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Dell Inspiron 531S Owner's  Manual - Page 44

Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID, Windows Vista

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Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the computer was purchased. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see "About RAID Configurations (For Windows Vista® only)" on page 43. For information on how to install a hard drive, see "Hard Drives" on page 126. To configure RAID hard drive volumes use the Nvidia MediaShield ROM utility before you install the operating system onto the hard drive. Ensure that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin. Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode 1 Enter the system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 172). 2 Press the left- and right-arrow keys to Advanced tab. 3 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the Integrated Peripherals, then press . 4 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the Serial-ATA Configuration, then press . 5 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight RAID Enabled, and then press . 6 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select Enabled, and then press. NOTE: For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 173. 7 Enable the corresponding "SATA in Primary or second RAID" where your hard drives are connected 8 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to select Enabled, and then press . Press F10 key and then press to exit system setup and resume the boot process. 44 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Section	Page
Finding Information	11
Setting Up and Using Your Computer	15
Front View of the Computer	15
Back View of the Computer	17
Back Panel Connectors	19
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure	21
Setting Up a Printer	23
Printer Cable	23
Connecting a USB Printer	23
Playing CDs and DVDs	25
Adjusting the Volume	27
Adjusting the Picture	27
Copying CDs and DVDs	28
How to Copy a CD or DVD	28
Using Blank CDs and DVDs	29
Helpful Tips	30
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)	31
Connecting Two Monitors	33
Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors	33
Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector	34
Connecting a TV	34
Changing the Display Settings	35
Power Management	35
Power Management Options in Microsoft® Windows® XP	35
Power Options Properties	37
Power Schemes Tab	37
Advanced Tab	38
Hibernate Tab	38
Power Management Options in Windows Vista®	38
Standby Mode	39
Hibernate Mode	40
Power Plan Properties	40
Enabling Cool ’n’ Quiet Technology	42
About RAID Configurations (For Windows Vista® only)	43
RAID Level 1 Configuration	43
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID	44
Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility	45
Using Nvidia MediaShield	46
Transferring Information to a New Computer	47
Windows Vista®:	48
Setting Up a Home and Office Network	49
Connecting to a Network Adapter	49
Network Setup Wizard	50
Connecting to the Internet	51
Setting Up Your Internet Connection	51
Solving Problems	55
Troubleshooting Tips	55
Battery Problems	55
Drive Problems	56
CD and DVD drive problems	57
Hard drive problems	58
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems	58
Error Messages	60
Keyboard Problems	62
Lockups and Software Problems	62
The computer does not start up	62
The computer stops responding	63
A program stops responding	63
A program crashes repeatedly	63
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system	64
A solid blue screen appears	64
Other software problems	65
Media Card Reader Problems	66
Memory Problems	67
Mouse Problems	68
Network Problems	69
Power Problems	70
Printer Problems	71
Scanner Problems	73
Sound and Speaker Problems	74
No sound from speakers	74
No sound from headphones	75
Video and Monitor Problems	76
If the screen is blank	76
If the screen is difficult to read	77
Troubleshooting Tools	79
Power Lights	79
Beep Codes	80
System Messages	82
Dell Diagnostics	84
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics	84
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive	84
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media	85
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu	85
Drivers	87
What Is a Driver?	87
Identifying Drivers	87
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities	88
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities	91
Restoring Your Operating System	92
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore	93
Using Dell PC Restore	95
Using the Operating System CD	98
Removing and Installing Parts	101
Before You Begin	101
Recommended Tools	101
Turning Off Your Computer	102
Before Working Inside Your Computer	102
Removing the Computer Cover	103
Removing the Support Bracket	104
Inside View of Your Computer	106
System Board Components	107
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments	109
Memory	112
Memory Installation Guidelines	112
Installing Memory	113
Removing Memory	115
Cards	116
PCI and PCI Express Cards	116
Bezel	123
Removing the Bezel	123
Replacing the Bezel	124
Drives	124
Recommended Drive Cable Connections	125
Connecting Drive Cables	125
Drive Interface Connectors	126
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables	126
Hard Drives	126
Installing a Second Hard Drive (Optional)	129
Floppy Drive	131
Media Card Reader	137
CD or DVD Drive	141
Battery	144
Replacing the Battery	144
Power Supply	146
Replacing the Power Supply	146
Processor	148
Removing the Processor	148
Installing the Processor	150
I/O Panel	153
Removing the I/O Panel	153
Installing the I/O Panel	154
Processor Fan	155
Removing the Processor Fan	155
Installing the Processor Fan	158
Chassis Fan	160
Removing the Chassis Fan	160
Replacing the Chassis Fan	161
System Board	162
Removing the System Board	162
Installing the System Board	164
Replacing the Support Bracket	164
Replacing the Computer Cover	165
Appendix	167
Specifications	167
System Setup	172
Overview	172
Entering System Setup	172
System Setup Options	173
Boot Sequence	175
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot	175
Clearing Forgotten Passwords	176
Clearing CMOS Settings	177
Flashing the BIOS	178
Cleaning Your Computer	179
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor	179
Mouse	179
Floppy Drive	180
CDs and DVDs	180
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)	180
Definition of \	181
Definition of \	181
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)	181
FCC Class B	181
Getting Help	183
Obtaining Assistance	183
Technical Support and Customer Service	183
DellConnect	184
Online Services	184
AutoTech Service	185
Automated Order-Status Service	185
Problems With Your Order	185
Product Information	185
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit	186
Before You Call	186
Contacting Dell	188
Glossary	189