background image

Index

74

software

problems, 48
reinstalling, 51
troubleshooting, 48–49
updates, 49

specifications

AC adapter, 30
all, 21
audio, 25
battery, 28
communications, 24
display, 26
environmental, 31
keyboard, 27
memory, 22
physical, 31
ports and connectors, 23
processor, 21
system information, 22
touch pad, 28
video, 25

support, 63

contacting Dell, 69
DellConnect, 64
online services, 64
regional, 64
technical support and customer service, 64

support information, 60

T

Terms and Conditions, 60

track stick/touch pad buttons

description, 8

troubleshooting, 33, 60

blue screen, 48
computer not responding, 47
Dell Diagnostics, 42
error messages, 33
memory, 46
power, 44
power light conditions, 44
program crashes, 47

book.book  Page 74  Thursday, September 25, 2008  2:38 PM

Summary of Contents for Vostro A860

Page 1: ...Vostro A840 A860 Setup and Quick Reference Guide book book Page 1 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 2: ...se of your computer 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 Macrovision Product Notice book book Page 2 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 3: ...Contents Contents About Your Computer 7 Transferring Information to a New Computer 19 book book Page 3 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 4: ...Software Problems 47 Dell Technical Update Service 49 Dell Support Center 49 Finding Information 59 Getting Help 63 Obtaining Assistance 63 Technical Support and Customer book book Page 4 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 5: ...Contents Before You Call 67 Contacting Dell 69 Index 71 book book Page 5 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 6: ...Contents book book Page 6 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 7: ...our Computer About Your Computer Front View DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS The lights located on the palm rest towards the front of the computer indicate the following book book Page 7 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 8: ...About Your Computer AUDIO CONNECTORS Right View Attach headphones to the connector Attach a microphone to the connector 2 1 book book Page 8 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 9: ...yboard indicate the following CAUTION The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide However power connectors and power strips vary among countries Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage book book Page 9 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 10: ... adapter The computer ships with a blank installed in the slot to prevent foreign matter from entering the computer interior when a card is not installed 3 IN 1 MEDIA CARD READER Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital book book Page 10 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 11: ...w through the vents which prevents the computer from overheating The fan automatically turns on when the computer gets hot Connects the computer to a network The two lights next to the connector indicate status and activity for wired network connections book book Page 11 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 12: ...n damage the computer or cause a fire The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot Fan noise is normal designed to work with your Dell computer Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer CAUTION Before removing or replacing the battery turn off the computer disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer disconnect the modem from the book book Pa...

Page 13: ...omputer is turned off 2 Slide the two release latches on the bottom of the computer and then remove the battery from the bay To replace the battery slide the battery into the bay until it clicks into place 1 2 book book Page 13 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 14: ...About Your Computer book book Page 14 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 15: ...dditional safety best practices information see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at NOTICE When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer grasp the connector not the cable itself and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable When you wrap the AC adapter cable book book Page 15 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 16: ... Setup 1 Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet 3 Connect USB devices such as a mouse or keyboard book book Page 16 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 17: ...et NOTE Internet Service Provider s ISP and ISP offerings vary by country To connect to the Internet you need a modem or network connection and an ISP If you are using a dial up connection connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the book book Page 17 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 18: ... Double click the ISP icon on the Microsoft Windows desktop 3 Follow the instructions on the screen to Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System 1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs 2 Click the Windows Vista Start button Control Panel 3 Under Network and Internet click Connect book book Page 18 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 19: ...tions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup Transferring Information to a New Computer NOTE The instructions in this section are for book book Page 19 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 20: ...Quick Setup book book Page 20 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 21: ...fferings 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 book book Page 21 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 22: ... A860 Chipset Intel GM965 Express ICH8M Intel GM965 Express ICH8M Data bus width 64 bits 64 bits DRAM bus width dual channel 2 64 bit buses dual channel 2 64 bit buses Processor address 36 bits 36 bits book book Page 22 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 23: ...cifications Minimum memory 512 MB 512 MB Maximum memory 4 GB 4 GB Memory continued Vostro A840 Vostro A860 Ports and Connectors Vostro A840 Vostro A860 book book Page 23 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 24: ...Reader Vostro A840 Vostro A860 3 in 1 media memory card controller Ricoh 5C847 Ricoh R5C847 3 in 1 media memory card connector 3 in 1 combo card connector 3 in 1 combo card connector book book Page 24 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 25: ...e integrated on system board hardware accelerated integrated on system board hardware accelerated Data bus integrated video integrated video Video controller Intel Extreme Graphics Intel Extreme Graphics book book Page 25 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 26: ... speaker Internal speaker amplifier 2 W channel into 4 ohms 2 W channel into 4 ohms Volume controls program menus program menus Audio continued Vostro A840 Vostro A860 Display Vostro A840 Vostro A860 book book Page 26 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 27: ...Specifications Viewing angles WXGA Horizontal 40 40 40 40 WXGA Vertical 15 30 15 30 Pixel pitch Display continued Vostro A840 Vostro A860 book book Page 27 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 28: ...Pad Vostro A840 Vostro A860 X Y position resolution graphics table mode 240 cpi 240 cpi Size Width 73 0 mm 2 9 inch sensor active area 73 0 mm 2 9 inch sensor active area book book Page 28 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 29: ...C 4 cell Charge time approximate 4 hours when computer is off 4 hours when computer is off Operating time Battery operating time varies depending Battery operating time varies depending Battery continued Vostro A840 Vostro A860 book book Page 29 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 30: ... A860 Input voltage 100 240 VAC 100 240 VAC Input current maximum 1 5 A 1 5 A Input frequency 50 60 Hz 50 60 Hz Output current 4 34 A maximum at 4 second pulse 4 34 A maximum at 4 second pulse book book Page 30 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 31: ...perating 0 to 35 C 32 to 95 F 0 to 35 C 32 to 95 F Storage 40 to 65 C 40 to 149 F 40 to 65 C 40 to 149 F AC Adapter continued Vostro A840 Vostro A860 Physical Vostro A840 Vostro A860 book book Page 31 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 32: ...ating 10 to 90 noncondensing 10 to 90 noncondensing Storage 5 to 95 noncondensing 5 to 95 noncondensing Maximum vibration using a random vibration Environmental continued Vostro A840 Vostro A860 book book Page 32 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 33: ... expected injuries always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover setup program See your Service Manual at support dell com for more information If the problem persists contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 69 CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE The book book Page 33 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 34: ...he bay before it can continue Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay See your Service THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DESTINATION DRIVE The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk or the disk is full Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS book book Page 34 Thursday Sept...

Page 35: ...t the computer Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics see Dell HARD DISK DRIVE FAILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer Shut down the computer remove the hard drive see your Service Manual at support dell com and boot the computer from the media Then shut down the computer reinstall the hard drive and restart the computer If the problem persists try anot...

Page 36: ...alled Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program See your Service Manual at KEYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE For external keyboards or keypads check the cable connection Restart the computer and avoid touching the keyboard or keys during the boot routine Run the Stuck Key test in the Dell Diagnostics see Dell Diagnostics on page 42 MEMORY ADDRESS LINE FAILURE AT book book Page 36 Thursd...

Page 37: ...e Manual at support dell com for more information MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT MEMORY WRITE READ FAILURE AT ADDRESS READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated Reinstall the memory modules and if necessary replace them See your Service Manual at support dell com for more information NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE The book book Page 37 Thursday September 25 2008 2...

Page 38: ... OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Reinstall the hard drive see your Service Manual at 3 Click Uninstall 4 See the program documentation for installation instructions and reinstall the program SECTOR NOT FOUND The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive You may have a defective sector or corrupted FAT on the book book Page 38 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 39: ...m setup program then immediately exit the program see your Service Manual at support dell com If the TIMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FAILED A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics see Dell Diagnostics on page 42 UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning or a memory module may be loose book book Page 39 Thursd...

Page 40: ...n the message appeared ALERT PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT BOOTING HARD DISK DRIVE FAILURE Possiblehard drive failure during hard drive POST Check cables swap hard disks or see Contacting Dell on page 69 for assistance HARD DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE Possible hard drive failure during hard drive start test see Contacting Dell on page 69 for book book Page 40 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 41: ...ER CURRENT ERROR Disconnect the USB device Use external power source for the USB device Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems 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 book book Page 41 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 42: ...ory Compliance Homepage at www dell com regulatory_compliance See your Service Manual at support dell com to review your computer s configuration information and ensure that the device that you want to test displays in the system setup program and is active Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Dell Drivers and Utilities media book book Page 42 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38...

Page 43: ...n your computer and try again NOTICE If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Dell Drivers and Utilities Media 1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities media 2 Shut down and restart the computer When the DELL logo appears press F12 immediately book book Page 43 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 44: ...sion that is appropriate for your computer 7 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu If an error message appears on the screen write down the exact message This message may help support personnel to diagnose and fix the problem s If an error message occurs in a program see the program documentation NOTE The procedures in this document book book Page 44 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 45: ...f the computer and the electrical outlet Bypass power strips power extension IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLUE AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING Ensure that the display is connected and powered on IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING BLUE The computer is in standby mode Press a key on the keyboard move the mouse or press book book Page 45 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 46: ...anel cable are securely connected to the system board connector see your Service Manual at support dell com Memory Problems CAUTION Before working inside your computer read the safety information that shipped with your computer For additional safety best practices information see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www dell com regulatory_compliance book book Page 46 Thursday September 25 2008 2...

Page 47: ...stics see Dell Diagnostics on page 42 IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION Before working inside your computer read the safety information that shipped with your computer For additional safety best practices information see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www dell com regulatory_compliance book book Page 47 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 48: ...ions tab 2 Click to select the program that is no longer responding and click End Task A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows operating system RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to book book Page 48 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 49: ...FORMATION Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY Use a virus scanning program to check the hard drive CDs or DVDs Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu book book Page 49 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 50: ...stem Performance Network Internet Backup Recovery and Windows Vista Alerts technical support alerts relevant to For more information on Dell Support Center see the Dell Technology Guide It is available in Windows Help and Support Start Help and Support and at Dell Support Website support dell com book book Page 50 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 51: ...Drivers If you experience a problem with any device 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 on page 51 book book Page 51 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 52: ...ice Manager 3 Right click the device for which the new 1 With the Windows desktop displayed insert your Drivers and Utilities media If this is your first time to use the Drivers and Utilities media go to step 2 If not go to step 5 2 When the Drivers and Utilities media installation program starts follow the prompts on the screen book book Page 52 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 53: ... If you installed additional hardware the drivers for the new hardware might not If a particular driver is not listed then that driver is not required by your operating system Manually Reinstalling Drivers After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button book book Page 53 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 54: ... driver OK Next 8 Click Finish and restart your computer Using Microsoft Windows System Restore The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option that allows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files if changes to the hardware software or other system settings have left the book book Page 54 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 55: ...ow may appear If you are an administrator on the computer click Undoing the Last System Restore NOTICE Before you undo the last system restore save and close all open files and exit any open programs Do not alter open or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete 1 Click Start book book Page 55 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 56: ...lation back up all data files on your primary hard drive For conventional hard drive Reinstalling Windows The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete After you reinstall the operating system you must also reinstall the device drivers virus protection program and other software 1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs book book Page 56 Thursday September 25 2008 2...

Page 57: ...quence for one time only On the next start up the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program 5 When the boot device list appears highlight CD DVD CD RW Drive and press Enter book book Page 57 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 58: ...Reinstalling Software book book Page 58 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 59: ... media may be optional and may not ship with your computer Some features or media may not be available in certain countries NOTE Additional information may ship with your computer Document Media Label Contents book book Page 59 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 60: ...The Operating System media is a CD or DVD that may have shipped with your computer Reinstall your operating system Safety Regulatory Warranty Warranty information Document Media Label Contents book book Page 60 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 61: ...your operating system Using and maintaining devices Understanding technologies such as RAID Internet Bluetooth wireless technology e mail networking and more Microsoft Windows License Provides your operating system product key Document Media Label Contents book book Page 61 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 62: ...Finding Information book book Page 62 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 63: ...r and modem cables from all electrical outlets Follow the safety 4 Use Dell s extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support support dell com for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures See Online Services on page 64 for a more extensive list of Dell book book Page 63 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 64: ...e Dell Support see Technical Support and Customer Service on page 64 NOTE Some of the following services are not Online Services You can learn about Dell products and services at the following websites www dell com www dell com ap Asian Pacific countries only www dell com jp Japan only book book Page 64 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 65: ...port dell com support apj dell com Asia Pacific and Japan only Dell Marketing and Sales e mail addresses apmarketing dell com Asian Pacific countries only sales_canada dell com Canada only Anonymous file transfer protocol FTP ftp dell com log in as user anonymous and book book Page 65 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 66: ...ecording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order For the telephone number to call for your region see the telephone number to call for your region or to speak to a sales specialist see Contacting Dell on page 69 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Prepare all items being returned whether for repair book book Page 66 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 67: ... paying shipping expenses Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist see Diagnostics Checklist on page 68 If possible turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard relay detailed information during operations or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer itsel...

Page 68: ...Getting Help Diagnostics Checklist Name Date Address Phone number book book Page 68 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 69: ...rnet connection you can find contact information on your purchase invoice packing slip bill or Dell product catalog Dell provides several online and telephone based support and service options Availability varies by book book Page 69 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 70: ...Getting Help book book Page 70 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 71: ...Index Index B battery removal 12 D Dell contacting 63 69 book book Page 71 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 72: ...l Technology Guide 61 Service Manual 60 61 drivers 51 Drivers and Utilities media 59 identifying 51 reinstalling 51 I IEEE 1394 connector description 10 Internet connecting 17 book book Page 72 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 73: ...twork connector description 11 networks connecting 17 Notebook System Software 59 R regulatory information 60 reinstalling drivers and utilities 51 software 51 book book Page 73 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 74: ...leshooting 48 49 updates 49 specifications AC adapter 30 support 63 contacting Dell 69 DellConnect 64 online services 64 regional 64 technical support and customer service 64 support information 60 book book Page 74 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 75: ...oting continued programs and Windows compatibility 48 software 47 49 tips 44 U Windows Vista Program Compatibility wizard 48 wizards Program Compatibility wizard 48 book book Page 75 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

Page 76: ...Index book book Page 76 Thursday September 25 2008 2 38 PM ...

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