Me and My Dell For Inspiron, XPS, and Alienware computers
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2018 - 2019 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents 1 Setting up your computer...................................................................................................................... 7 Connecting to the internet...................................................................................................................................................7 Connecting to the internet using LAN...........................................................................................................................
Removable storage devices...........................................................................................................................................17 Memory module.................................................................................................................................................................. 19 System board..........................................................................................................................................................
eSATA................................................................................................................................................................................. 36 Visual Graphics Array.........................................................................................................................................................36 Digital Visual Interface.............................................................................................................................
Power management............................................................................................................................................................53 Configuring power settings..........................................................................................................................................53 Configuring the power button behavior.....................................................................................................................
Setting up your computer The setup procedure varies according to your computer. For setup instructions specific to your computer or tablet, see the Quick Start Guide shipped with your computer or see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Connecting to the internet You can connect your computer to the internet using cable, DSL, dial‑up, or a WWAN connection. You may also install a wired or wireless router to share your cable or DSL internet connection with multiple devices.
If you purchased a tablet with a network service contract, the internet may already be activated. NOTE: Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your computer. For more information on enabling wireless on your computer, see the Quick Start Guide shipped with your computer or see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Windows 10 1. 2. 3. 4. Click or tap the wireless icon in the notification menu. Click or tap the name of your mobile broadband network. Click or tap Connect.
2. Select Speakers, and click Configure. The Speaker Setup window appears. 3. Under the Playback tab, click or tap Speakers or Headphones. 4. Select a speaker configuration under Audio channels: and click Test. You should hear a tone from each speaker. 5. Click Next, and follow the on-screen instructions. Connecting 5.1 speakers 1. 3. 5. 7. Rear audio connector on the computer Front audio connector on the computer Center/LFE surround out on the speaker Rear audio connector on the speaker 2.
Connecting 7.1 speakers 1. 3. 5. 7. 9. Rear audio connector on the computer Side audio connector on the computer 7.1 channel audio cable Front audio connector on the speaker Side audio connector on the speaker 2. 4. 6. 8. Center/LFE surround out on the computer Front audio connector on the computer Center/LFE surround out on the speaker Rear audio connector on the speaker Setting up your printer You can connect a printer to the USB port on your computer.
The Add Printer window appears. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions. NOTE: You may be prompted to install the printer driver while adding your printer. Use the printer-driver media, or download the drivers from the printer manufacturer’s website. For more information on setting up the printer, see the documentation shipped with your printer. Setting up your webcam Integrated webcam The integrated webcam is present on the laptop display or external display.
3. Select Second Screen. 4. Select any of the following options: • • • • PC Screen only—Use only display 1 and show nothing on display 2. The second monitor is ignored and only the primary monitor is used. Duplicate (also called Clone mode)—Show the entire desktop on both displays. The second or other monitors mirror the primary monitor. Extend—Stretch the desktop across the two displays.
About your computer This section provides more information on the components which can be found in your computer. Power adapter Power adapters are used to supply power to portable computers, tablets, and certain desktop computers. The Dell power-adapter kit consists of the power adapter and the power cable. The power‑adapter rating (90 W, 65 W, and so on) depends on the device it is designed for, and the power cable varies based on the country where the power adapter is shipped.
Touchpad A touchpad is available on most laptops and provides the functionality of a mouse. It has a touch-sensitive surface that senses the motion and position of your fingers. You can use the touchpad to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and click by tapping the surface. Gesture‑enabled touchpads support gestures such as zoom, pinch, rotate, scroll, and so on. You can also purchase external touchpads.
3D camera You can use a 3D camera to capture and stream 3-dimensional images, making it possible to perceive distance, size, dimensions of objects through the built-in sensors. This feature enables enhanced interactivity during video conferencing, online gaming, and so on. Intel RealSense 3D camera RealSense cameras feature three lenses, a standard 2D camera for regular photo and video, along with an infrared camera and an infrared laser projector.
Keyboard backlight The backlight present on some physical keyboards illuminate the symbols on the keys for using the keyboard in dark environments. You can turn on the backlight manually or configure the backlight to turn on automatically when your computer is placed in a dark environment. The backlit keyboards on Dell laptops have different lighting states. Press the Fn and the right-arrow key to switch between the various lighting states.
Service Tag and Express Service code You can find the Service Tag and the Express Service Code of your computer using one of the following: • • • • Label on the computer or tablet SupportAssist tile on your computer. For more information, see Dell SupportAssist. Dell support website at www.dell.com/support.
• • Blu-ray reader + DVD RW combo—Reads Blu-ray Discs. Reads and writes to DVDs and CDs. DVD RW—Reads and writes to DVDs and CDs. Memory cards Memory cards, also referred to as media or flash cards, use flash memory to store data. They are re-writable, fast, and retain data even when power supply is cut off. They are commonly used in devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, media players, gaming consoles, and so on. Your computer may have a media-card reader to read and write to these cards.
Extreme Digital (xD) Memory Stick XC (MSXC) Compact Flash I, II/Compact Flash MD Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick Pro Duo Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo Memory Stick (MS)/Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro) Smart Media/Smart Media XD Memory module A memory module stores temporary data that your computer needs to perform tasks. Any file or application loads in the memory modules before you can open or use them. Memory modules are categorized based on their capacity (in GB) and speed (in MHz).
System board A system board forms the central part of computers. All other devices connect to the system board to be able to interact with each other. The system board holds various controllers and connectors that help in exchange of data among various components of the computer. A system board may also have integrated graphics, sound, and network capabilities.
Heat sink Heat sinks are used to dissipate heat generated by the processor, some high-end graphics cards, and on-board chipsets. Heat sinks generally have a fan mounted above or beside them to increase airflow. A heat sink is made up of fins or blades instead of a single block of metal. This helps increase the surface area for increased heat dissipation. A layer of thermal grease is applied between the processor or graphics card and the heat sink for easy exchange of heat.
TV tuners are mostly standalone, however some video cards also have built-in TV tuners. For more information on using TV tuners, see the documentation for the TV tuner. Speakers Laptops and tablets have built-in speakers for audio output. Desktops also have a built-in speaker. However, they are used only to produce beeps to indicate errors or failures. You can also connect external speakers to your computer or tablet. Speakers may support 3.
Webcam A webcam enables you to capture videos and photos, and can also be used for video calls. Your display may have a built-in webcam or you can connect external webcam to your computer. Camera quality is mainly defined by the number of pixels it can capture. To use the webcam, you must install webcam drivers and software. If you ordered the webcam along with your computer, the drivers and software are generally installed when you receive your computer.
Wireless Local‑Area Network adapter WLAN adapters use Wi‑Fi technology and allow your devices to connect to a wireless router. Your computer may have an internal (expansion cards or integrated to the system board) or an external WLAN adapter. Wireless Wide Area Network adapter Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) controllers allow wireless connectivity through cellular tower technology. This technology is mainly available on phones, tablets, and business-class laptops.
Using your computer Charging the battery Connect the power adapter to your computer or tablet to charge the battery. The battery gets charged when the computer or tablet is in use or turned off. The internal circuitry of the battery prevents it from overcharging. NOTE: If the battery becomes too hot due to being in a hot environment, it may not charge when you connect the power adapter. Allow the battery to cool down for it to resume charging.
Ctrl and a Select all items in a document or window. Ctrl and F4 Close the active window (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously). Ctrl, Alt and Tab Use the arrow keys to switch between open items. Alt and Tab Switch between open applications. Alt and Esc Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened. Delete Delete a selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin. Shift and Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin.
Windows key and o Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape). Windows key and q Open the Search charm to search apps on your computer. Windows key and w Open the Search charm to search computer settings controls on your computer. Windows key and z Displays the options available in the app. Windows key and spectacular Switch input language and keyboard layout. Windows key, Ctrl, and spacebar Switch to a previously selected input language and keyboard layout.
Using numeric keypad on a laptop 1. Numeric keypad Your laptop may have a numeric keypad integrated into the keyboard. The keypad corresponds to the keypad on an extended keyboard. • • • To type a number or symbol, press and hold Fn and press the desired key. To enable the numeric keypad, press Num Lock. The Num Lock light indicates that the keypad is active. To disable the numeric keypad, press Num Lock again. NOTE: Some laptops may have a dedicated numeric keypad.
Horizontal Auto‑Scroll—Scroll left or right on the active window. Move two fingers left or right at a fast pace to start horizontal auto‑scroll. Tap on the touchpad to stop auto scrolling. Circular Scroll Up/Down—Scroll up or down. In the vertical‑scroll zone at the right edge of the touchpad, move your finger clockwise to scroll up and counterclockwise to scroll down. Circular Scroll Left/Right—Scroll left or right.
If your computer or tablet has a touch screen display, you can touch the screen to interact with the items instead of using a mouse or a keyboard. Some of the basic tasks that you can perform using a touch screen are open files, folder, and apps, zoom‑in, zoom‑out, scroll, rotate images, and so on.
Rotate Rotate clockwise—Keeping a finger or thumb in place, move the other finger in an arched direction to the right. Rotate counter-clockwise—Keeping a finger or thumb in place, move the other finger in an arched direction to the left. You can also rotate the active content by moving both the fingers in a circular motion. Scroll Pan–Move the focus on the selected object when the entire object is not visible. Move two fingers in the desired direction to pan the selected object.
Using Bluetooth You can connect (pair) Bluetooth devices such as mice, keyboard, headsets, phones, TV, and so on. For details on pairing the device with your computer, see the documentation of the device. NOTE: Ensure that you have Bluetooth drivers installed on your computer. Pairing a Bluetooth device with your computer or tablet Windows 10 1. Enable Bluetooth on your computer or tablet and the device you are pairing. On a Dell laptop, turn on wireless to enable Bluetooth.
3. Click or tap the camera icon to capture a still image. NOTE: To configure options such as image size, self-timer, burst‑capture, image format, and so on, click or tap the drop‑down arrow next to the camera icon. Recording a video 1. 2. 3. 4. Open Dell Webcam Central. Click or tap the Record Videos tab. Click or tap the recording icon to start recording a video. Once you have completed recording the video, click or tap the recording icon again to stop recording.
Ports and connectors Audio Audio connectors allow you to connect speakers, headphones, microphones, sound systems, amplifiers, or TVs audio output. NOTE: Your computer may not support all the audio ports. For information on the ports available on your computer or tablet, see the Quick Start Guide shipped with your computer or see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/ support. Types of audio ports Table 6. Types of audio ports Headphone port—Connect headphones, powered speaker, or sound system.
Optical S/PDIF port—Transmits digital audio, using optical signals, without the need of analog audio conversion. USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) enables you to connect peripherals to a computer or a tablet. These peripherals include the mouse, keyboard, printer, external drives, cameras, phones, and so on. USB port may be used to transfer data between your computer and the device and also to charge supported devices. For more information, see the documentation for your device.
USB-C Depending on your device, this port may support USB 3.1, Display over USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3 devices. For more information, see the documentation that shipped with your device. Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port You can connect USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.1 Gen 1, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt devices to this port. It enables you to connect to external display using dongles. Provides data transfer rates up to 40 Gbps. Debug port The debug port enables a user to run the USB 3.0 ports in USB 2.
Advantages of HDMI • • • • • • Supports high resolutions and high refresh‑rates Supports 3D transmission Supports HDCP Commonly available in most computers and consumer multi‑media devices Can be used to set up audio‑only, video‑only, or an audio and video connection Compatible with fixed-pixel displays such as LCDs, plasma displays, and projectors Mini HDMI Mini High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) provides digital connection between your computer and portable devices such as smartphones, laptops,
Software and Applications Absolute Absolute provides persistent endpoint security and data risk management solutions for computers, tablets, and smartphones. Persistence technology enables you to consistently assess risk, secure the lifecycle of each device, and preemptively respond to security incidents. NOTE: Persistence technology may not be supported on all computers. Getting Help on Absolute Dell provides help on persistence technology through Absolute Software.
PC Check NOTE: PC checkup is available only on selected models. Use PC Checkup to check your hard‑drive usage, run hardware diagnostics, and track the changes made to your computer. • • Drive Space Manager—Manage your hard drive using a visual representation of the space consumed by each type of file. Performance and Configuration History—Monitor system events and changes over time. This utility displays all hardware scans, tests, system changes, critical events, and restoration points of the system.
Type Offerings Data recovery Computer errors and troubleshooting Network errors and troubleshooting Quickset Quickset is a suite of software applications that provide enhanced functionality to your Dell computer. It provides easy access to various functions that would normally require several steps. Some of the features that you can access using Dell Quickset include: • • • Configure a wireless shortcut key. Disable or enable battery charging. Change the Fn key behavior.
Keys Description Function Increases convergence Move objects towards you; maximum convergence places all objects in front of the scene in your space; also used to place the laser sight. Decreases convergence Moves objects away from you; minimum convergence places all objects behind the scene in your space; also used to place the laser sight. NOTE: For more information, see the NVIDIA application help file.
Restoring your operating system System recovery options CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore or the operating system disc permanently deletes all files on your computer. If possible, back up your data files before using these options. You can restore the operating system on your computer using one of the following options: Table 11. System recovery options Option Description Dell Backup and Recovery Use this option as the first solution to recover your operating system.
Dell Backup and Recovery Basic Accessing Dell Backup and Recovery Windows 10 1. Click Start, type Backup in the search box. 2. Click the Dell Backup and Recovery icon and follow the on-screen instructions. Windows 8 1. Access the search charm. 2. Click or tap Apps and type Dell Backup and Recovery in the search box. 3. Click or tap Dell Backup and Recovery in the search result list and follow the on-screen instructions. Creating system reinstall discs 1. Launch Dell Backup and Recovery. 2.
4. Click or tap Restore Now. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions. Creating a full system backup 1. Launch Dell Backup and Recovery. 2. Click or tap the Backup tile, and then select System Recovery. 3. Click or tap Backup Now. 4. Follow the instructions on the screen. Dell Factory Image Restore CAUTION: Using the Dell Factory Image Restore option permanently removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer.
System Restore is a Microsoft Windows tool that helps you undo software changes to your computer without affecting your personal files like documents, photos, emails, and so on. Every time you install a software or device driver, your computer updates Windows system files to support the new software or device. Sometimes, this may cause some unexpected errors. System Restore helps you restore the Windows system files to the state prior to the installation of the software or device driver.
Undoing the last system restore In the event that System Restore did not resolve the issue, you may undo the last system restore. NOTE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete. 1. Click or tap Start. 2. In the search box, type System Restore and press Enter. 3. Click or tap Undo my last restoration, click or tap Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
Troubleshooting Basic troubleshooting steps This section lists some basic troubleshooting steps you can use to resolve common issues with your computer. • • • • • • • Ensure your computer is turned on and all the components are receiving power. Ensure all the cables are firmly connected to the respective ports. Ensure that the cables are not damaged or frayed. Ensure that there are no bent or broken pins on the connectors. Restart your computer and check whether the problem persists.
• • Selecting the Thorough Test Mode check-box in the control window maximizes the extent and duration of the tests. • Status bar appears at the bottom left side of the control window and indicates the overall completion of the tests. • To test selected devices, click or tap Run Tests. • To exit the ePSA and restart your computer, click or tap Exit. Status window—Appears on the right of the ePSA home screen.
Table 13. Beep codes and possible problems Beep codes Possible problems One Possible system board failure—BIOS ROM checksum failure. Two No RAM detected NOTE: If you installed or replaced the memory module, ensure that the memory module is seated properly.
BIOS BIOS stores hardware information about your computer and passes on the information to the operating system when the computer boots up. You can make changes to the basic hardware settings stored in the BIOS using BIOS setup program. You can use BIOS setup program to: • • • Set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password. Determine the devices installed on your computer, such as amount of memory, type of hard drive, and so on.
• • Access System Setup by pressing F2 key Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are: • • Removable Drive (if available) STXXXX Drive NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number. • • • Optical Drive (if available) SATA Hard Drive (if available) Diagnostics NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen.
Getting help and contacting Dell Self-help resources You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources: Table 14. Self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com My Dell Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.
References Computer maintenance It is recommended that you perform the following tasks to avoid general computer problems: • • • • • • Provide direct access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer. Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Back up your data regularly. Perform a virus scan regularly. Check your computer for errors using SupportAssist and other tools available on your computer.
Windows 10 and 8.1 1. Click or tap Start > All apps. 2. Under Windows System, click or tap Control Panel. NOTE: For Windows 8.1/Windows RT click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar and click or tap Control panel. 3. If your Control Panel is displayed by Category, click or tap the View by: drop‑down and select Small icons or Large icons. 4. Click or tap Power Options. 5. Click or tap Choose what the power buttons do.
Dell longevity mode Frequently connecting and disconnecting your computer from a power source without allowing the battery to fully discharge may reduce battery life. The longevity mode feature protects the battery health by moderating the extent to which your battery charges, and prevents your battery from frequent charge and discharge cycles. Your Dell laptop automatically monitors the charging and discharging behavior of your battery, and if applicable, displays a message to enable longevity mode.
• • • • • • • • • • • • Position your computer so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard. Place the external monitor at a comfortable viewing distance. The recommended distance is 510 mm to 610 mm (20 in to 24 in) from your eyes. Ensure the monitor is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
We make this a reality by delivering practical products and services that make an impact on real environmental issues, because at the heart of green is the powerful idea that better ways are possible. Better ways to use time, money, and resources. Better ways to live, work, and succeed in our world. Table 15.
