Dell 1400 User Manual

Download

Page 1

Dell™ Vostro™ 1400 Owner’s Manual

Model PP26L

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Page 2

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.

____________________

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Vostro, Wi-F i Catc her , Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Celeron, and Core are re gistered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP26L

September 2007 P/N WY106 Rev. A01

Page 3

1 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2 About Your Computer

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

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration . . . . . . 23

Front View

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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

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

3 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Microsoft

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Microsoft Windows Vista™

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

Connecting a USB Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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

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

. . . . . . . . 38

. . . . . 39

. . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Power Protection Devices

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

Contents 3

Page 4

Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Line Conditioners

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . 46

4 Using the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Adjusting Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Switching the Video Image From Your Computer Display To a Projector

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate . . . . . . 47

Microsoft

Windows Vista™

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

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

5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad . . . . 49

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

6 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4 Contents

Key Combinations

System Functions

Display Functions

Battery

Power Management

Microsoft

Dell™ QuickSet Key Combinations

Adjusting Keyboard Settings

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

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

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

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

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

Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . 51

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

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

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

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Page 5

Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter

Charge Gauge

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

Low-Battery Warning

Microsoft

Windows® XP Battery Meter . . . . . 58

Windows® Vista Battery Meter . . . . 58

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Conserving Battery Power

Power Management Modes

Standby and Sleep Mode

Hibernate Mode

Configuring Power Management Settings

Accessing Power Options Properties

Charging the Battery

Replacing the Battery

Storing a Battery

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

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

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

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

. . . . . . . 60

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

7 Using the Optional Camera . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Accessing the Camera’s Help File . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Manually Adjusting the Camera Settings

Creating a Picture or a Video

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

. . . . . . . . 64

8 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Playing Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Playing Media Using Dell Express Card Remote Control

Copying CD and DVD Media

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Contents 5

Page 6

How to Copy a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Using Blank CD and DVD Media

Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . 72

Adjusting the Volume

Adjusting the Picture

Using Dell Media Experience™ and Dell MediaDirect™

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

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

If the computer is turned on or in standby or sleep mode

If the computer is turned off or in hibernate mode

Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience Help

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

S-Video and Standard Audio

S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

Composite Video and Standard Audio

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

. . . . . . . . . 80

. . . . . . . 82

Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

Component Video and Standard Audio

. . . . . . 86

Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

Enabling the Display Settings for a TV

. . . . . . . 91

. . 76

. . . . 84

. . . . 88

9 Using ExpressCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

ExpressCard Blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

10 Using the Memory Card Reader . . . . . . . 97

6 Contents

Installing an ExpressCard

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank

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

. . . . . . . . . . . 95

Memory Card Blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Installing a Memory Card

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

Page 7

Removing a Memory Card or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . 98

11 Setting Up and Using Networks . . . . . . . 99

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable . . 99

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

System

Windows® XP Operating

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

System

Wireless Local Area Network

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

. 101

. . . . . . 101

Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem

Connecting to a WLAN

Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network)

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. 106

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection

Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card

Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network

Enabling/Disabling the Dell Mobile Broadband Card

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

. . . . 107

. . . 107

108

Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator . . . . . . . . . 108

12 Securing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Passwords

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

. . . . . . . . . . . 112

Contents 7

Page 8

13 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Dell Technical Update Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Dell Diagnostics

Dell Support Center

Dell Support 3

Dell PC Tune-Up

Dell PC Checkup

Dell Network Assistant

DellConnect

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

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

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

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

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Optical drive problems

Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

ExpressCard Problems

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

External Keyboard problems

Unexpected characters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

. . . . . . . . . 125

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

. . . . . . . . . . . . 133

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

8 Contents

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start

The computer stops responding

. . . . . . . . . . . . 135

. . . . . . . . . . 135

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft operating system

A solid blue screen appears

Dell MediaDirect problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

. . . . . . . . . . . . 136

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

135

Windows®

Page 9

Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Memory Problems

Network Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network [WWAN])

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from integrated speakers

No sound from external speakers

No sound from headphones

Remote Control Problems

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

If the display is difficult to read

If only part of the display is readable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

. . . . . . . . 143

. . . . . . . . . 143

. . . . . . . . . . . . 144

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

. . . . . . . . . . 146

. . . . . . . 147

139

Drivers

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

What Is a Driver?

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems

Restoring Your Microsoft

Using Windows Vista System Restore

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

. . . . . . . . . . 149

. . 152

Windows Vista™ Operating System 153

. . . . . . . 153

Restoring the Computer to the Default Factory Configuration

Using the Operating System Media

. . . . . . . . 156

Contents 9

155

Page 10

Restoring Your Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System 158

Using Microsoft

Using Dell™ PC Restore

Using the Operating System Media

Windows System Restore . . . . 158

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

. . . . . . . . 161

14 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . 163

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Recommended Tools

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Turning Off Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Removing the Hard Drive

Replacing the Hard Drive

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

Optical Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Removing the Optical Drive

Replacing the Optical Drive

Central Control Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Removing the Central Control Cover

Replacing the Central Control Cover

Keyboard

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Removing the Keyboard

Replacing the Keyboard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Removing the Memory Module

Replacing the Memory Module

. . . . . . . 164

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

. . . . . . . . . . . 168

. . . . . . . . . . . . 169

. . . . . . . . . . . . 170

. . . . . . . . 170

. . . . . . . . 171

. . . . . . . . . . 173

. . . . . . . . . . 175

10 Contents

Modem

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Page 11

Subscriber Identity Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Wireless Mini-Cards

Removing a WLAN Card

Replacing a WLAN Card

Internal Card with Bluetooth

Removing a Mobile Broadband or WWAN Card

Replacing a WWAN Card

Flash Cache Module

Removing the FCM

Replacing the FCM

Coin-Cell Battery

Removing the Coin-Cell Battery

Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Wireless Technology 181

. . 182

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

. . . . . . . . . . 187

. . . . . . . . . . 188

15 Dell™ QuickSet Features . . . . . . . . . . . 189

16 Traveling With Your Computer

Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

. . . . . . . 191

Packing the Computer

Travel Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Traveling by Air

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

17 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Technical Support and Customer Service

DellConnect

Online Services

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

. . . . . 194

Contents 11

Page 12

AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Automated Order-Status Service

. . . . . . . . . 195

Problems With Your Order

Product Information

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Before You Call

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

. . . . . 196

18 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

19 Appendix

Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Cleaning Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Viewing the System Setup Screen

System Setup Screen

Commonly Used Options

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

Computer, Keyboard, and Display

Touch Pad

Mouse

Media

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

. . . . . . . . . 212

. . . . . . . . . 214

12 Contents

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . 216

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

FCC Notice (U.S. Only)

FCC Class B

Macrovision Product Notice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

217

Page 13

Glossary 221

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

Contents 13

Page 14

14 Contents

Page 15

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some

features may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• Device documentation

• Notebook System Software (NSS)

Drivers and Utilities Media

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 149) or run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 115).

Readme files may be included on your Drivers and Utilities media to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates

can be found at support.dell.com.

Finding Information 15

Page 16

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

NOTE: See the setup diagram that came

with your computer.

16 Finding Information

Page 17

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft

Windows® Licence Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows Licence

NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag and

Microsoft located on your computer.

Your computer’s Service Tag contains both a Service Tag number and an Express Service Code.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use

support.dell.com

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting support.

• Use the product key on the License Label if you need to reinstall your operating system.

NOTE: As an increased security measure,

the newly designed Microsoft Windows license label incorporates a missing portion or "hole" to discourage removal of the label.

Windows® License labels are

or contact support.

Finding Information 17

Page 18

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business

segment to view the appropriate support site.

other Dell customers

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

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, and warranty and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with support

• Dell Technical Update Service — Proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Notebook System Software (NSS) — If you reinstall the operating system on your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility. NSS automatically detects your computer and operating system, and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration, providing critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.

To download Notebook System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

country/region, and then click

& Downloads

Enter your Service Tag or Product Type and Product Model, and then click

Confirm

Select your operating system and language, and then click

Downloads Search

Notebook System Software

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface

may vary depending on your selections.

, select your

Find

, or under

Downloads

, search for the keyword

Drivers

18 Finding Information

Page 19

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints — Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general health of your computing environment

Dell Support Center

The Dell Support Center is an automated upgrade and notification system installed on your computer. This support provides real-time health scans of your computing environment, software updates, and relevant self-support information. Access the Dell Support Center from the

For more information, see "Dell Support Center

" on page 120

• How to use Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista™

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support

Microsoft Windows XP:

Click the

and Support

Either select one of the topics listed, or type a word or phrase that describes your problem into the the arrow icon, and then click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Microsoft Windows Vista:

Click the Windows Vista Start button

, and then click

Search Help

that describes your problem, and then press <Enter> or click the magnifying glass.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

icon on the taskbar.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

, type a word or phrase

Help

box, click

Finding Information 19

Page 20

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Information on network activity, the Power Management Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell QuickSet

Dell QuickSet Help

To view

Dell QuickSet Help, right-click

the QuickSet icon in the Microsoft Windows taskbar is located in the lower-right corner of your screen.

For more information on Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™ QuickSet Features" on page 189.

taskbar, and select Help. The

20 Finding Information

Page 21

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System Media

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use one of the following methods:

• Microsoft Windows System Restore — Microsoft Windows System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files.

• Operating System Installation Media — If you received operating system media with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system.

For more information, see "Restoring Yo u r M ic r os of t Operating System" on page 153.

After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

Windows Vista™

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your operating system

installation media varies according to the operating system you ordered.

Finding Information 21

Page 22

22 Finding Information

Page 23

About Your Computer

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration

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

1 Click

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

Start

Under

Pick a Task

and diagnose problems.

Under

My Computer Information

, and then click

, click

Help and Support

Use Tools to view your computer information

, select

Hardware

About Your Computer 23

Page 24

Front View

11 89

12 7

1 camera indicator 2 camera (optional)

3 digital microphones (2) 4 display

5 media control buttons 6 touch pad

7 touch pad buttons 8 microphone connector

9 headphone connectors (2) 10 wireless switch

10 6

24 About Your Computer

Page 25

11 device status lights 12 8-in-1 memory card reader

13 keyboard 14 Dell™ MediaDirect™ button

15 keyboard status lights 16 power button

CAMERA INDICATOR — Indicates camera ON/OFF status.

CAMERA — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. Based on

configuration selections you made when ordering your computer, your computer may not include a camera.

IGITAL MICROPHONES — Digital directional microphones for conferencing and

chat.

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

page 47.

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

Mute the sound. Play the previous track.

Turn the volume down. Play the next track.

Turn the volume up. Stop.

Play or pause.

About Your Computer 25

Page 26

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse (see "Touch Pad" on page 52).

1 2 3 4

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Use these buttons much like the buttons on a mouse when

you use the touch pad to move the cursor on the display (see "Touch Pad" on page 52).

UDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

WIRELESS

a wireless LAN (WLAN) in your vicinity. You can also use it to rapidly turn off or on any wireless devices such as WLAN cards and internal cards with Bluetooth

SWITCH — When enabled through Dell QuickSet, this switch can scan for

wireless

technology.

1 off Disables wireless devices. 2 on Enables wireless devices.

26 About Your Computer

Page 27

3 momentary Scans for WLAN networks (see "Dell Wi-Fi

Catcher™ Network Locator" on page 108).

•

4 Wi-Fi Catcher light

Flashing green: Searching for networks

•

Solid green: Strong network found

•

Solid yellow: Weak network found

•

Flashing yellow: Error

•

Off: No signal found

NOTE: The Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locatator light

appears only when the system is switched off and Wi-Fi is activated in BIOS.

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

The lights located on the palm rest towards the front of the computer indicate the following:

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

Hard drive activity light – 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.

About Your Computer 27

Page 28

Battery status light – Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.

WiFi status light – Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, use the wireless switch.

Bluetooth status light – Turns on when a card with Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled.

NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature.

The light turns on only if you ordered the card with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your card.

To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology functionality, right-click the icon in the notification area, and then click Disable Bluetooth Radio.

To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, use the wireless switch.

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

– Solid blue: The battery is charging. – Flashing blue: The battery is almost fully charged. – Off: The battery is adequately charged.

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

– Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off). – Flashing amber: The battery charge is low.

amber

– Solid

8-IN-1 MEMORY CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a memory card. The 8-in-1 media memory card reader reads the following digital media memory cards:

• Secure Digital (SD)

• Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO)

• MultiMediaCard (MMC)

•Memory Stick

• Memory Stick PRO

• xD-Picture Card

• Hi Speed-SD

• Hi Density-SD

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

Windows

: The battery charge is critically low.

logo key.

28 About Your Computer

Page 29

DELL™ MEDIADIRECT™ BUTTON — Press the Dell MediaDirect button to launch Dell MediaDirect (see "Using Dell Media Experience™ and Dell MediaDirect™" on page 74).

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

The blue lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when the uppercase letter (caps lock) function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

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

management mode (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 60).

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

Windows® operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.

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

About Your Computer 29

Page 30

Left Side View

1 2453 6

1 security cable slot 2 AC adapter connector

3 air vents 4 IEEE 1394a connector

5 USB connectors (2) 6 ExpressCard slot

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device

to the computer (see "Security Cable Lock" on page 111).

ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer. The AC

adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned on or off.

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However,

power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the

connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly, but gently to help prevent damage to the cable.

AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents,

which prevents the computer from overheating. The computer turns the fan on when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

IEEE 1394

transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.

A CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394a high-speed

30 About Your Computer

Page 31

USB CONNECTORS

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

XPRESSCARD SLOT — Supports one ExpressCard. The computer ships with a

plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see "Using ExpressCards" on page 93.

Right Side View

1 4532

1 optical drive 2 eject button

3 S-video TV-out connector 4 USB connectors (2)

5 video connector (VGA)

OPTICAL DRIVE — For more information about the optical drive, see "Using

Multimedia" on page 67.

EJECT BUTTON — Press the eject button to open the optical drive.

About Your Computer 31

Page 32

S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

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

USB CONNECTORS

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

CONNECTOR

VIDEO

Connects video devices, such as a monitor.

Back View

1 2

1 modem connector (RJ-11) 2 network connector (RJ-45)

32 About Your Computer

Page 33

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

Connects the telephone line to the modem connector.

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer.

NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

Connects the computer to a network. The two lights next to the connector indicate status and activity for wired network connections.

For information on using the network adapter, see the device user’s guide supplied with your computer.

About Your Computer 33

Page 34

Bottom View

341

1 battery-bay latch releases (2) 2 hard drive

3 battery 4 battery charge/health gauge

5 processor and thermal module cover 6 memory module/coin-cell

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASES — Releases the battery (see "Replacing the Battery"

on page 61 for instructions).

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without

connecting the computer to an electrical outlet (see "Using a Battery" on page 55).

BATTERY CHARGE/HEALTH GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge (see

"Checking the Battery Charge" on page 56).

6 5

battery/bluetooth/modem compartment

34 About Your Computer

Page 35

PROCESSOR AND THERMAL MODULE COVER — Covers the processor and thermal

module.

MEMORY MODULE/ COIN- CELL/BLUETOOTH/ MODEM BATTERY COMPARTMENT —

Compartment that contains the memory modules, modem, bluetooth, and the coincell battery. For additional information, see "Adding and Replacing Parts" on page 163.

NOTE: Bluetooth is optional and may not be included in your computer.

About Your Computer 35

Page 36

36 About Your Computer

Page 37

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

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

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line or cellular telephone service. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously.

• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

• Satellite modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through a satellite television system.

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

• Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) or Mobile Broadband technology provides a connection to the Internet using cellular technology at broadband rates.

• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connections use high-frequency radio waves to communicate. Typically, a wireless router is connected to the broadband cable or DSL modem that broadcasts the Internet signal to your computer.

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, cable, or satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Computer 37

Page 38

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:

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

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

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.

NOTE: If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem,

and Internet Problems" on page 125. If you cannot connect to the Internet, but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP may have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to

the Internet wizard can help you obtain one.

Windows XP

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

Click

Start→

The

New Connection Wizard

Click

Connect to the Internet

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

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

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

Internet Explorer

appears.

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

Set up my connection manually

Choose from a

, continue to step 6.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

38 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 39

Click the appropriate option under

Internet?

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

Windows Vista™

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

Click

Under

The

Click either you want to connect:

•Choose

Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

, and then click

Start

Network and Internet

Connect to the Internet

satellite modem.

WLAN card.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me

choose or contact your ISP.

, and then click

Broadband (PPPoE), Wireless

Broadband

Wireless

Dial-up

if you will use a DSL modem, cable TV modem, or

if you will use a wireless connection through a

if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN.

How do you want to connect to the

Control Panel

, click

Connect to the Internet

window appears.

, or

Dial-up

, depending on how

Transferring Information to a New Computer

You can use your operating system "wizards" to help you transfer files and other data from one computer to another—for example, from an old computer to a new computer. For instructions, see the following section that corresponds to the operating system that your computer is running.

Microsoft® Windows® XP

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

• E-mail messages

• Toolbar settings

Setting Up Your Computer 39

Page 40

• Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

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

NOTE: You can transfer information from an old computer to a new computer by

directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must access the Network Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.

For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be available in certain countries.

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

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

NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System media. This media is optional

and may not be included with certain computers.

To prepare a new computer for the file transfer:

Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click

Accessories→ System Tools→

When the click

On the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

from the Windows XP CD

When the source computer. Do

Now go to your old computer

not

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

screen, click

→ Next

screen appears, go to your old or

click

at this time.

Start→

All Programs→

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

I will use the wizard

40 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 41

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the Windows XP

On the

additional tasks

Under

On the

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

What do you want to do?

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

, click

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you

Operating System

screen, click

Perform

Transfer files and settings→ Next

Old Computer→

prefer.

On the transfer and click

After the information has been copied, the

Phase

Click

What do you want to transfer?

screen appears.

Finish

screen, select the items you want to

Completing the Collection

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

On the chose for transferring your settings and files and click

Now go to your old computer

Where are the files and settings?

screen on the new computer, click

screen, select the method you

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.

media.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Finished

screen

appears.

Click

Finished

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System Media

and restart the new computer.

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System media, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.

Setting Up Your Computer 41

Page 42

To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and perform the following steps:

Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click

Accessories→ System Tools→

When the click

On the

Wizard Disk in the following drive

Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.

When the disk creation completes and the

computer

Go to the old computer.

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

Click

In the the appropriate removable media) and click

On the

On the prefer.

On the transfer and click

After the information has been copied, the

Phase

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

message appears,

Start→

screen appears.

Run

Open

field on the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

What do you want to transfer?

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

screen, click

→

Next.

do not

click

Run

window, browse to the path for

welcome screen, click

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you

screen, select the items you want to

Start→

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

Now go to your old

Old Computer→

Completing the Collection

All Programs→

I want to create a

fastwiz

(on

Click

Finish

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

42 Setting Up Your Computer

Now go to your old computer

screen on the new computer, click

Page 43

On the chose for transferring your settings and files and click

Where are the files and settings?

screen, select the method you

. Follow the

instructions on the screen.

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

Click

NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for

document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old

Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft Operating System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell™ Knowledge Base document may not be available in

certain countries.

screen appears.

Finished

and restart the new computer.

Windows® XP

Microsoft Windows Vista™

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and then click

and settings

In the

Click

→ Start Windows Easy Transfer.

User Account Control

Start a new transfer

dialog box, click

Continue a transfer in progress

Continue

Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy Transfer wizard.

Transfer files

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

For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.

Setting Up Your Computer 43

Page 44

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with a USB 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 and computer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer’s shipping box.

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

1 USB connector on computer 2 USB connector on printer

3 USB printer cable

44 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 45

Turn on the printer, and then turn on the computer.

Install the printer driver if necessary. See page 149

Depending on your computer’s operating system, a printer wizard may be available to help you install the printer driver:

If your computer is running the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system

and the follow these steps:

If your computer is running the Windows Vista™ operating system

Windows Vista Start button, , and click start the Add Printer Wizard.

Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard.

and the documentation that came with your printer.

Add New Hardware Wizard

Click

Start→

File→

Printers and Faxes

Add Printer

to start the Add Printer Wizard.

"Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

window appears, click

Network→ Add a printer

Cancel

, click the

Power Protection Devices

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

• Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

" on

, then

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. 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.

Setting Up Your Computer 45

Page 46

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.

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

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.

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.

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 approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

46 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 47

Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness

When a Dell™ computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the display brightness to the lowest comfortable level.

• Press <Fn> and the up-arrow key to increase brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

• Press <Fn> and the down-arrow key to decrease brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your portable

computer, not monitors or projectors that you attach to your portable computer. If your computer is connected to an external monitor and you try to change the brightness level, the Brightness Meter may appear, but the brightness level on the external device does not change.

Switching the Video Image From Your Computer Display To a Projector

When you start the computer with an external device attached (such as an external monitor or projector) and turned on, the image may appear on either the computer display or the external device.

Press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image between the display only, the external device only, or the display and the external device simultaneously.

Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate

NOTE: If you change the display resolution from the current settings, the image

may appear blurry or text may be hard to read if you change the resolution to one not supported by your computer and display. Before you change any of the display settings, make a note of the current settings so you can change back to the previous settings if needed.

Using the Display 47

Page 48

You can enhance the legibility of text and change the appearance of images on the screen by adjusting display resolution. As you increase resolution, items appear smaller on the screen. In contrast, lower resolution causes text and images to appear larger and can benefit people with vision impairments. To display a program at a specific resolution, both the video card and the display must support the program, and the necessary video drivers must be installed.

NOTE: Use only the Dell-installed video drivers, which are designed to offer the

best performance with your Dell-installed operating system.

If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.

To set the display resolution and refresh rate for your display, perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Click

Start→

Under

Control Panel icon

In the

Try different settings for

Settings→

Pick a category

Pick a task...

, click

, click the area you want to change, or under

, click

Display Properties

Control Panel

Appearance and Themes

Display

window, click the

Color quality

Settings

and

Screen resolution

or pick a

tab.

NOTE: As the resolution increases, icons and text appear smaller on the screen.

Windows Vista™

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and click

Under

Appearance and Personalization

In the

Display Settings

window, under

Resolution

the left/right to decrease/increase the screen resolution.

Click

How do I get the best display?

for further instructions.

48 Using the Display

, click

Control Panel

Adjust screen resolution

, slide the slide bar to

Page 49

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad

numeric keypad

The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, hold down <Fn> and press the desired key.

• To enable the keypad, press <Num Lk>. The light indicates that the keypad is active.

• To disable the keypad, press <Num Lk> again.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 49

Page 50

Key Combinations

System Functions

<Ctrl><Shift><Esc> Opens the Task Manager window.

Display Functions

<Fn><F8> Displays icons representing all currently

available display options (display only, external monitor or projector only, both display and projector, etc). Highlight the desired icon to switch the display to that option.

<Fn> and up-arrow key Increases brightness on the integrated display

only (not on an external monitor).

<Fn> and down-arrow key Decreases brightness on the integrated display

only (not on an external monitor).

Battery

<Fn><F3> Displays the Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

(see "Dell QuickSet Battery Meter" on page 56).

Power Management

<Fn><Esc> Activates a power management mode. See

"Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 60.

Microsoft

Windows logo key and <m> Minimizes all open windows.

Windows logo key and <Shift><m>

50 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Windows® Logo Key Functions

Restores all minimized windows. This key combination functions as a toggle to restore minimized windows following the use of the Windows logo key and <m> combination.

Page 51

Windows logo key and <e> Starts Windows Explorer.

Windows logo key and <r> Opens the Run dialog box.

Windows logo key and <f> Opens the Search Results dialog box.

Windows logo key and <Ctrl><f>

Windows logo key and <Pause> Opens the System Properties dialog box.

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

Dell™ QuickSet Key Combinations

If Dell QuickSet is installed, you can use other shortcut keys for functions such as the Battery Meter. For more information about Dell QuickSet key combinations, right-click the QuickSet icon in the notification area, and then click Help.

Adjusting Keyboard Settings

To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate:

Click

Start ,

Click

Hardware and Sound

Click

Keyboard

and then click

Control Panel

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 51

Page 52

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.

1 touch pad 2 silk screen depicting scrolling capabilities

• 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 twice on the touch pad. On the second tap, 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.

52 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Page 53

Customizing the Touch Pad

You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad or adjust the touch pad settings. Perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.

Windows Vista

Click

Start ,

Click

Hardware and Sound

Click

Keyboard

In the

Mouse Properties

• Click the

Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

Windows XP

Click

Start→

In the Mouse Properties window:

• Click the

Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

and then click

Control Panel

window:

Device Select

Tou ch Pad

tab to disable the touch pad.

tab to adjust touch pad settings.

Control Panel→ Mouse

Device Select

Tou ch Pad

tab to disable the touch pad.

tab to adjust touch pad settings.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 53

Page 54

54 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Page 55

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product

Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with your

computer.

For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to

connect your new computer to an electrical outlet the first time you use the computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, place the mouse cursor over the battery icon in the Windows notification area.

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases

over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer.

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet

when writing to media.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

• Using optical drives.

• Using wireless communications devices, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB devices.

• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other powerintensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications.

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 60 for information about accessing Windows Power Options Properties, which you can use to configure power management settings).

Using a Battery 55

Page 56

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.

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 battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use batteries 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 waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery (see "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide).

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 batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Checking the Battery Charge

You can check the battery charge on your computer using any one of the following methods:

• Dell QuickSet Battery Meter

• Battery charge/health gauge located on the battery

• Low-battery warning pop-up window

• Microsoft notification area

Windows

Windows Vista® battery meter icon located in the

battery meter icon located in the

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter

To view the

• Double-click the Dell QuickSet icon in the taskbar, and then click

• Press <Fn><F3>

56 Using a Battery

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter:

Meter

Battery

Page 57

The Battery Meter displays the status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon, and then click Help.

Charge Gauge

By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the battery charge gauge, you can check:

• Battery charge (check by

• Battery health (check by

The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. Therefore, a battery can show a status of charged, but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).

Check the Battery Charge

To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge indicator lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights are on, the battery has no charge.

Check the Battery Health

pressing

and

releasing

holding

the status button)

NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge

on the battery, as described below, and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the notification area, and then click Help.

To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds to illuminate the health indicator lights. Each light represents incremental degradation. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. If five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery (see "Battery" on page 206 for more information about the battery operating time).

Using a Battery 57

Page 58

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. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level.

You can change the settings for the battery alarms in Dell QuickSet or the Power Options window (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 60).

Microsoft® Windows® XP Battery Meter

The battery meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the battery meter, double-click the icon in the notification area.

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Battery Meter

The battery meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the battery meter, double-click the icon in the notification area.

Conserving Battery Power

To conserve battery power on your portable computer, do any of the following:

• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible; battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.

• Configure the power management settings using Microsoft Windows Power Options to optimize your computer’s power usage (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 60).

• Use the Standby or Sleep Mode power state when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time (see "Standby and Sleep Mode" on page 59).

58 Using a Battery

Page 59

Power Management Modes

Standby and Sleep Mode

Standby mode (sleep mode in Microsoft Windows Vista™) conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby or sleep mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby or sleep mode.

NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby or sleep

mode, it may lose data.

To enter standby mode in Windows XP, click the Start button, click Turn off computer, and then click Stand by.

To enter sleep mode in Windows Vista, click the Windows Vista Start button

, and then click Sleep.

Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, you may also use one of the following methods:

• Press the power button

• Close the display

• Press <Fn><Esc>

To exit standby or sleep mode, press the power button or open the display, depending on how you set the power management options. You cannot make the computer exit standby or sleep mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad.

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.

NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your

computer is in hibernate mode.

Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low.

Using a Battery 59

Page 60

To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows XP, click the Start button, click Turn off computer, press and hold <Shift>, and then click Hibernate.

To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows Vista, click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click Hibernate.

Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, you may also use one of the following methods to enter hibernate mode:

• Press the power button

• Close the display

• Press <Fn><Esc>

NOTE: Some ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits

hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the card (see "Removing an ExpressCard or Blank" on page 95), or simply restart (reboot) your computer.

To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad. For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your operating system.

Configuring Power Management Settings

You can use the QuickSet Power Management Wizard or Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your computer. For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar and click Help.

Accessing Power Options Properties

Windows XP

Click the Start button, point to Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance, and then click Power Options.

Windows Vista

• Click

60 Using a Battery

Start

Options

→ Control Panel→

, and then select a power plan in the

Hardware and Sound→

Select a power plan

Power

window.

Page 61

Click the icon in the notification area

• select a plan in the

Select a power plan

, click

window.

Power Options

, and then

Charging the Battery

NOTE: Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the

battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s 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 battery light flashes alternately blue and amber. 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 about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on page 140.

Replacing the Battery

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or

CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect

the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and the computer, and remove any other external cables from the computer.

NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible

connector damage.

Using a Battery 61

Page 62

NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in Sleep state, you

have up to 1 minute to complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved data.

To remove the battery:

Ensure that the computer is turned off.

Turn the computer over.

Slide and click the battery release latches to keep them open.

Slide the battery out of the bay.

1 battery 2 battery release latches (2)

To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

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 (see "Charging the Battery" on page 61) before you use it.

62 Using a Battery

Page 63

Using the Optional Camera

If you ordered a camera when you bought your computer, the camera is integrated in the computer display. The camera and its integrated digital microphones allow you to take photos and videos and to communicate visually and verbally with other computer users. The blue camera light appears when the camera is turned on. For more information about camera features, see "Specifications" on page 201.

NOTE: It is normal for the camera to feel warm to the touch when the computer is

running and when the camera is in use.

213

1 digital microphones (2) 2 camera indicator

3camera

Accessing the Camera’s Help File

To access the camera’s Video Software Help file, right-click the icon in the notification area and click Launch Webcam Center. Click Help from the menu and select Contents.

Using the Optional Camera 63

Page 64

Manually Adjusting the Camera Settings

If you do not want the camera to use automatic settings, you can manually adjust the camera settings.

1 Right-click the icon

Webcam Console

In the

Webcam Console

•Click the brightness.

•Click the level.

For more information about camera settings and other camera-related topics, see the camera’s Video Software Help file (see "Accessing the Camera’s Help File" on page 63).

Camera

Effects

in the notification area and click

window:

tab to adjust video settings, such as contrast and

tab to adjust audio settings, such as the volume

Launch

Creating a Picture or a Video

Click the icon in the notification area and click

The

QuickCapture

You can now direct the camera to point at the object or person that you want to record. The camera target view.

window appears and the blue camera light turns on.

QuickCapture

window on the screen shows you the

QuickCapture

64 Using the Optional Camera

Page 65

To take a picture

To record a video

, click

Take a Picture

, click

Record a Video

Unless you designate a different location, the picture or video is automatically saved to the

My Pictures

folder on your hard drive.

For more information about creating pictures or videos, see the camera’s Video Software Help file (see "Accessing the Camera’s Help File" on page 63).

Using the Optional Camera 65

Page 66

66 Using the Optional Camera

Page 67

Using Multimedia

Playing Media

NOTICE: Do not press down on the optical drive tray when you open or close it.

Keep the tray closed when you are not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer while playing media.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray and snap the disc onto the spindle.

Push the tray back into the drive.

Using Multimedia 67

Page 68

To format media for storing or copying data, see the media software that came with your computer.

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when copying media.

A CD player includes the following basic buttons:

Play.

Move backward within the current track.

Pause.

Move forward within the current track.

Stop.

Go to the previous track.

Eject.

Go to the next track.

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

Stop.

Restart the current chapter.

Play.

Fast forward.

Pause.

Fast reverse.

Advance a single frame while in pause mode.

Go to the next title or chapter.

Continuously play the current title or chapter.

Go to the previous title or chapter.

Eject.

For more information on playing media, click Help on the media player (if available).

68 Using Multimedia

Page 69

Playing Media Using Dell Express Card Remote Control

The Dell Express Card remote control is designed to control Dell Media Direct and Windows Vista™ Media Center. It can work only with specified computers. For more details, refer to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

To play media using Dell Express Card remote control:

Install a coin-cell battery into your Express Card remote control.

Launch Windows Vista™ Media Center from

Use the remote control buttons to play media.

Start →

Programs

Using Multimedia 69

Page 70

1 Infrared Transmitter 2 Page Up

3 Page Down 4 Arrow Up

5 OK/Enter/Select 6 Arrow Right

7 Arrow Down 8 Play/Pause

9 Forward 10 Skip Forward

11 Stop 12 Skip Back

13 Reverse 14 Back

15 Arrow Left 16 Mute

17 Volume Down 18 Volume Up

70 Using Multimedia

Page 71

Copying CD and DVD Media

This section applies only to computers that have a DVD+/-RW drive.

NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when copying media.

NOTE: The types of optical drives offered by Dell may vary by country.

The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD using Roxio Creator Plus - Dell Edition. You can also use Roxio Creator Plus for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Roxio Creator Plus, and then click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.

The DVD drives installed in Dell computers do not support HD-DVD media. For a list of supported media formats, see "Using Blank CD and DVD Media" on page 72.

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied

using Roxio Creator Plus.

Open Roxio Creator Plus.

Under the

To copy the CD or DVD:

•

Copy

tab, click

If you have one CD/DVD drive

then click and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click

Disc Copy

. The computer reads your source CD or DVD

, ensure that the settings are correct, and

If you have two CD/DVD drives

• inserted your source CD or DVD, and then click computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD.

Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects.

, select the drive into which you have

Disc Copy

Using Multimedia 71

. The

Page 72

Using Blank CD and DVD Media

DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.

Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use a blank CD-RW if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.

Blank DVD+/-R media can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+/-R, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is finalized or closed during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RW media if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.

CD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DV D +R W Ye s Yes Ye s

DV D -R W Yes Ye s Yes

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

DVD-R DL Yes Yes No

Helpful Tips

• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start project.

72 Using Multimedia

Roxio Creator Plus

and open a Creator

Page 73

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

• Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos.

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

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

• You cannot create audio DVDs with

• Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your DVD player or contact the manufacturer.

• See the Sonic website at

www.sonic.com

Roxio Creator Plus

for additional information.

Adjusting the Volume

NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the media playing.

Open the

Click and drag the bar in the down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Vo lu me Mixer window.

The Volume Meter displays the current volume level, including mute, on your computer. Either click the QuickSet icon in the notification area and select or deselect Disable On Screen Volume Meter, or press the volume control buttons to enable or disable the Volume Meter on the screen.

Volume Control

window.

Volume Control

column and slide it up or

Using Multimedia 73

Page 74

Adjusting the Picture

If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties:

Microsoft Windows XP

Click

Start→

Under

Under setting.

In the drop-down menu under click

Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System

Click the Windows Vista Start button , click

click

Appearance and Personalization

Under

The

Display Properties

Under

In the drop-down menu under

Click OK.

Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes

Pick a task…

Screen resolution

Personalization

Resolution:

, click

Change the screen resolution

, click and drag the bar to reduce the resolution

Color quality

, click

Adjust Screen Resolution

window appears.

click and drag the bar reduce the resolution setting.

Colors:

, click

Medium (16 bit)

Control Panel

Medium (16 bit)

and

, and then

Using Dell Media Experience™ and Dell MediaDirect™

Based on configuration settings and selections you made when ordering your computer, your computer provides support for:

• Dell Media Experience, which is a multimedia user interface for accessing and playing digital media, such as music and videos.

• Dell MediaDirect, which is an instant-on multimedia playback mode for digital media.

NOTE: Dell QuickSet is necessary for Dell MediaDirect to function. Changing or

disabling the QuickSet default settings can limit Dell MediaDirect functionality. For more information about Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™ QuickSet Features" on page 189.

74 Using Multimedia

Page 75

If the computer is turned on or in standby or sleep mode

If you press the Dell MediaDirect button while the computer is turned on or in standby (Windows XP) or sleep (Windows Vista) mode, either Windows Media Center Manager or Dell Media Experience launches, depending on your system setup. If both applications are present, Windows Media Center Manager launches.

NOTE: If both Windows Media Center and Dell Media Experience are installed on

your computer, you must launch Dell Media Experience. In Windows XP, click

→

All Programs or click the Media Experience icon on the desktop; in

Start

→

Windows Vista, click the Windows Vista Start button the Media Experience icon on the desktop.

All Programs, or click

If the computer is turned off or in hibernate mode

When your computer is turned off or in hibernate mode, you can press the Dell MediaDirect button to start the computer and automatically launch the Dell MediaDirect application.

NOTE: You cannot reinstall Dell MediaDirect if you voluntarily reformat the hard

drive. You need the installation software to reinstall Dell MediaDirect. Contact Dell for assistance (see "Contacting Dell" on page 199).

1 Dell MediaDirect button

Using Multimedia 75

Page 76

Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience Help

The Dell media application on your computer provides help information. When you launch the media application, click on the desktop icon for additional help.

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

NOTE: Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to a TV or other audio

device may not be included with your computer. Cables and TV/digital audio adapter cables are available for purchase from Dell.

Your computer has an S-video TV-out connector that, together with a standard S-video cable, a composite video adapter cable, or a component video adapter cable (available from Dell), enable you to connect the computer to a TV.

Your TV has either an S-video input connector, a composite video-input connector, or a component video-input connector. Depending on what type of connector is available on your TV, you can use a commercially available S-video cable, composite video cable, or component video cable to connect your computer to your TV.

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 S-video connector

76 Using Multimedia

Page 77

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 composite video adapter

3 S/PDIF digital audio connector 4 composite video-output connector

5 S-video connector

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 component video adapter

3 S/PDIF digital audio connector 4 Pr (red) component video-output

5 Pb (blue) component video-output

connector

6 Y (green) component video-output

connector

If you want to connect your computer to a TV or audio device, it is recommended that you connect video and audio cables to your computer in one of the following combinations:

• S-video and standard audio

• Composite video and standard audio

• Component-out video and standard audio

NOTE: See the diagrams at the beginning of each subsection to help you determine

which method of connection you should use.

Using Multimedia 77

Page 78

When you finish connecting the video and audio cables between your computer and your TV, you must enable your computer to work with the TV. See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 91 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV. Additionally, if you are using S/PDIF digital audio, see "Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio" on page 91.

S-Video and Standard Audio

1 audio connector 2 S-video TV-out connector

1 standard S-video cable 2 standard audio cable

78 Using Multimedia

Page 79

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect.

NOTE: If your TV or audio device supports S-video but not S/PDIF digital audio, you

can connect an S-video cable directly to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer (without the TV/digital audio adapter cable).

Plug one end of the S-video cable into the S-video output connector on the computer.

Plug the other end of the S-video cable into the S-video input connector on your TV.

Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on your computer.

Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into the audio input connectors on your TV or other audio device.

Turn on the TV and any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 91 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 79

Page 80

S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 composite video adapter

1 composite video adapter 2 S-video cable

3 S/PDIF digital audio cable

80 Using Multimedia

Page 81

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or the audio device that you want to connect.

Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer.

Plug one end of the S-video cable into the S-video output connector on the composite video adapter.

1 composite video adapter 2 S-video cable

Plug the other end of the S-video cable into the S-video input connector

on the TV.

Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the digital audio connector on the composite video adapter cable.

1 2

1 composite video adapter 2 S/PDIF digital audio cable

Plug the other end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the audio input connector on your TV or audio device.

Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 91 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 81

Page 82

Composite Video and Standard Audio

1 audio input connector 2 S-video TV-out connector

3 composite video adapter

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

3 standard audio cable

82 Using Multimedia

Page 83

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect.

Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer.

Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite videooutput connector on the composite video adapter.

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

Plug the other end of the composite video cable into the composite videoinput connector on the TV.

Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on the computer.

Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into the audio input connectors on your TV or other audio device.

Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 91 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 83

Page 84

Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 composite video adapter

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

3 standard audio cable

84 Using Multimedia

Page 85

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect.

Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer.

Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite video-input connector on the composite video adapter.

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

Plug the other end of the composite video cable into the composite videoinput connector on the TV.

Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the S/PDIF audio connector on the composite video adapter.

1 2

1 composite video adapter 2 S/PDIF digital audio cable

Plug the other end of the digital audio cable into the S/PDIF input connector on your TV or other audio device.

Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 91 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 85

Page 86

Component Video and Standard Audio

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 component video adapter

1 component video adapter 2 component video cable

3 standard audio cable

86 Using Multimedia

Page 87

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect.

Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer.

Plug all three ends of the component video cable into the component video-output connectors on the component video adapter. Make sure that the red, green, and blue colors of the cable match the corresponding adapter ports.

1 component video adapter 2 component video cable

Plug all three connectors from the other end of the component video cable into the component video-input connectors on the TV. Make sure that the red, green, and blue colors of the cable match the colors of the TV input connectors.

Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on the computer.

Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into the audio input connectors on your TV or audio device.

Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 91 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 87

Page 88

Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 component video adapter

88 Using Multimedia

Page 89

1 component video adapter 2 component video cable

3 standard audio cable

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect.

Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer.

Using Multimedia 89

Page 90

1 component video adapter 2 component video-output connectors

3 component video cable

Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the S/PDIF audio connector on the component video adapter.

1 component video adapter 2 S/PDIF digital audio cable

Plug the other end of the digital audio cable into the S/PDIF input connector on your TV or other audio device.

Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 91 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

90 Using Multimedia

Page 91

Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio

Double-click the speaker icon in the Windows notification area.

Click the

Click

Click OK.

Options

Advanced

menu and then click

S/PDIF Interface

Advanced Controls

Enabling the Display Settings for a TV

NOTE: To ensure that the display options appear correctly, connect the TV to the

computer before you enable the display settings.

Microsoft Windows XP

Click the

Double-click

Click

Click the tab for your video card.

NOTE: To determine the type of video card installed in your computer, see the

Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, click

Start information and diagnose problems. Then, under My Computer Information, select Hardware.

In the display devices section, select the appropriate option for using either a single display or multiple displays, ensuring that the display settings are correct for your selection.

Microsoft Windows Vista

Click the Windows Vista Start button , click click

Under

The

Start

Display

Advanced

button, point to

and click the

Settings

, and then click

tab.

Control Panel

→ Help and Support. Under Pick a Task, click Use Tools to view your computer

Control Panel

Appearance and Personalization

Personalization

Display Properties

, click

Adjust Screen Resolution

window appears.

, and then

Click

Advanced

Click the tab for your video card.

Using Multimedia 91

Page 92

NOTE: To determine the type of video card installed in your computer, see

Windows Help and Support. To access Help and Support, click Windows Vista Start

→

button

computer information and diagnose problems. Then, under My Computer Information, select Hardware.

In the display devices section, select the appropriate option for using

Help and Support. Under Pick a Task, click Use Tools to view your

either a single display or multiple displays, ensuring that the display settings are correct for your selection.

92 Using Multimedia

Page 93

Using ExpressCards

ExpressCards provide additional memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia and security features. For example, you can add an ExpressCard to make wireless wide area network (WWAN) connectivity available on your computer.

ExpressCards support two form factors:

• ExpressCard/34 (34 mm wide)

• ExpressCard/54 (54 mm wide in an L-shape with a 34 mm connector)

The 34 mm card fits into both the 34 mm and 54 mm card slots. The 54 mm card only fits into a 54 mm card slot.

See "Specifications" on page 201 for information on supported ExpressCards.

NOTE: An ExpressCard is not a bootable device.

1 ExpressCard/34 2 ExpressCard/54

ExpressCard Blanks

Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

Using ExpressCards 93

Page 94

Remove the blank before installing an ExpressCard. To remove the blank, see "Removing an ExpressCard or Blank" on page 95.

Installing an ExpressCard

You can install an ExpressCard while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

ExpressCards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To install an ExpressCard:

Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up.

Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.

If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.

1 slot 2 ExpressCard

94 Using ExpressCards

Page 95

The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the media that came with the ExpressCard.

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

Press the latch and remove the card or blank. For some latches, you must press the latch twice, once to pop the latch out, and then a second time to pop the card out.

Save a blank to use when no ExpressCard is installed in a slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles.

1 release button

Using ExpressCards 95

Page 96

96 Using ExpressCards

Page 97

Using the Memory Card Reader

The memory card reader provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a memory card.

NOTE: A memory card is not a bootable device.

The 8-in-1 memory card reader reads the following memory cards:

• Secure Digital (SD)

• Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO)

• MultiMediaCard (MMC)

• Memory Stick

• Memory Stick PRO

• xD-Picture Card

• Hi Speed-SD

• Hi Density-SD

Memory Card Blanks

Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the memory card reader. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no media memory card is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

Remove the blank before installing a media memory card. To remove the blank, see "Removing a Memory Card or Blank" on page 98.

Installing a Memory Card

You can install a media memory card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

Memory cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

Using the Memory Card Reader 97

Page 98

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To install a memory card:

Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up.

Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.

If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.

The computer recognizes the memory card and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the media that came with the memory card, if applicable.

Removing a Memory Card or Blank

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: Use the memory card configuration utility (click the icon in the

notification area) to select a card and stop it from functioning before you remove it from the computer. If you do not stop the card in the configuration utility, you could lose data.

Press the card into the slot to release it from the card reader. When it is partially ejected, remove the card.

98 Using the Memory Card Reader

Page 99

Setting Up and Using Networks

Setting up a computer network provides connectivity between your computer and the Internet, another computer, or a network. For example, with a network set up in a home or small office you can print to a shared printer, access drives and files on another computer, browse other networks, or access the Internet. You can set up a local area network (LAN) using a network or broadband modem cable or set up a wireless LAN (WLAN).

The Microsoft Windows systems provide wizards to help guide you through the process of networking computers. For more information about Networking, see the Windows Help and Support Center (see "Windows Help and Support" on page 19).

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable

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

Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.

NOTE: Insert the cable connector until it clicks into place, and then gently

pull on the cable to ensure that it is securely attached.

Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device or a network wall connector.

XP and Microsoft Windows Vista™ operating

NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall connector.

Setting Up and Using Networks 99

Page 100

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft®

Windows

Click

Setup Wizard

NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled This computer connects

Complete the checklist.

Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions in the wizard.

XP Operating System

Start→

directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications→

→

Next→ Checklist for creating a network

Network

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and then click

Set up a connection or network

Select an option under

Click

, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.

Choose a connection option

Connect To→

100 Setting Up and Using Networks

Dell 1400 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Finding Information

About Your Computer

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration

Front View

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Microsoft Windows Vista™

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

Connecting a USB Printer

Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors

Line Conditioners

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness

Switching the Video Image From Your Computer Display To a Projector

Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Windows Vista™

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad

Key Combinations

System Functions

Display Functions

Battery

Power Management

Dell™ QuickSet Key Combinations

Adjusting Keyboard Settings

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

Checking the Battery Charge

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter

Charge Gauge

Low-Battery Warning

Microsoft® Windows® XP Battery Meter

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Battery Meter

Conserving Battery Power

Power Management Modes

Standby and Sleep Mode

Hibernate Mode

Configuring Power Management Settings

Accessing Power Options Properties

Charging the Battery

Replacing the Battery

Storing a Battery

Using the Optional Camera

Accessing the Camera’s Help File

Manually Adjusting the Camera Settings

Creating a Picture or a Video

Using Multimedia

Playing Media

Playing Media Using Dell Express Card Remote Control

Copying CD and DVD Media

How to Copy a CD or DVD

Using Blank CD and DVD Media

Helpful Tips

Adjusting the Volume

Adjusting the Picture

Using Dell Media Experience™ and Dell MediaDirect™

If the computer is turned on or in standby or sleep mode

If the computer is turned off or in hibernate mode

Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience Help

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

S-Video and Standard Audio

S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio