INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory model: P04T series Regulatory type: P04T001
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
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, Solution Station, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademark and Atom is the trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
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.
March 2010 P/N 9KKFD 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 |
Set Up the Operating System |
9 |
Create System Recovery Media |
|
(Recommended) |
10 |
Install the SIM Card (Optional) |
12 |
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional) |
14 |
Connect to the Internet (Optional) |
16 |
Set Up the TV Tuner (Optional) |
19 |
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 20
Right View Features 20 Left View Features 22
Back View Features 24 Computer Base Features 26 Touch Pad Gestures 29 Display Features 30 Removing and Replacing the Battery 32 Software Features 34 Dell Dock 35 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 36
Solving Problems 37
Beep Codes 37 Network Problems 38 Power Problems 39 Memory Problems 40 Lockups and Software Problems 41
3
Contents
Using Support Tools 43
Dell Support Center 43 My Dell Downloads 44 System Messages 44 Hardware Troubleshooter 46 Dell Diagnostics 46
Restoring Your Operating System 50
System Restore 51 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 52 System Recovery Media 55 Dell Factory Image Restore 56
Getting Help 58
Technical Support and Customer
Service 59 DellConnect 59 Online Services 60 Automated Order-Status Service 61 Product Information 61
4
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit 62 Before You Call 63 Contacting Dell 65
Finding More Information and
Resources 66 Basic Specifications 68 Appendix 73
Macrovision Product Notice 73
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 74
Index 75
This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron™ laptop.
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 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other
sides. You should never place your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.
WARNING: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not place your Dell™
computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, or on fabric surfaces, such as carpets or rugs, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer, deteriorate the computer performance, or cause a fire. The computer turns on the fan when the
computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
CAUTION: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.
INSPIRON
5
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into an electrical outlet or surge protector.
WARNING: 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 permanent damage to your computer.
6
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.
7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with the operating system you selected at the time of purchase.
Microsoft® Windows®
To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection.
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.
NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.
NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see support.dell.com/MyNewDell.
Ubuntu
To set up Ubuntu for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. See the Ubuntu documentation that shipped with your computer for more operating system specific information.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set up Microsoft Windows.
The system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data files (without the need of the Operating System disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware, software, drivers, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state.
You will require the following to create the system recovery media:
•Dell DataSafe Local Backup
•USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD-R/DVD+R/Blu-ray Disc™
NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.
10
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To create a system recovery media:
1.Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page 6).
2.Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.
NOTE: Your computer does not have an internal optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures that involve discs.
3.Click Start → Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup.
4.Click Create Recovery Media.
5.Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: For information on using the system recovery media, see “System Recovery Media” on page 55.
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
NOTE: Installing a SIM is not required if you are using an EVDO card to access the Internet.
Installing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card allows you to browse the Internet, check e-mail, and connect to a Virtual Private Network. To access the Internet, you must be within the network of your cellular service provider.
To install the SIM card:
1.Turn off your computer.
2.Remove the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 32).
3.In the battery bay, slide the SIM card into the SIM card slot.
4.Replace the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 32).
5.Turn on your computer.
To remove the SIM card, press and eject the SIM card.
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
1 battery bay
2 SIM card
3 SIM card slot
1
3
2
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
14
To enable wireless:
1.Turn on your computer.
2.Double-click the icon on the system tray or press <F2>.
The Wireless Enable/Disable dialog box appears.
3.Select the option(s) you want to enable:
––Enable Bluetooth
––Enable Wireless LAN/WiMax ––Enable Wireless WAN/GPS
4. Click OK.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To disable wireless:
1.Double-click the icon on the system tray or press <F2>.
The Wireless Enable/Disable dialog box appears.
2.Clear the option(s) you want to disable:
––Enable Bluetooth
––Enable Wireless LAN/WiMax ––Enable Wireless WAN/GPS
3. Click OK.
15
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect to the Internet
(Optional)
To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP).
If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not a part of your original order, you can purchase one at www.dell.com.
Setting Up a Wired Connection
•If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) and to the telephone wall jack 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.
16
To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 17.
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.
To set up your connection to a wireless router:
Windows XP
NOTE: The following steps were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
1.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 14).
2.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
3.Click Start→ Connect to→ Wireless Network Connections→ View Wireless Networks.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Windows 7
1.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 14).
2.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
3.Click Start → Control Panel.
4.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.
5.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.
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.
Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
17
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To setup your Internet connection:
Windows XP
NOTE: The following steps were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start→ Control Panel.
3.Under Network and Internet Connections, select Setup or Change Your Internet Connection.
4.Click Setup.
The New Connection Wizard appears.
5.Click Connect to the Internet.
NOTE: Your computer does not have an internal optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures that involve discs.
18
6.In the next window, click the appropriate option:
––If you do not have an ISP, 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 setup CD, click Use the CD
Igot from an ISP.
7.Click Next.
If you selected Set up my connection manually in step 6, continue to step 8. 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.
8.Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and click Next.
9.Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Windows 7
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start → Control Panel.
3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a new connection or network→ Connect to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Set Up the TV Tuner
(Optional)
NOTE: Availability of the TV tuner may vary by region.
To set up the TV tuner for the first time:
1.Click Start→ All Programs.
2.Click Dell Digital TV→ Dell Digital TV and follow the instructions on the screen.
To re-configure your TV tuner settings:
1.Click Start→ All Programs.
2.Click Dell Digital TV → Dell Digital TV .
3.Click Scan .
The scan wizard will scan for the channels available in your region.
19
INSPIRON
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron™ laptop.
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
20
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system.
2 Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with audio programs.
3 USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
4 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network.
21
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
22
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.
2 USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
3Antenna in connector (on supported models) — Connects to an external antenna, through a MCX connector, to view programs using the TV tuner card (optional). For more information on TV tuner card setup, see “Set Up the TV Tuner” on page 19.
4 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:
• Secure Digital (SD) memory card |
• Memory Stick |
• Secure Digital High Capacity |
• Memory Stick PRO |
(SDHC) card |
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• Multimedia Card (MMC) |
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|
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