Dell 5160 User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 5160

Owner’s Manual

Model PP08L

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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 the

Dell Inspiron Help

file. To access the help file, see

page 10.

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, AccessDirect, Dell Precision, Dell TravelLite, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude,

TrueMobile, DellNet, PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, and Axim are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, MS-DOS, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. under license.

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

Model PP08L

January 2005 P/N G7482 Rev. A02

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

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2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

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

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

Connecting a USB Printer

Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors Line Conditioners

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

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

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3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Checking the Battery Charge

Microsoft Windows Power Meter Low-Battery Warning

Charging the Battery

Removing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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Contents 3

Installing a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Storing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4 Using CDs, DVDs, and other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

S-Video Connection Composite Video Connection Enabling the Display Settings for a TV

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

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5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Button Functions Reprogramming the Buttons

Numeric Keypad

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6 Using PC Cards

4 Contents

Key Combinations

System Functions Display Functions Power Management Speaker Functions Microsoft

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

PC Card Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

PC Card Blanks

Extended PC Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Removing a PC Card or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Installing a PC Card

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

7 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Network Setup Wizard

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network

Determining Your Network Type Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft Windows XP Configuring Security Settings (Optional)

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

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8 Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics

Drive Problems

Optical drive problems

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

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

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound Hard drive problems

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

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E-mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

External Keyboard Problems Unexpected Characters

Lockups and Software Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly

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

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Contents 5

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system . . . . . 64

A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Memory Problems

Network Problems

PC Card Problems

Power Problems

Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakers No sound from headphones

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank If the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable

Drivers

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

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

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9 Adding and Replacing Parts

6 Contents

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

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Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Memory

Modem

Mini PCI Card

Optical Drive

Keyboard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

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10 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Using the System Setup Program

Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens Commonly Used Options

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Contacting Dell

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

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Macrovision Product Notice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to set up a printer

• Additional information about setting up my computer

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• How to remove and install parts

• Technical specifications

• How to contact Dell

• Warranty information

• Terms and conditions

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End-user license agreement

Inspiron Owner’s Manual

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Dell™ Product Information Guide

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Finding Information 9

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to set up my computer

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Setup Diagram

• Tips on using Microsoft® Windows

• How to play CDs and DVDs

• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode

• How to change my display resolution

• How to clean my computer

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

The Dell Inspiron Help File

Click the

Click

Start

button and click

User and system guides Dell Inspiron Help

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

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

support.dell.com

use or contact technical support.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.

10 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

• Documentation for my computer

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

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

• 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, order status, warranty, and repair information

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and white papers

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Finding Information 11

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

12 Finding Information

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

display latch

Dell™ AccessDirect™ button

power button

touch pad

touch pad buttons

speaker

display

keyboard status lights

keyboard

speaker

device status lights

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.

ISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help

file. To access the help file, see page 10.

A Tour of Your Computer 13

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

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The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when Caps Lock is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

EYBOARD —

The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key. For

information on supported key combinations, see page 38.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, use the key combinations (see volume control.

14 A Tour of Your Computer

page 38)

for

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

Turns on when you turn on the computer. Blinks or turns off in 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.

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.

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 BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See page 40 for more information.

OUCH PAD — The touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See page 40

for more information.

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

management mode. For more information, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 10.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown rather than by

pressing the power button (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 79).

A Tour of Your Computer 15

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

ELL™ ACCESSDIRECT™ BUTTON — Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as

support and educational tools. You can reprogram the button to launch a program of your choice. For more information, see page 37.

Left Side View

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PC CARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. For more information, see "Using PC Cards" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 10.

UDIO CONNECTORS

PC Card slot

audio connectors (2) optical drive

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

OPTICAL DRIVE — Accommodates a DVD drive, a DVD/RW+R drive, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive.

16 A Tour of Your Computer

Right Side View

security cable slot

battery/battery bay

BATTERY/BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 27.

IR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the

computer from overheating.

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.

NOTE: The fan runs constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and

does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

air vents

A Tour of Your Computer 17

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

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

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Back View

NOTE: The connector for your AC adapter on your computer may look different than the connector in the

following graphic.

AC adapter connector

air vents

IR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the

computer from overheating.

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.

18 A Tour of Your Computer

S-video TV-out connector

modem connector

video connector

USB connectors (2)

network connector

IEEE 1394 connector

NOTE: The fan runs constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and

does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

AC A

DAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach an AC adapter to the computer.

NOTE: The AC adapter in the following graphic may not look exactly like the AC adapter that shipped

with your computer.

AC adapter connector

AC adapter

NOTICE: Use only the AC adapter that came with your 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.

CAUTION: 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.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the

cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.

S-V

IDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see page 33.

A Tour of Your Computer 19

USB CONNECTORS

VIDEO CONNECTOR

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IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR — Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.

ODEM CONNECTOR

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

Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 10.

Connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

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

NETWORK CONNECTOR

NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the

computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.

20 A Tour of Your Computer

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.

Bottom View

modem/Mini PCI card cover battery/battery bay

hard drive air vent

memory module cover battery latch release

MODEM/MINI PCI CARD COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the modem and Mini PCI card. See page 87.

ATTERY/BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting

the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 27.

IR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the

computer from overheating.

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.

NOTE: The fan runs constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and

does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

ATTERY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See page 27 for instructions.

EMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s) and the

optical drive release lever. See page 83 and page 89.

ARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

A Tour of Your Computer 21

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

22 A Tour of 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), such as AOL or MSN. 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 AOL or MSN connection:

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

Double-click the

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an Internet connection with a different ISP:

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

Click the

The

Start

New Connection Wizard

MSN Explorer

button and click

appears.

AOL

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

AOL

icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an

Internet Explorer

Click

Connect to the Internet

Setting Up Your Computer 23

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

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

service providers (ISPs)

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the

Choose from a list of Internet

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

Click the appropriate option under click

Use 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 59. 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.

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.

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with a USB cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then

Connecting a USB Printer

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

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

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

24 Setting Up Your Computer

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

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 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. 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.

NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions

caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.

Setting Up Your Computer 25

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

NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from

the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

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NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.

NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other

devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.

A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

26 Setting Up Your Computer

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

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

located in the Product Information Guide.

NOTE: Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial 1-year period of the limited

warranty for your computer. For more information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the

Product Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.

For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. Use a battery to run the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions.

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold anty documerating tiy

Using a Battery 27

CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a

charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,

incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Checking the Battery Charge

The Microsoft® Windows® power meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.

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Microsoft Windows Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information about the "Power Management" in the

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning.

Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For more information about low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the To access the help file, see page 10.

Power Meter

Dell Inspiron Help file. To access help, see page 10.

Dell Inspiron Help

tab, see

file.

Charging the Battery

NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 3 hours with the

computer turned off. Charge time is significantly longer if the computer is on and running at high processor speeds and system activity levels. Running the computer at high system activity levels for extended periods of time may prevent the battery from charging.

When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.

If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

28 Using a Battery

The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.

For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on page 67.

Removing a Battery

CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.

Ensure that the computer is turned off or connected to an electrical outlet.

Slide and hold the battery latch.

battery

Remove the battery.

Installing a Battery

Slide the battery into the bay until the latch clicks.

battery latch

Storing a Battery

Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it.

Using a Battery 29

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30 Using a Battery

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