Dell 4150 Service Manual
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Dell Inspiron 4150
Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150
A Tour of Your Computer
Solving Problems
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Reinstalling the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System
Using the System Setup Program
Power Management
Using the Dell Diagnostics
Specifications
Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors
Removing and Replacing Parts
Documentation
CAUTION: Follow the safety instructions in the Owners Manual to help protect your
computer from damage and ensure your own personal safety.
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 (see "Accessing Help").
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002 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, Inspiron, Dell TravelLite, and AccessDirect are trademarks of Dell
Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and MS-DOS
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Dell Inspiron 4150
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.
Model PP01L
November 2002 Rev. A01
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Back to Contents Page
A Tour of Your Computer
Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Display Latch — Keeps the display closed.
Keyboard Status Lights — The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled
Turns on when the caps lock function is enabled
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled
Air Vent — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
HINT: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which is
normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
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.
Microphone — Allows you to record audio.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Device Status Lights
Turns on when you turn on the computer.
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the
computer while the light is flashing.
Turns on steadily or blinks when the computer is in a power
management mode. It also blinks to indicate battery charge
status.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
❍ Solid green: The battery is charging.
❍ Flashing green: The battery is 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.
Touch Pad — Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. For more information, see
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
the Tell Me How help file (see "Accessing Help").
Module Bay — You can install devices such as an optical drive or the Dell TravelLite™ module in the module
bay.
Display Latch Button — Press this button to release the display latch and open the display.
Battery Bay — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting it to an electrical
outlet. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file (see "
Accessing Help").
Touch Pad/Track Stick Buttons — Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Keyboard — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key, .
For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see the Tell Me How help file (see "
Accessing Help").
Power Button — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management
mode.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely
(which may take about 4 seconds).
NOTICE: Turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown. Otherwise, you may lose
data.
Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button — Press this button to launch various resources, such as support and
educational tools. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file (see "
Accessing Help").
Left Side View
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
PC Card Slot — Has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including modems and network
adapters. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file (see "
Accessing Help").
Hard Drive — Stores software and data.
Security Cable Slot — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. Instructions
for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable
slot.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Speakers — Press the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of the integrated speakers. For
more information, see the Tell Me How help file (see "
Accessing Help").
Right Side View
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Speakers — Press the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of the integrated speakers. For
more information, see the Tell Me How help file (see "
Accessing Help").
Infrared Sensor — The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-
compatible device without using cable connections.
Audio Connectors
Attach a microphone to the connector.
Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Modem Connector
Connect the telephone line to the optional modem connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation
supplied with your computer. To access device user's guides, see "Need
Additional Help?" in the Tell Me How help file (see "Accessing Help").
Network Connector
Connects the computer to a network. The lights next to the connector indicate
activity for both wired and wireless network communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter
documentation supplied with your computer. To access device user's guides,
see "Need Additional Help?" in the Tell Me How help file (see "Accessing Help").
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a telephone
line into the network connector.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
S-Video TV-Out Connector
Connects your computer to a TV.
Air Vent — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
HINT: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which is
normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
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.
Back View
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you
disconnect an external device.
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.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Fan — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer
from overheating.
Serial Connector
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.
Parallel Connector
Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. You can also connect the
optional floppy drive directly to the parallel connector using the optional
floppy drive cable.
Docking Connector
HINT: Docking devices may not be available in some
countries.
Connects the optional docking device. A docking device allows you to easily
use external devices with your computer, such as an external keyboard,
mouse, and monitor.
See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional
information.
PS/2 Connector
HINT: You can use the integrated keyboard and an external keyboard at the same time. When you
attach a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 numeric keypad, the integrated keypad is disabled.
Connects PS/2-compatible devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or external
numeric keypad.
Shut down the computer before attaching or removing a PS/2-compatible
device. If the device does not work, install the device drivers from the floppy
disk or CD that came with the device, and restart the computer.
USB Connector
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
Video Connector
Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using the Display"
in the Tell Me How help file (see "Accessing Help").
AC Adapter Connector — Attach the 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.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable connector,
not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
Bottom View
Fan — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer
from overheating.
Device Latch Releases — Press a latch release to remove a device in the module or battery bay.
Memory Module Cover — Protects the memory module(s), the optional Mini PCI card, and the optional
modem (see "
Memory Modules, Mini PCI Card, and Modem").
Docking Device Latch — Latches onto the docking device.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150
Back to Contents Page
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
Back to Contents Page
Solving Problems
Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150
Accessing Help
Power Problems
Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
Modem and Internet Connection
Problems
Scanner Problems
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
PC Card Problems
Network Problems
General Program Problems
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Accessing Help
To access the Tell Me How help file —
1. Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.
2. Click User and system guides and then click User's guides.
3. Click Tell Me How.
To access help in Microsoft® Windows® XP —
1. Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.
2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click the arrow icon.
3. Click the topic that describes your problem.
4. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
Power Problems
HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on power management modes (see
"
Accessing Help").
Check the power light — When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has
power. If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button
to exit a standby mode. If the light is off, the computer is either in a power management
mode or off—press the power button to exit a power management mode or to turn on the
computer.
Charge the battery — The battery charge may be depleted.
1. Reinstall the battery.
2. Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3. Turn on the computer.
Check the battery status light — If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady
orange, the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to charge. Shut
down the computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then let the
battery and computer cool to room temperature.
If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be defective. Contact
Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact information.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with
another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has
a light, ensure that the light is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power protection
devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen
lamps, or other appliances.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
Adjust the power properties — Your computer may be in standby or hibernate mode.
For information on power management modes, see the Tell Me How help file, or search for
the keyword standby or hibernate in the Windows XP Help and Support Center (see
"
Accessing Help").
Reseat the memory modules — If the computer power light turns on but the display
remains blank,
reseat the memory modules.
Error Messages
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was
running at the time the message appeared.
The file being copied is too large for the destination drive — The file that you are
trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a
different disk or use a larger capacity disk.
A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | — Do
not use these characters in filenames.
Insert bootable media — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy
disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
Non-system disk or disk error — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy
disk and restart the computer.
Not enough memory or resources. Exit some programs and try again — You have
too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use.
Operating system not found — Contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact
information.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to open is
missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program.
1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Add or Remove Programs.
3. Select the program you want to remove.
4. Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen.
5. See the program documentation for installation instructions.
x:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — Insert a disk into the drive and try
again.
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
HINT: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer
supports, Dell recommends that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
Check the light — When the light is blinking, the computer has power.
● If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power
button to exit standby mode.
● If the light is off, press the power button.
● If the light is on, your power management settings may have caused the
display to turn off. Try pressing the power button.
Check the battery — If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery
charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC
adapter, and turn on the computer.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with
another device, such as a lamp.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has
a light, ensure that it is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power protection
devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
Adjust the Power Properties — Your computer may be in standby or hibernate mode.
For information on power management modes, see the Tell Me How help file, or search for
the keyword standby or hibernate in the Windows XP Help and Support Center (see
"
Accessing Help").
Switch the video image — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press
to switch the video image to the display.
If the display is difficult to read
Adjust the brightness — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on adjusting the
brightness (see "
Accessing Help").
Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor — If your external speaker
system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from
the computer or external monitor.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen
lamps, or other appliances.
Rotate the computer to face a different direction — Eliminate sunlight glare, which
can cause poor picture quality.
Adjust the Windows display settings —
1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.
4. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
See "Error Messages" — If an error message appears, see "Error Messages."
If only part of the display is readable
Connect an external monitor —
1. Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and
contrast controls.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective.
Contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact information.
Sound and Speaker Problems
If you have a problem with integrated speakers
Adjust the Windows® volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-
right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not
muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Adjust the volume using keyboard shortcuts — Press to disable (mute)
or reenable the integrated speakers.
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."
If you have a problem with external speakers
HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you
have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not turn the player volume down or
off.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
Check the speaker cable connections — See the setup diagram supplied with the
speakers.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with
another device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the speakers are turned on — See the setup diagram supplied with the
speakers.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right
corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not
muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Test the speakers — Plug the speaker audio cable into the line-out connector on the
computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.
Run the speaker self-test — Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the
subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test instructions.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen
lamps to check for interference.
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."
Printer Problems
Check the printer cable connections — Ensure that the printer cable is properly
connected to the computer.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with
another device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the printer is turned on — See the documentation supplied with the
printer.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150
Verify that Windows® recognizes the printer —
1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Printers and Other Hardware.
3. Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer model is listed, rightclick the printer icon.
4. Click Properties, and then click the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the
following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).
Reinstall the printer driver — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."
Modem and Internet Connection Problems
NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting the modem to
a digital telephone network damages the modem.
NOTICE: Modem and network connectors look similar. Do not plug a telephone line into the
network connector.
HINT: If you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), your modem is functioning
properly. If you are sure that your modem is working properly and you still experience
problems, contact your ISP.
Check the telephone wall jack — Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and
connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that you have touch tone
telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a different telephone wall jack.
Slow connection speeds can be caused by telephone noise as well as by telephone line or
network conditions. Contact your telephone company or network administrator for more
information.
Connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack — If you have other
telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge
protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone line to connect the
modem directly to the telephone wall jack.
Check the connection — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the modem.
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