Dell SX260 Microsoft Windows XP Features, Overview, New User Interface, Help and Support Center

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Microsoft® Windows® XP Features

Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX260 Systems User's Guide

Overview

New User Interface

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Application and Device Compatibility

System Restore

User Accounts and Fast User Switching

Home and Small Office Networking

Internet Connection Firewall

Overview

Based on an enhanced version of the Windows 2000 operating system, Windows XP is available in consumer and business editions: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. The features discussed are available in both editions, but the Professional version, designed for business environments, includes additional productivity, security, networking, and management features important in business environments.

For home users, Windows XP brings the significantly increased stability and security inherent in the Windows 2000/Windows NT® operating systems. It also provides better support for portable computers. Key new Windows XP features include:

•An improved desktop and user interface

•Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

•Application program compatibility enhancements

•System Restore

•Fast User Switching*

•Expanded home and small office networking functions*

•A personal firewall for always-on Internet connections*

*Home and small office features

Help and Support Center

The Help and Support Center, introduced with Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), replaces Windows Help from earlier operating systems. The Help and Support Center provides an integrated resource center for information and assistance in using, configuring, and troubleshooting your computer and installed hardware devices and software. For Windows XP, the Help and Support Center features expanded search capabilities, including full-text search and the capability to search across multiple remote sites in addition to files resident on the hard drive. You can use a single print command to print an entire chapter of help content.

To open Help and Support Center, click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. From the home page, you can conduct a search or select categories of information, leading to task and information topics covering the use of your computer. Click User and System Guides for information on using your Dell™ computer, including installed hardware devices and software.

New User Interface

Windows XP features a redesigned user interface with a new visual style, a less cluttered desktop, and built-in desktop cleanup features. Window layout has also been changed for Windows XP and, as in the Control Panel, emphasizes task presentation. The Start menu has been redesigned. The left half of the new Start menu includes the most frequently used icons. As you use your computer, the icons in this area are changed and rearranged depending on your computer usage patterns. If you wish to keep one of the icons permanently in its location, right-click the icon and click Pin to Start menu.

To access all the programs installed on the computer, click All Programs at the bottom of the Start menu. The right half of the new Start menu contains useful

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Contents Dell OptiPlex SX260 Systems Users Guide Abbreviations and AcronymsRegulatory Notices FCC Notices U.S. OnlyIC Notice Canada Only Class a Class BFCC Identification Information CE Notice European Union Energy Star ComplianceSimplified Chinese Class a Warning Notice China Only Energy Star EmblemClass a ITE Vcci Class a ITE Regulatory MarkMIC Notice Republic of Korea Only Class B ITEClass a Device Polish Center for Testing and Certification Notice Class B DeviceBsmi Notice Taiwan Only NOM Information Mexico Only Back to Contents Warranty and Return Policy About Your Computer Front ViewBack View Back-Panel Connectors Inside Your ComputerOrientations Standard OrientationsChassis Stand Cable Cover Attaching the Cable CoverMounting Plate Removing the Cable CoverAttaching the Computer to the Mounting Plate Removing the Computer from the Mounting Plate Connecting the Power Adapter Back to Contents Advanced Troubleshooting Diagnostic LightsLight Problem Description Suggested Resolution Pattern Beep Codes Code Cause ActionDell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsStarting the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive Dell Diagnostics Main MenuOption Function Reinstalling Drivers Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XPBefore You Reinstall Tab FunctionReinstalling Windows XP Booting From the Operating System CDWindows XP Setup Reinstalling Microsoft Windows Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click SystemResolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Windows XPWindows Page Advanced Features LegacySelect Technology ControlManageability Alert Standard FormatOption Settings SecurityDell OpenManage Client Instrumentation Chassis Intrusion DetectionPassword Protection System PasswordAssigning a System Password Typing Your System Password Deleting or Changing an Existing System PasswordIf Password Status is set to Unlocked If Password Status is set to LockedSetup Password Assigning a Setup PasswordOperating Your Computer With a Setup Password Enabled Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup PasswordSystem Setup Disabling a Forgotten Password and Setting a New PasswordEntering System Setup System Setup Screens Keys ActionBoot Device Menu Boot OptionsSystem Setup and Diagnostics Options Changing Boot Sequence for Future BootsSystem Setup Options FastbootCPU Information HDD PriorityJumper Settings Jumper Setting DescriptionPower Button Hyper-ThreadingHung Computer Click Hardware and click Device Manager Battery Properly dispose of the old battery Back to Contents Cleaning Your Computer Before Cleaning Your ComputerComputer, Keyboard, and Monitor MouseCDs and DVDs Installing a CD/DVD Device When Your Computer Is Turned Off Module BayInstalling a CD/DVD Device When Your Computer Is Running Microsoft Windows XPPage Windows Back to Contents Replacing the Computer Cover Removing the Computer Cover Documentation for Your Computer Ergonomic Computing Habits Back to Contents Finding Information for Your Computer What Are You Looking For? Find It HereDell Support website Online Services Getting HelpTechnical Assistance AutoTech Service Automated Order-Status ServiceTechnical Support Service Ftp.dell.comProblems With Your Order Diagnostics ChecklistBefore You Call Contacting Dell Belgium Brussels Website support.euro.dell.com BermudaBolivia BrazilDenmark Copenhagen Website support.euro.dell.com DominicaDominican Republic EcuadorIndia Ireland Cherrywood Website support.euro.dell.comItaly Milan Website support.euro.dell.com JamaicaLuxembourg Website support.euro.dell.com MacaoMalaysia Penang MexicoPanama PeruPoland Warsaw Website support.euro.dell.com PortugalCustomer Care website dell.co.uk/lca/customerservices Sweden Upplands Vasby Website support.euro.dell.comSwitzerland Geneva Website support.euro.dell.com TaiwanBusiness Virgin IslandsVenezuela Glossary C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W X ZDevice driver See driver Page Page Page Video resolution See resolution Back to Contents Hard Drive Page ALERT! Cover was previously removed Back to Contents Memory Removing a Memory ModuleAdding a Memory Module Connector Memory connectors on system boardMemory module NotchBack to Contents Adding and Removing Parts Microprocessor Page Page ALERT! Cover was previously removed Back to Contents When Working Inside Your Computer GeneralBattery Disposal Protecting Against Electrostatic DischargeErgonomic Computing Habits Solving Problems Battery ProblemsPower Light Problem Description Suggested Resolution System LightsDrive Problems Floppy drive problemsCD drive problems Problems writing to a CD-RW driveRepairing a Wet Computer DVD drive problemsHard drive problems Test the hard driveError Messages Dropped or Damaged ComputerCheck the memory and cable connections Click Control Panel Click Add or Remove ProgramsNo boot sector on hard-disk drive General failure The operating example, Printer out of paperKeyboard failure General Problems Computer stops respondingProgram stops responding End the programOther software problems Other technical problemsGeneral hardware problems Program crashes repeatedlyKeyboard Problems Memory ProblemsMouse Problems Network Problems Power ProblemsPrinter Problems Serial or Parallel Device ProblemsVerify the printer cable connections Verify that the printer is recognized by WindowsSound and Speaker Problems No sound from headphonesReinstall the audio sound driver See Dell Diagnostics No sound from speakersSystem Board Problems Video and Monitor ProblemsIf the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to readAdjust the Windows display settings Click Appearance and ThemesTechnical Specifications Power Key Combinations Controls and Lights PhysicalBack to Contents System Board Components Microsoft Windows XP Features OverviewNew User Interface Help and Support CenterSwitching to Classic View Clean Desktop WizardClick Clean Desktop Now Click PropertiesFiles and Settings Transfer Wizard Notification Area CleanupApplication and Device Compatibility Taskbar GroupingSystem Restore Using System RestoreScheduled Automatic Restore Points Restore Process Event-Triggered Restore PointsManual Restore Points User Accounts and Fast User Switching How to Use Fast User SwitchingWhat Happens When a Fast User Switch Occurs? Driver RollbackSpecial Considerations With Fast User Switching How to Turn Off Fast User SwitchingHow to Add Users Click Apply OptionsNetwork Setup Wizard Click checklist for creating a networkHome and Small Office Networking Internet Connection FirewallBack to Contents
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