Dell 4100 PP01L User Manual
Dell™ Inspiron™ 4100
Solutions Guide
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT: A HINT 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 the Tell Me How help
file. To access the help file, see page 34.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, DellNet, DellPlus, Dell TravelLite, TrueMobile,
Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell
Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark
of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation
and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.
November 2001 P/N 2H767 Rev. A00
Contents
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Instructions
EMC Instructions
When Using Your Computer
Ergonomic Computing Habits
When Removing or Replacing Parts
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
1 Setting Up
Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Parallel Printer
USB Printer
Installing the Printer Driver
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Transferring Information to a New Computer
(Windows
®
XP Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)
Turning Off the Computer
Windows Me and Windows 2000
About the Module Bay
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off
Swapping Devices While Windows Is Running
Enabling the Infrared Sensor
Setting Up the Dolby Headphone
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . 25
Contents 3
Setting Up the APR to Connect to a Network . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power Protection Devices
Surge Protectors
Line Conditioners
Uninterruptible Power Supply Devices
2 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Accessing Help
Power Problems
Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
If the display is difficult to read
If only part of the display is readable
Sound and Speaker Problems
If you have a problem with integrated speakers
If you have a problem with external speakers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . 40
4 Contents
Printer Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
If you cannot print to a parallel port printer
If you cannot print to a USB printer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Modem and Internet Connection Problems
Scanner Problems
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk
If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD
If you cannot play a DVD movie
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
If the CD-RW drive stops writing
If you have problems with a hard drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
. . . . . 52
. . . . . . 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Network Problems
General Program Problems
A program crashes
A program stops responding
A solid blue screen appears
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
A program is designed for an earlier version of the
Windows operating systems
Error messages appear
E-Mail Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Reinstalling the Modem or Network Adapter Driver
Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
. . . . . . . . . 61
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Windows XP
Windows Me
Windows 2000
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . 59
. . . . . . . 62
Using System Restore
Windows XP
Windows Me
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Creating a Restore Point
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Contents 5
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State . . . . . 67
Undoing the Last System Restore
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Reinstalling Windows XP
Reinstalling Windows Me
Reinstalling Windows 2000
Enabling Hibernate Support
3 Replacing Parts
Using the Advanced Port Replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Connecting External Devices to the APR
APR Controls and Indicators
Docking the Computer
Undocking the Computer
Monitor Stand
Adding Memory
Adding a Mini PCI Card
Replacing the Hard Drive
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . . . . 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
4 Appendix
6 Contents
Adding a Daughter Card Modem
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Standard Settings
Viewing the System Setup Screens
System Setup Screens
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
. . . . . . . . . . 102
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
. . . . . 103
. . . . . . 103
Contacting Dell
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Regulatory Information
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)
Battery Disposal
NOM Information (Mexico Only)
Información para NOM (únicamente para México)
Limited Warranties and Return Policy
One-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)
Two-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)
Three-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)
One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)
Two-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)
Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
. . . . . . . . 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
. . . . . . 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
. . . . . . . . . . . . 125
. . . . . . . . . . . . 127
. . . . . . . . . . . 130
. . . . . . . . . . 133
. . . . . . . . . . 135
. . . . . . . . . 138
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy
(U.S. and Canada Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Contents 7
8 Contents
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
The following information defines the meaning of additional symbols used
only in the Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Instructions.
Risk of explosion Aircraft
Risk of fire Use of this feature may be prohibited
on aircraft
Risk of electric shock
Safety Instructions
General
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless
you are an authorized service technician. Always follow
installation instructions closely.
• If you use an extension power cable with your AC
adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the
products plugged in to the extension power cable does
not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your
computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by
shorting out interior components.
• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk
top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer
or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter
with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also,
do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 9
• Do not allow your portable computer to operate with
the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended
periods of time. The surface temperature of the base
will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC
power is present). Allowing sustained contact with
exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a
burn.
• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for
example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a
wet basement.
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• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC
Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an
electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk
of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do
not connect or disconnect any cables or perform
maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during
an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during
an electrical storm unless all cables have been
disconnected and the computer is operating on battery
power.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used
with the modem should be manufactured with a
minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG)
and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• PC Cards may become very warm during normal
operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their
continuous operation.
• Before you clean your computer, remove power. Clean
your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may
contain flammable substances.
10 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
Power (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for
use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet,
check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the
required voltage and frequency match the available
power source.
• To remove power from the computer, turn it off,
remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and
peripheral power cables into properly grounded power
sources. These power cables may be equipped with
three-prong plugs to provide an earth grounding
connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a
power extension cable, use the appropriate type, twoprong or three-prong, to mate with the AC adapter
power cable.
• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter's power
cable and that the cable is not located where it can be
tripped over or stepped on.
• If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use
caution when plugging the AC adapter's power cable
into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you
to insert the plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the
power plug could result in permanent damage to your
computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire.
Ensure that the ground prong of the power plug is
inserted into the mating ground contact of the power
strip.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 11
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Battery (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Use only Dell battery modules that are approved for use
with this computer. Use of other types may increase the
risk of fire or explosion.
• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or
other container where metal objects (such as car keys or
paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals.
The resulting excessive current flow can cause
extremely high temperatures and may result in damage
to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.
• The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it
improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged
or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery
is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may
cause personal injury.
• Keep away from children.
• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack
near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove,
electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or
otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60ºC
(140ºF)
. When heated to excessive temperatures,
battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.
• Do not dispose of your computer's battery in a fire or
with normal household waste. Battery cells may
explode. Discard a used battery according to the
manufacturer's instructions or contact your local waste
disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a
spent or damaged battery promptly.
12 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
Air Travel (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or
airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your
Dell™ computer while you are onboard an aircraft. For
example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of
any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for
intentional transmission of radio frequency or other
electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.
– In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your
Dell portable computer is equipped with Dell
TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication
device, please disable this device before you board the
aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline
personnel with regard to such device.
– Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable
computer, may be prohibited in aircraft during certain
critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing.
Some airlines may further define the critical flight phase as
any time the aircraft is below 3050 m (10,000 ft). Please
follow the airline's specific instructions as to when the use
of a PED is allowed.
EMC Instructions
• Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate
EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers,
a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from
Dell at its world-wide website at http://accessories.us.dell.com.
• Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your
computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from
your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic
components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an
unpainted metal surface on the computer's input/output panel.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 13
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When Using Your Computer
Observe the following safety guidelines to prevent damage to your
computer:
• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
• When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put
your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your
computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked
by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are
asked to turn on the computer.
• When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap
the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cotton cloth or paper. If
you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the
computer. You can put the hard drive through an X-ray security
machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.
• When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage
compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your
computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.
• Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental
hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and
overexposure to sunlight.
• When you move your computer between environments with very
different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form
on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow
sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the
computer.
NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a
warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler
environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before
turning on power.
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-
relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep
it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you
connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
• Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory
module by its edges, not its pins.
14 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
• When preparing to remove a memory module from the system board
or disconnect a peripheral device from the computer, turn off the
computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and then wait 5 seconds
before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window
cleaner that does not contain wax or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the
cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving
from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains
grease or some other contaminant, use isopropyl alcohol instead of
commercial window cleaner.
• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures
described in "If Your Computer Gets Wet" on page 56. If, after
following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not
operating properly, contact Dell (see page 103 for the appropriate
contact information).
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in
injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for
extended periods of time may result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines
when setting up and using your computer:
• Position your computer directly in front of you as you work.
• Adjust the tilt of the computer’s display, its contrast and/or brightness
settings, and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk
lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize
reflections and glare on the display.
• When using an external monitor with your computer, set the monitor
at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters [20
to 24 inches] from your eyes). Make sure the monitor screen is at eye
level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
• Use a chair that provides good lower-back support.
• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral,
comfortable position while using the keyboard, touch pad, track stick,
or external mouse.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 15
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• Always use the palm rest with the keyboard, touch pad, or track stick.
Leave space to rest your hands when using an external mouse.
• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
• Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not
on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a
footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.
• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not
have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try
to do things that use both hands.
wrists relaxed
and flat
computer positioned
directly in front of user
arms at
desk level
16 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
When Removing or Replacing Parts
Before removing or installing memory modules, or adding a modem or Mini
PCI card, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is
when you are installing memory modules, or adding a modem or Mini PCI
card.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting
a peripheral device or removing a memory module to help prevent possible
damage to the system board.
1
Turn off your computer and any attached peripherals.
2 Disconnect your computer and peripherals from electrical outlets to
reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any
telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3 Remove the main battery from the battery bay and, if necessary, the
secondary battery from the module bay.
4 Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O
panel on the back of the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any
static electricity that might harm internal components.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To
prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you
touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory
module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the
computer’s I/O panel.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O
connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 17
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You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic
discharge (ESD):
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping
carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing
material until you are ready to install the component. Just before
unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static
electricity from your body.
• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.
• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you
of these precautions:
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety
instructions.
18 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
SECTION 1
Setting Up
Connecting a Printer
1
Transferring Information to a New Computer
(Windows
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)
Turning Off the Computer
About the Module Bay
Enabling the Infrared Sensor
Setting Up the Dolby Headphone
Setting Up the APR to Connect to a Network
Power Protection Devices
®
XP Only)
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Connecting a Printer
See the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended
preparation procedures, such as:
• Removing the packaging
• Installing the toner or ink cartridge
• Loading paper
Then follow the instructions that came with the printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, see the following sections.
HINT: For complete
printer driver installation
instructions, refer to your
printer documentation.
Parallel Printer
1 Turn off the computer (see page 24).
NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE 1284 parallel cable measuring 3 m
(10 ft) or less to connect the printer to the computer. Use of a nonstandard
cable may prevent the printer from working.
2
Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the
computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the parallel
connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.
20 Setting Up
screws (2)
parallel printer
cable
3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New
parallel connector on
computer
parallel
connector on
printer
clips (2)
notches (2)
Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
4 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 22).
USB Printer
1
Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 22).
2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer
and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
HINT: You can connect
USB devices while the
computer is turned on.
Setting Up 21
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USB connector on
back of computer
USB connector on
printer
USB printer
cable
Installing the Printer Driver
If you need to install a printer driver, insert the installation CD into the CD
or DVD drive. Then follow the prompts on the screen and use the
instructions that came with the printer.
If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start
button, click Run, and type x:\setup.exe (where x is the letter of your
CD or DVD drive [usually drive D]). Then click OK and follow the prompts
on your screen. If your printer installation CD still does not run, check the
documentation that came with your printer for instructions on how to start
the printer installation CD.
22 Setting Up
To determine whether your printer driver is installed on a computer running
®
the Microsoft
Windows XP operating system, click the Start button, click
Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click View
installed printers or fax printers. If your computer runs either Microsoft
®
Windows 2000 or Windows Millennium Edition (Me), click the Start
button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If your printer model is
listed in the Printers window, the printer is ready to use.
Transferring Information to a New
Computer (Windows®XP Only)
Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data,
such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks,
from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source
computer, and then you import the data to the new computer.
If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, you can
launch the wizard from the Windows XP Operating System CD or from a
floppy disk created on a computer that is running Windows XP. You can
transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection,
or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a floppy disk, a Zip disk,
or a writable CD.
1 On the computer running Windows XP, click the Start button, point
to All Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and then click
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and
then click Next.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)
Windows XP provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the
process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between
computers in a home or small office.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs—>Accessories
—>Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 Click checklist for creating a network.
Setting Up 23
HINT: Selecting the This
computer connects
directly to the Internet
connection method
enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.
4
Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to
the Network Setup Wizard.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Turning Off the Computer
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the
Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.
HINT: If you are having
difficulties turning off
your computer, see
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
"General Program
Problems" on page 52.
Windows XP
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.
3 Click Turn off.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
Windows Me and Windows 2000
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and then click Shut Down.
3 Click the pull-down menu under What do you want the computer to
do?.
4 Click Shut down and then click OK.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
About the Module Bay
The module bay supports several types of devices, including the following:
• Floppy drive
24 Setting Up
• CD drive
• CD-RW drive
• DVD drive
• Zip drive
• Second hard drive
• Second battery
• Dell TravelLite™ module
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the docking connector, do not remove or
replace devices while the computer is connected to an advanced port replicator
(APR).
Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down
the computer (see page 24).
2 If the computer is connected (docked) to an APR, undock it (see
page 79).
3 Close the display and turn the computer over.
4 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the module
bay.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a travel case when they
are not inserted into the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid
pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.
NOTICE: Insert devices before you dock and turn on the computer.
5
Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.
6 Turn on the computer.
Swapping Devices While Windows Is Running
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the docking connector, do not remove or
replace devices while the computer is connected to an APR.
In Microsoft Windows XP
1 Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows
taskbar.
2 Click the device you want to eject.
3 Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can
access the bottom of the computer.
4 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.
5 Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.
6 If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.
Setting Up 25
In Microsoft Windows Me
1 Right-click the Softex BayManager icon on the Microsoft Windows
taskbar.
2 Click Remove/Swap.
3 Wait a few seconds until the device is ready to be ejected.
4 Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can
access the bottom of the computer.
5 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the module
bay.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
HINT: You cannot use the
infrared sensor when the
computer is docked.
6 Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.
7 Click OK. Then click OK again to close the Softex BayManager
window.
In Microsoft Windows 2000
1 Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the Microsoft
Windows taskbar.
2 Click the device you want to eject and then click Stop.
3 Click OK, and wait until the device you want to eject is cleared from
the list of devices in the Unplug or Eject Hardware window.
4 Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can
access the bottom of the computer.
5 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the module
bay.
6 Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.
7 When Windows recognizes the new device, click Close.
Enabling the Infrared Sensor
1
Turn on your computer, and enter the system setup program by
pressing when the Dell™ logo appears.
26 Setting Up
2 Press and repeat to locate the Infrared Data Port option
under the Basic Device Configuration heading of the system setup
program.
3 Press the down-arrow key to highlight Disabled next to Infrared Data
Port.
4 Press the right-arrow key to highlight a COM port.
Ensure that the COM port that you highlight is different from the
Serial Port and Modem COM ports.
5 Press the down-arrow key to highlight Fast IR or Slow IR.
Dell recommends that you use Fast IR. If the infrared device cannot
communicate with your computer, turn off the computer and repeat
this procedure to change the setting to Slow IR.
6
Press to save the changes and exit the system setup program.
If you are prompted to restart your computer, click Ye s.
7 Follow the instructions on the screen while the infrared sensor driver is
installing.
8 At the end of the install process, click Ye s to restart the computer.
9 When your computer detects the presence of another activated
infrared device, double-click the infrared icon that appears on the
Windows taskbar.
10 See the infrared device documentation for device setup instructions.
Setting Up the Dolby Headphone
1
Double-click the Intervideo Win DVD icon on the Windows desktop.
2 Click the Properties icon.
3
Click the Dolby Headphone tab.
4 Click Enable Dolby Headphone.
5
Select one of the four options to set the level of surround sound
effects. Option 1 is a baseline stereo option, and Options 2, 3, and 4
are surround sound levels.
HINT: If the infrared
device cannot
communicate with your
computer after you repeat
this procedure to change
the system setup program
setting to Slow IR,
contact the infrared
device manufacturer.
HINT: The Dolby
headphone feature is
available only if your
computer has a DVD
drive.
HINT: Icon labels may be
visible only when you
place the pointer over the
icon.
Setting Up 27
6 Click Apply, and then click OK to close the WinDVD Properties
window.
7 Click Exit.
Setting Up the APR to Connect to a Network
HINT: A network adapter
is also referred to as a
network interface
controller (NIC).
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
NOTICE: Do not install a network adapter or a network adapter/modem
combination PC Card until you complete the advanced port replicator (APR)
setup.
NOTICE: To prevent serious operating system problems, do not dock your
computer to an APR until the Windows operating system setup on the
computer is complete.
An APR lets you more fully integrate your portable computer into a desktop
environment.
For instructions and details on setting up an APR, refer to the
documentation that came packaged with the device.
Power Protection Devices
Several devices are available that protect against power fluctuations and
failures. Power protection devices include:
• Surge protectors
• Line conditioners
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to
prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during
electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is
usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge
protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of
damage. Dell recommends that you carefully read the device warranty when
choosing a surge protector. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative
effectiveness of different devices.
28 Setting Up
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes. Dell
recommends that you disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet when
lightning occurs in your area.
NOTICE: Surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power
interruptions.
Power surges on telephone lines can damage modems. Dell recommends
that you disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack during
electrical storms. Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem
protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection
instructions.
NOTICE: Network adapter protection is not available on surge protectors.
Dell recommends that you 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. Line conditioners can cost up to several hundred dollars more than
surge protectors.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Devices
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result
in data loss or file damage.
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices
contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when
AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available.
See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery
operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters
Laboratories (UL).
HINT: 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.
Setting Up 29
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
30 Setting Up
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