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Dell 8600 manual What Is a Driver?, Identifying Drivers, Click Device Manager

Models: 8600

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Drivers

CO N T A C T DE L L — If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell™ Support website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 139). See page 138 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and the programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

•Upgrade your operating system.

•Reinstall your operating system.

•Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3Click System.

4In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

5Click Device Manager.

Solving Problems

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Dell 8600 manual What Is a Driver?, Identifying Drivers, Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance

Contents

Dell Inspiron Owner’s ManualModel PP02X July Notes, Notices, and CautionsAbbreviations and Acronyms Model PP02X2 Setting Up Your Computer Contents1 A Tour of Your Computer 3 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer 4 Using the Keyboard and TouchpadUsing Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs 5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia6 Setting Up a Home and Office Network If you have a problem with integrated speakers7 Solving Problems 9 Appendix 8 Adding and Replacing PartsProducts Canada Only U.S. OnlyIndex Contents General CAUTION Safety InstructionsPower CAUTION Safety Instructions continuedCAUTION Safety Instructions continued BatteryCAUTION Safety Instructions continued Air TravelEMC Instructions California ResidentsWhen Using Your Computer When Working Inside Your Computer When Using Your Computer continuedErgonomic Computing Habits Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Battery DisposalWhen Using Your Computer continued w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Front View Left View Right View Back View Bottom View A Tour of Your Computermute button Front Viewdisplay power button display latchTurns on when the computer reads or writes data Solid green The battery is charging The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following 9 Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabledA Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabledair vents security cable slot Left ViewIEEE 1394 connector audio connectorsAttach headphones or speakers to the connector w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Right Viewmodule bay security cable slotmodem connector RJ-11 Back ViewS-video TV-out connector parallel connectorN E T W O R K C O N N E C T O R RJ-45 USB C O N N E C T O R SM O D E M C O N N E C T O R RJ-11 Connects a parallel device, such as a printer hard drive Bottom Viewbattery-bay latch release batteryPage w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 32 A Tour of Your ComputerPrinter Problems Setting Up Your ComputerConnecting to the Internet Modem and Internet Connection Problems Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a PrinterSetting Up Your Internet Connection Connecting to the Internet3 Click Connect to the Internet If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP Modem and Internet Connection ProblemsTransferring Information to a New Computer 3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings Connecting a Parallel Printer Setting Up a PrinterPrinter Cable Connecting a USB Printer on printer Printer ProblemsUSB connector on computer USB printerPower Protection Devices Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a NetworkSurge Protectors 2 In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off Uninterruptible Power SuppliesTurning Off Your Computer Line ConditionersRemoving and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off Using Batteries and Module Bay DevicesUsing a Battery Power Problems About the Module Bay Checking the Charge on the Second BatteryBattery Performance Using a BatteryChecking the Battery Charge Help Removing a Battery Charging the Batteryw w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Installing a BatteryRotate the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks For more information about installing the second battery, see page1 Remove the battery see page 2 Remove the reserve battery cover Removing and Installing a Reserve Batteryreserve battery cable connector reserve Storing a Battery Power ProblemsAbout the Module Bay Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off Checking the Charge on the Second Batterystatus button on the charge gauge second battery top device latch release If the Device Screw Is Not Installed1 Press the device latch release 2 Pull the device out of the module bayIf the Device Screw Is Installed Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running 3 Press the device latch release If the Device Screw Is Not Installed1 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar 2 Click the device you want to ejectIf the Device Screw Is Installed Windows XP automatically recognizes the new device 8 If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computerUsing Batteries and Module Bay Devices 6 Pull the device out of the module bayUnexpected Characters Using the Keyboard and TouchpadTouch Pad or Mouse Problems External Keyboard Problems Numeric Keypad Keyboard Shortcuts Touch Pad Customizing the Touch PadKeyboard Shortcuts Numeric KeypadSystem Functions Display Functions Radios Including Wireless Networking and BluetoothPower Management CD or DVD TrayMicrosoft Windows Logo Key Functions Speaker FunctionsIf no sound comes from the speakers, press and adjust the volume Touch Pad 2 On the Mouse Properties window Touch Pad or Mouse ProblemsExternal Keyboard Problems Customizing the Touch PadUnexpected Characters w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 66 Using the Keyboard and TouchpadUsing CDs and DVDs CD or DVD problems Sound and Speaker Problems Using CDs, DVDs, and Other MultimediaCopying CDs Connecting a Television to the Computer CD or DVD problems Using CDs and DVDsIf you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray Sound and Speaker ProblemsIf you have a problem with integrated speakers If you have a problem with external speakersCopying CDs Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Using Easy CD Creator BasicHelpful Tips How to Copy a CD Connecting a Television to the Computer S-Video and Standard Audio Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables 4 Plug the other end of the S-video cable in to your television S-video cable S-Video and Digital AudioTV/digital audio adapter cable S/PDIF digital audio cablew w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Using CDs, DVDs, and Other MultimediaComposite Video and Standard Audio w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimediacomposite video cable Composite Video and Digital AudioTV/digital audio adapter cable S/PDIF digital audio cableATI Video Controller Enabling the Display Settings for a Television6 Click Apply 7 Click Yes to keep the new settings 8 Click OK Enabling Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio for DVD Playback 5 Click Enable S/PDIF output2 Click the Options menu and then click Advanced Controls 3 Click Advanced 4 Click Enable S/PDIFEnabling S/PDIF in the Windows Audio Driver 1 Double-click the speaker icon in the Windows notification areaw w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 86 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other MultimediaConnecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard Network Problems Setting Up a Home and Office NetworkConnecting to a Network Adapter Network Problems Network Setup Wizard3 Click Checklist for creating a network w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 90 Setting Up a Home and Office NetworkPC Card Problems General Program Problems E-Mail Problems Solving ProblemsFinding Solutions Accessing Help Error Messages Video and Display Problems Scanner Problems Drive ProblemsGet technical assistance from Dell. See page Finding Solutionsw w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m See pageSee page Solving ProblemsSee page See page See page See page See page See page See page See page See page See page See page See page See page See pageError Messages Accessing HelpIf the display is blank Video and Display Problems2 Click Control Panel 3 Click Add or Remove Programs If the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable Scanner Problems2 Click Appearance and Themes w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Drive ProblemsIf you cannot save a file to a floppy drive back of floppy disk write-protected not write-protectedIf you have problems with a hard drive PC Card Problems4 Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 5 Click Start A program stops responding General Program ProblemsError messages appear A program crashesIf Your Computer Gets Wet E-Mail ProblemsIf You Drop or Damage Your Computer Resolving Other Technical ProblemsIdentifying Drivers What Is a Driver?2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance Drivers8 Click Roll Back Driver Reinstalling Drivers and UtilitiesUsing Windows XP Device Driver Rollback Using the Drivers and Utilities CD3 Click Properties Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XPRestoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Using System RestoreCreating a Restore Point 2 Click System Restore2 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next Undoing the Last System Restore2 Click Performance and Maintenance 4 Click the System Restore tabResolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 2 Click Performance and Maintenance and click System3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list Before You Reinstall Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XPReinstalling Windows XP Windows now Reinstalling Drivers and Software w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 112 Solving ProblemsAdding Memory Adding a Mini PCI Card Adding a Modem Adding and Replacing PartsReplacing the Hard Drive Adding Memory memory module cover captive screw8 If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module 9 Ground yourself and install the new memory module Help and Support, and then click Computer Information Adding a Mini PCI Card w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Mini PCI card/modem cover captive screwa Disconnect the Mini PCI card from any attached cables Adding a Modem 6 Remove any installed PC Cards, batteries, and devices 10 Connect the modem cable to the modem Replacing the Hard Drive 7 Turn the computer over, and remove the hard drive screw Regulatory Noticesthe help file, see Specifications Standard SettingsA p p e n d i Dell Technical Support Policy U.S. Only Contacting DellPC Card SpecificationsMicroprocessor System InformationCommunications Ports and ConnectorsAppendix Audio VideoAppendix Type active-matrix TFT Appendix BatteryTouch Pad Track StickPhysical AC AdapterAppendix w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Overview Standard SettingsViewing the System Setup Screens System Setup ScreensDiskette Drive Modular bay HDD Internal HDD CD/DVD/CD-RW drive Commonly Used OptionsEnabling the Infrared Sensor ConfigurationChanging Printer Modes Changing COM PortsDell Technical Support Policy U.S. Only Contacting Dell Definition of Dell-Installed Software and PeripheralsDefinition of Third-Party Software and Peripherals Aruba AnguillaAntigua and Barbuda Argentina Buenos AiresBarbados Austria ViennaWebsite support.euro.dell.com BahamasChile Santiago BruneiCanada North York, Ontario Cayman IslandsCosta Rica China XiamenTech Support website support.ap.dell.com/china ColombiaDominican Republic Denmark CopenhagenWebsite support.euro.dell.com DominicaHome and Small Business France Paris MontpellierWebsite support.euro.dell.com E-mail support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildellGuatemala GreeceWebsite support.euro.dell.com GrenadaWebsite support.euro.dell.com Ireland CherrywoodWebsite support.euro.dell.com Italy MilanWebsite support.jp.dell.com Japan KawasakiKorea Seoul Macao Latin AmericaLuxembourg Website support.euro.dell.comNetherlands Amsterdam MexicoMontserrat Netherlands AntillesWebsite support.euro.dell.com New ZealandNicaragua Norway LysakerPuerto Rico PortugalWebsite support.euro.dell.com E-mail support.euro.dell.com/pt/en/emaildellCorporate Spain MadridWebsite support.euro.dell.com Home and Small BusinessTaiwan Switzerland GenevaWebsite support.euro.dell.com Customers support.euro.dell.com/ch/fr/emaildellWebsite support.euro.dell.com U.K. BracknellUruguay Venezuela U.S.A. Austin, TexasBusiness U.S. Virgin IslandsRegulatory Notices NOM Information Mexico Only Limited Warranties and Return Policy Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products U.S. OnlyWhat is covered by this limited warranty? What is not covered by this limited warranty?What do I do if I need warranty service? How long does this limited warranty last?What will Dell do? May I transfer the limited warranty? What if I purchased a service contract?How will you fix my product? What is not covered by this limited warranty? Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware Products Canada OnlyTotal Satisfaction Return Policy U.S. Only What is covered by this limited warranty?THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM PROVINCE TO PROVINCE. DELLS RESPONSIBILITY FOR MALFUNCTIONS AND DEFECTS IN PRODUCT IS LIMITED TO REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT AS SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT, FOR THE TERM OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD REFLECTED ON YOUR PACKING SLIP OR INVOICE. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT, DELL DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. SOME PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, OR LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION LASTS. THEREFORE, THE FOREGOING EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU How long does this limited warranty last?What will Dell do? What do I do if I need warranty service?How will you fix my product? Total Satisfaction Return Policy Canada OnlyWhat if I purchased a service contract? May I transfer the limited warranty?Return Policy Dell Software and Peripherals Canada OnlyThird-Party Software and Peripherals Products Dell-Branded Peripheral ProductsLimitation and Statutory Rights GuaranteeExclusions Making a ClaimDell Computer de Colombia Corporation Carrera 7 #115-33 Oficina w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o mBogota, Colombia 11950 México, D.FHow to Obtain Warranty Service Intel’s Three Year Limited WarrantyLimited Warranty Extent of Limited Warranty1997, 1998 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o mIntel’s Commitment to Quality What are Errata?I n d ex Page Page Device Driver Rollback, 104 Hardware Troubleshooter, 108 help video connector description, 29 system viewwarranty wet computer Windows XP reinstalling, 109 System Restore