INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory model: P07F series Regulatory type: P07F001; P07F002; P07F003
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.; AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, AMD Sempron, and ATI Mobility Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Ubuntu is a registered trademark of Canonical Ltd.; Blu ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu ray Disc Association; 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.
June 2010 P/N 7RR4T Rev. A01
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 |
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional) |
12 |
Connect to the Internet (Optional) |
14 |
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 18
Right View Features 18 Left View Features 20 Front View Features 22 Status Lights and Indicators 24 Computer Base Features 26
Touch Pad Gestures 28 Multimedia Control Keys 30 Using the Optical Drive 32 Display Features 34 Removing and Replacing the Battery 36 Software Features 38 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 39 Dell Dock 40
Solving Problems 41
Beep Codes 41 Network Problems 42 Power Problems 43 Memory Problems 44 Lockups and Software Problems 45
3
Contents
Using Support Tools 47
Dell Support Center 47 My Dell Downloads 48 System Messages 48 Hardware Troubleshooter 50 Dell Diagnostics 51
Restoring Your Operating System 55
System Restore 56 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 57 System Recovery Media 60 Dell Factory Image Restore 61
Getting Help 63
Technical Support and Customer
Service 64 DellConnect 64 Online Services 65 Automated Order-Status Service 66 Product Information 66
4
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit 67 Before You Call 68 Contacting Dell 70
Finding More Information and
Resources 72 Specifications 74 Appendix 81
Macrovision Product Notice 81
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 82
Index 83
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.
9
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.
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 60.
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Press the key on the function key row on the keyboard to enable or disable wireless. The wireless on or off icons appear on the screen to indicate the status.
Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
NOTE: The wireless key allows you to quickly turn off all wireless radios (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®) on your computer, such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight.
13
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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.
14
Setting Up a Wired Connection
•If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem 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.
To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 16.
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router.
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® 7
1.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 12).
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
Windows Vista®
1.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 12).
2.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
3.Click Start → Connect To.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
15
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.
16
To set up your Internet connection:
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
Windows Vista
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 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.
17
INSPIRON
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron™ laptop.
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
18
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1Optical drive — Plays or records CDs and DVDs. For more information, see “Using the Optical Drive” on page 32.
2Optical drive light — Blinks when you press the optical drive eject button or when you insert a disc and it is being read.
3Optical drive eject button — Ejects the optical drive tray when pressed.
4Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer.
NOTE: Before you buy a security cable, ensure that it fits into the security cable slot on your computer.
19
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
20
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
2 USB 2.0 connectors (3) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
3 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network.
4 VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.
21
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
22
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 Power status light — Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate the power status.
For more information on the power status light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page 24.
2 Hard drive activity light — Blinks to indicate hard drive activity when the computer reads or writes data.
3 Battery status light — Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate the battery charge status. For more information on the battery status light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page 24. NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.
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 memory card.
NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the media card slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no media card is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.
5Analog microphone — Provides quality sound for video conferencing and voice recording.
6 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system.
7 Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with audio programs.
23
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Battery Status Light
|
Indicator light status |
Computer state(s) |
Battery charge level |
|
|
|
|
AC adapter |
solid white |
on/standby/off/ |
<= 98% |
|
|
hibernate |
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|
off |
on/standby/off/ |
> 98% |
|
|
hibernate |
|
Battery |
solid amber |
on/standby |
<= 10% |
|
|
|
|
|
off |
on/standby/off/ |
> 10% |
|
|
hibernate |
|
|
|
off/hibernate |
<= 10% |
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|
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NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.
24
|
|
Using Your Inspiron Laptop |
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Power Button Light/Power Indicator Light |
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Indicator light status |
Computer state(s) |
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Power status |
solid white |
on |
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light |
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off |
off/hibernate |
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||||
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breathing white |
standby |
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NOTE: For information on power problems, see “Power Problems” on page 43.
25