Dell Inspiron F957N- User Manual

6 Setting Up Your 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 Your Inspiron™ Desktop Connect the Display Your computer has an integrated VGA video connector. You 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 followi...

9 Setting Up Your 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 Your 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 con...

11 Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop Connect the Power Cables to Your Display and Computer Press the Power Button on Your Computer and Display

12 Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop Windows Vista ® Setup To set up Windows Vista 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 agreemen...

INSPIRON 16 Using Your Inspiron ™ Desktop Your 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

18 Using Your Inspiron™ Desktop Back View Features 12 3 4 5 1 Power connector — For power cable connection. Appearance may vary. 2 Voltage selector switch — For selecting the voltage rating. 3 Power supply diagnostic light — Indicates power availability for power supply. Green light — Power is avail...

20 Using Your 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 s...

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 Tools” on page 30 or “Contacting Dell” on page 48. WARNING: Only trained service personnel should remove the co...

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...

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.Too many devices connected to a p...

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. Your computer supports DDR2 memor...

INSPIRON 30 Using Support Tools 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 ta...

31 Using Support Tools Beep Codes Your computer may emit a repetitive beep code during start-up to help troubleshoot problems when error messages cannot be displayed. NOTE: To replace parts see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com . One beep — BIOS ROM checksum failure....

32 Using Support Tools 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...

34 Using Support Tools Hardware Troubleshooter If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.To start the Hardware Troubleshooter: Click 1. Start → Help and Suppor...

37 INSPIRON You 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 Rest...

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 u...

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 Im...

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 Tools , then Dell Factory Image Restore . Click 7. Next . The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears. CAU...

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 f...

43 Getting Help Technical 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.To contact Dell’s support service, see “Before You Call” on page 47 and then se...

44 Getting Help Online Services You 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.de...

45 Getting Help Automated Order-Status Service To 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 tele...

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 t...

47 Getting Help Before You 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. You may also be asked for your Service Tag. Remember to fill out the following Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, tur...

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 (80...

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 com...

INSPIRON 52 Specifications Computer Model Inspiron 535sInspiron 537sInspiron 545sInspiron 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 ...

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 techn...

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 s...