Dell 1501 User Manual

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Dell™ Inspiron™ 1501

Owner’s Manual

Model PP23LA

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

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" on page 147.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, PowerApp, XPS, and Strike Zone are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; AMD, Sempron, Turion and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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

Model PP23LA

August 2006

P/N HN926

Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
1 About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Determining Your Computer’s Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
2 Setting Up Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the
Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the
Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Connecting a USB Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31

Contents 3

3 Using the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Adjusting Brightness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Switching the Video Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Setting Display Resolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33

4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Adjusting Keyboard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38
Customizing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38

5 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Charge Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Power Management Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Configuring Power Management Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44

4 Contents

6	Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
	Playing a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
	Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	46
	Adjusting the Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	46
	Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	46
	How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
	Using Blank CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
	Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
7	Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	ExpressCards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	ExpressCard Blanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	Installing an ExpressCard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
	Media Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
	Installing a Media Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
	Removing a Media Memory Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
8 Setting Up a Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		53
	Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem . . . . . . . . . .	53
	Network Setup Wizard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
	Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
	What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
	Checking Your Wireless Network Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
	Setting Up a New WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
	Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
	Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
9 Securing Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		59
	Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
	Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59

Contents 5

Computer Tracking Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
10 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64
CD and DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray . . . . .	65
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66
ExpressCard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	70
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	70
External Keyboard problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Unexpected characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows®
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76

6 Contents

Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
No sound from integrated speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
No sound from external speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82
Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	85

11 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88
Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	90
Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	90
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	92
Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	92
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	95
Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	97
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	98
Wireless Mini-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99

Contents 7

Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104

12 Traveling With Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Packing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108
Traveling by Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108

13Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

14Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

15Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	139
Entering System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	139
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	140
Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
Computer, Keyboard, and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	143
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	143
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . .	143
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . .	144
FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	144
FCC Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	144

8 Contents

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	159

Contents 9

10 Contents

Finding Information

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

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer	Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
• Drivers for my computer	NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may
• My computer documentation	not ship with your computer.
• My device documentation	Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
• Notebook System Software (NSS)	computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers or run
	the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 61.)
	Readme files may be
	included on your CD to
	provide last-minute
	updates about technical
	changes to your computer
	or advanced technical-
	reference material for
	technicians or experienced
	users.
	NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
	support.dell.com.

• Warranty information	Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement

Finding Information		11

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here

• How to set up my computer	Setup Diagram

•Service Tag and Express Service Code

•Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License

These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.

•Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact technical support.

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

12 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips; articles	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
from technicians; online courses; and frequently asked	NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
questions	site.

•Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

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

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

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

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

•Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• How to use the Windows operating system	Windows Help and Support Center
• How to work with programs and files	1	Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
• How to personalize my desktop	2	Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
		click the arrow icon.
	3	Click the topic that describes your problem.
	4	Follow the instructions on the screen.

Finding Information		13

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here

• How to reinstall my operating system	Operating System CD
	NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may
	not ship with your computer.
	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.
	• Dell PC Restore — Dell PC Restore returns your computer
	to its original operating state. Dell PC Restore may not
	ship with your computer.
	• Operating System CD — If you received an Operating
	System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore
	your operating system.
	For more information, see "Restoring Your Operating
	System" on page 82.
	After you reinstall your
	operating system, use the
	Drivers and Utilities CD
	(see page 80) to reinstall
	drivers for the devices that
	came with your computer.
	Your operating system
	product key label is located
	on your computer.
	NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
	system you ordered.

• Service call status and support history	Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com
• Top technical issues for my computer	The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
• Frequently asked questions	corporate, government, and education customers. This
• File downloads	website may not be available in all regions.

•Details on my computer configuration

•Service contract for my computer

14 Finding Information

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:

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

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

3Under My Computer Information, select Hardware.

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

About Your Computer

Front View

1 2

			7
1	display latch release	2	display latches (2)	3	display
4	power button	5	device status lights	6	touch pad
7	speakers (2)	8	touch pad buttons	9	keyboard

10keyboard and wireless status lights

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

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 33.

POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management mode. See "Power Management Modes" on page 41.

16 About Your Computer

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

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

Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the light is flashing.

Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.

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

•Solid green: The battery is charging.

•Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

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

•Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).

•Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.

•Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

About Your Computer		17

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. Silk screening on the touch pad indicates scrolling capabilities.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons or speaker-volume keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Speaker Functions" on page 37.

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key Combinations" on page 36.

18 About Your Computer

KEYBOARD AND WIRELESS STATUS LIGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, press <Fn><F2>.

DISPLAY LATCHES — Keep the display closed.

About Your Computer		19

Left Side View

	1		2	3	4
1	air vent	2	security cable slot		3	optical drive bay

4optical-drive-tray eject button

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

AIR VENT — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

20 About Your Computer

OPTICAL DRIVE BAY — You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 90.

OPTICAL-DRIVE-TRAY EJECT BUTTON — Press this button to eject a CD or DVD from the optical drive.

Right Side View

			1	2	3	4	5
1	hard drive	2	ExpressCard slot		3		3-in-1 media memory card
							reader
4	audio connectors (2)	5	USB connectors (2)

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 90 and "Hard drive problems" on page 65.

EXPRESS CARD SLOT — Supports one ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. You can add an ExpressCard to make WWAN connectivity available on your computer. For more information, see "Using Cards" on page 49.

3-IN-1 MEDIA MEMORY CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The 3-in-1 media memory card reader reads Secure Digital (SD) card/SDIO and MultiMediaCard (MMC) digital media memory cards.

About Your Computer		21

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the

connector.

USB CONNECTORS

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

Back View

	1	2	3	4	5
1	AC adapter connector		2	network connector (RJ-45)		3	modem connector (RJ-11)
4	USB connectors (2)		5	video connector

22 About Your Computer

AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer. The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to help prevent damage to the cable.

NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

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

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

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

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

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

NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To help prevent damage to the computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.

About Your Computer		23

Bottom View

	7		6
1	battery charge gauge	2	optical-drive locking screw	3	battery-bay latch release
4	battery	5	hard drive	6	modem/memory module
					cover
7	fan

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge status. See "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 40.

OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 90.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 43.

BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. For more information, see "Using a Battery" on page 39.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 90 and "Hard drive problems" on page 65.

MODEM/MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the modem and the memory modules. For more information, see "Modem" on page 95 and "Memory" on page 92.

FAN — The computer uses a fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

24 About Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

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

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

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

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

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3Click Connect to the Internet.

4In the next window, click the appropriate option:

•If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs).

Setting Up Your Computer

•If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually.

•If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP.

5Click Next.

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

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

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

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

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 65. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

Transferring Information to a New Computer

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

•E-mail messages

•Toolbar settings

•Window sizes

•Internet bookmarks

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

NOTE: For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, go to support.microsoft.com and search for 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 some countries.

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

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

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

26 Setting Up Your Computer

Prepare the New Computer for the File Transfer

1Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.

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

4On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD and click Next.

5When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not click Next at this time.

Copy Data From the Old Computer

1On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD.

2On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks.

3Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings.

4On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.

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

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

7On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.

8Click Finish.

Transfer Data to the New Computer

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

2On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next.

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer. When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears.

3Click Finish and restart the new computer.

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

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the optional Operating System CD, you must create a wizard disk that lets you create a backup of your data files. Create the wizard disk on removable media so that you can move it from your new computer to your old computer.

Setting Up Your Computer		27

Create a Wizard Disk

1Click the Start button and point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.

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

4On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following drive: and click Next.

5Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.

6When the disk creation completes and the Now go to your old computer message appears, do not click

Next.

7Go to the old computer.

Copy Data From the Old Computer

1On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

2Click the Start button and click Run.

3In the Open field on the Run window, browse to the path for fastwiz (on the appropriate removable media) and click OK.

4On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.

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

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

7On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.

8Click Finish.

Transfer Data to the New Computer

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

2On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next. 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 screen appears.

3Click Finished and restart the new computer.

NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search dell.support.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell Computer Using the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in certain countries.

28 Setting Up Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

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

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

•Obtain and install updated drivers.

•Connect the printer to the computer.

•Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

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

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel 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 box in which your computer was shipped.

Connecting a USB Printer

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

1Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

2Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

Setting Up Your Computer		29

1 USB connector on	2 USB printer cable	3 connector on printer
computer

3Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

4Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Power Protection Devices

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

•Surge protectors

•Line conditioners

•Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help 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.

30 Setting Up Your Computer

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