Factory settings

How could you possibly have had your computer that long (almost 3 years) and *not* know what the Model # is (or even the exact OS version)???

Nevermind, don't answer that question....

Ok, I guess that was a bit harsh but if you want help, then here is some advice...

Always learn and remember your Brand and Model # for your computer system. This wil help not only when you are in forums, but just when looking at (in this case) Dell's website for possibly new Driver's to install for your system. The OS is usually good to remember which one it is specifically as well (XP helps, but XP Home or Pro or MCE 2005 gives a better description and means that people can give you better help and more quickly). Some of the components of Pro version are different (or have more added abilitites) than of Home and so what people might be able to recommend to you for help with whatever question/problem could easily depend on this small but useful knowledge.

Also, learn the specs (specification details) of your computer system as well. Most forums where other users are trying to help out, and not the manufacturer company themselves, like to have this info as well as it can then show if maybe you just don't have enough memory to run a certain application you have, if you don't have that slot type on your motherboard -hence the reason why a certain Graphics card may not *fit* when trying to install, etc.

Brand names are usually not needed at first for all specs (the graphics card would be one of the items that I *would* specifically mention brand name and model/version) but just the basic stats and then people could always ask for more info. The easiest way to do this without having to keep typing it in every post you write is to make it as your signature file that you use automatically (you might have to set it as this under settings/options for the forum you are in) so that you can just write you question/problem and "submit post" knowing that all details will be added on to the bottom for others to read.

Include only the basic stuff, as some people tend to add every program that is on their computer which is totally not needed...

Dell Dimension 1100/B110

Windows XP Home

2 GB RAM (2x 1GB of DDR PC3200 400MHZ) ---> shows the type and speed as well as amount and how it is installed - with 2 sticks in 2 slots as a pair and not just one 2 GB stick in one slot, as some systems need to have matching paired RAM and some don't...

160 GB Internal Hard Drive (type SATA or IDE not needed to list unless it is a hard drive related question). No need to add external USB or Firewire HDD, again, unless you think this may be affecting something and should be known, but you can do this in your post itself.

Feel free to list how many optical drives you have and the type: 1 CD-ROM, 1 DVD-ROM and so on... CD-ROM (uses CD-R), CD-RW, DVD-ROM (uses DVD-R), DVD-RW, DVD+ROM (uses DVD+R), DVD+RW, DVD+-RW (uses both/either + or - R or RW discs), and then there are the DVD dual layer discs (uses both sides of disc for double capacity) which is DVD-DL (I think). If you have any floppy drives, list them as well, this info is good for knowing what to offer when trying to format a hard drive with no OS on it, for other bootup styles (to boot from CD instead of the OS) etc.

Your graphics and sound should be listed, if you don't know what they are then go into the Control panel, Printers and other Hardware, System (found on the left side) and that will bring up a box. Go to the Hardware Tab, Device Manager, and that will bring up another box with all the different System Devices Installed on your machine, and the Drivers installed for them. Here is where you can find out actual names/models etc. Also, system info can be found on the first System Tab (before choosing the Hardware Tab indicated above) which gives the OS info as well as Dell Model # usually and who it is registered to etc. I have my control panel set as using XP style, if you use "classic style" then it will look different than mine (you can switch back and forth between the 2 modes on the Top Left hand side of the Control Panel Window. XP view is called "category view" as it puts everything into the different categories like "appearance and themes" and "user accounts" and "performance and maintenance" etc. "Classic view" just puts everything as icons all together on one page basically, and this is how Phone Tech Support always gets you to view it as they then tell you where to go to do stuff, but I find that having things in the different categories is easier to use as if you are dealing with something for your display or wallpaper etc, you know to find it under the "appearance and themes" category easily enough).

As for the sound and graphics cards which I mentioned above, you may have "built-in" ones only (Integrated Graphics and Integrated Sound) and these are located on your motherboard, if you have actual "cards" in slots on your motherboard (PCI, AGP or PCIe - e stands for Express), then you may still have Integrated stuff as well, and you will have to make sure that all BIOS settings are set to use the actual "cards" and that you have those drivers installed on your computer. Usually, but not always, if you install a card after using Integrated graphics/sound, the BIOS will automatically switch over to using the Card (as it knows it is most likely better) but if you take that away, you might need to go back and physically switch the BIOS back to using the Integrated.

Ok, lastly, if using just a normal mouse and keyboard, no real need to list them, but if you are using a wireless or Bluetooth item, that may be good to list as well. Also, list what Internet connection you have (type, general data speed range, what type of modem) and if you have your computer on a home network, saying so could also possibly be usefull (we have 2 desktop PCs both Dell, a Dell laptop, 2 Mac laptops (iBook G3 and MacBook Core Duo) plus our Tivo, a NAS (network attached storage) and sometimes my Dell Axim x50 PDA all on our Home Network. The laptops and PDA are mainly WiFi connected and the other units are all Ethernet).

No need for real sentences when creating your sig file, short and sweet and to the point is best. You can do it in a list down, one line per item, or across the line with "," and ";" separating different items etc.

I hope this helps some. It really is a good idea to know your computer especially if you count on it for everyday tasks or inportant stuff as this will make it easier for you to help solve your own problems, or at least know what to tell people to get them to help you and get it solved much easier and more quickly. If you can remember which Brand of shoes you are wearing, you can at least remember the "Dell Dimension 1100" name/model IMO, and also (over time) slowly learning more about your computer and what it's parts are... Your computer will love you for it. ; )