Dell Computer Hardware 700M User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 700m  
Owner’s Manual  
Model PP07S  
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m  
Contents  
Finding Information  
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9
1
A Tour of Your Computer  
Front View.  
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13  
18  
Right Side View .  
Bottom View.  
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2
Connecting to the Internet .  
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21  
Setting Up Your Internet Connection .  
21  
Printer Cable .  
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22  
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Connecting a USB Printer .  
Power Protection Devices .  
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23  
23  
24  
Surge Protectors .  
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Uninterruptible Power Supplies .  
3
Battery Performance .  
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25  
Checking the Battery Charge .  
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26  
26  
26  
Microsoft Windows Power Meter .  
Low-Battery Warning .  
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Charging the Battery .  
Removing a Battery  
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26  
27  
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Contents  
3
Installing a Battery  
Storing a Battery.  
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27  
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4
5
Installing Module Bay Devices  
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29  
30  
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off .  
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running .  
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Using CDs and DVDs .  
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31  
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32  
32  
Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs .  
Helpful Tips .  
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Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device .  
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33  
34  
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Enabling the Display Settings for a TV  
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Key Combinations .  
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36  
36  
36  
36  
37  
System Functions .  
Power Management.  
Speaker Functions  
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Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions .  
Touch Pad .  
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37  
Customizing the Touch Pad  
38  
4
Contents  
7
Using PC Cards  
PC Card Types .  
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39  
39  
41  
PC Card Blanks .  
Removing a PC Card or Blank  
Installing a PC Card . .  
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8
Connecting to a Network Adapter  
Network Setup Wizard.  
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43  
44  
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Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network .  
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44  
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47  
Starting the Dell Diagnostics.  
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Drivers  
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49  
49  
49  
50  
What Is a Driver? .  
Identifying Drivers.  
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities .  
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities  
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51  
Restoring Your Operating System .  
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Drive Problems  
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54  
55  
55  
56  
56  
CD and DVD drive problems .  
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray .  
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound  
Hard drive problems. .  
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Contents  
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58  
59  
Error Messages .  
IEEE 1394 Device Problems.  
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Lockups and Software Problems .  
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60  
61  
61  
61  
61  
The computer does not start up .  
The computer stops responding .  
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A program crashes repeatedly.  
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system.  
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Printer Problems.  
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65  
66  
Scanner Problems .  
Sound and Speaker Problems  
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67  
67  
67  
68  
No sound from integrated speakers  
No sound from external speakers  
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No sound from headphones .  
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Touch Pad or Mouse Problems .  
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68  
Video and Display Problems .  
If the display is blank .  
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69  
69  
69  
70  
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If the display is difficult to read.  
If only part of the display is readable .  
6
Contents  
10 Adding and Replacing Parts  
Before You Begin  
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71  
71  
72  
Recommended Tools  
Before Working Inside Your Computer .  
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75  
76  
Modem .  
Mini PCI Card .  
11 Appendix  
Specifications .  
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Overview .  
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87  
87  
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System Setup Screens.  
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Commonly Used Options.  
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) .  
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88  
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Contacting Dell .  
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89  
Macrovision Product Notice .  
107  
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)  
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107  
107  
107  
108  
Class A .  
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Class B .  
FCC Identification Information .  
Index  
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109  
Contents  
7
8
Contents  
Finding Information  
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.  
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.  
What Are You Looking For?  
Find It Here  
Warranty information  
Dell™ Product Information Guide  
Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)  
• Safety instructions  
• Regulatory information  
• Ergonomics information  
• End User License Agreement  
• How to set up my computer  
Setup Diagram  
®
®
• Tips on using Microsoft Windows  
Help File  
• How to play CDs and DVDs  
1
2
3
Click the Start button and click Help and Support  
Click User and system guides and click User’s guides  
Click Dell Inspiron Help  
.
• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode  
• How to change my display resolution  
• How to clean my computer  
.
.
Finding Information  
9
             
What Are You Looking For?  
Find It Here  
• Service Tag and Express Service Code  
• Microsoft Windows License Label  
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License  
These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.  
• Use the Service Tag to  
identify your  
computer when you  
use support.dell.com  
or contact technical  
support.  
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when  
contacting technical support.  
10  
Finding Information  
   
What Are You Looking For?  
Find It Here  
• Solutions Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles  
from technicians, online courses, frequently asked  
questions  
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com  
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support  
site.  
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell  
customers  
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers  
can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website  
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be  
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system  
available in all regions.  
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and  
order status, warranty, and repair information  
• Service and support — Service call status and support  
history, service contract, online discussions with  
technical support  
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my  
computer configuration, product specifications, and  
white papers  
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software  
updates  
• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If you reinstall the  
operating system for your computer, you should also  
reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates  
for your operating system and support for Dell™  
®
®
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel Pentium  
M
processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is  
necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.  
The software automatically detects your computer and  
operating system and installs the updates appropriate  
for your configuration.  
To download Notebook System Software:  
1
2
3
4
Go to support.dell.com and click Downloads.  
Enter your Service Tag or product model.  
In the Download Category drop-down menu, click All  
.
Select the operating system and operating system  
language for your computer, and click Submit  
.
5
Under Select a Device, scroll to System and  
Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Notebook  
System Software  
.
Finding Information  
11  
   
What Are You Looking For?  
Find It Here  
• How to use Windows XP  
Windows Help and Support Center  
• Documentation for my computer  
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)  
1
2
Click the Start button and click Help and Support.  
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and  
click the arrow icon.  
3
4
Click the topic that describes your problem.  
Follow the instructions on the screen.  
12  
Finding Information  
 
A Tour of Your Computer  
Front View  
display latch release  
display  
device and keyboard  
status lights  
speakers (2)  
power button  
keyboard  
touch pad  
touch pad buttons  
microphone connector  
headphone connector  
DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE Slide this display latch to release and open the display.  
DISPLAY For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help  
file. To access help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
SPEAKERS To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers press the volume control keyboard  
shortcuts. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 35.  
POWER BUTTON Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power  
management mode.  
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, shut down your computer instead of pressing the power button.  
A Tour of Your Computer  
13  
             
AUDIO CONNECTORS Connect headphones and microphone.  
Attach headphones or speakers to the  
connector.  
Attach a microphone to the  
connector.  
IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as  
some digital video cameras.  
TOUCH PAD Touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See "Using the  
Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 35 for more information.  
®
®
KEYBOARD The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key.  
For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 35.  
14  
A Tour of Your Computer  
         
DEVICE AND KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS  
Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless  
networking, press <Fn><F2>.  
Turns on when you turn on the computer. Turns on steadily or blinks when  
the computer is in a power management mode.  
Indicates battery charge status.  
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the  
as follows:  
light operates  
– Solid green: The battery is charging.  
If the computer is running on a battery, the  
light operates as follows:  
– Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).  
– Flashing green: The battery charge is low.  
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.  
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the  
light is flashing.  
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.  
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.  
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.  
A
NOTE: Device status lights are also visible when the display is closed.  
A Tour of Your Computer  
15  
 
Left Side View  
security  
cable slot  
video connector  
PC Card slot  
exhaust vent  
USB connectors (2)  
Secure Digital  
memory card slot  
SECURITY CABLE SLOT Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.  
For more information, see the instructions included with the device.  
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.  
EXHAUST VENT The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents  
the computer from overheating.  
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not  
indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.  
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store  
your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting  
the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.  
16  
A Tour of Your Computer  
       
VIDEO CONNECTOR  
Connects an external monitor. For more information, see  
"Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access  
help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
USB 2.0 CONNECTOR  
Connects USB 2.0 compliant devices, such as a mouse,  
keyboard, or printer.  
PC CARD SLOT Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with  
a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see "Using PC Cards" on page 39.  
SECURE DIGITAL MEMORY CARD SLOT  
The Secure Digital memory card slot supports one Secure  
Digital memory card. Use Secure Digital memory cards to  
save or back up data.  
A Tour of Your Computer  
17  
       
Right Side View  
S-video tv-out  
connector  
module bay  
modem connector  
network connector  
AC adapter connector  
MODULE BAY You can install devices such as an optical drive or Dell TravelLite™ module in the module  
bay. For more information, see "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29.  
MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)  
Connects the telephone line to the modem connector.  
For information on using the modem, see the online modem  
documentation supplied with your computer.  
NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)  
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the  
computer, do not plug a telephone line in to the network connector.  
Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow  
lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired  
and wireless network communications.  
For information on using the network adapter, see the  
online network-adapter documentation supplied with  
your computer.  
AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR Connects the AC adapter so that you can run the computer on AC power  
instead of battery power.  
18  
A Tour of Your Computer  
         
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the  
AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.  
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.  
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.  
NOTICE: Ensure that the AC adapter cable is not in the path of chairs or other objects that could crush it.  
S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR  
Connects your computer to a TV. For more information,  
see "Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device"  
on page 33.  
A Tour of Your Computer  
19  
 
Bottom View  
Mini PCI card and modem cover  
memory  
module  
cover  
module bay  
module bay  
latch release  
air vent  
battery*  
battery latch release  
hard drive cover  
*optional 8-cell battery is shown  
MODULE BAY You can install devices such as an optical drive in the module bay. For more information,  
see "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29.  
MODULE BAY LATCH RELEASE Releases a device. See "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29  
for instructions.  
HARD DRIVE Stores software and data.  
BATTERY LATCH RELEASE Releases a device. See "Using a Battery" on page 25 for instructions.  
BATTERY/BATTERY BAY When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the  
computer to an electrical outlet. See "Using a Battery" on page 25.  
AIR VENT The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the  
computer from overheating.  
your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running.  
Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.  
MEMORY MODULE COVER Covers the compartment that contains the memory module. See "Memory"  
on page 73.  
MINI PCI CARD AND MODEM COVER Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card and  
modem. See "Mini PCI Card" on page 76 and "Modem" on page 75.  
20  
A Tour of Your Computer  
                 
Setting Up Your Computer  
Connecting to the Internet  
NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.  
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service  
provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet  
connection options:  
Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up  
connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.  
DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone  
line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the  
same line simultaneously.  
Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local  
cable TV line.  
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your  
computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are  
using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.  
Setting Up Your Internet Connection  
To set up an AOL or MSN connection:  
1
2
3
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.  
®
®
Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft Windows desktop.  
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.  
If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an  
Internet connection with a different ISP:  
1
2
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.  
Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer  
The New Connection Wizard appears.  
Click Connect to the Internet  
.
3
.
Setting Up Your Computer  
21  
         
4
In the next window, click the appropriate option:  
If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet  
service providers (ISPs)  
.
If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a  
setup CD, click Set up my connection manually  
.
If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP.  
5
Click Next.  
If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the  
instructions on the screen to complete the setup.  
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.  
6
7
Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then  
click Next  
.
Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.  
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet  
Problems" on page 56. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the  
past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try  
connecting again later.  
Setting Up a Printer  
NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.  
See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:  
Obtain and install updated drivers.  
Connect the printer to the computer.  
Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.  
Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.  
Printer Cable  
Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it  
is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased  
your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.  
Connecting a USB Printer  
NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.  
1
2
Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.  
Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.  
22  
Setting Up Your Computer  
               
3
Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer.  
The USB connectors fit only one way.  
USB connector on  
computer  
USB connector  
on printer  
USB printer  
cable  
Power Protection Devices  
Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:  
Surge protectors  
Line conditioners  
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)  
Surge Protectors  
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your  
computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power  
interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector.  
Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage.  
Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule  
rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of  
different devices.  
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions  
caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line  
from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.  
Setting Up Your Computer  
23  
     
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector  
documentation for modem connection instructions.  
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from  
the network wall jack during electrical storms.  
Line Conditioners  
NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.  
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.  
Uninterruptible Power Supplies  
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.  
NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other  
devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.  
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that  
provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges  
while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery  
operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).  
24  
Setting Up Your Computer  
   
Using a Battery  
Battery Performance  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™  
portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. Use a battery to run the computer  
when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in  
the battery bay.  
NOTE: Battery capacity (the time it can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often the  
battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during  
the life of your computer.  
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly  
reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:  
Using DVD, DVD-R, and CD-RW drives  
Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices  
Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs  
Running the computer in maximum performance mode (see "Power Management" in the  
Dell Inspiron Help file.)  
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a  
CD or DVD.  
You can set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.  
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the  
battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work  
with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.  
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a  
charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion  
battery. See "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.  
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,  
incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery  
away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may  
leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.  
Using a Battery  
25  
       
Checking the Battery Charge  
®
®
The Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and  
icon and the low-battery warning  
provide information on the battery charge.  
Microsoft Windows Power Meter  
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter,  
double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information about the Power Meter tab,  
see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access help, see "Finding Information"  
on page 9.  
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a  
icon appears.  
Low-Battery Warning  
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning.  
Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate  
mode begins automatically.  
A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For  
more information about low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file.  
To access help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
Charging the Battery  
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is  
connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature.  
If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.  
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery  
may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.  
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on page 64.  
26  
Using a Battery  
               
Removing a Battery  
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.  
1
2
Ensure that the computer is turned off, set to the hibernate power management mode, or  
connected to an electrical outlet.  
Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove  
the battery from the bay.  
shown with optional 8-cell battery  
Installing a Battery  
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the  
battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work  
Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.  
Storing a Battery  
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery  
discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before  
you use it.  
Using a Battery  
27  
           
28  
Using a Battery  
Installing Module Bay Devices  
About the Module Bay  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
You can install devices such as a DVD drive, CD-RW/DVD drive, or DVD+RW in the module bay.  
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is  
Turned Off  
NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, store them in a safe, dry place when they are not installed in the  
computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.  
1
Slide and hold the device latch release.  
2
3
Pull the device out of the module bay.  
Push the new device into the bay until it clicks.  
Installing Module Bay Devices  
29  
           
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer  
Is Running  
1
Before ejecting the device, double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar,  
click the device you want to eject, and click Stop  
.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, store them in a safe, dry place when they are not installed in the  
computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.  
2
Slide and hold the device latch release.  
3
4
Pull the device out of the module bay.  
Push the new device into the bay until it clicks.  
The operating system automatically recognizes the device.  
30  
Installing Module Bay Devices  
   
Using CDs and DVDs  
For information about using CDs and DVDs in your computer, see the Dell™ Inspiron™ Help file.  
To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
Copying CDs and DVDs  
NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs.  
This section applies only to computers that have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or  
DVD/CD-RW combo drive.  
The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use  
Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer  
and creating MP3 CDs. For instructions, see the Sonic RecordNow documentation that came with  
your computer. Open Sonic RecordNow, click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of  
the window, and then click RecordNow Help or RecordNow Tutorial  
.
How to Copy a CD or DVD  
NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for  
available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com.  
Currently, five DVD-writable disc formats are available: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW,  
and DVD-RAM. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to DVD+R and  
DVD+RW media, and can read DVD-R and DVD-RW media. However, DVD-writable drives do  
not write to and might not read DVD-RAM media. In addition, commercially available  
DVD players for home theater systems might not read all five formats.  
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using  
Sonic RecordNow.  
1
2
Click the Start button, point to All Programs  
RecordNow!  
Sonic  
RecordNow!, and then click  
Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD or DVD you want  
to copy.  
Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia  
31  
             
3
4
Click Exact Copy  
To copy the CD or DVD:  
.
If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click Copy  
The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your  
computer hard drive.  
.
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the CD or DVD drive and click OK  
.
If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your  
source CD or DVD and click Copy. The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to  
the blank CD or DVD.  
Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have  
created automatically ejects.  
Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs  
Your CD-RW drive can write to two different types of recording media—CD-Rs and CD-RWs  
(including high-speed CD-RWs). Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files.  
After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again without changing your method of  
recording (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to  
CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.  
Your DVD-writable drive can write to four different types of recording media—CD-Rs, CD-RWs  
(including high-speed CD-RWs), DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs. Blank DVD+Rs can be used to  
permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+R disc, you may not be able  
to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of the disc creation  
process. Use blank DVD+RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.  
Helpful Tips  
®
®
Use Microsoft Windows Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after  
you start Sonic RecordNow and open a RecordNow project.  
You must use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos.  
CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos.  
You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow.  
Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have  
MP3 software installed.  
Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a  
650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to  
finalize the recording.  
Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques.  
If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank  
CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R.  
See the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com for additional information.  
32  
Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia  
     
Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device  
NOTE: Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to a TV or other audio device are not  
included with your computer. Cables may be purchased at most consumer electronics stores.  
You can use a commercially available S-video cable to connect your computer to the S-video input  
on your TV. The audio connector on the front of the computer enables you to connect the  
computer to your TV or audio device, using a commercially available audio cable.  
NOTE: See the diagrams at the beginning of each subsection to help you determine which method of  
connection you should use.  
When you finish connecting the video and audio cables between your computer and your TV, you  
must enable your computer to work with the TV. See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on  
page 34 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.  
S-Video Connection  
S-video cable  
audio cable  
1
2
Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect.  
Plug one end of the S-video cable in to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer.  
3
4
Plug the other end of the S-video cable in to the S-video input connector on your TV.  
Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable in to the headphone connector on your computer.  
Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia  
33  
       
5
6
7
Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the audio input  
connectors on your TV or other audio device.  
Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on  
the computer.  
See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 34 to ensure that the computer  
recognizes and works properly with the TV.  
Enabling the Display Settings for a TV  
Integrated Video Controller  
NOTE: Ensure that you properly connect the TV before you enable the display settings.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Click the Start button and click Control Panel  
Click Appearances and Themes  
Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Display  
Click the Settings tab and click Advanced  
Click the Intel (R) Extreme Graphics tab.  
Click Graphic Properties  
If you want to use only a TV without using the computer display or any other display options:  
.
.
.
.
.
a
b
In the new window, click TV so that a red check mark appears directly on top of the TV icon.  
Ensure that the settings are correct.  
8
If you want to use a TV and the computer display at the same time:  
a
In the new window, click Intel (R) Dual Display Clone and ensure that one of the  
devices listed is a TV.  
b
c
Click Device Settings  
.
In the new window, ensure that the display resolution settings are correct.  
9
Click Apply to view the new settings.  
10 Click OK to confirm the settings change.  
11 Click Yes to keep the new settings.  
12 Click OK.  
34  
Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia  
   
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad  
Numeric Keypad  
numeric keypad  
The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the  
keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of  
the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, press the desired key after enabling the keypad.  
To enable the keypad, press <Fn><Num Lk>. The  
active.  
light indicates that the keypad is  
To disable the keypad, press <Fn><Num Lk> again.  
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad  
35  
       
Key Combinations  
System Functions  
<Ctrl><Shift><Esc>  
<Fn><F3>  
Opens the Task Manager window.  
Enables and disables the numeric keypad.  
Enables and disables the scroll lock.  
<Fn><F4>  
Display Functions  
<Fn><F8>  
Switches the video image to the next display option.  
The options include the integrated display, an external  
monitor, and both displays simultaneously.  
<Fn> and up-arrow key  
Increases brightness on the integrated display only  
(not on an external monitor).  
<Fn> and down-arrow key Decreases brightness on the integrated display only  
(not on an external monitor).  
Radios (Including Wireless Networking)  
<Fn><F2>  
Enables and disables radios including wireless  
networking.  
Power Management  
<Fn><Esc>  
Activates a power management mode. You can  
reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different  
power management mode using the Advanced tab in the  
Power Options Properties window. See "Power  
Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access  
help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
Speaker Functions  
<Fn><F5>  
Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external  
speakers (mute function), if attached.  
<Fn><F6>  
<Fn><F7>  
Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and  
external speakers, if attached.  
Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and  
external speakers, if attached.  
36  
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad  
             
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions  
Windows logo key and <m>  
Minimizes all open windows.  
Windows logo key and  
<Shift><m>  
Maximizes all windows.  
Windows logo key and <e>  
Windows logo key and <r>  
Windows logo key and <f>  
Runs Windows Explorer.  
Opens the Run dialog box.  
Opens the Search Results dialog box.  
Windows logo key and  
<Ctrl><f>  
Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the  
computer is connected to a network).  
Windows logo key and <Pause> Opens the System Properties dialog box.  
To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, click  
Printers and Other Hardware, and click Keyboard  
.
Touch Pad  
The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor  
on the display. Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse.  
To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.  
To select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to  
press the left touch-pad button.  
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad  
37  
     
To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap down-up-down  
on the touch pad. On the second down motion, leave your finger on the touch pad and move  
the selected object by sliding your finger over the surface.  
To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad or  
use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button twice.  
Customizing the Touch Pad  
You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad or adjust its settings.  
1
2
Open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Mouse.  
In the Mouse Properties window:  
Click the Device Select tab to disable the touch pad.  
Click the Pointer tab to adjust touch pad settings.  
3
Click OK to save the settings and close the window.  
38  
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad  
   
Using PC Cards  
PC Card Types  
See "Specifications" on page 81 for information on supported PC Cards.  
NOTE: A PC Card is not a bootable device.  
The PC Card slot has one connector that supports a single Type I or Type II card.  
The PC Card slot supports CardBus technology and extended PC Cards. "Type" of card refers to its  
thickness, not its functionality.  
PC Card Blanks  
Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the PC Card slot. Blanks protect unused  
slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no PC Card is installed in the slot;  
blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.  
To remove the blank, see "Removing a PC Card or Blank" on page 39.  
Extended PC Cards  
An extended PC Card (for example, a wireless network adapter) is longer than a standard PC Card  
and extends outside the computer. Follow these precautions when using extended PC Cards:  
Protect the exposed end of an installed card. Striking the end of the card can damage the  
system board.  
Always remove an extended PC Card before you pack the computer in its carrying case.  
Removing a PC Card or Blank  
NOTICE: Use the PC Card configuration utility (click the  
icon in the taskbar) to select a card and  
stop it from functioning before you remove it from the computer. If you do not stop the card in the  
configuration utility, you could lose data. Do not attempt to eject a card by pulling its cable, if one  
is attached.  
Using PC Cards  
39  
                   
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
1
Press in on the latch.  
For some latches, you must press the latch twice: once to pop the latch out, and then a second  
time to pop the card out.  
2
Remove the card or blank.  
3
Save a blank to use when no PC Card is installed in a slot. Blanks protect unused slots from  
dust and other particles.  
40  
Using PC Cards  
Installing a PC Card  
You can install a PC Card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer  
automatically detects the card.  
PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) to indicate which end  
to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not  
clear, see the documentation that came with the card.  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
To install a PC Card:  
1
2
Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card  
facing up. The latch may need to be in the "in" position before you insert the card.  
Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.  
If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and  
try again.  
.
The computer recognizes most PC Cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver.  
If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the floppy disk or CD  
that came with the PC Card.  
Using PC Cards  
41  
   
42  
Using PC Cards  
Setting Up a Home and Office Network  
Connecting to a Network Adapter  
Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter  
installed and a network cable connected to it.  
To connect a network cable:  
1
Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.  
NOTE: Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.  
2
Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device, such as a  
network wall jack.  
NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall jack.  
Setting Up a Home and Office Network  
43  
     
Network Setup Wizard  
®
®
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you  
through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a  
home or small office.  
1
Click the Start button, point to All Programs  
Accessories  
Communications, and then  
click Network Setup Wizard  
.
2
3
On the welcome screen, click Next  
.
Click Checklist for creating a network  
.
NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled "This computer connects directly to the Internet"  
enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP.  
4
5
Complete the checklist and required preparations.  
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.  
Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network  
®
NOTE: These networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology or  
cellular products.  
Determining Your Network Type  
NOTE: Most wireless networks are of the infrastructure type.  
Wireless networks fall into two categories—infrastructure networks and ad-hoc networks. An  
infrastructure network uses routers or access points to connect several computers. An ad-hoc  
network does not use routers or access points and consists of computers that broadcast to one  
another. For additional assistance with setting up your wireless connection, go to support.dell.com  
and search for the keyword wireless setup.  
infrastructure network  
ad-hoc network  
44  
Setting Up a Home and Office Network  
     
Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP  
Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers in order to connect to a network.  
The software is already installed. If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions  
included in the user's guide for your wireless network card. The user’s guide is available on the  
Dell Support website at support.dell.com  
.
When you turn on your computer, a pop-up appears from the network icon in the notification area  
whenever a network is detected in the area for which your computer is not configured.  
1
Click either the pop-up or the network icon to configure your computer for one of the  
available wireless networks.  
The Wireless Network Connections window lists the wireless networks available in your area.  
Setting Up a Home and Office Network  
45  
 
2
Click to select the network you want to configure, and then click Connect or double-click the  
network name in the list. If you select a secure network (identified by a icon), you must  
enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted.  
NOTE: Network security settings are unique to your network. Dell cannot provide this information.  
Your network is configured automatically.  
NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network.  
After your computer is configured for the wireless network you selected, another pop-up  
notifies you that your computer is connected to the network you selected.  
Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer in the area of the wireless network, the  
same pop-up notifies you of the wireless network connection.  
46  
Setting Up a Home and Office Network  
Solving Problems  
Dell Diagnostics  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics  
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this section and run the  
Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.  
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.  
Starting the Dell Diagnostics  
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.  
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see page 89).  
1
2
3
Shut down the computer (see page 71).  
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.  
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.  
NOTE: If you cannot see anything on your display, hold down the <Fn> key and press the computer’s  
power button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot  
System Assessment.  
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the  
®
®
Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer (see page 71) and try again.  
4
When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press <Enter>.  
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system  
board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.  
During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.  
If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart  
the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the  
component that failed, press <r>.  
Solving Problems  
47  
         
If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error  
code(s) and contact Dell (see page 89) before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics.  
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting  
Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue  
.
5
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your  
hard drive.  
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu  
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the  
option you want.  
Option  
Function  
Express Test  
Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes  
10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your  
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of  
tracing the problem quickly.  
Extended Test  
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically  
takes an hour or more and requires you to answer  
questions periodically.  
Custom Test  
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you  
want to run.  
Symptom Tree  
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and  
allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the  
problem you are having.  
2
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a  
description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow  
the instructions on the screen.  
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see page 89).  
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,  
technical support will ask for your Service Tag.  
3
If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab  
described in the following table for more information.  
Tab  
Function  
Results  
Displays the results of the test and any error  
conditions encountered.  
Errors  
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the  
problem description.  
48  
Solving Problems  
Tab  
Function  
Help  
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running  
the test.  
Configuration  
Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.  
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all  
devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests,  
and it displays the information in the device list in the left  
pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names  
of all the components installed on your computer or all  
devices attached to your computer.  
Parameters  
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.  
4
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit  
the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.  
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 any other 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.  
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.  
Windows XP  
1
2
3
Click the Start button and click Control Panel  
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance  
Click System  
.
.
.
Solving Problems  
49  
         
4
5
6
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.  
Click Device Manager  
.
Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on  
the device icon.  
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or  
install a new driver as described in the following section.  
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities  
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for Dell™ computers.  
If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.  
Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback  
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device  
Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Click the Start button and click Control Panel  
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance  
Click System  
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.  
Click Device Manager  
.
.
.
.
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties  
.
Click the Drivers tab.  
Click Roll Back Driver  
.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your  
computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.  
Manually Reinstalling Drivers  
1
After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the Start button and right-click  
My Computer  
.
2
3
4
Click Properties  
.
Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager  
.
Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver (for example, Modems  
or Infrared devices).  
5
6
7
8
Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.  
Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver  
Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next  
Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.  
.
.
50  
Solving Problems  
     
9
When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next  
.
10 Click Finish and restart your computer.  
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities  
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.  
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:  
1
2
3
4
Click the Start button and click Help and Support.  
Type hardware troubleshooterin the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.  
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.  
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my  
computer, and click Next  
.
Restoring Your Operating System  
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:  
Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state  
without affecting data files.  
Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when  
you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive  
and removes any applications installed after you received the computer.  
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore  
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow 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 computer in an undesirable operating state.  
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or  
recover them.  
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not  
work if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.  
Creating a Restore Point  
1
2
3
Click the Start button and click Help and Support  
Click System Restore  
Follow the instructions on the screen.  
.
.
Solving Problems  
51  
           
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State  
If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 51) to  
resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.  
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any 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 the Start button, point to All Programs  
Accessories  
System Tools, and then click  
System Restore  
.
2
3
Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.  
Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.  
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore  
points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.  
4
5
6
Select a restore point and click Next.  
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected.  
If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.  
Click Next  
.
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and  
then the computer restarts.  
After the computer restarts, click OK  
.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you  
can undo the restoration.  
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
2
Click the Start button, point to All Programs  
Accessories  
System Tools, and then click  
System Restore  
.
Click Undo my last restoration and click Next  
.
Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec  
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system.  
PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.  
Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are  
permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail  
messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.  
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications  
or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.  
52  
Solving Problems  
 
To use PC Restore:  
1
Turn on the computer.  
During the boot process, a blue bar with www.dell.com appears at the top of the screen.  
2
Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.  
If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then  
restart the computer again.  
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.  
3
4
On the next screen that appears, click Restore  
.
On the next screen, click Confirm  
.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.  
When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.  
5
6
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.  
When prompted, click Yes  
.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the  
screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that  
appeared the first time the computer was turned on.  
7
8
Click Next  
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.  
After the computer restarts, click OK  
.
.
Enabling System Restore  
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System  
Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:  
1
2
3
4
5
Click the Start button and click Control Panel  
Click Performance and Maintenance  
Click System  
Click the System Restore tab.  
Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.  
.
.
.
Solving Problems  
53  
Removing PC Restore  
NOTICE: PC Restore enables you to restore your computer’s operating system to the condition it was in  
when you purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not remove PC Restore from your  
computer, even to gain additional hard drive space. If you remove PC Restore from the hard drive, you  
cannot ever recall it, and you will never be able to use PC Restore to return your computer’s operating  
system to its original state.  
1
2
3
Log on to the computer as a local administrator.  
In Windows Explorer, go to c:\dell\utilities\DSR  
.
Double-click the filename DSRIRRemv2.exe  
.
NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears stating that you that you  
must do so. Click Quit and log on as a local administrator.  
If the partition for PC Restore does not exist, a message appears stating that the partition was  
not found. Click Quit; there is no partition to delete.  
4
5
Click OK to remove the partition.  
Click Yes when a confirmation message appears.  
The partition is deleted and the c:\ partition expands to include the newly available disk  
space. To check the available space, right-click the c:\ drive in Windows Explorer and select  
Properties  
.
6
7
Click Finish to close the PC Restore Removal window.  
Restart the computer.  
Drive Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT WINDOWS RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE Click the Start button and click  
My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus  
software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing  
the drive.  
TEST THE DRIVE  
• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.  
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.  
CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK See the Dell Inspiron Help file for instructions. To access the help file,  
see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
54  
Solving Problems  
   
ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE  
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS  
CHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIES  
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE PAGE 47)  
CD and DVD drive problems  
NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a  
defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.  
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all  
DVD drives.  
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive  
CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when  
writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the  
CD/DVD-RW.  
TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC See the Dell  
Inspiron Help file (see "Finding Information" on page 9) or search for the keyword standby in the  
Windows Help and Support Center for information on power management modes.  
CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE See the help files for your CD or DVD  
creation software.  
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray  
1
2
Ensure that the computer is shut down.  
Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until  
the tray is partially ejected.  
3
Gently pull out the tray until it stops.  
Solving Problems  
55  
       
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound  
• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.  
• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.  
Hard drive problems  
ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO COOL BEFORE TURNING IT ON A hot hard drive may prevent the  
operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning  
it on.  
RUN CHECK DISK  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Click the Start button and click My Computer  
Right-click Local Disk C:  
Click Properties  
Click the Tools tab.  
Under Error-checking, click Check Now  
Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors  
Click Start  
.
.
.
.
.
.
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is  
connected to a digital telephone network.  
®
CHECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS If you cannot open your  
e-mail attachments:  
1
2
In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security  
.
Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark.  
56  
Solving Problems  
           
CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION  
CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK  
CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK  
USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE  
Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label  
or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)  
• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.  
• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.  
• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge  
protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the  
telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.  
RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then  
click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.  
(Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)  
VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Click the Start button and click Control Panel  
.
Click Printers and Other Hardware  
.
Click Phone and Modem Options  
.
Click the Modems tab.  
Click the COM port for your modem.  
Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is  
communicating with Windows.  
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.  
ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET Ensure that you have subscribed to an  
Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a  
checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact  
your Internet service provider.  
SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you  
frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your  
computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware  
protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more  
information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.  
Solving Problems  
57  
 
Error Messages  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that  
was running when the message appeared.  
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in  
the proper place, and used the correct pathname.  
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer.  
See "Drive Problems" on page 54.  
DATA ERROR The hard drive cannot read the data. See "Drive Problems" on page 54.  
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 too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use  
a larger capacity disk.  
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not  
use these characters in filenames.  
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot from a nonbootable CD.  
Insert a CD.  
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN You have too  
many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use.  
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 89).  
58  
Solving Problems  
   
A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND The program that you are trying to open is missing an  
essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program.  
1
2
3
4
5
Click the Start button and click Control Panel.  
Click Add or Remove Programs  
.
Select the program you want to remove.  
Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen.  
See the program documentation for installation instructions.  
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY Insert a disk into the drive and try again.  
IEEE 1394 Device Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE CONNECTOR  
ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS  
1
2
Click the Start button and click Control Panel  
If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.  
.
.
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL-PROVIDED IEEE 1394 DEVICE  
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394 DEVICE NOT PROVIDED BY DELL  
Contact Dell (see page 89) or the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.  
Keyboard Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
®
NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when working in MS-DOS mode or when running the  
Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated  
keyboard remains fully functional.  
Solving Problems  
59  
       
External Keyboard Problems  
NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.  
CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check  
it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.  
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to  
the computer.  
CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD —  
1
2
3
Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.  
Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.  
From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and  
click Notepad  
.
4
Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.  
If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.  
TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE  
INTEGRATED KEYBOARD —  
1
2
3
4
Shut down the computer.  
Disconnect the external keyboard.  
Turn on the computer.  
From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and  
click Notepad  
.
5
Type some characters on the integrated keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.  
If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external  
keyboard. Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 89).  
Unexpected Characters  
DISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are  
displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.  
Lockups and Software Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
60  
Solving Problems  
       
The computer does not start up  
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE  
ELECTRICAL OUTLET  
The computer stops responding  
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.  
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or  
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer  
turns off. Then restart your computer.  
A program stops responding  
END THE PROGRAM —  
1
2
3
4
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.  
Click Applications  
Click the program that is no longer responding.  
Click End Task  
.
.
A program crashes repeatedly  
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.  
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.  
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system  
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a  
program so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.  
1
Click the Start button, point to All Programs  
Program Compatibility Wizard  
In the welcome screen, click Next  
Follow the instructions on the screen.  
Accessories, and then click  
.
2
3
.
Solving Problems  
61  
                   
A solid blue screen appears  
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or  
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer  
turns off. Then restart your computer.  
Other software problems  
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR  
TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —  
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.  
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.  
See the software documentation for information.  
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.  
Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.  
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.  
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY  
USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS  
SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE  
START MENU  
frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your  
computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware  
protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more  
information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.  
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE "DELL DIAGNOSTICS" ON PAGE 47) — If all tests run successfully,  
the error condition is related to a software problem.  
62  
Solving Problems  
         
Memory Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —  
• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves  
the problem.  
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional  
memory (see "Memory" on page 73).  
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 73) to ensure that your computer is successfully  
communicating with the memory.  
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 47).  
IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —  
• Reseat the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 73) to ensure that your computer is successfully  
communicating with the memory.  
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Memory" on page 73).  
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 47).  
Network Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into  
both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.  
CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE NETWORK CONNECTOR No light indicates that no network  
communication exists. Replace the network cable.  
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN  
CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS Contact your network administrator or the person who set up  
your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.  
Solving Problems  
63  
     
PC Card Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
CHECK THE PC CARD Ensure that the PC Card is properly inserted into the connector.  
ENSURE THAT THE CARD IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS Double-click the Safely Remove  
Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.  
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL-PROVIDED PC CARD Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell"  
on page 89).  
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A PC CARD NOT PROVIDED BY DELL Contact the  
PC Card manufacturer.  
Power Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
NOTE: See the Dell Inspiron Help file for information on standby mode. To access the help file,  
see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
CHECK THE POWER LIGHT When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the  
power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode.  
If the light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer.  
CHARGE THE BATTERY The battery charge may be depleted.  
1
2
3
Reinstall the battery.  
Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.  
Turn on the computer.  
NOTE: Battery capacity (the time it can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often  
the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery  
during the life of your computer.  
CHECK THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE If the battery temperature is below 0° C (32° F), the computer  
will not start up.  
64  
Solving Problems  
       
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another  
device, such as a lamp.  
CHECK THE AC ADAPTER Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light,  
ensure that the light is on.  
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET Bypass power protection devices,  
power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.  
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or  
other appliances.  
ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES See the Dell Inspiron Help file or search for the keyword standby  
in the Help and Support Center. To access help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.  
RESEAT THE MEMORY MODULES If the computer power light turns on but the display remains  
blank, reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 73).  
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer  
Your computer is designed to use the 65-W AC adapter; for optimum system performance, you  
should always use this adapter.  
Printer Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer’s manufacturer.  
CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTATION See the printer documentation for setup and  
troubleshooting information.  
ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON  
CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —  
• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.  
• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer (see "Printer  
Cable" on page 22).  
Solving Problems  
65  
     
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another  
device, such as a lamp.  
VERIFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —  
1
2
Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware  
Click View installed printers or fax printers  
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.  
Click Properties and click the Ports tab. For a USB printer, ensure that the Print to the following  
port(s): setting is USB  
.
.
3
.
REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER See the printer documentation for instructions  
Scanner Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer.  
CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION See the scanner documentation for setup and  
troubleshooting information.  
UNLOCK THE SCANNER Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.  
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN  
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —  
• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.  
• Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.  
VERIFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY MICROSOFT WINDOWS —  
1
2
Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware  
Click Scanners and Cameras  
If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.  
.
.
REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER See the scanner documentation for instructions.  
66  
Solving Problems  
   
Sound and Speaker Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
No sound from integrated speakers  
ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner  
of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the  
volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.  
ADJUST THE VOLUME USING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS Press <Fn><F5> to disable (mute) or  
reenable the integrated speakers.  
REINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 50.  
No sound from external speakers  
NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been  
listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.  
ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON See the setup diagram  
supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to  
eliminate distortion.  
ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right  
corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.  
DISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR Sound from the speakers is  
automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer’s front-panel  
headphone connector.  
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another  
device, such as a lamp.  
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to  
check for interference.  
Solving Problems  
67  
       
REINSTALL THE AUDIO DRIVER (SEE "REINSTALLING DRIVERS AND UTILITIES" ON PAGE 50)  
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE "DELL DIAGNOSTICS" ON PAGE 47)  
No sound from headphones  
CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECTION Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted  
into the headphone connector (see page 14).  
ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right  
corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.  
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems  
CHECK THE TOUCH PAD SETTINGS —  
1
2
3
Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware  
Click Mouse  
Try adjusting the settings.  
.
.
CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable, check it for  
damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.  
If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse directly to the computer.  
TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MOUSE, CHECK THE TOUCH PAD —  
1
2
3
4
Shut down the computer.  
Disconnect the mouse.  
Turn on the computer.  
At the Windows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it.  
If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.  
REINSTALL THE TOUCH PAD DRIVER See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 50.  
68  
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Video and Display Problems  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
If the display is blank  
NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is  
recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.  
CHECK THE BATTERY If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be  
depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.  
TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another  
device, such as a lamp.  
CHECK THE AC ADAPTER Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light,  
ensure that the light is on.  
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET Bypass power protection devices,  
power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.  
ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and  
Support Center.  
SWITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8>  
to switch the video image to the display.  
If the display is difficult to read  
ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key.  
MOVE THE EXTERNAL SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR If your external  
speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the  
computer or external monitor.  
ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or  
other appliances.  
Solving Problems  
69  
       
ROTATE THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION Eliminate sunlight glare, which can  
cause poor picture quality.  
ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —  
1
2
3
4
Click the Start button and then click Control Panel  
.
Click Appearance and Themes  
.
Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.  
Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution  
.
SEE "ERROR MESSAGES" — If an error message appears, see "Error Messages" on page 58.  
If only part of the display is readable  
CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR —  
1
2
Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.  
Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.  
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell  
(see "Contacting Dell" on page 89).  
70  
Solving Problems  
 
Adding and Replacing Parts  
Before You Begin  
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer.  
Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:  
You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 71 and "Before  
Working Inside Your Computer" on page 72.  
You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.  
A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.  
Recommended Tools  
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:  
Small flat-blade screwdriver  
Phillips screwdriver  
Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD  
Turning Off Your Computer  
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn  
off your computer.  
1
Shut down the operating system:  
a
b
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then  
click Turn Off Computer  
In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off  
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.  
.
.
2
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and  
attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system,  
press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
71  
               
Before Working Inside Your Computer  
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to  
help ensure your own personal safety.  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the  
Product Information Guide.  
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a  
card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor  
by its edges, not by its pins.  
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to  
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.  
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable  
itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press  
in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly  
aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both  
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.  
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside  
the computer.  
1
2
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from  
being scratched.  
Turn off your computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 71).  
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it  
from the network wall jack.  
3
4
Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.  
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then  
press the power button to ground the system board.  
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into  
the computer.  
5
6
Remove any installed PC Cards from the PC Card slot.  
Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.  
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service  
the computer.  
72  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
 
7
Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove  
the battery from the bay.  
8
Remove any installed modules.  
Memory  
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.  
Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.  
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
1
2
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 71.  
Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the memory module cover, and then  
remove the cover.  
memory module cover  
captive screws (2)  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
73  
     
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the  
memory-module securing clips.  
3
If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:  
a
b
Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory  
module connector until the module pops up.  
Remove the module from the connector.  
4
Ground yourself and install the new memory module:  
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error  
message indicates this failure.  
a
b
Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.  
Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down  
until it clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.  
5
Replace the cover.  
NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close  
may damage your computer.  
74  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
 
6
7
Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an  
electrical outlet.  
Turn on the computer.  
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system  
configuration information.  
To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click the Start button, click Help and  
Support, and then click Computer Information  
.
Modem  
If you ordered the optional modem at the same time that you ordered your computer, the modem  
is already installed  
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
1
2
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 71.  
Turn the computer over and loosen the captive screws on the Mini PCI card and  
modem cover.  
3
Place your finger under the cover at the indentation and lift the cover open.  
Mini PCI card and  
modem cover  
captive  
screws (2)  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
75  
   
4
If a modem is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a modem, remove the  
existing modem:  
a
b
Remove the screws securing the modem to the system board, and set them aside.  
Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to lift the modem out of its connector on the  
system board, and disconnect the modem cable.  
screws (2)  
modem  
5
6
Connect the modem cable to the modem.  
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the  
connectors and realign the card.  
Align the modem with the screw holes and press the modem into the connector on the  
system board.  
7
8
Install the screws to secure the modem to the system board.  
Replace the cover.  
Mini PCI Card  
NOTE: 2.4-GHz Mini PCI cards may be removed and installed by the user.  
If you ordered a Mini PCI card with your computer, the card is already installed.  
76  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
       
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions  
located in the Product Information Guide.  
1
2
3
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 71.  
Turn the computer over.  
Loosen the captive screws on the cover, and remove the cover.  
Mini PCI card and  
modem cover  
captive  
screws (2)  
antenna cables  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
77  
4
If a Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a Mini PCI card,  
remove the existing card:  
a
b
Disconnect the Mini PCI card from any attached cables.  
Release the Mini PCI card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops  
up slightly.  
c
Lift the Mini PCI card out of its connector.  
securing tabs (2)  
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the  
connectors and realign the card.  
78  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
5
Align the Mini PCI card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI card  
into the connector until you hear a click.  
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mini PCI card, never place cables on top of or under the card.  
6
Connect the antenna cables to the connectors on the Mini PCI card.  
antenna cables  
7
Replace the cover and tighten the screws.  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
79  
 
80  
Adding and Replacing Parts  
Appendix  
Specifications  
Processor  
®
®
®
Processor type  
Intel Pentium M or Intel Celeron M processor  
External bus frequency  
400 MHz  
System Information  
System chipset  
Data bus width  
DRAM bus width  
Processor address bus width  
Flash EPROM  
Intel 855GME  
64 bits  
64 bits  
32 bits  
4 MB  
Graphics bus  
64 bits  
PCI bus  
32 bits  
PC Card  
CardBus controller  
PC Card connector  
Cards supported  
Texas Instruments PCI 7420 CardBus controller  
one (supports one Type I or Type II card)  
3.3 V and 5 V  
PC Card connector size  
Data width (maximum)  
68 pins  
PCMCIA 16 bits  
CardBus 32 bits  
Memory  
Memory module connector  
Memory module capacities  
Memory type  
two SODIMM sockets (one user-accessible socket)  
128, 256, 512 MB, and 1 GB  
3.3-V DDR SODIMM  
256 MB  
Minimum memory  
Maximum memory  
2 GB  
Appendix  
81  
       
Ports and Connectors  
Video  
15-hole connector  
Audio  
microphone connector, stereo  
headphone/speakers connector  
USB (2)  
4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connector  
RJ-11 port  
Modem  
Network adapter  
IEEE 1394  
S-video TV-out  
Mini PCI  
RJ-45 port  
4-pin serial connector  
7-pin mini-DIN connector  
Type IIIA Mini PCI card slot  
SD slot  
Secure Digital  
Communications  
Modem:  
Type  
v.92 56K MDC  
Controller  
Interface  
softmodem  
internal AC’97 bus  
Network adapter  
Wireless  
10/100 EthernetLAN on system board  
internal Mini PCI Wi-Fi support  
Video  
Video type  
Video controller  
Video memory  
Intel UMA integrated  
Intel 855GME integrated chip set  
Digital Video Memory (DVM) technology;  
up to 64-MB shared memory  
LCD interface  
TV support  
LVDS  
NTSC or PAL in S-video mode  
82  
Appendix  
Audio  
Audio type  
Audio controller  
Stereo conversion  
Interfaces:  
Internal  
AC’97(Soft Audio)  
SigmaTel STAC 9750  
18-bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog)  
PCI bus/AC’97  
External  
microphone-in connector, stereo  
headphones/speakers connector  
Speaker  
two 3-ohm speakers  
Internal speaker amplifier  
Volume controls  
2-W channel into 3 ohms  
keyboard shortcuts, program menus  
Display  
Type (active-matrix TFT)  
Dimensions:  
Height  
WXGA  
163.2 mm (6.43 inches)  
261.12 mm (10.28 inches)  
307.93 mm (12.1 inches)  
1280 x 800 at 16.7 million colors  
60 Hz  
Width  
Diagonal  
Maximum resolution  
Refresh rate  
Operating angle  
Pixel pitch:  
0° (closed) to 180°  
0.24 mm x 0.24 mm  
5.7 W  
Power Consumption (panel with  
backlight) (typical):  
Controls  
brightness can be controlled through  
keyboard shortcuts with <Fn> up-arrow  
and <Fn> down-arrow keys.  
Keyboard  
Number of keys  
Layout  
82 (U.S. and Canada); 86 (Europe); 83 (Japan)  
QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji  
Appendix  
83  
Touch Pad  
X/Y position resolution  
(graphics table mode)  
240 cpi  
Size:  
Width  
Height  
60.75-mm (2.39 inches) sensor-active area  
44.75-mm (1.76 inches) rectangle  
Battery  
Type  
8-cell "smart" lithium ion  
4-cell "smart" lithium ion  
Dimensions:  
Depth  
40.88 mm (1.61 inches) (8 cell)  
23.8 mm (0.93 inch)(4 cell)  
Height  
Width  
25.4 mm (1.0 inch)  
272.4 mm (10.7 inches)  
Weight  
0.45 kg (0.98 lb) (8 cell) approximate  
0.24 kg (0.54 lb) (4 cell) approximate  
Weight varies depending on configuration  
and manufacturing variability.  
Voltage  
14.8 VDC  
Charge time (approximate):  
Computer on  
2.5 hours  
1.5 hours  
Computer off  
Operating time  
Battery operating time varies depending on  
operating conditions and can be significantly  
reduced under certain power-intensive  
conditions.  
See "Using a Battery" on page 25 for more  
information on battery life.  
Life span (approximate)  
Temperature range:  
Operating  
500 discharge/charge cycles  
0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)  
Storage  
–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)  
84  
Appendix  
AC Adapter  
Input voltage  
90–240 VAC  
1.5 A  
Input current (maximum)  
Input frequency  
Output current  
47–63 Hz  
4.5 A (maximum at 4-second pulse);  
3.3 A (continuous)  
Output power  
Rated output voltage  
Dimensions:  
Height  
65 W  
19.5 VDC  
27.94 mm (1.1 inches)  
58.42 mm (2.3 inches)  
133.85 mm (5.25 inches)  
0.4 kg (0.9 lb)  
Width  
Depth  
Weight (with cables)  
Temperature range:  
Operating  
0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)  
Storage  
–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)  
Physical  
Height  
Width  
Depth  
32 mm (1.2 inches)  
297 mm (11.7 inches)  
215 mm (8.5 inches)  
Weight:  
Weight varies depending on configuration  
and manufacturing variability.  
With 8-cell battery and TravelLite 2.0 kg (4.4 lb) approximate  
travel module  
With 8-cell battery and DVD  
2.2 kg (4.8 lb) approximate  
With 4-cell battery and TravelLite 1.7 kg (3.8 lb) approximate  
travel module  
With 4-cell battery and DVD  
1.9 kg (4.2 lb) approximate  
Appendix  
85  
Environmental  
Temperature range:  
Operating  
0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)  
Storage  
–40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)  
Relative humidity (maximum):  
Operating  
10% to 90% (noncondensing)  
5% to 95% (noncondensing)  
Storage  
Maximum vibration (using a  
random-vibration spectrum that  
simulates user environment):  
Operating  
Storage  
0.9 GRMS  
1.3 GRMS  
Maximum shock (measured with  
hard drive in head-parked position  
and a 2-ms half-sine pulse):  
Operating  
Storage  
122 G  
163 G  
Altitude (maximum):  
Operating  
–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)  
–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)  
Storage  
Using the System Setup Program  
Overview  
NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in system setup,  
thus overriding options that you set through system setup. (An exception is the External Hot Key option,  
which you can disable or enable only through system setup.) For more information on configuring  
features for your operating system, see the Help and Support Center.  
The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer,  
such as:  
System configuration  
Boot order  
Boot (start-up) configuration  
86  
Appendix  
     
Basic device-configuration settings  
System security and hard-drive password settings  
NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do  
not change the system setup settings. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.  
Viewing the System Setup Screens  
1
2
Turn on (or restart) your computer.  
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately. If you wait too long and the  
Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down  
your computer and try again.  
System Setup Screens  
NOTE: For information about a specific item on a system setup screen, highlight the item and see the  
Help area on the screen.  
On each screen, the system setup options are listed at the left. To the right of each option is the setting  
or value for that option. You can change settings that appear as white type on the screen. Options  
or values that you cannot change (because they are determined by the computer) appear less bright.  
The upper-right corner of the screen displays help information for the currently highlighted option.  
System-setup key functions are listed across the bottom of the screen. The first screen of the  
system setup displays the system information.  
Commonly Used Options  
Any changes require that you reboot the computer for new settings to take effect.  
Changing the Boot Sequence  
The boot sequence, or boot order, tells the computer where to look to find the software needed to  
start the operating system. You can control the boot sequence and enable/disable devices using the  
Boot Order page of system setup.  
NOTE: To change the boot sequence on a one-time-only basis, see "Performing a One-Time Boot" on page 88.  
The Boot Order page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be installed in your  
computer, including but not limited to the following:  
USB FDD  
USB Memory  
IDE HDD  
USB HDD  
IDE CDROM  
PCI LAN  
Appendix  
87  
             
During the boot routine, the computer starts at the top of the list and scans each enabled device  
for the operating system start-up files. When the computer finds the files, it stops searching and  
starts the operating system.  
To change the order of the boot devices:  
1
2
Select (highlight) a device by pressing the down-arrow or up-arrow key.  
Then press the  
key to move the selection up the list or the - key to move it down the list.  
+
Boot sequence changes take effect as soon as you save the changes and exit system setup.  
Performing a One-Time Boot  
You can set a one-time-only boot sequence without entering system setup. (You can also use this  
procedure to boot the Dell Diagnostics on the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.)  
1
2
3
Shut down the computer through the Start menu.  
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.  
Turn on the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately. If you wait  
too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop.  
Then shut down your computer and try again.  
4
When the boot device list appears, highlight the device from which you want to boot and  
press <Enter>.  
The computer boots to the selected device.  
The next time you reboot the computer, the previous boot order is restored.  
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)  
Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer  
in the troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, software  
programs, and hardware drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as  
the verification of appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardware. In  
addition to this technician-assisted technical support, online technical support is available at  
support.dell.com. Additional technical support options may be available for purchase.  
88  
Appendix  
     
Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any "Dell-installed" software and  
1
peripherals . Support for third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original  
manufacturer, including those purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Peripherals,  
2
Readyware, and Custom Factory Integration .  
1
Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited warranty and any optional  
support service contract purchased with the computer.  
2
All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the  
standard Dell limited warranty for your computer. However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to  
cover all nonstandard, third-party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration of the  
computer’s service contract.  
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals  
Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the software programs that are  
®
installed on the computer during the manufacturing process (Microsoft Office, Norton Antivirus,  
and so on).  
Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dell-branded module bay or  
PC Card accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers,  
microphones for telephonic modems, docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and  
all associated cabling are included.  
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals  
Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or software program sold by  
Dell not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all  
third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.  
Contacting Dell  
To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:  
www.dell.com  
support.dell.com (technical support)  
premiersupport.dell.com (technical support for educational, government, healthcare, and  
medium/large business customers, including Premier, Platinum, and Gold customers)  
For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.  
NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.  
When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes  
provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a  
local or an international operator.  
Appendix  
89  
       
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Anguilla  
General Support  
toll-free: 800-335-0031  
1-800-805-5924  
Antigua and Barbuda  
Argentina (Buenos Aires)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 54  
City Code: 11  
General Support  
Website: www.dell.com.ar  
E-mail for desktop and portable computers:  
E-mail for servers and EMC:  
Customer Care  
toll-free: 0-800-444-0730  
toll-free: 0-800-444-0733  
toll-free: 0-800-444-0724  
0-810-444-3355  
Tech Support  
Tech Support Services  
Sales  
Aruba  
General Support  
toll-free: 800-1578  
Australia (Sydney)  
E-mail (Australia): [email protected]  
International Access Code: 0011 E-mail (New Zealand): [email protected]  
Country Code: 61  
Home and Small Business  
Government and Business  
Preferred Accounts Division (PAD)  
Customer Care  
1-300-655-533  
toll-free: 1-800-633-559  
toll-free: 1-800-060-889  
toll-free: 1-800-819-339  
toll-free: 1-300-655-533  
toll-free: 1-800-733-314  
toll-free: 1-800-808-385  
toll-free: 1-800-808-312  
toll-free: 1-800-818-341  
City Code: 2  
Technical Support (portables and desktops)  
Technical Support (servers and workstations)  
Corporate Sales  
Transaction Sales  
Fax  
90  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Austria (Vienna)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 900 E-mail: [email protected]  
Country Code: 43  
Home/Small Business Sales  
0820 240 530 00  
0820 240 530 49  
0820 240 530 14  
0820 240 530 16  
0820 240 530 14  
0660 8779  
City Code: 1  
Home/Small Business Fax  
Home/Small Business Customer Care  
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care  
Home/Small Business Technical Support  
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Technical Support  
Switchboard  
0820 240 530 00  
toll-free: 1-866-278-6818  
1-800-534-3066  
Bahamas  
General Support  
Barbados  
General Support  
Belgium (Brussels)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 32  
City Code: 2  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
E-mail for French-speaking Customers:  
support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/  
Technical Support  
02 481 92 88  
02 481 92 95  
Technical Support Fax  
Customer Care  
02 713 15 .65  
Corporate Sales  
02 481 91 00  
Fax  
02 481 92 99  
Switchboard  
02 481 91 00  
Bermuda  
General Support  
1-800-342-0671  
toll-free: 800-10-0238  
Bolivia  
General Support  
Brazil  
Website: www.dell.com/br  
Customer Support, Technical Support  
Technical Support Fax  
Customer Care Fax  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 55  
City Code: 51  
0800 90 3355  
51 481 5470  
51 481 5480  
Sales  
0800 90 3390  
British Virgin Islands  
Brunei  
General Support  
toll-free: 1-866-278-6820  
604 633 4966  
Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)  
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)  
Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)  
Country Code: 673  
604 633 4949  
604 633 4955  
Appendix  
91  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Canada (North York, Ontario) Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus  
International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (automated technical support)  
Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business)  
toll-free: 1-800-247-9362  
toll-free: 1-800-847-4096  
toll-free: 1-800-326-9463  
toll-free: 1-800-847-4096  
toll-free: 1-800-387-5757  
toll-free: 1-800-387-5752  
toll-free: 1-800-387-5755  
1 866 440 3355  
Customer Care (med./large business, government)  
Technical Support (Home Sales/Small Business)  
Technical Support (med./large bus., government)  
Sales (Home Sales/Small Business)  
Sales (med./large bus., government)  
Spare Parts Sales & Extended Service Sales  
Cayman Islands  
Chile (Santiago)  
Country Code: 56  
City Code: 2  
General Support  
1-800-805-7541  
Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support  
toll-free: 1230-020-4823  
92  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
China (Xiamen)  
Country Code: 86  
City Code: 592  
Technical Support Website: support.dell.com.cn  
Technical Support E-mail: [email protected]  
Customer Care E-mail: [email protected]  
Technical Support Fax  
592 818 1350  
Technical Support (Dell™ Dimension™ and  
Inspiron™)  
toll-free: 800 858 2969  
Technical Support (OptiPlex™, Latitude™, and  
Dell Precision™)  
toll-free: 800 858 0950  
Technical Support (servers and storage)  
toll-free: 800 858 0960  
toll-free: 800 858 2920  
Technical Support (projectors, PDAs, switches,  
routers, and so on)  
Technical Support (printers)  
Customer Care  
toll-free: 800 858 2311  
toll-free: 800 858 2060  
592 818 1308  
Customer Care Fax  
Home and Small Business  
Preferred Accounts Division  
Large Corporate Accounts GCP  
Large Corporate Accounts Key Accounts  
Large Corporate Accounts North  
toll-free: 800 858 2222  
toll-free: 800 858 2557  
toll-free: 800 858 2055  
toll-free: 800 858 2628  
toll-free: 800 858 2999  
toll-free: 800 858 2955  
Large Corporate Accounts North Government  
and Education  
Large Corporate Accounts East  
toll-free: 800 858 2020  
toll-free: 800 858 2669  
Large Corporate Accounts East Government  
and Education  
Large Corporate Accounts Queue Team  
Large Corporate Accounts South  
Large Corporate Accounts West  
Large Corporate Accounts Spare Parts  
General Support  
toll-free: 800 858 2572  
toll-free: 800 858 2355  
toll-free: 800 858 2811  
toll-free: 800 858 2621  
980-9-15-3978  
Colombia  
Costa Rica  
General Support  
0800-012-0435  
Appendix  
93  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Czech Republic (Prague)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 420  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
Technical Support  
22537 2727  
22537 2707  
22537 2714  
22537 2728  
22537 2711  
Customer Care  
Fax  
Tech Fax  
Switchboard  
Denmark (Copenhagen)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 45  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/dk/da/emaildell/  
Technical Support  
7023 0182  
7023 0184  
Customer Care (Relational)  
Home/Small Business Customer Care  
Switchboard (Relational)  
Switchboard Fax (Relational)  
Switchboard (Home/Small Business)  
Switchboard Fax (Home/Small Business)  
General Support  
3287 5505  
3287 1200  
3287 1201  
3287 5000  
3287 5001  
Dominica  
toll-free: 1-866-278-6821  
1-800-148-0530  
toll-free: 999-119  
01-899-753-0777  
Dominican Republic  
Ecuador  
General Support  
General Support  
El Salvador  
General Support  
Finland (Helsinki)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 990 E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fi/fi/emaildell/  
Country Code: 358  
Technical Support  
Customer Care  
Fax  
09 253 313 60  
09 253 313 38  
09 253 313 99  
09 253 313 00  
City Code: 9  
Switchboard  
94  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
France (Paris) (Montpellier)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 33  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/  
Home and Small Business  
Technical Support  
City Codes: (1) (4)  
0825 387 270  
0825 823 833  
0825 004 700  
04 99 75 40 00  
0825 004 700  
0825 004 701  
04 99 75 40 01  
Customer Care  
Switchboard  
Switchboard (calls from outside of France)  
Sales  
Fax  
Fax (calls from outside of France)  
Corporate  
Technical Support  
0825 004 719  
0825 338 339  
01 55 94 71 00  
01 55 94 71 00  
01 55 94 71 01  
Customer Care  
Switchboard  
Sales  
Fax  
Germany (Langen)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 49  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
Technical Support  
06103 766-7200  
0180-5-224400  
06103 766-9570  
06103 766-9420  
06103 766-9560  
06103 766-9555  
06103 766-7000  
City Code: 6103  
Home/Small Business Customer Care  
Global Segment Customer Care  
Preferred Accounts Customer Care  
Large Accounts Customer Care  
Public Accounts Customer Care  
Switchboard  
Appendix  
95  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Greece  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 30  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/gr/en/emaildell/  
Technical Support  
00800-44 14 95 18  
00800-44 14 00 83  
2108129810  
Gold Service Technical Support  
Switchboard  
Gold Service Switchboard  
Sales  
2108129811  
2108129800  
Fax  
2108129812  
Grenada  
General Support  
toll-free: 1-866-540-3355  
1-800-999-0136  
Guatemala  
Guyana  
General Support  
General Support  
toll-free: 1-877-270-4609  
Hong Kong  
Website: support.ap.dell.com  
International Access Code: 001 Technical Support E-mail: [email protected]  
Country Code: 852  
Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron)  
2969 3188  
2969 3191  
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell  
Precision)  
Technical Support (PowerApp™, PowerEdge™,  
PowerConnect™, and PowerVault™)  
2969 3196  
Customer Care  
3416 0910  
3416 0907  
Large Corporate Accounts  
Global Customer Programs  
Medium Business Division  
Home and Small Business Division  
Technical Support  
3416 0908  
3416 0912  
2969 3105  
India  
1600 33 8045  
1600 33 8044  
1600 33 8046  
Sales (Large Corporate Accounts)  
Sales (Home and Small Business)  
96  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Ireland (Cherrywood)  
International Access Code: 16  
Country Code: 353  
City Code: 1  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
Technical Support  
1850 543 543  
0870 908 0800  
01 204 4014  
U.K. Technical Support (dial within U.K. only)  
Home User Customer Care  
Small Business Customer Care  
U.K. Customer Care (dial within U.K. only)  
Corporate Customer Care  
Corporate Customer Care (dial within U.K. only)  
Ireland Sales  
01 204 4014  
0870 906 0010  
1850 200 982  
0870 907 4499  
01 204 4444  
U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only)  
Fax/Sales Fax  
0870 907 4000  
01 204 0103  
Switchboard  
01 204 4444  
Italy (Milan)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/it/it/emaildell/  
Home and Small Business  
Technical Support  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 39  
City Code: 02  
02 577 826 90  
02 696 821 14  
02 696 821 13  
02 696 821 12  
Customer Care  
Fax  
Switchboard  
Corporate  
Technical Support  
02 577 826 90  
02 577 825 55  
02 575 035 30  
02 577 821  
Customer Care  
Fax  
Switchboard  
Jamaica  
General Support (dial from within Jamaica only)  
1-800-682-3639  
Appendix  
97  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Japan (Kawasaki)  
Website: support.jp.dell.com  
International Access Code: 001 Technical Support (servers)  
toll-free: 0120-198-498  
81-44-556-4162  
Country Code: 81  
Technical Support outside of Japan (servers)  
City Code: 44  
Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron)  
toll-free: 0120-198-226  
81-44-520-1435  
Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension  
and Inspiron)  
Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex,  
and Latitude)  
toll-free:0120-198-433  
81-44-556-3894  
Technical Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision,  
OptiPlex, and Latitude)  
Technical Support (PDAs, projectors, printers,  
routers)  
toll-free: 0120-981-690  
81-44-556-3468  
Technical Support outside of Japan (PDAs,  
projectors, printers, routers)  
Faxbox Service  
044-556-3490  
044-556-3801  
044-556-4240  
044-556-1465  
044-556-3433  
24-Hour Automated Order Service  
Customer Care  
Business Sales Division (up to 400 employees)  
Preferred Accounts Division Sales  
(over 400 employees)  
Large Corporate Accounts Sales  
(over 3500 employees)  
044-556-3430  
044-556-1469  
Public Sales (government agencies, educational  
institutions, and medical institutions)  
Global Segment Japan  
Individual User  
044-556-3469  
044-556-1760  
Switchboard  
044-556-4300  
Korea (Seoul)  
Technical Support  
toll-free: 080-200-3800  
toll-free: 080-200-3600  
604 633 4949  
International Access Code: 001 Sales  
Country Code: 82  
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)  
City Code: 2  
Fax  
2194-6202  
Switchboard  
2194-6000  
Technical Support (Electronics and Accessories)  
toll-free: 080-200-3801  
98  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Latin America  
Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)  
Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)  
512 728-4093  
512 728-3619  
512 728-3883  
Fax (Technical Support and Customer Service)  
(Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)  
Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)  
512 728-4397  
512 728-4600  
SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)  
or 512 728-3772  
Luxembourg  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 352  
Technical Support (Brussels, Belgium)  
Home/Small Business Sales (Brussels, Belgium)  
Corporate Sales (Brussels, Belgium)  
Customer Care (Brussels, Belgium)  
Fax (Brussels, Belgium)  
3420808075  
toll-free: 080016884  
02 481 91 00  
02 481 91 19  
02 481 92 99  
Switchboard (Brussels, Belgium)  
Technical Support  
02 481 91 00  
Macao  
toll-free: 0800 105  
34 160 910  
Country Code: 853  
Customer Service (Xiamen, China)  
Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China)  
Website: support.ap.dell.com  
29 693 115  
Malaysia (Penang)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 60  
Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and  
Latitude)  
toll-free: 1 800 88 0193  
toll-free: 1 800 88 1306  
toll-free: 1800 88 1386  
Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and  
Electronics and Accessories)  
City Code: 4  
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge,  
PowerConnect, and PowerVault)  
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)  
Transaction Sales  
04 633 4949  
toll-free: 1 800 888 202  
toll-free: 1 800 888 213  
Corporate Sales  
Appendix  
99  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Mexico  
Customer Technical Support  
001-877-384-8979  
or 001-877-269-3383  
50-81-8800  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 52  
Sales  
or 01-800-888-3355  
001-877-384-8979  
or 001-877-269-3383  
50-81-8800  
Customer Service  
Main  
or 01-800-888-3355  
toll-free: 1-866-278-6822  
001-800-882-1519  
Montserrat  
General Support  
Netherlands Antilles  
Netherlands (Amsterdam)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 31  
General Support  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
Technical Support  
020 674 45 00  
020 674 47 66  
020 674 42 00  
020 674 4325  
020 674 55 00  
020 674 50 00  
020 674 47 75  
020 674 47 50  
020 674 50 00  
020 674 47 50  
Technical Support Fax  
City Code: 20  
Home/Small Business Customer Care  
Relational Customer Care  
Home/Small Business Sales  
Relational Sales  
Home/Small Business Sales Fax  
Relational Sales Fax  
Switchboard  
Switchboard Fax  
New Zealand  
E-mail (New Zealand): [email protected]  
E-mail (Australia): [email protected]  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 64  
Technical Support (for desktop and portable  
computers)  
toll-free: 0800 446 255  
Technical Support (for servers and workstations)  
toll-free: 0800 443 563  
0800 446 255  
Home and Small Business  
Government and Business  
Sales  
0800 444 617  
0800 441 567  
Fax  
0800 441 566  
Nicaragua  
General Support  
001-800-220-1006  
100  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Norway (Lysaker)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 47  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/no/no/emaildell/  
Technical Support  
671 16882  
671 17575  
Relational Customer Care  
Home/Small Business Customer Care  
Switchboard  
23162298  
671 16800  
Fax Switchboard  
671 16865  
Panama  
General Support  
001-800-507-0962  
0800-50-669  
Peru  
General Support  
Poland (Warsaw)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 011 E-mail: [email protected]  
Country Code: 48  
Customer Service Phone  
Customer Care  
57 95 700  
57 95 999  
57 95 999  
57 95 806  
57 95 998  
57 95 999  
City Code: 22  
Sales  
Customer Service Fax  
Reception Desk Fax  
Switchboard  
Portugal  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/pt/en/emaildell/  
Technical Support  
Customer Care  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 351  
707200149  
800 300 413  
Sales  
800 300 410 or 800 300 411 or  
800 300 412 or 21 422 07 10  
Fax  
21 424 01 12  
1-800-805-7545  
Puerto Rico  
General Support  
General Support  
General Support  
St. Kitts and Nevis  
St. Lucia  
toll-free: 1-877-441-4731  
1-800-882-1521  
St. Vincent and the Grenadines General Support  
toll-free: 1-877-270-4609  
Appendix  
101  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Singapore (Singapore)  
Website: support.ap.dell.com  
International Access Code: 005 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and  
toll-free: 1800 394 7430  
toll-free: 1800 394 7488  
toll-free: 1800 394 7478  
Electronics and Accessories)  
Country Code: 65  
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and  
Dell Precision)  
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge,  
PowerConnect, and PowerVault)  
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)  
Transaction Sales  
604 633 4949  
toll-free: 1 800 394 7412  
toll-free: 1 800 394 7419  
Corporate Sales  
Slovakia (Prague)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
Technical Support  
Customer Care  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 421  
02 5441 5727  
420 22537 2707  
02 5441 8328  
02 5441 8328  
02 5441 7585  
Fax  
Tech Fax  
Switchboard (Sales)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
Gold Queue  
South Africa (Johannesburg)  
International Access Code:  
09/091  
011 709 7713  
011 709 7710  
011 709 7707  
011 709 7700  
011 706 0495  
011 709 7700  
604 633 4810  
Country Code: 27  
City Code: 11  
Technical Support  
Customer Care  
Sales  
Fax  
Switchboard  
Southeast Asian and Pacific  
Countries  
Customer Technical Support, Customer Service,  
and Sales (Penang, Malaysia)  
102  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Spain (Madrid)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 34  
City Code: 91  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/  
Home and Small Business  
Technical Support  
902 100 130  
902 118 540  
902 118 541  
902 118 541  
902 118 539  
Customer Care  
Sales  
Switchboard  
Fax  
Corporate  
Technical Support  
902 100 130  
902 115 236  
91 722 92 00  
91 722 95 83  
Customer Care  
Switchboard  
Fax  
Sweden (Upplands Vasby)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 46  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/se/sv/emaildell/  
Technical Support  
08 590 05 199  
08 590 05 642  
08 587 70 527  
20 140 14 44  
08 590 05 594  
08 590 05 185  
City Code: 8  
Relational Customer Care  
Home/Small Business Customer Care  
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support  
Technical Support Fax  
Sales  
Switzerland (Geneva)  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 41  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
E-mail: Te[email protected]  
E-mail for French-speaking HSB and Corporate  
Customers: support.euro.dell.com/ch/fr/emaildell/  
City Code: 22  
Technical Support (Home and Small Business)  
Technical Support (Corporate)  
Customer Care (Home and Small Business)  
Customer Care (Corporate)  
Fax  
0844 811 411  
0844 822 844  
0848 802 202  
0848 821 721  
022 799 01 90  
022 799 01 01  
Switchboard  
Appendix  
103  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
Taiwan  
Website: support.ap.dell.com  
International Access Code: 002 E-mail: [email protected]  
Country Code: 886  
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron,  
toll-free: 00801 86 1011  
toll-free: 00801 60 1256  
Dimension, and Electronics and Accessories)  
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge,  
PowerConnect, and PowerVault)  
Transaction Sales  
toll-free: 00801 65 1228  
toll-free: 00801 651 227  
Corporate Sales  
Thailand  
Website: support.ap.dell.com  
International Access Code: 001 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell  
toll-free: 1800 0060 07  
toll-free: 1800 0600 09  
Precision)  
Country Code: 66  
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge,  
PowerConnect, and PowerVault)  
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)  
Corporate Sales  
604 633 4949  
toll-free: 1800 006 009  
toll-free: 1800 006 006  
1-800-805-8035  
Transaction Sales  
Trinidad/Tobago  
General Support  
General Support  
Turks and Caicos Islands  
toll-free: 1-866-540-3355  
104  
Appendix  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
U.K. (Bracknell)  
Website: support.euro.dell.com  
International Access Code: 00  
Country Code: 44  
Customer Care Website: support.euro.dell.com/uk/en/ECare/Form/Home.asp  
City Code: 1344  
Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred  
Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees])  
0870 908 0500  
Technical Support (direct and general)  
Global Accounts Customer Care  
Home and Small Business Customer Care  
Corporate Customer Care  
0870 908 0800  
01344 373 186  
0870 906 0010  
01344 373 185  
0870 906 0010  
Preferred Accounts (500–5000 employees)  
Customer Care  
Central Government Customer Care  
Local Government & Education Customer Care  
Health Customer Care  
01344 373 193  
01344 373 199  
01344 373 194  
Home and Small Business Sales  
Corporate/Public Sector Sales  
Home and Small Business Fax  
General Support  
0870 907 4000  
01344 860 456  
0870 907 4006  
Uruguay  
toll-free: 000-413-598-2521  
Appendix  
105  
Country (City)  
International Access Code  
Country Code  
Department Name or Service Area,  
Website and E-Mail Address  
Area Codes,  
Local Numbers, and  
Toll-Free Numbers  
City Code  
U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)  
Automated Order-Status Service  
toll-free: 1-800-433-9014  
toll-free: 1-800-247-9362  
International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (portable and desktop computers)  
Country Code: 1  
Consumer (Home and Home Office)  
Technical Support  
toll-free: 1-800-624-9896  
toll-free: 1-800-624-9897  
toll-free: 1-877-Dellnet  
(1-877-335-5638)  
Customer Service  
DellNet™ Service and Support  
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers  
Financial Services Website: www.dellfinancialservices.com  
Financial Services (lease/loans)  
toll-free: 1-800-695-8133  
toll-free: 1-877-577-3355  
toll-free: 1-800-283-2210  
Financial Services (Dell Preferred Accounts [DPA])  
Business  
Customer Service and Technical Support  
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers  
Printers and Projectors Technical Support  
Public (government, education, and healthcare)  
Customer Service and Technical Support  
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers  
Dell Sales  
toll-free: 1-800-822-8965  
toll-free: 1-800-695-8133  
toll-free: 1-877-459-7298  
toll-free: 1-800-456-3355  
toll-free: 1-800-234-1490  
toll-free: 1-800-289-3355  
or toll-free: 1-800-879-3355  
toll-free: 1-888-798-7561  
toll-free: 1-800-671-3355  
toll-free: 1-800-357-3355  
toll-free: 1-800-247-4618  
toll-free: 1-800-727-8320  
toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY  
(1-877-335-5889)  
Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers)  
Software and Peripherals Sales  
Spare Parts Sales  
Extended Service and Warranty Sales  
Fax  
Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or  
Speech-Impaired  
U.S. Virgin Islands  
Venezuela  
General Support  
General Support  
1-877-673-3355  
8001-3605  
106  
Appendix  
Macrovision Product Notice  
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims  
of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation  
and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by  
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless  
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly  
is prohibited.  
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)  
Most Dell computers are classified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Class B  
digital devices. To determine which classification applies to your computer, examine all FCC  
registration labels located on the bottom, side, or back panel of your computer, on card-mounting  
brackets, and on the cards themselves. If any one of the labels carries a Class A rating, your entire  
computer is considered to be a Class A digital device. If all labels carry an FCC Class B rating as  
distinguished by either an FCC ID number or the FCC logo, ( ), your computer is considered to  
be a Class B digital device.  
Once you have determined your computer’s FCC classification, read the appropriate FCC notice.  
Note that FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell  
could void your authority to operate this equipment.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference.  
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
Class A  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device  
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection  
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This  
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in  
accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio  
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful  
interference, in which case you will be required to correct the interference at your own expense.  
Class B  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device  
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection  
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can  
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s  
Appendix  
107  
       
instruction manual, may cause interference with radio communications. However, there is no  
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the  
equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the  
following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.  
FCC Identification Information  
The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in  
compliance with FCC regulations:  
Model number: PP07S  
Company name:  
Dell Inc.  
One Dell Way  
Round Rock, Texas 78682 USA  
512-338-4400  
108  
Appendix  
 
copying DVDs  
general information, 31  
helpful tips, 32  
A
C
about, 37  
CardBus technology  
air vent  
description, 20  
CD drive  
See module bay  
description, 14  
system view, 14  
CD-RW drive  
problems, 55  
Dell  
support policy, 88  
audio device  
connecting, 33  
CDs  
using, 31  
Check Disk, 56  
computer  
Dell Premier Support  
crashes, 61-62  
B
restore to previous operating  
state, 51  
device latch release  
description, 20  
battery  
slow performance, 57, 62  
specifications, 81  
charging, 26  
checking the charge, 26  
description, 20  
installing, 27  
device status lights  
low-battery warning, 26  
performance, 25  
power meter, 26  
removing, 27  
conflicts  
diagnostics  
software and hardware  
display  
connecting  
audio device, 33  
TV, 33  
description, 13  
system view, 20  
blanks  
display latch release  
description, 13  
copying CDs  
PC Cards, 39  
removing, 39  
general information, 31  
helpful tips, 32  
how to, 31  
system view, 13  
boot sequence, 87  
display settings for a TV  
enabling in Windows XP, 34  
Index  
109  
 
display. See monitor  
Finding  
Informationdocumentati  
on, 9  
K
documentation  
help file, 9  
keyboard  
description, 14  
numeric keypad, 35  
problems, 59  
shortcuts, 36  
system view, 14  
online, 11  
Setup Diagram, 9  
System Information Guide, 9  
H
hard drive  
drivers  
description, 20  
system view, 20  
about, 49  
keypad  
hardware  
drives  
conflicts, 51  
L
Dell Diagnostics, 47  
DVD drive  
labels  
Hardware Troubleshooter, 51  
Help and Support Center, 12  
help file, 9  
problems, 55  
See module bay  
Microsoft Windows, 10  
DVDs  
using, 31  
memory  
E
IEEE 1394 connector  
description, 14  
error messages, 56, 58  
problems, 59  
description, 20  
exhaust vent  
description, 16  
system view, 16  
system view, 14  
installing parts  
before you begin, 71  
messages  
expansion slots  
Secure Digital memory card  
recommended tools, 71  
error, 56, 58  
Internet connection  
about, 21  
Mini PCI card  
installing, 76  
options, 21  
F
Mini PCI card and modem  
cover  
setting up, 21  
fan  
IRQ conflicts, 51  
description, 16  
system view, 16  
description, 20  
system view, 20  
110  
Index  
modem  
PC Cards  
problems (continued)  
Dell Diagnostics, 47  
drives, 54  
CardBus technology, 39  
extended, 39  
installing, 41  
removing, 39  
slots, 39  
modem connector  
DVD drive, 55  
error messages, 56, 58  
hard drive, 56  
system view, 18  
module bay  
keyboard, 59  
about, 29  
description, 18, 20  
swapping devices while the  
computer is running, 30  
swapping devices while the  
computer is turned off, 29  
system view, 18, 20  
lockups, 60  
PC Restore, 51  
power  
power light conditions, 64  
printer, 65  
line conditioners, 23  
problems, 64  
state, 51  
protection devices, 23  
surge protectors, 23  
monitor  
power button  
N
restore to previous state, 51  
scanner, 66  
network  
power light  
problems, 63  
setting up, 43  
conditions, 64  
performance, 57, 62  
software, 60-62  
printer  
network connector  
description, 18  
cable, 22  
sound and speakers, 67  
speaker, 67  
problems, 65  
setting up, 22  
USB, 22  
spyware, 57, 62  
video and monitor, 69  
O
problems  
operating system  
reinstalling, 51  
blue screen, 62  
CD drive, 55  
R
CD-RW drive, 55  
computer crashes, 61-62  
computer does not start up, 61  
computer stops responding, 61  
conflicts, 51  
RAM. See memory  
reinstalling  
Windows XP, 51  
P
PC Card slot  
description, 17  
system view, 17  
Index  
111  
Windows XP, 34  
S
safety instructions, 9  
scanner  
System Restore, 51  
problems, 66  
system setup program  
commonly used options, 87  
purpose, 86  
U
Secure Digital memory card  
slot  
screens, 87  
about, 17  
See UPS  
security cable slot  
description, 16  
UPS, 23  
system views  
front, 13  
USB connector  
description, 17  
system view, 16  
Service Tag, 10  
left side, 16  
software  
conflicts, 51  
T
video  
policy, 88  
problems, 69  
sound  
problems, 67  
video connector  
description, 17  
system view, 17  
customizing, 38  
system view, 14  
speaker  
volume, 67  
volume  
troubleshooting  
speakers  
conflicts, 51  
description, 13  
system view, 13  
Dell Diagnostics, 47  
external keyboard  
warranty, 9  
specifications, 81  
spyware, 57, 62  
problems, 59  
Hardware Troubleshooter, 51  
Help and Support Center, 12  
restore to previous operating  
state, 51  
Windows XP  
Device Driver Rollback, 50  
enabling display settings for a  
TV, 34  
support  
contacting Dell, 89  
policy, 88  
restore to previous state, 51  
Hardware Troubleshooter, 51  
Help and Support Center, 12  
112  
Index  
Windows XP (continued)  
Program Compatibility  
Wizard, 61  
wireless network adapter  
PC Cards, 39  
wizards  
Program Compatibility  
Wizard, 61  
Index  
113  
114  
Index  

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