INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory model: P10F series Regulatory type: P10F001; P10F002
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, YOURS IS HERE, Inspiron, Solution Station, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Centrino 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; AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, AMD Phenom, and ATI Mobility Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; 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.
March 2010 P/N 9N1F7 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 |
Install the SIM Card (Optional) |
12 |
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional) |
14 |
Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) |
16 |
Connect to the Internet (Optional) |
17 |
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 22
Right View Features 22 Left View Features 24 Back View Features 26
Front View Features 27 Status Lights and Indicators 28 Computer Base and Keyboard Features 30 Touch Pad Gestures 32 Multimedia Control Keys 34 Using the Optical Drive 36 Display Features 38 Removing and Replacing the Battery 40 Software Features 42 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 43 Dell Dock 44
Solving Problems 45
Beep Codes 45 Network Problems 46 Power Problems 47
3
Contents
Memory Problems 48 Lockups and Software Problems 48
Using Support Tools 51
Dell Support Center 51 My Dell Downloads 52 System Messages 52 Hardware Troubleshooter 55 Dell Diagnostics 55
Restoring Your Operating System 60
System Restore 61 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 62 System Recovery Media 64 Dell Factory Image Restore 65
Getting Help 67
Technical Support and Customer
Service 68 DellConnect™ 68 Online Services 69
4
Automated Order-Status Service 70 Product Information 70
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit 71 Before You Call 72 Contacting Dell 74
Finding More Information and
Resources 76 Specifications 78 Appendix 85
Macrovision Product Notice 85
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 86
Index 87
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, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer 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.
Set Up Microsoft Windows
To set up Microsoft® 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.
Set Up Ubuntu
To set up Ubuntu® for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. See the Ubuntu documentation for more operating system specific information.
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 64.
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 on your computer allows you to connect to the Internet. 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 40).
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 40).
5.Turn on your computer.
To remove the SIM card, press and eject the SIM card.
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
1SIM card
2SIM card slot
3battery bay
3
2
1
13
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
14
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
NOTE: The wireless feature is available on your computer only if you ordered a WLAN card at the time of purchase. For more information on the cards supported by your computer, see “Specifications” on page 78.
To enable wireless:
1.Ensure that your computer is turned on.
2.Press the wireless key on the function key row on the keyboard. A confirmation of your selection appears on the screen.
Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
To disable wireless:
Press the wireless key on the function key row on the keyboard again to turn off all radios.
NOTE: The wireless key allows you to quickly turn off wireless radios (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®), such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight.
15
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Set Up Wireless Display
(Optional)
NOTE: Wireless display may not be supported on all computers.
Wireless display can only be set up on computers with:
Processor |
Intel® Core™ i3 and above |
|
|
Video |
Intel HD Graphics |
controller |
|
|
|
WLAN card |
Intel Centrino® 6200 or Intel |
|
Centrino Advanced-N + |
|
WiMAX 6250 |
|
|
Operating |
Windows 7 Home Premium, |
system |
Professional, or Ultimate |
|
|
16
To set up wireless display on your computer:
1.Ensure that your computer is turned on.
2.Ensure that wireless is enabled (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 14).
3.Connect the wireless display adapter to the TV.
4.Turn on the TV.
5.Select the appropriate video source for your TV, such as HDMI1, HDMI2, or S-Video.
6.Click the Intel® Wireless Display icon on the desktop.
The Intel® Wireless Display window appears.
7.Select Scan for available displays.
8.Select your wireless display adapter from the Detected wireless displays list.
9.Enter the security code that appears on your TV.
To enable wireless display:
1.Click the Intel® Wireless Display icon on the desktop.
The Intel® Wireless Display window appears.
2.Select Connect to Existing Adapter.
NOTE: For more information about wireless display, see the wireless display adapter
Quick Start Guide.
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 from the Dell website at www.dell.com.
17
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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 19.
18
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 Vista®
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.
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.
19
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To set up your Internet connection:
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.
20
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
21
INSPIRON
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron laptop.
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
22
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 7-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on memory cards.
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.
2Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs. For more information, see “Using the Optical Drive” on page 36.
3Optical drive light — Blinks when you press the optical drive eject button or when you insert a disc and it is being read.
4Optical drive eject button — Opens the optical drive tray when pressed.
5 eSATA/USB combo connector — Connects to eSATA compatible storage devices (such as external hard drives or optical drives) or USB devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player).
6 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network.
7Security 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.
23
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
24
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
2 Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with audio programs.
3 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system.
4 HDMI connector — Connects to a TV for both 5.1 audio and video signals. NOTE: When used with a monitor, only the video signal is read.
25
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
2 USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
3 VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.
26
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 2 3 |
4 |
1 Power indicator light — Indicates the power states. For more information on the power indicator light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page 28.
2 Hard drive activity light — Turns on when the computer reads or writes data. A solid white light indicates hard drive activity.
CAUTION: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer when the hard drive activity light is on.
3 Battery status light — Indicates the battery charge status. For more information on the battery status light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page 28.
NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.
4Microphone — Provides quality sound for video conferencing and voice recording.
27