell™ Vostro™ 1200 Owner’s ManualModel PP16Sbook.book Page 1 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

10 Contentsbook.book Page 10 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

100 Troubleshootingbook.book Page 100 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

System Setup Program 10112System Setup ProgramOverview NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in the s

102 System Setup Program NOTE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change the system se

System Setup Program 103The Boot Order page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be installed in your computer, including but not

104 System Setup Program5When the boot device list appears, highlight the device from which you want to boot and press <Enter>.The computer boot

Reinstalling Software 10513Reinstalling SoftwareDriversWhat Is a Driver?A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyb

106 Reinstalling SoftwareMicrosoft® Windows® XP1Click Start→ Control Panel.2Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance, and click System

Reinstalling Software 107Windows Vista:1Click the Windows Vista start button , and right-click Computer.2Click Properties→ Device Manager. NOTE: The

108 Reinstalling Software6Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on the screen. If a particular driver is not listed,

Reinstalling Software 109If instructed to navigate to the driver files, click the CD/DVD directory on the driver information window to display the fil

Finding Information 111Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media m

110 Reinstalling Software7When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click the name of the driver→ OK→ Next.8Click Finish and restart your compu

Reinstalling Software 111permanently delete all data on the hard drive and remove any programs installed after you received the computer. Use Dell PC

112 Reinstalling SoftwareWindows Vista:1Click Start .2In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press <Enter>. NOTE: The User Account Co

Reinstalling Software 113Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore NOTICE: Using Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore permanentl

114 Reinstalling Software5When prompted, click Yes.The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screen

Reinstalling Software 1156Right-click Local Disk (C) in Windows Explorer, click Properties, and verify that the additional disk space is available as

116 Reinstalling SoftwareUsing the Operating System MediaBefore you BeginIf you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct a

Reinstalling Software 117 NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® de

118 Reinstalling Softwarebook.book Page 118 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Traveling With Your Computer 11914Traveling With Your ComputerIdentifying Your Computer• Attach a name tag or business card to the computer.• Write do

12 Finding Information•Warranty information• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)•Safety instructions•Regulatory information• Ergonomics information• End

120 Traveling With Your Computer• Avoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food. NOTICE: If the computer h

Traveling With Your Computer 121• Prior to entering the airplane, verify that using a computer is permitted. Some airlines forbid the use of electroni

122 Traveling With Your Computerbook.book Page 122 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Getting Help 12315Getting HelpObtaining AssistanceIf you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and

124 Getting HelpTechnical Support and Customer ServiceDell's support service is available to answer your questions about Dell™ hardware. Our supp

Getting Help 125• [email protected] (Latin America and Caribbean countries only)• [email protected] (Asian/Pacific countries only)• Dell Market

126 Getting HelpProduct InformationIf you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visi

Getting Help 127Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s automated-support telephone system di

128 Getting HelpDiagnostics ChecklistName:Date:Address:Phone number:Service Tag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer):Express Service Code:

Getting Help 129Contacting DellFor customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet conn

Finding Information 13• Service Tag and Express Service Code• Microsoft Windows License LabelService Tag and Microsoft® Windows® LicenseNOTE: Your com

130 Getting Helpbook.book Page 130 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Specifications 13116Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start

132 SpecificationsPCIe ExpressCard 54 mm PCI ExpressCard3-in-1 Card Reader Supports SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, MS Duo including SDHCCommunicationsModem Type

Specifications 133Speaker one 4-ohm speakersInternal speaker amplifier 1.5 W channel into 4 ohmsVolume controls keyboard shortcuts, program menusDispl

134 SpecificationsTouch PadX/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) 240 cpiSize:Width64.88 mm (2.55-inch) sensor-active areaHeight48.88-mm (1.92-

Specifications 135Output current65W3.9 A (maximum at 4-second pulse)3.34 A (continuous)Output power 65WRated output voltage 19.5 +/– 1 VDCDrivesOptica

136 SpecificationsRelative humidity (maximum):Operating10% to 90% (noncondensing)Storage5% to 95% (noncondensing)Maximum vibration (using a random-vib

Appendix 13717AppendixFCC Notice (U.S. Only)FCC Class BThis equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed an

138 AppendixThe following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with the FCC regulations: • Product

Appendix 139Mouse (Non-Optical)1Turn the retainer ring on the underside of your mouse counterclockwise, and then remove the ball.2Wipe the ball with a

14 Finding Information• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions• Communi

140 Appendix2With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edg

Glossary 141GlossaryTerms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your partic

142 GlossaryBlu-ray Disc™ (BD)— An optical storage technology offering storage capacity of up to 50 GB, full 1080p video resolution (HDTV required), a

Glossary 143CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs

144 Glossarydevice driver — See driver.DIMM — dual in-line memory module — A circuit board with memory chips that connects to a memory module on the s

Glossary 145DVD+RW drive — drive that can read DVDs and most CD media and write to DVD+RW (rewritable DVDs) discs.DVI — digital video interface — A st

146 GlossaryFFahrenheit — A temperature measurement scale where 32° is the freezing point and 212° is the boiling point of water.FBD — fully-buffered

Glossary 147Hhard drive — A drive that reads and writes data on a hard disk. The terms hard drive and hard disk are often used interchangeably.heat si

148 GlossaryI/O address — An address in RAM that is associated with a specific device (such as a serial connector, parallel connector, or expansion sl

Glossary 149MMb — megabit — A measurement of memory chip capacity that equals 1024 Kb.Mbps — megabits per second — One million bits per second. This m

Finding Information 15• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints — Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general health of your computing env

150 GlossaryNnetwork adapter — A chip that provides network capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter on its system board, or it may cont

Glossary 151PCMCIA — Personal Computer Memory Card International Association — The organization that establishes standards for PC Cards.PIO — programm

152 Glossaryread-only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:• It resides on a physically wri

Glossary 153SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory — A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the optimal clock speed of the processor.seria

154 GlossaryThe number of colors and resolution that a program displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video controller and its drive

Glossary 155systems typically provide surge suppression and may also provide voltage regulation. Small UPS systems provide battery power for a few min

156 Glossaryexpecting to find the operating system. If the computer is infected, the boot virus may replicate itself onto all the floppy disks that ar

Glossary 157Zip — A popular data compression format. Files that have been compressed with the Zip format are called Zip files and usually have a filen

158 Glossarybook.book Page 158 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Index 159IndexAair ventsdescription, 25Bbatterycharging, 35checking the charge, 32performance, 31power meter, 32problems, 85removing, 36storing, 37bla

16 Finding Information• How to use Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista™• How to work with programs and files• How to personalize my desktopWindows H

160 Indexdescription, 29device status lightsdescription, 22diagnostic lights, 73diagnosticslights, 73displayadjusting brightness, 43description, 20dua

Index 161Internetproblems, 85Internet Connection Firewall, 61IRQ conflicts, 78, 110Kkeyboardnumeric keypad, 39shortcuts, 40keyboard status lightsdescr

162 IndexPC Restore, 113phone numbers, 129playing CDs, 49playing DVDs, 49powerhibernate mode, 34problems, 91standby mode, 33power buttondescription, 2

Index 163Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD, 81stolen computer, 70supportcontacting Dell, 129support website, 14System Re

164 Indexbook.book Page 164 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Finding Information 17After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall drivers for the devices that came wi

18 Finding Informationbook.book Page 18 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

About Your Computer 192About Your ComputerFront View1 left array microphone (optional with camera)2 camera (optional)451291312 10376811book.book Page

Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates

20 About Your ComputerMICROPHONE — The built-in microphone allows you to communicate without connecting an external microphone.CAMERA — The built-in c

About Your Computer 21The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as

22 About Your ComputerDEVICE STATUS LIGHTSIf the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:– Solid blue: The batt

About Your Computer 23 NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows® operating system shutdown rather than

24 About Your ComputerRight Side ViewUSB CONNECTOR — Interfaces between the computer and add-on devices (such as audio players, joysticks, keyboards,

About Your Computer 25AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

26 About Your ComputerThe AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer tur

About Your Computer 27NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45) NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the comp

28 About Your ComputerBottom ViewCOVER FOR OPTIONAL INTERNAL CARD WITH BLUETOOTH® WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY — For more information, see the documentation th

About Your Computer 29 CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a low-ai

Contents 3Contents1 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Front View . . .

30 About Your Computerbook.book Page 30 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Using a Battery 313Using a BatteryBattery Performance NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Gu

32 Using a Battery• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 35 for information

Using a Battery 33A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. If two batteries are installed, the low-batt

34 Using a BatteryTo enter standby mode in Windows XP, click the Start button, click Turn off computer, and then click Stand by. To enter sleep mode i

Using a Battery 35To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate mode. You cannot make the compu

36 Using a BatteryRemoving the Battery CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only wi

Using a Battery 375To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.Storing a BatteryRemove the battery when you store your compu

38 Using a Batterybook.book Page 38 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Using the Keyboard 394Using the KeyboardNumeric KeypadThe numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the ke

4 ContentsCharging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Storing a Batter

40 Using the KeyboardKey CombinationsSystem FunctionsPower ManagementSpeaker FunctionsMicrosoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions<Ctrl><Shift>&

Using the Keyboard 41To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and c

42 Using the Keyboard• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad. On the second tap, le

Using the Display 435Using the DisplayAdjusting BrightnessWhen a Dell™ computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the dis

44 Using the DisplayMaking Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper NOTE: If you change the display resolution from the current settings, the image may

Using the Display 453In the Display Settings window, under Resolution, slide the slide bar to the left/right to decrease/increase the screen resolutio

46 Using the Display7Change Screen Area to the appropriate sizes for both displays and click Apply.8If prompted to restart the computer, click Apply t

Using the Display 47Microsoft® Windows® XP1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.2Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.3Under P

48 Using the Displaybook.book Page 48 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Using Multimedia 496Using MultimediaPlaying CDs or DVDs NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD/DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed

Contents 56 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Playing CDs or DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Copying CDs and DVDs

50 Using Multimedia NOTE: If you use a module that shipped with another computer, you need to install the drivers and software necessary to play DVDs

Using Multimedia 51For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help on the CD or DVD player (if available).Copying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Ensure t

52 Using Multimedia3To copy the CD or DVD:•If you have one CD/DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct, and then click Disc Copy. The computer

Using Multimedia 53DVD-Writable DrivesHelpful Tips• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Ro

54 Using MultimediaAdjusting the Volume NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.1Select Start→ Programs→ Accessories

Setting Up and Using Networks 557Setting Up and Using NetworksSetting up a computer network provides connectivity between your computer and the Intern

56 Setting Up and Using NetworksSetting Up a Network in the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System1Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ Communicat

Setting Up and Using Networks 572Select an option under Choose a connection option.3Click Next, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.Wireles

58 Setting Up and Using NetworksIn Microsoft Windows Vista, click → Connect To→ View network computers and devices.If Wireless Network Connection doe

Setting Up and Using Networks 597Disconnect the AC adapter cable from your wireless router to ensure that there is no power connected to the router.

6 ContentsInstalling an ExpressCard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . . . . . . . . 659 Securing Your Computer . .

60 Setting Up and Using Networks NOTE: The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth® wireless technology or ce

Setting Up and Using Networks 61For specific information about the wireless configuration utility installed on your computer, see your wireless networ

62 Setting Up and Using Networksbook.book Page 62 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Using Cards 638Using CardsExpressCardsExpressCards provide additional memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia and security features. Exp

64 Using CardsExpressCard BlanksYour computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust an

Using Cards 65The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to

66 Using Cards1 slot 2 ExpressCard 1 2book.book Page 66 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Securing Your Computer 679Securing Your ComputerSecurity Cable Lock NOTE: Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock.A security cable loc

68 Securing Your ComputerA primary (or system) password and an administrator password prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways.

Securing Your Computer 69If you do not enter a password within two minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state. NOTICE: If you disa

Contents 711 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85E-Mail, Modem, and Int

70 Securing Your ComputerComputer Tracking SoftwareComputer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The soft

Securing Your Computer 71• If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.• Contact Dell customer service to report t

72 Securing Your Computerbook.book Page 72 Wednesday, December 12, 2007 10:32 AM

Troubleshooting Tools 7310Troubleshooting ToolsDiagnostic Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety i

74 Troubleshooting ToolsSystem Messages NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating

Troubleshooting Tools 75INVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION - PLEASE RUN SETUP PROGRAM —Enter System Setup (see "Viewing the System Setup Screens&q

76 Troubleshooting ToolsPOWER WARNING MESSAGES HAVE BEEN DISABLED. RUN THE SETUP UTILITY TO ENABLE THESE MESSAGES.—See "System Setup Program"

Troubleshooting Tools 77WARNING: THE PRIMARY BATTERY CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED. THIS SYSTEM WILL BE UNABLE TO CHARGE BATTERIES UNTIL THIS BATTERY IS REMOVE

78 Troubleshooting ToolsYOUR SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY POWER OFF BECAUSE IT BECAME WARMER THAN EXPECTED. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY: OPERATING OR STORING

Troubleshooting Tools 79Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in t

8 Contents13 Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105What Is a Driver?.

80 Troubleshooting ToolsThe computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, mem

Troubleshooting Tools 81Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities MediaBefore running the Dell Diagnostics, enter System Setup (see

82 Troubleshooting Tools9At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test

Troubleshooting Tools 83 NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test to perform a more thorough check of devices in the computer.For any pr

84 Troubleshooting ToolsConfiguration Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration informati

Troubleshooting 8511TroubleshootingFollow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, r

86 TroubleshootingCHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot open your e-mail attachments:1In Outlook Express, click Tools

Troubleshooting 872Click the COM port for your modem→ Properties→ Diagnostics→ Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.If a

88 TroubleshootingWindows Vista:1Click Start → Control Panel→ Programs→ Programs and Features.2Select the program you want to remove.3Click Uninstall

Troubleshooting 893Click to select the program that is no longer responding.4Click End Task.A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Most software includes

Contents 9Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . 126Before You Call .

90 TroubleshootingOther software problemsCHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION• Ensure

Troubleshooting 91• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see “Installing Memory” in your Service Manual).• Ensure that th

92 Troubleshooting• Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly.• En

Troubleshooting 93TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.VERIFY

94 TroubleshootingVERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWSWindows XP:1Click Start→ Control Panel→ Printers and Other Hardware→ Scann

Troubleshooting 95ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.RUN THE SPEAK

96 TroubleshootingCHECK THE SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM SETTINGS — Verify that the system setup program lists the correct device for the pointing device opti

Troubleshooting 97Windows Vista:1Click Start → Control Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Personalization→ Display Settings.2Adjust Resolution and Colors set

98 Troubleshooting– If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power

Troubleshooting 99Accessing the Dell Support UtilityAccess the Dell Support Utility from the icon on the taskbar or from the Start menu.If the Dell