8XCH8
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INSPIRON
SETUP GUIDE
™
Regulatory model: DCSLF
™
INSPIRON
SETUP GUIDE
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your
computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells
you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text:
trademarks of Dell Inc.;
the U.S. and other countries;
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries;
is a trademark of the Blu‑ray Disc Association;
used by Dell under license.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and
names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
February 2010 P/N 8XCH8 Rev. A00
Dell
, the
DELL
Intel
and
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista,
logo, YOURS IS HERE, Inspiron, Solution Station, and
Pentium
are registered trademarks and
Bluetooth
Core
and the
is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is
is a trademark of Intel Corporation in
Windows Vista
DellConnect
start button logo are either
are
Blu-ray Disc
Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop . . . . . . . .5
Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5
Extend the Rear Stabilizing Feet. . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse. . . . . . . . . 7
Connect the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . 10
Connect the Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Set Up Microsoft Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Create System Recovery Media
(Recommended). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . 15
Using Your Inspiron Desktop . . . . . . . . . . .18
Front View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Back View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Back Panel Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Dell Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Dell DataSafe Online Backup . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 32
Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3
Contents
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .42
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Technical Support and Customer
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Automated Order‑Status Service. . . . . . . . . 52
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
4
Finding More Information and
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Basic Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Information for NOM, or Official Mexican
Standard (Only for Mexico). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
INSPIRON
This section provides information about
setting up your Inspiron™ desktop.
WARNING: Before you begin any of the
procedures in this section, read the
safety information that shipped with
your computer. For additional safety
best practices information, see the
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Before Setting Up Your Computer
When positioning your computer, ensure that
you allow easy access to a power source,
adequate ventilation, and a level surface to
place your computer.
Restricting airflow around your computer may
cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating
ensure that you leave at least 10.2 cm (4 inches)
at the back of the computer and a minimum of
5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other sides. You should
never place your computer in an enclosed
space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is
powered on.
5
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Extend the Rear Stabilizing Feet
With the computer sitting in an upright position, carefully lift the rear of the computer, and rotate the
stabilizing feet outwards. The extended feet ensure maximum system stability.
6
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse
Connect the USB keyboard and mouse to the USB connectors on the back panel of your computer.
7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Display
Your computer has integrated VGA and HDMI video connectors.
NOTE: A DVI connector may be available if you purchased a discrete graphics card.
You can purchase the HDMI‑to‑DVI adapter and additional HDMI or DVI cables at www.dell.com.
Use the appropriate cable based on the connectors available on your computer and display. Refer to
the following table to identify the connectors on your computer and display.
NOTE: When connecting to a single display, connect the display to ONLY ONE of the connectors
on your computer.
8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connection Type Computer Cable Display
VGA‑to‑VGA
(VGA cable)
DVI‑to‑DVI
(DVI cable)
HDMI‑to‑HDMI
(HDMI cable)
HDMI‑to‑DVI
(HDMI‑to‑DVI
adapter + DVI cable)
9
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
A network connection is not required to complete
your computer setup, but if you have an existing
network or Internet connection that uses a cable
connection (such as a broadband device or
Ethernet jack), you can connect it now.
NOTE: Use only an Ethernet cable to
connect to the network connector
(RJ45 connector). Connect the telephone
cable only to the modem connector
(RJ11 connector) and not to the network
connector (RJ45 connector).
To connect your computer to a network or a
broadband device, connect one end of the
network cable to the network port or the
broadband device. Connect the other end of
the network cable to the network connector
(RJ45 connector) on the back panel of your
computer. A click indicates that the network
cable has been securely attached.
10
Connect the Power Cable
CAUTION: To help avoid damaging your
computer, ensure that the voltage selector
switch is set for the voltage that most
closely matches the AC power available in
your location.
To locate the voltage selector switch, see “Back
View Features” on page 20.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Press the Power Button
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Set Up Microsoft Windows
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with Microsoft® Windows® operating system. To set up
Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory
and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several
procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet
connection.
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your
computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.
NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and
install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.
NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see
support.dell.com/MyNewDell.
13
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a
system recovery media as soon as you set
up Microsoft Windows.
The system recovery media can be used to
restore your computer to the operating state it
was in when you purchased the computer, while
preserving data files (without the need of the
Operating System
recovery media if changes to the hardware,
software, drivers, or other system settings have
left the computer in an undesirable operating
state.
14
disc). You can use the system
You will require the following to create the
system recovery media:
Dell DataSafe Local Backup•
USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or •
DVD‑R/DVD+R/Blu‑ray Disc
NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does
not support rewritable discs.
To create a system recovery media:
Ensure that the computer is turned on.1.
Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.2.
Click 3. Start → Programs→ Dell DataSafe
Local Backup.
Click 4. Create Recovery Media.
Follow the instructions on the screen.5.
NOTE: For information on using the system
recovery media, see “System Recovery
Media” on page 46.
™
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect to the Internet (Optional)
To connect to the Internet, you need an external
modem or network connection and an Internet
service provider (ISP).
If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is
not part of your original order, you can purchase
one at www.dell.com.
Setting Up a Wired Connection
If you are using a dial‑up connection, connect •
the telephone cable to the optional modem
and to the telephone wall jack before you set
up your Internet connection.
If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite •
modem connection, contact your ISP
or cellular telephone service for setup
instructions.
To complete setting up your wired Internet
connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up
Your Internet Connection” on page 16.
15
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the
documentation that shipped with your router.
Before you can use your wireless Internet
connection, you need to connect to your
wireless router.
To set up your connection to a wireless router:
Windows Vista
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Click 2. Start → Connect To.
Follow the instructions on the screen to 3.
complete the setup.
16
®
Windows® 7
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Click 2. Start → Control Panel.
In the search box, type 3. network, and
then click Network and Sharing Center→
Connect to a network.
Follow the instructions on the screen to 4.
complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact
your ISP for offerings available in your country.
If you cannot connect to the Internet but have
successfully connected in the past, the ISP
might have a service outage. Contact your ISP
to check the service status, or try connecting
again later.
Have your ISP information ready. If you do not
have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard
can help you get one.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
To set up your Internet connection:
Windows Vista
NOTE: The following instructions are
applicable for the Windows default view,
so they may not apply if you set your Dell™
computer to the Windows classic view.
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Click 2. Start → Control Panel.
In the search box, type 3. network, and then
click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up
a connection or network→ Connect to the
Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of
connection to select, click Help me choose
or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and 4.
use the setup information provided by your
ISP to complete the setup.
Windows 7
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Click 2. Start → Control Panel.
In the search box, type 3. network, and then
click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up
a new connection or network→ Connect to
the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of
connection to select, click Help me choose
or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and 4.
use the setup information provided by your
ISP to complete the setup.
17
Using Your Inspiron Desktop
9
10
8
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron™ desktop.
INSPIRON
Front View Features
1
FlexBay drive eject button — Opens the
Flexbay cover when pressed.
2
FlexBay slot — Can support an optional
Media Card Reader or an additional hard
drive.
3
Power button — Turns the computer
on or off when pressed. The light in the
center of this button indicates the power
state.
NOTE: For information on power
problems, see “Power Problems” on
page 29.
18
4
USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connect
to USB devices that are connected
occasionally such as memory keys,
digital cameras, and MP3 players.
5
Headphone connector — Connects
to headphones.
NOTE: To connect to a powered
speaker or sound system, use the
audio connectors on the back of your
computer.
6
Line-in or microphone
connector — Connects to a microphone
for voice or to an audio cable for audio
input.
7
Hard-drive activity light — Turns
on when the computer reads or writes
data. A blinking white light indicates
hard‑drive activity.
CAUTION: To avoid loss of data,
never turn off the computer while
the hard-drive activity light is
blinking.
Using Your Inspiron Desktop
8
Optical drive — Plays or records CDs,
DVDs, and Blu‑ray Discs (optional).
Ensure that the side with print or writing
is facing away from the optical drive tray
when placing the disc on the tray.
9
Optical drive eject button — Ejects the
optical drive tray when pressed.
10 Service Tag and Express Service
Code (located on top of the chassis
towards the back) — Helps to identify
your computer when you access the
Dell Support website or call technical
support.
19
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