Dell 1210, M438J User Manual

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INSPIRON™

SETUP GUIDE

INSPIRON™ 1210

SETUP GUIDE

Model PP40S

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

__________________

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, YOURS IS HERE, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, and Atom are registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP40S

July 2008

P/N M438J

Rev. A00

Contents

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop 5

Before Setting Up Your Computer	5
Connect the AC Adapter	6
Connect the Network Cable (optional)	7
Press the Power Button	8
Ubuntu® Information	9
Windows Vista® Setup	9
Connect to the Internet (Optional)	10

Using Your Inspiron Laptop 14

Left Side Features 16 Computer Base and Keyboard Features 18 Display Features 20 Removing and Replacing the Battery 21 Software Features 22

Solving Problems 24

Network Problems 24 Power Problems 25 Memory Problems 26 Lockups and Software Problems 27 Dell Support Center 29

Using Support Tools 29

System Messages 30 Hardware Troubleshooter 31 Dell Diagnostics 32

Restoring Your Operating System 34

System Restore 34 Dell Factory Image Restore 36 Operating System Reinstallation 37

INSPIRON

Getting Help 39

Technical Support and Customer

Service 40 Online Services 40 AutoTech Service 41 Product Information 41 Before You Call 42 Contacting Dell 43

Finding More Information and

Resources 44 Basic Specifications 46 Index 54

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1210 laptop and connecting peripherals.

Before Setting Up Your Computer

When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.

Restricting airflow around your Inspiron laptop may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least

10.2 cm (4 in) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 in) on all other sides. You should never put your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your Dell™ 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.

NOTICE: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.

INSPIRON

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the AC Adapter

Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into a wall outlet or surge protector.

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 a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the Network Cable (optional)

To use a wired network connection, plug in the network cable.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Press the Power Button

Ubuntu® Information

If you requested for Ubuntu while ordering, your laptop is preconfigured with Ubuntu. See the Ubuntu Quick Start Guide that shipped with your laptop for more operating system specific information.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Windows Vista® Setup

Your Dell computer is preconfigured with Windows Vista. To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences and setting up an Internet connection.

NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process, doing so may render your computer unusable.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

NOTE: ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP).

NOTE: If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not a part of your original order, you can purchase one from the Dell website at www.dell.com.

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.

Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection in Windows Vista

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions and see “Setting Up Your Internet Connection in Windows Vista” on page 12.

Setting Up a Wireless Connection in

Windows Vista

2 1

1Internet service

2cable or DSL modem

3wireless router

4portable computer with wireless network card

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

See the documentation for your computer or router for more information about how to set up and use your wireless network.

Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.

To set up your connection using a wireless router:

1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2.Click Start → Connect To.

3.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Setting Up Your Internet Connection in Windows Vista

To set up an Internet connection, perform the steps in the following section.

1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2.Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

3.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following section.

NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.

1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2.Click Start → Control Panel.

3.Under Network and Internet, click Connect to the Internet.

The Connect to the Internet window appears.

4.Click either Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect:

a.Choose Broadband if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem, or Bluetooth® wireless technology connection.

b.Chose Dial-up if you will use an optional USB dial-up modem or ISDN.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.

5.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

INSPIRON

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Your Inspiron 1210 has indicators, buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks.

Right Side Features

2 3

– 3-in-1 Media card reader – Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on the following digital memory cards: