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Dell Vostro 1200 Owner's Manual - Page 98

Dell Technical Update Service, Dell Support Utility

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- If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. - Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly. - Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. • If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist. - Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location, if applicable. • If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. - Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Using Cards" on page 63). • Eliminate interference. Some possible causes of interference are: - Too many devices on a power strip - Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet Dell Technical Update Service The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications. To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com/technicalupdate. Dell Support Utility The Dell Support Utility is installed on your computer and available from the Dell Support, , icon on the taskbar or from the Start button. Use this support utility for self-support information, software updates, and health scans of your computing environment. 98 Troubleshooting

Section	Page
Dell™ Vostro™ 1200 Owner’s Manual	1
Contents	3
Finding Information	11
About Your Computer	19
Front View	19
Left Side View	23
Right Side View	24
Back View	25
Bottom View	28
Using a Battery	31
Battery Performance	31
Checking the Battery Charge	32
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter	32
Low-Battery Warning	32
Conserving Battery Power	33
Power Management Modes	33
Standby and Sleep Mode	33
Hibernate Mode	34
Configuring Power Management Settings	35
Accessing Power Options Properties	35
Charging the Battery	35
Removing the Battery	36
Storing a Battery	37
Using the Keyboard	39
Numeric Keypad	39
Key Combinations	40
System Functions	40
Power Management	40
Speaker Functions	40
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions	40
Touch Pad	41
Customizing the Touch Pad	42
Using the Display	43
Adjusting Brightness	43
Using a Projector	43
Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper	44
Microsoft® Windows® XP	44
Windows Vista™	44
Using Both a Monitor and Your Computer Display	45
Microsoft® Windows® XP	45
Windows Vista™	46
Using a Monitor as Your Primary Display	46
Microsoft® Windows® XP	47
Windows Vista™	47
Using Multimedia	49
Playing CDs or DVDs	49
Copying CDs and DVDs	51
How to Copy a CD or DVD	51
Using Blank CDs and DVDs	52
Helpful Tips	53
Adjusting the Volume	54
Adjusting the Picture	54
Setting Up and Using Networks	55
Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable	55
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System	56
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System	56
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)	57
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection	57
Checking Your Wireless Network Card	57
Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem	58
Connecting to a WLAN	59
Microsoft® Windows® Firewall	61
Using Cards	63
ExpressCards	63
ExpressCard Blanks	64
Installing an ExpressCard	64
Removing an ExpressCard or Blank	65
Securing Your Computer	67
Security Cable Lock	67
Passwords	67
About Passwords	67
Using a Primary (or System) Password	68
Using an Administrator Password	69
Computer Tracking Software	70
Fingerprint Reader (Optional)	70
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen	70
Troubleshooting Tools	73
Diagnostic Lights	73
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST	73
System Messages	74
Hardware Troubleshooter	78
Dell Diagnostics	79
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics	79
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive	79
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media	81
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu	82
Troubleshooting	85
Battery Problems	85
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems	85
Error Messages	87
Lockups and Software Problems	88
Memory Problems	90
Network Problems	91
Power Problems	91
Printer Problems	92
Scanner Problems	93
Sound and Speaker Problems	94
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems	95
Video and Monitor Problems	96
Power Lights	97
Dell Technical Update Service	98
Dell Support Utility	98
Accessing the Dell Support Utility	99
Clicking the Dell Support Icon	99
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon	99
System Setup Program	101
Overview	101
Viewing the System Setup Screens	102
System Setup Screens	102
Commonly Used Options	102
Changing the Boot Sequence	102
Enabling the Infrared Sensor	104
Reinstalling Software	105
Drivers	105
What Is a Driver?	105
Identifying Drivers	105
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities	106
Hardware and Software Problems	110
Restoring Your Operating System	110
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore	111
Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore	113
Using the Operating System Media	116
Traveling With Your Computer	119
Identifying Your Computer	119
Packing the Computer	119
Travel Tips	120
Traveling by Air	120
Getting Help	123
Obtaining Assistance	123
Technical Support and Customer Service	124
DellConnect	124
Online Services	124
AutoTech Service	125
Automated Order-Status Service	125
Problems With Your Order	125
Product Information	126
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit	126
Before You Call	127
Contacting Dell	129
Specifications	131
Appendix	137
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)	137
FCC Class B	137
Cleaning Your Computer	138
Computer, Keyboard, and Display	138
Mouse (Non-Optical)	139
Touch Pad	139
CDs and DVDs	139
Glossary	141