Dell PP05XB, M1710 User Manual

Dell™ XPS™ M1710

Owner’s Manual

Model PP05XB

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" on page 173.

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. © 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, PowerApp, Dell TravelLite, ExpressCharge, Dell MediaDirect, Strike Zone, Wi-Fi Catcher, and XPS are trademarks of Dell Inc.;

Intel is a registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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 PP05XB

January 2006

P/N RD117

Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
1 A Tour of Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Determining Your Computer’s Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
2 Setting Up Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the
Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the
Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Connecting a USB Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35

Contents 3

3 Using the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Adjusting Brightness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Switching the Video Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Setting Display Resolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38

4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Wireless Networking and Bluetooth® Wireless
Technology Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Customizing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42

5 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
Charge Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Power Management Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Configuring Power Management Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47

4 Contents

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48

6Dell™ QuickSet Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

7Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Playing CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
Adjusting the Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53
Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
Using Blank CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
Using Dell Media Experience and Dell MediaDirect™. . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
If the Computer Is On or in Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
If the Computer Is Off or in Hibernate Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience Help . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
S-Video and Standard Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
Composite Video and Standard Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
Component Video and Standard Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67
Setting Up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Enabling the Display Settings for a TV in Microsoft® Windows® XP . . .	70
8 Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
ExpressCards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
ExpressCard Blanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Installing an ExpressCard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73

Contents 5

	Media Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
	Installing a Media Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
	Removing a Media Memory Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
	Smart Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
	Installing a Smart Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
9	Setting Up a Home and Office Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
	Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem . . . . . . . . . .	79
	Network Setup Wizard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
	Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
	What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
	Checking Your Wireless Network Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
	Setting Up a New WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
	Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82
	Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager . . . . . . . . . . .	83
	Completing the Connection to the WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	83
	Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
	Monitoring the Status of the Wireless Network Card Through
	Dell™ QuickSet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
	Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
	What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband
	Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
	Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	85
	Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	85
	Internet Connection Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	86
10	Securing Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
	Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
	Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
	Computer Tracking Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88
	If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88

6 Contents

11 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Dell Technical Update Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . .	90
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	91
Dell Support Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	92
Accessing the Dell Support Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	92
Clicking the Dell Support Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
CD and DVD Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
If You Cannot Eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW Drive Tray . . . . .	94
If You Hear an Unfamiliar Scraping or Grinding Sound. . . . . . . . . . .	94
Hard Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	94
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	94
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	96
IEEE 1394 Device Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
External Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
Unexpected Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101
The Computer Does Not Start Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101
The Computer Stops Responding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101
A Program Stops Responding or Crashes Repeatedly . . . . . . . . . .	101
A Program Is Designed for an Earlier Microsoft® Windows®
Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101
A Solid Blue Screen Appears. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101
Dell MediaDirect Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
Other Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103

Contents 7

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Mobile Broadband Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
ExpressCard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	105
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	106
Docking Power Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	106
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	106
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
No Sound From Integrated Speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
No Sound From External Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
No Sound From Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
If the Display Is Blank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
If the Display Is Difficult to Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
If Only Part of the Display is Readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	111
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	114

12 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	117
Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	117
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	117
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	117
Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	118

8 Contents

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	119
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	121
Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	121
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	124
Mini-Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	130
Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	131
Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	132
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . .	133

13 Traveling With Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	135
Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	135
Packing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	135
Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	136
Traveling by Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	136

14Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

15Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
Automated Order-Status Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
Support Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147

Contents 9

16	Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
	Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
	Viewing the System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
	System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
	Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	150
	Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	151
	Computer, Keyboard, and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	151
	Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	151
	CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	151
	FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	152
	FCC Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	152
	Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	153
	Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	153
	Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . .	153
	Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . .	154
17	Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	155
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		173
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		185

10 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer	Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
• Drivers for my computer	Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
• My device documentation	computer. You can use the CD to install drivers (see
• Notebook System Software (NSS)	"Manually Reinstalling Drivers" on page 112) or to run the
	Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 89).
	Readme files may be
	included on your CD to
	provide last-minute
	updates about technical
	changes to your computer
	or advanced technical-
	reference material for
	technicians or experienced
	users.
	NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
	support.dell.com.
• Warranty information	Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement

Finding Information		11

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• How to set up my computer	Setup Diagram

•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.

12 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked	NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
questions	site.

•Community Forum — Online discussion with other Dell customers

•Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

•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	To download Notebook System Software:
	operating system for your computer, you should also	1	Go to support.dell.com and click Downloads.
	reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates	2	Enter your Service Tag or product model.
	for your operating system and support for Intel®
	processors, Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, optical	3	In the Download Category drop-down menu, click All.
		4	Select the operating system and operating system
	drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct
			language for your computer, and click Submit.
	operation of your Dell computer. The software
	automatically detects your computer and operating	5	Under Select a Device, scroll to System and
	system and installs the updates appropriate for your		Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Notebook System
	configuration.		Software.
	• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints	Dell Support Utility
	• Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general	The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and
	health of your computing environment	notification system installed on your computer. This
		support provides real-time health scans of your computing
		environment, software updates, and relevant self-support
		information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the
		icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support
		Utility" on page 92.
	• How to use Windows XP	Windows Help and Support Center
	• How to work with programs and files	1	Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
	• How to personalize my desktop	2	Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
			click the arrow icon.
		3	Click the topic that describes your problem.
		4	Follow the instructions on the screen.

Finding Information		13

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• How to reinstall my operating system	Operating System CD
	The operating system is already installed on your computer.
	To reinstall your operating system, use one of the following
	methods:
	• Microsoft Windows System Restore — Microsoft
	Windows System Restore returns your computer to an
	earlier operating state without affecting data files.
	• Operating System CD — If you received an Operating
	System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore
	your operating system.
	For more information, see "Restoring Your Operating
	System" on page 113.
	After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers
	and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) to reinstall drivers for the
	devices that came with your computer.
	NOTE: The color of your CD
	varies based on the
	operating system you
	ordered.

14 Finding Information

A Tour of Your Computer

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration

Based on selections that you made when purchasing your computer, your computer has one of several different video controller configurations. To determine your computer’s video controller configuration:

1Access the Windows Help and Support Center. For instructions, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13.

2Under Pick a Task, click Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.

3Under My Computer Information, select Hardware.

From the My Computer Information - Hardware screen, you can view the type of video controller installed in your computer, as well as the other hardware components.

A Tour of Your Computer

15

Front View

1

2

3

4

12

5

11

10

6

9

7

			8
1	display latches (2)	5	device status lights	9	touch pad buttons
2	display latch release	6	touch pad	10	keyboard
3	display	7	media control buttons	11	Dell MediaDirect button
4	power button	8	speakers	12	keyboard and wireless
					status lights

DISPLAY LATCHES — Keeps the display closed.

DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE — Slide to release the display latches and open the display.

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 37.

POWER BUTTON — Press to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management mode. For more information on power management modes, see "Power Management Modes" on page 45.

16 A Tour of Your Computer

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

Turns on when you turn on the computer, and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.

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 steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:

•Solid green: The battery is charging.

•Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

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 orange: The battery charge is low.

•Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

A Tour of Your Computer		17

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse.

TOUCH PAD SCROLL ZONE — Provides the functionality of the scroll button on a mouse. A vertical scroll zone is located on the right side of the touch pad. A horizontal scroll zone is located on the bottom of the touch pad.

MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Control CD, DVD, and Media Player playback.

1

1 touch pad scroll zone

Mute the sound.

Turn the volume down.

Turn the volume up.

Play or pause.

Play the previous track.

Play the next track.

Stop.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons or speaker-volume keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Speaker Functions" on page 41.

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the same functionality as mouse buttons.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key Combinations" on page 40.

18 A Tour of Your Computer

DELL™ MEDIADIRECT™ BUTTON — Press the Dell MediaDirect button to launch Dell MediaDirect or Microsoft® Windows® Media Center Edition. See "Using Dell Media Experience and Dell MediaDirect™" on page 56.

KEYBOARD AND WIRELESS STATUS LIGHTS

The lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

9	Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
A	Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
	Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
	Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To quickly
	enable or disable wireless networking, press <Fn><F2>.
	Turns on when a card with Bluetooth® wireless technology
	is enabled.
	NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an
	optional feature, so the	light turns on only if you ordered
	the card with your computer. For more information, see the
	documentation that came with your card.
	To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology
	functionality, right-click the		icon in the Windows

taskbar (in the lower-right corner of your screen) and click

Disable Bluetooth Radio.

To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>.

A Tour of Your Computer		19

Left Side View

	1	2		3	4		5
1	security cable slot		3	USB connectors (2)		5	optical-drive-tray eject
							button
2	air vent		4	optical drive

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.

AIR VENT — The computer uses fan(s) to create airflow through the vent(s), which prevents the computer from overheating.

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.

USB CONNECTORS — Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector using the optional floppy-drive cable

OPTICAL DRIVE — You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 132.

OPTICAL-DRIVE-TRAY EJECT BUTTON — Press this button to eject a CD or DVD from the optical drive. This button only works when the computer is turned on.

20 A Tour of Your Computer

Right Side View

	1		2	3	4	5	6	7
1	smart card slot	4	IEEE 1394 connector				7	air vent
2	hard drive	5	5-in-1 media memory card
			reader
3	ExpressCard slot	6	audio connectors (2)

SMART CARD SLOT — Supports one smart card. See "Smart Cards" on page 76.

NOTE: The smart card slot is optional and may not ship with your computer.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

A Tour of Your Computer		21

EXPRESSCARD SLOT — Supports one ExpressCard, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see "Using Cards" on page 71.

NOTE: The ExpressCard slot does NOT support PC Cards.

IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.

5-IN-1MEDIA MEMORY CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The 5-in-1 media memory card reader reads the following digital media memory cards:

•Secure Digital (SD) card/SDIO

•MultiMediaCard (MMC)

•Memory Stick

•Memory Stick PRO

•xD-Picture Card

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the

connector.

AIR VENT — The computer uses fan(s) to create airflow through the vent(s), which prevents the computer from overheating.

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.

22 A Tour of Your Computer

Back View

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
1	air vent			5		USB connectors (2)			9	AC adapter connector
2	S-video TV-out connector			6		USB connectors (2)			10	air vent
3	network (RJ-45) connector			7		Digital-Video Interface
						(DVI) connector
4	modem (RJ-11) connector			8		video (VGA) connector

AIR VENT — The computer uses fan(s) to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

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.

S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital audio capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter cable.

A Tour of Your Computer		23

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 into the network connector.

Connects the computer to a network. The two lights at the top of the connector indicate link status and activity for wired network connections. The solid light on the connector provides link status information. Off indicates no link, green indicates a 10-Mb/sec link, orange indicates a 100-Mb/sec link, and yellow indicates 1000-Mb/sec link. The blinking yellow light on the connector indicates wired network activity.

For information on using the network adapter, see the network adapter documentation supplied with your computer under the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13.

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

To use the internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

For additional information on using the modem, see the modem documentation supplied with your computer under the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13.

USB CONNECTORS

Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

DIGITAL-VIDEO INTERFACE (DVI) CONNECTOR

Connects an external DVI-compatible monitor, such as a flat-panel monitor. With an adapter cable, you can also connect an external VGA-compatible monitor to the DVI connector.

24 A Tour of Your Computer

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.

AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the 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.

NOTE: For optimum system performance, you should always use the 130-W AC adapter that came with your computer. Using less-powerful AC adapters may cause you to receive a WARNING message and may also cause your computer to experience a degradation in performance.

A Tour of Your Computer		25

Bottom View

			1	2	3	4
								5
	12
								6
	11
								7
				10	9		8
1	subwoofer	5	cover for optional internal				9	docking connector
			card with Bluetooth®
			wireless technology
2	battery charge gauge	6	hard drive				10	memory module cover
3	battery-bay latch release	7	air vent				11	air vent
4	battery	8	Mini-Card/modem cover				12	optical-drive locking screw

SUBWOOFER — Produces a broader bass output than is provided by the speakers.

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge status. For more information, see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 44.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. For more information, see "Replacing the Battery" on page 47.

BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. For more information, see "Using a Battery" on page 43.

COVER FOR OPTIONAL INTERNAL CARD WITH BLUETOOTH® WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY — For more information, see the documentation that came with your card. To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 119. The size displayed for your hard drive in Windows Explorer is the capacity of the drive before any operating system or programs are installed.

26 A Tour of Your Computer

AIR VENT — The computer uses fan(s) to create airflow through the vent(s), which prevents the computer from overheating.

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.

MINI-CARD/MODEM COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the Mini-Card and the modem. For more information, see "Mini-Card" on page 126 and "Modem" on page 124.

MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory modules. For more information, see "Memory" on page 121.

OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 132.

DOCKING-DEVICE CONNECTOR — Lets you attach your computer to a docking device. See the documentation that came with your docking device for more information.

A Tour of Your Computer		27

28 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). 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 Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:

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

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

3Follow 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:

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

2Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer. The New Connection Wizard appears.

3Click Connect to the Internet.

Setting Up Your Computer

29

4In 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.

5Click 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.

6Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.

7Use 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 94. 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.

Transferring Information to a New Computer

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as:

•E-mail messages

•Toolbar settings

•Internet bookmarks

You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer.

For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System CD for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard utility.

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD

NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System CD. This CD is optional and may not be included with all computers.

30 Setting Up Your Computer