Dell Vostro A100 Quick Reference Manual
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Dell Vostro A100 Quick Reference Manual

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book.book Page 1 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM
Dell™ Vostro™ A100/A180
Setup and
Quick Reference Guide
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Summary of Contents for Dell Vostro A100

  • Page 1 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 1 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Dell™ Vostro™ A100/A180 Setup and Quick Reference Guide...
  • Page 2 NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. ® ® If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft Windows operating systems are not applicable.
  • Page 3 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 3 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Contents Contents Connecting to the Internet About Your Computer ... . . Setting Up Your Internet Front View .

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Hardware Problems ..System ....Dell Diagnostics ..® ®...
  • Page 5 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 5 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Contents Online Services ... AutoTech Service ..Automated Order-Status Service .
  • Page 6 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 6 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Contents...
  • Page 7 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 7 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer About Your Computer Front View optical drive optical-drive eject button optional optical drive 4 USB 2.0 connectors (2)
  • Page 8 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 8 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer Back View power connector voltage selector switch (optional) power supply light back-panel connectors expansion card slots 6 padlock ring...
  • Page 9 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 9 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer Back Panel Connectors Vostro A100 mouse connector link-integrity light network adapter network-activity light connector...
  • Page 10 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 10 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM About Your Computer Vostro A180 mouse connector parallel connector network activity light network adapter connector link-integrity light line-in connector front line-out microphone connector...
  • Page 11 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 11 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Setting Up Your Computer Quick Setup CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
  • Page 12 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 12 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Connect a USB device, such as a keyboard Connect the modem. or mouse.
  • Page 13 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 13 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Press the power buttons on the monitor and the computer.
  • Page 14 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 14 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Installing Your Computer in an your computer’s maximum operating temperature. For details about your Enclosure computer’s specifications, see Installing your computer in an enclosure can "Specifications"...
  • Page 15 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 15 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer...
  • Page 16 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 16 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite successfully connected in the past, the ISP modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular might have a service outage.
  • Page 17 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 17 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer Transferring Information to a New In the Connect to the Internet window, click either Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, Computer depending on how you want to connect: ®...
  • Page 18 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 18 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Setting Up Your Computer...
  • Page 19 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 19 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
  • Page 20 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 20 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications System Information (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Interrupt levels BIOS chip (NVRAM) 4 Mb 8 Mb integrated network interface capable integrated network interface capable...
  • Page 21 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 21 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Video Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Type: Integrated Intel integrated video GMA 950 Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 up to 256-MB video memory (shared)
  • Page 22 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 22 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Expansion Bus Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Bus type PCI 2.3 PCI 2.3 SATA 1.0 and 2.0 PCI Express 1.0A USB 2.0 SATA 1.0 and 2.0...
  • Page 23 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 23 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Expansion Bus (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 PCI Express x1 connector size 36 pins connector data width 1 PCI Express lane (maximum)
  • Page 24 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 24 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Drives (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Available devices • up to two 3.5-inch SATA hard drives • up to four 3.5-inch SATA hard drives •...
  • Page 25 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 25 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Connectors (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 System board connectors: Serial ATA two 7-pin connectors four 7-pin connectors Floppy drive one 34-pin connector Processor fan...
  • Page 26 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 26 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Connectors (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Power 12V one 4-pin connector one 4-pin connector Power one 24-pin connector one 24-pin connector Controls and Lights...
  • Page 27 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 27 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Controls and Lights (Continued) Vostro A100 Vostro A180 Rear of computer: Link integrity light (on the green light — A good connection green light — A good connection...
  • Page 28 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 28 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Power DC power supply: Wattage 180 W Maximum heat dissipation (MHD) 614 BTU/hr Heat dissipation is calculated by using the power supply wattage rating.
  • Page 29 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 29 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Physical (Continued) Depth 45.0 cm (17.7 inches) Weight 12.7 kg (28.0 lb) Environmental Temperature:...
  • Page 30 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 30 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Specifications Environmental (Continued) Altitude: Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft) Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft) Airborne contaminant level G2 or lower as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985...
  • Page 31 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 31 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting Troubleshooting • If the power light is steady blue and the CAUTION: To guard against the likelihood of computer is not responding, ensure that the electric shock, laceration by moving fan display is connected and powered on.
  • Page 32 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 32 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting If your computer beeps during start-up: Write down the beep code. Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). Code Description...
  • Page 33 RAM Read/Write failure Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see your Service Manual at...

  • Page 34: Error Messages

    A C H E D I S A B L E D D U E T O F A I L U R E primary cache internal to the microprocessor has CAUTION: Before you begin any of the failed. Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on procedures in this section, follow the safety page 69).
  • Page 35 T H E F O L L O W I N G C H A R A C T E R S hard drive in the hard drive bay. See your Service > | — Do not use these characters in filenames. Manual at support.dell.com for more information. — A memory module may A T E...
  • Page 36 Shut down the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard computer, remove the hard drive (see your Service Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Manual at support.dell.com), and boot the computer Diagnostics" on page 42).
  • Page 37 V A L U E keyboard or the mouse during the boot routine. Run improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics and, if necessary, replace them. See your Service (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42).
  • Page 38 — O B O O T S E C T O R O N H A R D D R I V E operating system may be corrupted. Contact Dell E M O R Y O D D E V E N L O G I C F A I L U R E A T (see "Contacting Dell"...
  • Page 39 A chip on the system H U T D O W N F A I L U R E reinstall the program. board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" ® ® Microsoft...

  • Page 40: System Messages

    If the problem persists, contact — The battery is running out of charge. L O W Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 69). Replace the battery, or connect the computer to an electrical outlet; otherwise, activate hibernate I M E...
  • Page 41 See your Service Manual at cable is loose, or no bootable device exists. support.dell.com or see "Contacting Dell" on If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure •...
  • Page 42 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 42 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting NO TICE - H SELF To start the Hardware Troubleshooter: A R D R I V E MON ITORI NG S YSTEM H A S R E P O R T E D Windows Vista: T H A T A P A R A M E T E R H A S E X C E E D E D I T S Click the Windows Vista Start button...

  • Page 43: Dell Diagnostics

    NOTE: If your computer cannot display a Problems (see "Lockups and Software Problems" on screen image, see "Contacting Dell" on page 47) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you page 69. contact Dell for technical assistance. Ensure that the computer is connected to an...
  • Page 44 Drivers and Utilities media. according to the devices specified in the system setup program. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your When the boot device list appears, highlight hard drive, and follow the instructions on the CD/DVD/CD-RW and press .

  • Page 45: Troubleshooting Tips

    — F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S O F F correctly installed (see your Service Manual computer is either turned off or is not receiving at support.dell.com).
  • Page 46 (see your Service Manual at support.dell.com). Memory Problems F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S B L U E A N D T H E...
  • Page 47 Troubleshooting Lockups and Software Problems • Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 42). CAUTION: Before you begin any of the F Y O U E X P E R I E N C E O T H E R M E M O R Y procedures in this section, follow the safety —...
  • Page 48 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 48 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting A program stops responding A program is designed for an earlier ® ® Microsoft Windows operating system — N D T H E P R O G R A M Press ...
  • Page 49 — I N F O R M A T I O N Start menu. Ensure that the program is compatible with • the operating system installed on your Dell Technical Update Service computer.
  • Page 50 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 50 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Troubleshooting...

  • Page 51: Reinstalling Drivers And Utilities

    All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 51 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software Reinstalling Software Drivers If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities"...
  • Page 52 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 52 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software Click Properties→ Device Manager. With the Windows desktop displayed, insert your Drivers and Utilities media. NOTE: The User Account Control If this is your first time to use the Drivers and window may appear.
  • Page 53 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 53 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is click Next. not required by your operating system.
  • Page 54 Browse my computer for driver software. drive and removes any programs installed after you received the computer. Use Dell Click Browse and browse to the location to Factory Image Restore only if System which you previously copied the driver files.

  • Page 55: System Restore

    All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 55 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software computer in an undesirable operating state. Any Continue; otherwise, contact your changes that System Restore makes to your administrator to continue the desired computer are completely reversible.
  • Page 56 If Vista Only) possible, back up the data before using Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo these options. Use Dell Factory Image appears, press several times to access Restore only if System Restore did not...
  • Page 57 Image Restore. operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Device On the Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen, click Next. Driver Rollback. See "Returning to a Previous Device Driver Version" on page 51. If Device Driver...
  • Page 58 Page 58 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Reinstalling Software Restart the computer. NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed during When thie DELL logo appears, press the assembly of the computer. Use the immediately.
  • Page 59 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 59 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Finding Information Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be NOTE: Additional information may ship with optional and may not ship with your your computer.
  • Page 60 The Drivers and Utilities media is a CD or DVD that may • Drivers for your computer have shipped with your computer. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com. • Desktop System Software (DSS) • Readme files...
  • Page 61 The Service Manual for your computer can be found at • How to configure system settings support.dell.com. • How to troubleshoot and solve problems Dell Technology Guide • About your operating system The Dell Technology Guide is available on your hard drive • Using and maintaining devices...
  • Page 62 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 62 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Finding Information...
  • Page 63 CAUTION: If you need to remove the for help with installation and troubleshooting computer cover, first disconnect the procedures. See "Online Services" on computer power and modem cables from all page 64 for a more extensive list of Dell electrical outlets. Follow the safety Support online.
  • Page 64 Online Services you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express You can learn about Dell products and services at Service Code icon, and follow the directions. the following websites: For instructions on using the Dell Support, see www.dell.com...
  • Page 65 Dell Support e-mail addresses: [email protected] Dell's automated support service—AutoTech— [email protected] provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their [email protected] (Latin America and laptop and desktop computers. Caribbean countries only) When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone [email protected] (Asian/Pacific...
  • Page 66 If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your or credit, as follows: invoice or packing slip available when you call. For...
  • Page 67 Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see original (or equivalent) packing materials. "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 68). If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. assistance and call from a telephone at or near the You are also responsible for insuring any product computer.
  • Page 68 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 68 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help Diagnostics Checklist Name: Date: Address: Phone number: Service Tag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer): Express Service Code:...
  • Page 69 Getting Help Contacting Dell For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW- DELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
  • Page 70 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 70 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Getting Help...
  • Page 71 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 71 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Index Index beep codes, 31 Dell contacting, 63, 69 Factory Image Restore, 56...
  • Page 72 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 72 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Index documentation, 59 Dell Technology Guide, 61 Factory Image Restore, 56 Service Manual, 61 Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 17 drivers, 51 Drivers and Utilities media, 60...
  • Page 73 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 73 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Index memory troubleshooting, 46 phone numbers, 69 power power light conditions, 45 troubleshooting, 45 networks, 13 problems connecting, 13 restore to previous state, 54...
  • Page 74 Service Manual, 61 specifications (continued) power, 28 Service Tag, 59 processor, 19 setup system information, 19 computer, 11 video, 21 installing your computer in an enclosure, 14 support, 63 Internet, 16 contacting Dell, 69 quick setup, 11 online services, 64 software...
  • Page 75 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 75 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Index troubleshooting (continued) Windows Vista error messages, 34 Dell Factory Image Restore, 56 memory, 46 Device Driver Rollback, 51 power, 45 Program Compatibility wizard, 48 power light conditions, 45...
  • Page 76 All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com book.book Page 76 Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM Index...