Broadcom BRCM1005-D, BRCM1007 User Guide

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Dell™ Inspiron™ 5100

Owner’s Manual

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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

F or a co mplete list of abbr eviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

____________________

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, AccessDirect, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, Dell TrueMobile, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation.

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 Computer Corporation disclaims an y proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP07L

December 2002 P/N 2U589 Rev. A00

Contents

CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

General Power

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Air Travel EMC Instructions

California Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Ergonomic Computing Habits

When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Battery Disposal

1 A Tour of Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Left Side View Right Side View Back View Bottom View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Contents 3

Modem and Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

E-Mail Problems

Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . 35

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable Connecting a USB Printer

Printer Problems Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors Line Conditioners Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Turning Off Your Computer

3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Power Meter

Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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4 Contents

Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Removing a Battery Installing a Battery Storing a Battery Battery and Power Problems

If the battery is not charging If battery life is short

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Reprogramming the Button

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Keyboard Shortcuts

System Functions Display Functions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Speaker Functions Microsoft

Touch Pad

Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Customizing the Touch Pad

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

External Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Unexpected Characters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

CD or DVD Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound If the CD-RW drive stops writing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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Sound and Speaker Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

If you have a problem with integrated speakers If you have a problem with external speakers

. . . . . . . . . 57

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Contents 5

Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Using Easy CD Creator Basic Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

. . . . . . . . 59

Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

How to Copy a CD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Connecting a Television to the Computer

S-Video Connection Composite Video Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Enabling the Display Settings for a Television

6 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Network Setup Wizard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

7 Solving Problems

Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Accessing Help

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank If the display is difficult to read

If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

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6 Contents

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Drive Problems

If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive If you have problems with a hard drive

PC Card Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

A program crashes A program stops responding

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Error messages appear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Resolving Other Technical Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

If Your Computer Gets Wet

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

What Is a Driver?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Reinstalling Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using System Restore

Creating a Restore Point

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Undoing the Last System Restore

Reinstalling Microsoft

Before You Reinstall Reinstalling Windows XP

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

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8 Adding and Replacing Parts

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Before You Add or Replace Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Modem and Mini PCI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Adding a Modem

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Adding a Mini PCI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Contents 7

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

CD or DVD Drive

Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

9 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Using the System Setup Program

Overview Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens

Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

System and Battery Performance Optimization . . . . . . . . . 119

System Performance Overview Optimizing Power Consumption and Battery

Charge Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Variable Speed Fan

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

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8 Contents

Contacting Dell Regulatory Notices

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

Limited Warranties and Return Policy

Limited Warranty for the U.S.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

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"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only). . . . . . . . . . 146

Limited Warranty Terms for Canada "Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (Canada Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

. . . . . . . . 150

Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only). . . . . . . . . . 151

One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only)

Intel® Warranty Statement for Pentium® and

Celeron® Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only). . . . . . . 153

. . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Contents 9

10 Contents

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help ensur e your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage.

General

• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.

• If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.

• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• Do not block air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can damage the computer or cause fire.

• Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on or connected to the AC adapter. Restricting airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.

• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such a s a desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.

• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.

• Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact with exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement

• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an electrical stor m is approaching to avoid the remote risk of elec t r ic shock from lightning via the telephone line.

CAUTION: Safety Instructions 11

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.

• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum wir e si ze of 26 A merican wir e gauge (AWG) and an FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.

• Before you open the memory module cover or Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom

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of your computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone cable.

• If your computer has a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector, insert the telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not the RJ-45 connector.

•PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.

• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

Power

• Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.

(continued)

• Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.

• To remove the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.

• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-prong plugs to provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the appropriate type, 2-prong or 3-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.

• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and that the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.

12 CAUTION: Safety Instructions

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

• If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use caution when plugging the AC adapter’s power cable into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you to insert the plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage to your computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the ground prong of the power plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of the power strip.

(continued)

Battery

• Use only Dell™ battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of other types may increase the risk of fire or e xplosion.

• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.

• The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.

• Keep the battery away from children.

• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator , fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60ºC (140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.

• Do not dispose of your computer’s battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged battery promptly.

CAUTION: Safety Instructions 13

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Air Travel

• Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are on board an aircraft. For example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.

– In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is

equipped with Dell TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication device,

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EMC Instructions

Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classificati on for the intended environment. F or parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell at its worldwide website at www.dell.com.

please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.

– Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable computer, may be prohibited in

aircraft during certain critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing. Some airlines may further define the critical flight phase as any time the aircraft is below 3050 m (10,000 ft). Please follow the airline’s specific instructions as to when the use of a PED is allowed.

(continued)

Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer’s input/output panel.

California Residents

WARNING: Handling the cable on this product, or cables associated with accessories sold with this product, will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

14 CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Wash your hands after handling the cable.

When Using Your Computer

Observe the following safe-handling guidelines to prevent damage to your computer:

• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.

• When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.

• When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the computer. You can put the hard drive through an X-ray security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.

• When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.

• Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexposure to sunlight.

• When you move your computer between environments with very different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the computer.

NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a warmer environment

or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before turning on power.

• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

• Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by its edges, not its pins.

• When preparing to remove a memory module from the system board or disconnect a device from the computer, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and then wait 5 seconds before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.

When Using Your Computer 15

When Using Your Computer

• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and water. Apply the water to the cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. Remove moisture from the display quickly and keep the display dry. Longterm exposure to moisture can damage the display. Do not use a commercial window cleaner to clean your display.

• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in "If Your Computer Gets Wet" on page 81 or "If You Drop or Damage Your Computer" on page 82. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, conta c t Dell (see page 122 for the appropriate contact information).

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Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAU TION: Improper or prolonge d keyboard use may result in injur y. CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of

time may result in eye strain.

F or comfort an d efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Tell Me How help file when setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 74.

This portable computer is not designed for continuous operation as office equipment. For extended use in an office, it is recommended that you connect an external keyboard.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before removing or installing memory modules, Mini PCI card s, modems, keyboards, or CD or DVD drives, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

(continued)

NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is when you are

installing memory modules, a Mini PCI card, a modem, a keyboard, or a CD or DVD drive.

NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing

a memory module, Mini PCI card, modem, keyboard, or CD or DVD drive to help prevent possible damage to the system board.

Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.

1 2 Disconnect your computer and devices from electrical outlets to reduce the potential for

personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3 Remove the main battery from the battery bay and, if necessary, the secondary battery

from the module bay.

16 When Using Your Computer

When Using Your Computer

4 Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel on the back of

the computer. While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any static electricity that

might harm internal components.

(continued)

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):

• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.

• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.

• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.

Battery Disposal

Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a reserve battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion battery in your computer, r efer to "Removing a Battery" on page 44. The reserve battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, the procedure must be performed by an authorized service technician.

Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.

When Using Your Computer 17

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18 When Using Your Computer

SECTION 1

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View Left Side View Right Side View Back View Bottom View

Front View

Dell™ AccessDirect™ button

display latch

display

power button

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touch pad

touch pad buttons

speaker

device status lights

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.

ISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" in

the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

speaker

keyboard status lights

keyboard

20 A Tour of Your Computer

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the fo llowing:

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when Caps Lock is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft®

Windows

logo key . F or information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see

page 49.

PEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume

control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see page 50.

A Tour of Your Computer 21

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DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

Turns on when you turn on the computer. 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 when the computer is in a power management mode. It also blinks to indicate battery charge status.

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

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:

mouse. See page 50 for more information.

a mouse. See page 50 for more information.

22 A Tour of Your Computer

– Solid green: The battery is fully charged. – Flashing green: The battery is charging.

– 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.

OUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a

OUCH PAD — The touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of

POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter

or exit a power management mode. For more information, see "Power Management" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a

Windows shutdown rather than by pressing the power button (see page 39).

If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).

ELL™ ACCESSDIRECT™ BUTTON — Press this button to launch a frequently

used program, such as support and educational tools. You can reprogram the button to launch a program of your choice. For more information, see page 48.

Left Side View

PC Card slot

audio connectors (2) CD or DVD drive

PC CARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see "Using PC Cards" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

A Tour of Your Computer 23

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AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

CD OR DVD DRIVE — Accommodates a CD drive, DVD drive, CD-RW drive, or CD-RW/DVD combo drive.

Right Side View

24 A Tour of Your Computer

security cable slot

air vents

battery/battery bay modem connector

BATTERY /BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 41.

ODEM CONNECTOR

Connect the telephone line to the modem connector. F or information on using the modem, see the online modem

documentation supplied with your computer.

AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan 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 lowairflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

ECURITY 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.

NOTE: The fan runs

constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

A Tour of Your Computer 25

Back View

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NOTE: The fan runs

constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

AC adapter connector

air vents

AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan 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 lowairflow 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

USB connectors (2)

video connector

network connector

IEEE 1394 connector

26 A Tour of Your Computer

AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach an AC adapter to the computer.

AC adapter

AC adapter connector

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 outl ets

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.

CAUTION: Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a

desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.

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: Use only the

90-watt AC adapter that came with your computer.

A Tour of Your Computer 27

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S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

Connects your computer to a TV. F or more information, se e page 61.

USB CONNECTORS

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

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using the Display" in the T ell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

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

ETWORK CONNECTOR

NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector .

T o avoid damaging the computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.

28 A Tour of Your Computer

Connects the computer to a network. The lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network communications.

F or information on using t he network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer.

Bottom View

modem/Mini PCI card cover

hard drive

battery/battery bay

air vent

battery latch release

memory module cover

MODEM/MINI PCI CARD COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the modem and Mini PCI card. See page 96.

ATTERY/BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the

computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 41.

IR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan 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 lowairflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

NOTE: The fan runs

constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

A Tour of Your Computer 29

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BATTERY L ATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See page 44 for instructions.

EMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the

memory module(s) and the CD or DVD drive latch release. See page 94.

ARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

30 A Tour of Your Computer

SECTION 2

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet Modem and Internet Connection Problems E-Mail Problems Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Printer Printer Problems Power Protection Devices Turning Off Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP

offerings vary by country.

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To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a phone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing phone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your phone 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 AOL or MSN connection:

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Windows

desktop.

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

If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer.

3 Click Connect to the Internet. 4 In the next window, click the appropriate option:

32 Setting Up Your Computer

The New Connection Wizard appears.

• 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.

5 Click Next.

If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

6 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to

the Internet?, and then click Next.

7 Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "Modem and Internet Connection Problems." 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 .

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only.

Connecting the modem to a digital telephone network damages the modem.

NOTICE: Modem and network connectors look similar. Do not plug a

telephone line into the network connector.

HECK THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — Disconnect the telephone line from

the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that you have touchtone telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a different telephone wall jack.

Slow connection speeds can be caused by telephone noise as well as by telephone line or network conditions. Contact your telephone company or network administrator for more information.

ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — If

you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such a s an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone line to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.

HECK THE CONNECTION — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the

modem.

NOTE: If you do not

know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

NOTE: If you can

connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), your modem is functioning properly. If you are sure that your modem is working properly and you still experience problems, contact your ISP.

Setting Up Your Computer 33

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CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE — Try using a different telephone line. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

RREGULAR DIAL TONE —If you have voice mail service, you might hear an

irregular dial tone when you have messages. Contact your telephone company for instructions on restoring a dial tone.

URN OFF CALL WAITING (CATCH-PHONE)—See your telephone directory

for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties.

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware, click Phone and Modem Options, click the

Dialing Rules tab, and then click Edit....

3 In the Edit Location window, ensure that To disable call waiting, dial: is

checked, and then select the proper code as listed in your telephone directory.

4 Click Apply and click OK. 5 Close the Phone and Modems Options window. 6 Close the Control Panel window.

ERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware and click Phone and Modem Options. 3 Click the Modems tab. 4 Click the COM port for your modem. 5 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to

verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

E-Mail Problems

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERN ET — With the

Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check mark next to it, click the check mark to remove it and connect to the Internet.

34 Setting Up Your Computer

Transferring Information to a New Computer

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

•E-mails

• Toolbar settings

• Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

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

To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System

Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen

appears, click Next.

3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and

click Next.

4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the

wizard from the Windows XP CD and click Next.

5 When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old

or source computer. Do not click Next at this time.

To copy data from the old computer:

1 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD. 2 On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform

additional tasks.

3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings. 4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.

Setting Up Your Computer 35

5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer and click

Next.

6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you

prefer.

7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you

want to transfer and click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the

Collection Phase screen appears.

8 Click Finish.

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To transfer data to the new computer:

1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer,

click Next.

2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you

chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next. The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to

your new computer. When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished

screen appears.

3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to

the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers.

• Connect the printer to the computer.

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

36 Setting Up Your Computer

Printer Cable

Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer . If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a USB Printer

1 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so. 2 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that

came with your printer.

3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer

and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

USB connector on computer

USB connector

USB printer cable

on printer

NOTE: You can connect

USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Printer Problems

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the printer cable

is properly connected to the computer (see page 37).

EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working

by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Setting Up Your Computer 37

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ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON — See the documentation supplied with the printer.

ERIFY THAT WINDOWS

1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer model is listed, right-

click the printer icon.

5 Click Properties and click the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the following

port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).

EINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See page 83.

RECOGNIZES THE PRINTER —

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

• Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.

Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.

38 Setting Up Your Computer

NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or

power interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.

NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection.

Disconnect the network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result

in data loss or file damage.

A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is ap proved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTE: To ensure

maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer , to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a

Microsoft than by pressing the power button.

1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start

Windows® operating system shutdown, as described next, rather

button, and then click Turn Off Computer.

2 In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.

The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes.

Setting Up Your Computer 39

NOTE: As an alte rnative

to turning off your computer, you can set your computer to enter standby or hibernate mode. For more information, see the

Me How

access the help file, see page 74.

help file. To

Tell

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40 Setting Up Your Computer

SECTION 3

Using a Battery

Battery Performance Checking the Battery Charge Charging the Battery Removing a Battery Installing a Battery Storing a Battery Battery and Power Problems

Battery Performance

NOTE: Batteries for

portable computers are covered only during the initial one-year period of the limited warranty for your computer. For more information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see page 143.

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NOTE: It is

recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.

Use a battery to power the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. With average usage, you may expect from 1.5 to 3 hours from a single, fully charged battery.

Operating time may be significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

• Using optical drives, especially DVD and CD-RW drives.

• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices.

• Using high-brightness display settings.

• Using 3D screen savers or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games and engineering programs.

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Power Management" in the Tell Me How help file for more information. To access the help file, see page 74.

You can set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low. You can also set power modes to optimize power consumption and battery charge time. See page 120 for additional information.

42 Using a Battery

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of

fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste.

When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local wa ste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery Disposal" on page 17.

CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or

chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteri es with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Checking the Battery Charge

The Microsoft® Windows® power meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the

battery charge.

Power Meter

The Windows power meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the power meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information on the Power Meter tab, see "P ower Management" in the Tell

Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately

after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For more information on low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

Using a Battery 43

Charging the Battery

NOTE: The AC adapter

charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 3 hours with the computer turned off. Charge time is significantly longer if the computer is on and running at high processor speeds and system activity levels. Running the

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computer at high system activity levels for extended periods of time may prevent the battery from charging.

NOTE: You can leave the

battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.

When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.

If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.

For more information on resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Management" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

Removing a Battery

CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the

modem from the telephone wall jack.

44 Using a Battery

Ensure that the computer is turned off or connected to an electrical

outlet.

2 Slide and hold the battery latch. 3 Remove the battery.

battery

Installing a Battery

Slide the battery into the battery bay until the latch clicks.

battery latch

Storing a Battery

Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it.

Battery and Power Problems

HECK THE POWER LIGHT — When the power light is lit or blinking, the

computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode. If the light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer. If the computer does not turn on, press and hold the power button for several seconds.

NOTE: See the

How

help file for information on standby mode. To access the help file, see page 74.

Using a Battery 45

Tell Me

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CHARGE THE BATTERY — The battery charge may be depleted.

1 Reinstall the battery. 2 Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet. 3 Turn on the computer.

CHECK THE BATTERY STATUS LIGHT — If the battery status light flashes

orange or is a steady orange, the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to charge. Turn off the computer (see page 39), disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room temperature.

If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be defective. Contact Dell (see page 122).

EST THE ELECT RICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working

by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

HECK THE AC ADAPTER — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the

AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.

ONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET —

Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.

LIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

DJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES — See the Tell Me How help file or search

for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center. To access help, see page 74.

ESEAT THE MEMOR Y MODULES — If the computer power light turns on but

the display remains blank, reseat the memory modules (see page 94).

46 Using a Battery

If the battery is not charging

SHUT DOWN THE COMPUTER — Charge time is significantly longer if the

computer is on and running at high processor speeds and system activity levels. Running the computer at high system activity levels for extended periods of time may prevent the battery from charging.

If battery life is short

SEE "BATTERY PERFORMANC E" ON PAGE 42 — Operating time may be

significantly reduced under certain conditions.

PTIMIZE PROCESSOR PERFORMANCE AND POWER CONSUMPTION —

See page 120.

SECTION 4

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button Numeric Keypad Keyboard Shortcuts Touch Pad Touch Pad or Mouse Problems External Keyboard Problems Unexpected Characters

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button

Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as support and educational tools or your default Internet browser.

Reprogramming the Button

To change the reprogrammable button settings or to find information on using the button:

1 Click the Start button→ Control Panel→ Print ers and Other

Hardware→ Keyboard icon.

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2 Click the AccessDirect tab. 3 Click the Help button and follow the instructions on the screen.

Numeric Keypad

numeric keypad

The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keybo ard. Each key on th e keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys.

• To enable the keypad, press . The light indicates that the keypad is active.

48 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

• To use the numeric function when the keypad is enabled, press and the desired key.

• To disable the keypad, press again.

Keyboard Shortcuts

System Functions

Opens the Task Manager window

Enables and disables the numeric keypad

Enables and disables the scroll lock

Display Functions

Switches the video image to the next display option. The options include the integrated display, an external monitor, and both displays simultaneously.

NOTE: If the computer is connected to a television, you must enable the television through the Windows display settings (see page 61).

Power Management

Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

Activates a power management mode. You can reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different power management mode using the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window. See "Power Management" in the Tell Me How help file for more information. To access the help file, see page 74.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 49

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Speaker Functions

Microsoft

Windows® Logo Key Functions

Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Minimizes all open windows

Maximizes all windows

Runs Windows Explorer

Opens the Run dialog box

Opens the Search Results dialog box

To adjus t keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, click the Start button→ Contro l Panel→ Printers and Othe r Hardwar e→ Keyboard. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Touch Pad

The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the display. Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse.

50 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the computer is connected to a network)

Opens the System Properties dialog box

touch pad

touch pad buttons

• To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.

• To select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button.

• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap down-up-down on the touch pad. On the second down motion, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger over the surface.

• To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button twice.

Customizing the Touch Pad

You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad or adjust its settings.

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers

and Other Hardware.

2 Click Mouse.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 51

3 In the Mouse Properties window, click the Device Settings tab.

To disable the touch pad or mouse, highlight the device and click

Disable.

To change the touch pad or mouse settings, highlight the device, click

Settings, select the desired setting(s), and then click Apply.

4 Click OK to save the settings and close the window , and then click OK

again to exit the Mouse Properties window.

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

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NOTE: When you attach

an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

CHECK THE TOUCH PAD SETTINGS —

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other

Hardware.

2 Click Mouse. 3 Try adjusting the settings.

HECK THE MOUSE CABLE — Shut down the computer (see page 39).

Disconnect the mouse cable and check it for damage. Firmly reconnect the cable. If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse

directly to the computer.

O VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MOUSE, CHECK THE TOUCH

PAD —

1 Shut down the computer (see page 39). 2 Disconnect the mouse. 3 Turn on the computer. 4 At the Windows

icon, and open it.

If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.

EINSTALL THE TOUCH PAD DRIVER — See page 83.

desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an

External Keyboard Problems

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE — Shut down the computer (see page 39).

Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage. Firmly reconnect the cable. If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard

directly to the computer.

52 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD —

1 Shut down the computer (see page 39), wait 1 minute, and turn it on again. 2 Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink

during the boot routine.

3 From the Windows

desktop, click the Start button, point to All Programs, point

to Accessories, and click Notepad.

4 Type some characters on the external k eyboar d and verify that they appear on the

display.

If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.

O VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERN AL KEYBOARD,

CHECK THE INTEGRATED KEYBOARD —

1 Shut down the computer (see page 39). 2 Disconnect the external keyboard. 3 Turn on the computer. 4 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to

Accessories, and click Notepad.

5 Type some characters on the external k eyboar d and verify that they appear on the

display.

If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see page 122).

Unexpected Characters

DISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD — Press to disable the numeric

keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 53

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54 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

SECTION 5

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs CD or DVD Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Copying CDs Connecting a Television to the Computer

Using CDs and DVDs

For information about using CDs and DVDs in your computer, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

CD or DVD Problems

If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD

NOTE: Because of

different worldwide file

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types, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This noise does not indicate a defect with the drive or the CD.

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start button and click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable disk and restart the computer. Verify that the light is blinking, indicating normal operation.

RY ANOTHER DISC — Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the

original disc is defective.

DJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Double-click the speaker icon

in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

LEAN THE DRIVE OR DISC — See "Cleaning Your Computer" in the Tell Me

How help file for instructions. To access the help file, see page 74.

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray

1 Ensure that the computer is shut down and turned off (see page 39). 2 Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the

drive; push firmly until the tray is partially ejected.

3 Gently pull out the tray until it stops.

If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound

• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.

• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.

If the CD-RW drive stops writing

DISABLE STAN DBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD-RW — Search for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center. To

access help, see page 74.

56 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE — See the help files for

your CD creation software.

XIT ALL OTHER OPEN PROGRAMS — Exiting all other open programs before

writing to the CD-RW may alleviate the problem.

Sound and Speaker Problems

If you have a problem with integrated speakers

ADJUST THE WINDOWS® VOLUME CONTROL — Double-click the speaker

icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

DJUST THE VOLUME USING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS — Press

to disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.

EINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER — See page 83.

If you have a problem with external speakers

HECK THE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS — See the setup diagram

supplied with the speakers.

EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working

by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

NSURE THAT THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON — See the setup diagram

supplied with the speakers.

DJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Double-click the speaker icon

in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

EST THE SPEAKERS — Plug the speaker audio cable into the line-out

connector on the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.

UN THE SPEAKER SELF-TEST — Some speaker systems have a self-test

button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test instructions.

LIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

EINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER — See page 83.

NOTE: The volume

control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 57

Copying CDs

NOTE: To "burn" a CD

means to copy or create your own custom CD. Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.

NOTE: It is

recommended that you

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connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.

NOTE: The information

in this section also applies to using Easy CD Creator Basic with a DVD+RW or a DVD+R drive.

This section applies only to computers that have a CD- or DVD-recording device.

The information in this section is based on the Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic documentation that came with your computer. See "Using Easy CD Creator Basic" on page 59 for instructions on how to locate that documentation.

To burn CDs, you need to use CD-burner software. Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic is your computer's CD-burner software. The software includes the following project programs that enable you to record specialty CDs for different types of uses:

• DirectCD allows you to format a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc so that you can use Microsoft

Windows® Explorer to drag and drop data files to the CD-RW drive. You can use a DirectCD-formatted CD-RW disc like another hard drive on your computer because CD-RW discs are fully rewritable (CD-R discs can be used with DirectCD, but that media type has overwriting limitations—see "Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs" on page 59 for recording media differences).

• MusicCD allows you to burn custom music CDs.

• DataCD allows you to copy a variety of your documents, such as spreadsheet or accounting files, to a CD for permanent storage.

NOTE: Some music and

game CDs are copyprotected. If you have a CD that cannot be copied, you must use the original CD for everyday use.

• Disc Copier allows you to make a backup copy of almost any type of CD. This program allows you to make a copy of a CD for everyday use so that you can archive and save the original copy. (Disc Copier is titled "CD Copier" in some versions of Roxio CD Creator Basic.)

All four project programs are available on the Easy CD Creator Basic Select

a Project menu screen. To view the Select a Project menu screen, click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Roxi o Easy CD Creator, and then click Project Selector.

58 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using Easy CD Creator Basic

See the Easy CD Creator Basic documentation for instructions on how to use the program, information about different recording techniques, and CD media limitations. The Easy CD Creator Basic documentation is located in the Windows Help and Support Center (see page74). The documentation is also provided on the Roxio reinstallation CD, which is included with your computer. Each Easy CD Creator Basic project program also has thorough online help files.

Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs

Your CD-RW drive writes to two different types of recording media—CD-R and CD-RW discs. Use blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) disks to record music or permanently store data files. After cr eating a CD-R disc, you cannot write to that disc again without changing your method of recording (see the Roxio documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RW (CD-ReWritable) discs when you want to write, erase, rewrite, and update your files onto CDs.

Helpful Tips

• You must use the Easy CD Creator Basic project programs to copy and record all music and data CDs. You can use W i ndows Explor er to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW disc only after you first use DirectCD to format the disc.

• You must use CD-R discs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RW discs do not play in most home or car stereos.

• If you want to copy files from the Internet or files from a floppy or Zip drive, copy those files to your hard drive first, and then burn your CD. Your CD-RW drive requires a steady stream of data to properly record. Direct Internet downloads, floppy drives, and Zip drives may not be able to provide a steady data stream to your CD-RW drive.

• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.

• Ensure that you set the sampling rate to at least 128 Kbps when you burn MP3 files to a CD. Otherwise, recording errors may occur.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 59

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• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording.

• Use a blank CD-RW disc to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the CD-RW disc and try again. You can also use blank CD-RW discs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R disc.

• See the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com for additional helpful tips.

How to Copy a CD

NOTE: If you have a

DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, first check for available software patches on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and if necessary, the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com.

The procedure assumes that your computer is equipped with a single CD-RW drive (without an additional CD drive). If your computer is equipped with both types of drives, see the Roxio documentation for instructions on how to copy CDs from a CD drive to a CD-RW drive.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Roxio Easy CD

Creator, and then click Project Selector. The Select a Project window appears.

2 Click Disc Copier. (Disc Copier is titled "CD Copier" in some versions

of Easy CD Creator Basic.) The Disc Copier window appears and displays your CD-RW drive in

the Copy from and the Record to lists.

3 Insert the source CD that you want to copy into the CD-RW drive.

The Disc Copier project program briefly checks the source CD in the CD-RW drive to ensure that it is a readable CD.

4 Click Copy.

Depending on the size of the files that are being copied, the copy process may take a few minutes.

5 After the source CD is copied, remove the source CD from the

CD-RW drive tray. The CD-RW drive tray opens automatically after the source CD is

copied.

60 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

6 Insert a blank CD into the CD-RW drive and close the tray.

The recording start s auto matically.

7 After the recording completes, click OK.

Connecting a Television to the Computer

Your computer has an S-video TV-out connector that enables you to connect the computer to a television. Using a commercially available S-video cable or composite video cable, you can connect the computer to a television in one of two ways:

• S-video (for a television with S-video input)

• Composite video (for a television with only a composite video input; also uses the Dell-supplied composite TV-out adapter cable)

The audio connector on the side of the computer enables you to connect the computer to your television or audio device, using a commercially available audio cable.

When you complete the cable connection, see "Enabling the Display Settings for a Television" on page 66 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the television.

NOTE: Video and audio

cables for connecting your computer to a television are not included with your computer. Cables may be purchased at most consumer electronics stores.

NOTE: Diagrams for

each connection combination appear at the beginning of each subsection to help you determine which method you should use.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 61

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S-video cabl

S-Video Connection

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:

audio cable

1 Turn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you want

to connect.

2 Plug one end of the S-video cable into the S-video connector on the

computer.

62 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

3 Plug the other end of the S-video cable into your television. 4 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone

connector on your computer.

5 Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into

the audio input connectors on your television or other audio device.

6 Turn on the television, turn on any audio device you connected, and

then turn on the computer.

7 See "Enabling the Display Settings for a Television" on page 66 to

ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the television.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 63

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Composite Video Connection

To connect the computer to a television that has a composite video input only, Dell provides a composite TV-out adapter cable. Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:

composite

1 Turn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you want

-out adapter cable

composite video cable

audio cable

to connect.

64 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

2 Connect the composite TV-out adapter cable to the S-video TV-out

S-video TV

connector on the computer.

-out connector

S-video connector

composite video connector

composite TV-out adapter cable

3 Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite video

connector on the composite TV-out adapter cable.

4 Plug the other end of the composite video cable into the composite

video connector on the television.

5 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone

connector on the computer.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 65

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6 Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into

the audio input connectors on your television or other audio device.

Enabling the Display Settings for a Television

ATI Video Controller

NOTE: Ensure that you

properly connect the television before you enable the display settings.

NOTE: Various programs

access the hardware in different ways. You may or may not need to click the primary button for operations other than playing DVDs.

Click the Start button and click the Control Panel icon.

1 2 Click Appearance and Themes and click Display. 3 Click the Settings tab and click Advanced. 4 Click the Display tab. 5 Click the upper-left corner of the TV button to enable the television. 6 To play a DVD on the television, click the small "primary" button

(resembles a bulls-eye) under the TV picture. Click Apply.

7 8 Click Yes to keep the new settings . 9 Click OK.

DVD video is visible only on the display that is set to primary. While the DVD is playing, the DVD player window on your computer display is blank or (if the DVD player window is set to full-screen mode) the entire computer display screen is blank.

66 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

SECTION 6

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard Network Problems

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.

To connect a network cable:

1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on your

computer.

NOTE: Insert the cable

until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to

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ensure that it is secure.

NOTE: Do not use a

network cable with a telephone wall jack.

2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection

device, such as a network wall jack.

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→

Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.

2 On the welcome screen, click Next. 3 Click Checklist for creating a network.

68 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Complete the checklist and required preparations, and return to the

Network Setup Wizard.

5 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Network Problems

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable

connector is firmly connected to the connector on the computer and the network wall jack.

HECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE NETWORK CONNECTOR — Green

indicates that the network connection is active. If the status light is not green, try replacing the network cable. Amber indicates that the network adapter driver is loaded and the adapter is detecting activity.

RESTART THE COMPUTER — Try to log on to the network again.

ONTACT YOUR NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR — Verify that your network

settings are correct and that the network is functioning.

NOTE: Selecting the

connection method This

computer connects directly to the Internet

enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP.

Setting Up a Home and Office Network 69

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70 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

SECTION 7

Solving Problems

Finding Solutions Accessing Help Error Messages Video and Display Problems Scanner Problems Drive Problems PC Card Problems General Program Problems Resolving Other Technical Problems If Your Computer Gets Wet If You Drop or Damage Your Computer Drivers Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using System Restore Reinstalling Microsoft

Windows® XP

Finding Solutions

NOTE: If you have a

problem with an external device, see the device documentation or contact the manufacturer.

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Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to quickly find the answers to your questions.

See page 45.

Press the power button to exit standby mode. See the

Tell Me How

more information on standby mode.

Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 122.

See page 74.

help file for

72 Solving Problems

See page 75.

See page 57.

See page 37

See page 33.

See page 77.

See page 52.

See page 53.

See page 78–79.

See page 69.

See page 74.

See page 80.

See page 33.

See page 34.

Solving Problems 73

Accessing Help

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TO ACCESS THE

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides and click User’s guides. 3 Click Tell Me How.

TO ACCESS HELP IN WINDOWS XP —

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click the arrow

icon.

3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

ELL ME HOW

HELP FILE —

Error Messages

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running at the time the message appeared.

THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DESTINAT ION

DRIVE — The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or

the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.

74 Solving Problems

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in

filenames.

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

NON-SYSTEM DISK OR DISK ERROR — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME PROGRAMS AND

TRY AGAIN — Y ou have too many programs ope n. Close all windows and open

the program that you want to use.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Contact Dell (see page 122).

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUN D — The program that you are

trying to open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the progra m.

1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Add or Remove Programs. 4 Select the program you want to remove. 5 Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen. 6 See the program documentation for installation instructions.

X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — Insert a disk

into the drive and try again.

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

CHECK THE LIGHT — When the light is blinking, the computer

has power.

• If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode.

• If the light is off, press the power button.

• If the light is on, your power management settings may have caused the display to turn off. Try pressing any key or move the cursor to exit standby mode.

CHECK THE BATTERY — If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.

NOTE: If you are using a

program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.

Solving Problems 75

TEST THE EL ECTRICAL OUTLE T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE AC ADAPTER — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that it is on.

CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET —

Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on. To access the help file, see page 74.

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ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES — Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the help file, see page 74.

SWITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press to switch the video image to the display.

NOTE: If the computer is connected to a television, you must enable the television through the Windows display settings (see page 59).

If the display is difficult to read

ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions

on adjusting the brightness. To access the help file, see page 74.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR —

If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — T urn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

ROTATE THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION —

Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

76 Solving Problems

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Ap pea r anc e and Themes. 3 Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon. 4 Try different settin gs for Color quality and Screen resolution.

SEE "ERROR MESSAGES"—If an error message appears, see page 74.

If only part of the display is readable

CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONIT OR —

1 Turn off your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer. 2 Turn on the computer and the monitor, and adjust the monitor brightness and

contrast controls.

If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell (see page 122).

Scanner Problems

CHECK THE POWER CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the scanner

power cable is firmly connected to a working electrical power source and that the scanner is turned on.

CHECK THE SCANNER CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the scanner cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the scanner.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.

REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER — See the scanner documentation for instructions.

Solving Problems 77

Drive Problems

NOTE: For information

on saving files to a floppy disk, see the help file. To access the help file, see page 74.

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Tell Me How

If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start

button and click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable disk and restart the computer. Verify that the light is blinking, indicating normal operation.

ENSURE THAT THE DISK IS NOT WRITE-PROTECTED — You cannot save data to a write-protected disk. See the following fig u re.

write-protected

not writeprotected

back of floppy disk

TRY ANOTHER FLOPPY DISK — Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility that the original disk is defective.

78 Solving Problems

RECONNECT THE DRIVE —

1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the

computer.

2 Disconnect and reconnect the drive 3 Turn on the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE — See "Cleaning Your Computer" in the Tell Me How

help file for instructions. To access the help file, see page 74.

If you have problems with a hard drive

ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO COOL BEFORE TURNING IT ON — A hot

hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on.

CHECK THE DRIVE FOR ERRORS —

1 Click the Start button and click My Computer. 2 Right-click the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for errors, and

then click Properties.

3 Click the Tools tab. 4 Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 5 Click Start.

PC Card Problems

CHECK THE PC CARD — Ensure that the PC Card is properly inserted into

the connector.

ENSURE THAT THE CARD IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS®— Doubleclick the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DEL L-PROVIDED PC CARD — Contact Dell (see page 122).

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A PC CARD NOT PROVIDED BY

ELL — Contact the PC Card manufacturer.

Solving Problems 79

General Program Problems

NOTE: Sof tware usually

includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

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A program crashes

SEE THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — Many software manufacturers

maintain websites with information that may help you solve the problem. Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. Reinstall the program if necessary.

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

1 Simultaneous ly press . 2 Click the Applications tab, and then select the program that is no longer

responding.

3 Click End Task.

Error messages appear

REVIEW "ERR OR MESSAGES" ON PAGE 74 — Look up the message and

take the appropriate action. See the software documentation.

80 Solving Problems

Resolving Other Technical Problems

GO TO THE DELL SUPPORT WEBSITE — Go to support.dell.com for help

with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. See "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S.Only)" on page 121 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

E-MAIL DELL — Go to support.dell.com and then click E-Mail Dell in the Communicate list. Send an e-mail message to Dell about your problem; you can

expect to receive an e-mail message from Dell within hours. See "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S.Only)" on page 121 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

CONTACT DELL — If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell™ Support website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance (see page 122). See "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" on page 121 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

If Your Computer Gets Wet

CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain that

it is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, it is recommended that you turn off AC power at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical outlet. Use the utmost caution when removing wet cables from a live power source.

Shut down the computer (see page 39), disconnect the AC adapter

from the computer, and then disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.

2 Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from

their power sources and then from the computer.

3 Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back

of the computer.

4 Remove any installed PC Cards, and put them in a safe place to dry. 5 Remove the battery. 6 Wipe off the battery and put it in a safe place to dry. 7 Wipe off the display. 8 Remove the hard drive (see page 100). 9 Remove the memory module(s) (see page 94).

10 Open the display and place the computer right-side up across two

books or similar props to let air circulate all around it. Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours in a dry area at room temperature.

NOTICE: Do not use artificial means, such as a hair dryer or a fan, to speed

the drying process.

CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shoc k, verify that th e

computer is thoroughly dry before continuing with the rest of this procedure.

Solving Problems 81

11 Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back

of the computer.

12 Replace the memory module(s), the memory module cover, and the

screw(s).

13 Replace the hard drive. 14 Replace any PC Cards you removed. 15 Replace the battery. 16 Turn on the computer and verify that it is working properly.

NOTE: See "Limited

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Warranties and Return Policy" on page 143 for information on your warranty coverage.

NOTE: See "Limited

Warranties and Return Policy" on page 143 for information on your warranty coverage.

If the computer does not start, or if you cannot identify the damaged components, contact Dell (see page 122).

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer

1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down

the computer (see page 39).

2 Disconnect the AC adapter from the computer and from the electrical

outlet.

3 Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from

their power sources and then from the computer.

4 Remove and reinstall the battery. 5 Turn on the computer.

If the computer does not start, or if you cannot identify the damaged components, contact Dell (see page 122).

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keybo ard. All devices require a driver program.

82 Solving Problems

A driver acts like a translator between the device and the programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Many drivers such as the keyboard driver come with your Microsoft® Windows

operating system. You may need to install drivers if:

• You upgrade your operating system.

• You reinstall your operating system.

• You connect or install a new device.

If you experience a problem with any device, perform the steps in the following sections to identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and to update the driver, if necessary.

Identifying Drivers

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 In the Control Panel window, under Pick a Category, click

Performance and Maintenance.

3 In the Performance and Maintenance window, click System. 4 In the System Properties screen, click the Hardware tab. 5 Click Device Manager. 6 In the Device Manager window, scroll down the list to see if any device

has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon. If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to

reinstall the driver or install a new driver.

Reinstalling Drivers

NOTICE: The Dell Support website and your

approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

Drivers and Utilities

CD provide

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To use Device Driver Rollback:

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 In the Control Panel window, under Pick a Category, click

Performance and Maintenance.

3 In the Performance and Maintenance window, click System. 4 In the System Properties screen, click the Hardware tab. 5 Click Device Manager. 6 In the Device Manager window, right-click the device for which the

new driver was installed, and then click Properties.

7 Click the Drivers tab. 8 Click Roll Back Driver.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see page87) to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new driver.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore (see page 87) does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD.

84 Solving Problems

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

In most cases, the CD starts running automatically. If it does not, start Windows Explorer, click your CD drive directory to display the CD contents, and then double-click the autocd.exe file. The first time that you run the CD, it might prompt you to install setup files. Click OK, and follow the instructions on the screen to continue.

3 From the Language drop-down menu in the toolbar, select your

preferred language for the driver or utility (if available). A welcome screen appears.

4 Click Next. The CD automatically scans your hardware to detect

drivers and utilities used by your computer. After the CD completes the hardware scan, you can also detect other

drivers and utilities. Under Search Criteria, select the appropriate categories from the System Model, Operating System, and Topic drop-down menus.

A link or links appear(s) for the specific drivers and utilities used by your computer.

5 Click the link of a specific driver or utility t o display information about

the driver or utility that you want to install.

6 Click the Install button (if present) to begin installing the driver or

utility. At the welcome screen, follow the screen prompts to complete the installation.

If no Install button is present, automatic installation is not an option. For installation instructions, either see the appropriate instructions in the following subsections, or click Extract, follow the extracting instructions, and read the readme file.

If instructed to navigate to the driver files, click the CD directory on the driver information window to display the files associated with that driver.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP

1 After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the

previous section, click the Start button and right-click My Computer.

2 Click Properties. 3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager. 4 Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver

(for example, Modems or Infrared devices).

5 Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the

driver.

6 Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver. 7 Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click

Next.

8 Click Browse, and browse to the location to which you previously

extracted the driver files.

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9 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.

10 Click Finish and restart your computer.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Windows XP IRQ conflicts occur if a device either is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured.

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows XP:

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1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Performance and Maintenance and click System. 3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager. 4 In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point ( conflicting device or a red

5 Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.

X if the device has been disabled.

!) beside the

If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.

6 Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices

from the Device Manager.

To us e the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the

arrow to start the search.

3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list. 4 In the Hardware T roublesho oter list, click I need to resolve a hardware

conflict on my computer, and click Next.

86 Solving Problems

Using System Restore

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access help, see page 74.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not

monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click System Restore. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 83) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save

and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System

Tools, and then click System Restore.

2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and

click Next.

3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Po int screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in bold.

4 Select a restore point and click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

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5 Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

6 After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open

files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System

Tools, and then click System Restore.

2 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next. 3 Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

4 After the computer restarts, click OK.

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore i s automatically disable d. To see if System Restore is enabled:

88 Solving Problems

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Performance and Maintenance. 3 Click System. 4 Click the System Restore tab. 5 Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Before You Reinstall

If you are reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see page 83) to replace the device driver with the previously installed version.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see page 87) to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

Reinstalling Windows XP

To reinstall Windows XP, perform the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After the reinstallation is complete, you need to reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.

NOTICE: The

XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection

software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

Preparing to Boot From the Operating System CD

1 Insert the Operating System CD. 2 Exit any program or utility that might run after you insert the CD. 3 Shut down (see page 39) and restart the computer. 4 Press immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.

Operating System

CD provides options for reinstalling Windows

If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.

5 Use the arrow keys to select CD-ROM and press .

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6 When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears on

the screen, press any key.

Starting Windows XP Setup

1 When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press to

select To set up Windows now.

2 Read the information in the Microsoft Windows Licensing

Agreement screen, and then press to accept the license

agreement.

3 If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to

recover your current Windows XP data, type

r to select the repair

option, and then remove the CD from the drive.

4 If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press to select

the fresh copy option.

5 Press to select the highlighted partition (recommended),

and then follow the instructions on the screen.

NOTE: The time required

to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.

The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer restarts multiple times.

Completing the GUI Setup

NOTICE: When the computer restarts, do not press a key when the following

message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.

When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the

settings for your location and cl ic k Next.

2 Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your

Software screen and click Next.

3 If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, at the What's your

computer's name

window, enter a name for your computer (or accept

the name provided) and click Next.

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, at the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your

computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and then click Next.

4 If you have a modem installed, enter the requested information and

click Next when the Modem Dialing Information screen appears.

90 Solving Problems

5 Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings

window and click Next.

6 If your computer has a network adapter, click Typical in the Networking

Settings screen and click Next.

If your computer does not have a network adapter, this option does not appear.

7 If you are reinstalling W indows XP Professional, you may be prompted

to provide further network information regarding your network configuration, such as the domain name or workgroup name. If you are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.

Windows XP installs the operating system components , configur es the computer, and then restarts the computer.

Completing the Operating System Setup

NOTICE: When the computer restarts, do not press a key when the following

message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.

1 When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next. 2 When the How will this computer connect to the

Internet?

3 When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, click No,

message appears, click Skip.

not at this time and click Next.

When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.

4 Click Next. 5 Click Finish to complete the setup and remove the CD from the drive.

Reinstalling Drivers and Software

1 Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page 83). 2 Reinstall your virus protection software. See the documentation that

came with the software for instructions.

3 Reinstall your other software programs. See the documentation that

came with the software for instructions.

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92 Solving Problems

SECTION 8

Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Add or Replace Parts Memory Modem and Mini PCI Card Hard Drive CD or DVD Drive Keyboard

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Before You Add or Replace Parts

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

instructions at the front of this document (see page 11).

Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent scratching the

computer cover.

2 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and then shut

down the computer (see page 39).

3 Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. 4 Wait 10 to 20 seconds, and then disconnect any attached devices. 5 Remove any installed PC Cards and the battery.

NOTICE: Handle components and cards by their edges, and avoid touching

pins and contacts. Ground yourself by touching a metal connector on the back of the computer. Continue to ground yourself periodically during this procedure.

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See page 111 for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.

1 Complete the instructions in the preceding section, "Before Yo u Add

2 Turn the computer over, remove the screw from the memory module

94 Adding and Replacing Parts

or Replace Parts."

cover, and lift the cover away from the computer .

screw

memory module cover

If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:

a Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on

each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.

b Remove the module from the connector.

securing clips

memory module

NOTE: Memory modules

purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.

Adding and Replacing Parts 95

4 Ground yourself and install the new memory module:

NOTE: If the memory

module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly . No error message indicates this failure.

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a Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the

connector slot.

b Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and

rotate the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.

5 Replace the cover.

NOTICE: If the memory module cover is difficult to close, rem ove the module

and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may damage your computer.

7 Turn on the computer.

As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.

To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click the Start button, click Help and Support, and then click Computer Information.

Modem and Mini PCI Card

1 Complete the instructions in "Before You Add or Replace Parts" on

96 Adding and Replacing Parts

Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.

page 94.

2 Turn the computer over, remove the screw from the modem/Mini PCI

card cover, and lift the cover away from the computer.

screw

modem/Mini PCI card cover

3 Continue to the appropriate section:

• To add a modem, see the following section, "Adding a Modem."

• To add a Mini PCI card, see page 98.

Adding a Modem

If you ordered the optional modem at the same time that you ordered your computer, Dell installed the modem for you.

1 When you replace the modem, remove the existing modem:

a Remove the screws securing the modem to the system board, and

set them aside.

b Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to lift the modem out of

its connector on the system board and disconnect the modem cable.

Adding and Replacing Parts 97

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screws (2)

modem cable

pull-tab

2 Connect the modem cable to the modem.

NOTICE: The cable connectors are keyed for correct insertion; do not force

the connections.

3 Align the modem with the screw holes, and press the modem into the

modem cable connector

connector on the system board.

4 Install the screws to secure the modem to the system board. 5 Replace the cover.

Adding a Mini PCI Card

If you ordered a Mini PCI card with your computer, the card is already installed.

1 If a Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step2. If you are

98 Adding and Replacing Parts

replacing a Mini PCI card, remove the existing card:

a Disconnect the Mini PCI card from any attached cables.

Mini PCI card

Mini PCI card connector

b Release the Mini PCI card by spreading the metal securing tabs

antenna cables

metal securing tabs (2)

until the card pops up slightly.

c Lift the Mini PCI card out of its connector.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mini PCI card, never place cables on top of

or under the card.

NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel

resistance, check the connectors and realign the card.

Align the Mini PCI card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and

press the Mini PCI card into the connector until you hear a click.

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Mini PCI card

Mini PCI card connector

3 Connect the antenna cables to the Mini PCI card. 4 Replace the cover and screw.

Hard Drive

antenna cables

NOTE: You need the

Operating System

install the Microsoft® Windows system. You also need the

Drivers and Utilities

for your computer to install the drivers and utilities on the new hard drive.

NOTE: Dell does not

guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell.

100 Adding and Replacing Parts

CD to

operating

CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when

NOTICE: T o prevent dat a loss, shut down your computer (see page39) before

NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile; even a slight bump can damage

To replace the hard drive in the hard drive bay:

1 Complete the instructions in "Before You Add or Replace Parts" on

2 Turn the computer over, and remove the hard drive screws.

the drive is hot,

removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard drive while the computer is on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode.

the drive.

do not touch

the metal housing of the hard drive.

page 94.

Broadcom BRCM1005-D, BRCM1007 User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

E-Mail Problems

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Problems

Power Protection Devices

Turning Off Your Computer

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

Checking the Battery Charge

Charging the Battery

Removing a Battery

Installing a Battery

Storing a Battery

Battery and Power Problems

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button

Numeric Keypad

Keyboard Shortcuts

Touch Pad

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

External Keyboard Problems

Unexpected Characters

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs

CD or DVD Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

Copying CDs

Connecting a Television to the Computer

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Network Setup Wizard

Network Problems

Solving Problems

Finding Solutions

Accessing Help

Error Messages

Video and Display Problems

Scanner Problems

Drive Problems

PC Card Problems

General Program Problems

Resolving Other Technical Problems

If Your Computer Gets Wet

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer

Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Using System Restore

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Add or Replace Parts

Memory

Modem and Mini PCI Card

Hard Drive