Dell 535, F970N, 537, 546, 545 User Manual
...
INSPIRON
SETUP GUIDE
™
Models DCME and DCMF
™
INSPIRON
SETUP GUIDE
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your
computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells
you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems
are not applicable.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Dell
, the
DELL
Trademarks used in this text:
Intel, Pentium
Dell Inc.;
other countries; AMD, AMD Sempron, AMD Athlon, and AMD Phenom are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc;
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista,
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries;
Association;
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.
, and
Celeron
Bluetooth
is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.
logo, YOURS IS HERE, Inspiron, Dell On Call, and
are registered trademarks and
and the
Windows Vista
Core
is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and
start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks
Blu-ray Disc
February 2009 P/N F970N Rev. A00
DellConnect
is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc
are trademarks of
Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop . . . . . . .5
Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5
Connect the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse. . . . . . . . . 8
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . .8
Connect the Power Cables to Your
Display and Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
®
Windows Vista
Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . 11
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Using Your Inspiron™ Desktop . . . . . . . . . .14
Front View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Back View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 25
Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Hardware Troubleshooter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
System Recovery Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . .38
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Technical Support and Customer
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
DellConnect
™
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3
Contents
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Automated Order-Status Service. . . . . . . . . 43
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Finding More Information and
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
4
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
INSPIRON
This section provides information about setting
up your Inspiron 535/537/545/546 desktop and
connecting peripherals.
WARNING: Before you begin any of the
procedures in this section, read the
safety information that shipped with
your computer. For additional safety best
practice information, see the Regulatory
Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Before Setting Up Your Computer
When positioning your computer, ensure that
you allow easy access to a power source,
adequate ventilation, and a level surface to
place your computer.
Restricting airflow around your computer may
cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating
ensure that you leave at least 10.2 cm (4 inches)
at the back of the computer and a minimum of
5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other sides. You should
never place your computer in an enclosed
space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is
powered on.
5
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Connect the Display
Your computer has an integrated VGA video
connector. You can use this connector to
connect to the display.
NOTE: A DVI or HDMI connector may
be available on your computer if you
purchased an optional discrete graphics
card.
Refer to the following table when identifying
the connectors on your display and computer to
select the connection type you will use.
VGA
HDMI
DVI
Connect the display using either the VGA
connector, the HDMI connector, or the DVI
connector.
6
The VGA connector carries only video •
signals for displays such as monitors and
projectors.
The • HDMI connector is a high-performance
digital connector that carries both video and
audio signals for displays such as TVs and
monitors with integrated speakers.
Connect Using the VGA Connector
Connect the display using a VGA cable (with
blue connectors at both ends).
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Connect Using the HDMI Connector
If your display has a DVI connector, use a DVI
cable (with white connectors at both ends) with
an HDMI-to-DVI adapter.
NOTE: You can purchase an HDMI-to-DVI
adapter from the Dell website at
www.dell.com.
Connect Using the DVI Connector
If your display has a VGA connector, use the
VGA cable (with blue connectors at both ends)
with a DVI-to-VGA adapter.
NOTE: You can purchase a DVI-to-VGA
adapter from the Dell website at
www.dell.com.
7
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse
NOTE: The exact location of connectors
may be different than what is shown.
Use the USB connectors on the back panel of
the computer to connect a USB keyboard and
mouse.
8
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
NOTE: The exact location of connectors
may be different than what is shown.
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
A network connection is not required to
complete your computer setup, but if you have
an existing network or Internet connection
that uses a cable connection (such as a
home cable modem or Ethernet jack), you can
connect it now. Use only an Ethernet cable
(RJ45 connector). Do not plug a telephone cable
(RJ11 connector) into the network connector.
To attach your computer to a network or
broadband device, connect one end of the
network cable to either a network port or a
broadband device. Connect the other end of the
network cable to the network adapter connector
on the back panel of your computer. A click
indicates that the network cable has been
securely attached.
Connect the Power Cables to Your Display and Computer
9
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Press the Power Button on Your
Computer and Display
10
Windows Vista® Setup
To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow
the instructions on the screen. These steps are
mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to
complete. The screens will take you through
several procedures including accepting license
agreements, setting preferences, and setting up
an Internet connection.
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating
system’s setup process. Doing so may
render your computer unusable.
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Connect to the Internet (Optional)
NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by
country.
To connect to the Internet, you need an external
modem or network connection and an Internet
service provider (ISP). Your ISP will offer one
or more of the following Internet connection
options:
DSL connections that provide high-speed •
Internet access through your existing
telephone line or cellular telephone service.
With a DSL connection, you can access the
Internet and use your telephone on the same
line simultaneously.
Cable modem connections that provide •
high-speed Internet access through your
local cable TV line.
Satellite modem connections that provide •
high-speed Internet access through a
satellite television system.
Dial-• up connections that provide Internet
access through a telephone line. Dial-up
connections are considerably slower
than DSL and cable (or satellite) modem
connections. Your computer does not have
an integrated modem. An optional USB
modem must be used for dial-up service with
this computer.
Wireless LAN (WLAN) connections that •
provide Internet access using WiFi 802.11
technology. Wireless LAN support requires
optional internal components that may or
may not be installed in your computer based
on decisions made at the time of purchase.
NOTE: If an external USB modem or
WLAN adapter is not part of your original
order, you can purchase one from the Dell
website at www.dell.com.
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect
the telephone line to the external USB modem
(optional) and to the telephone wall jack before
you set up your Internet connection. If you
are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem
connection, contact your ISP or cellular
telephone service for setup instructions.
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
Before you can use your wireless Internet
connection, you need to connect to your
wireless router. To set up your connection to a
wireless router:
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Click 2. Start
→ Connect To.
Follow the instructions on the screen to 3.
complete the setup.
12
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an Internet connection with a provided
ISP desktop shortcut:
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft2.
Windows
®
desktop.
®
Follow the instructions on the screen to 3.
complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop
or if you want to set up an Internet connection
with a different ISP, perform the steps in the
following section.
NOTE: 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 Your Inspiron™ Desktop
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready.
If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to
the Internet wizard can help you get one.
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Click 2. Start
→ Control Panel.
Under 3. Network and Internet, click Connect
to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
Click either 4. Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up,
depending on how you want to connect:
Choose – Broadband if you will use a
DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem,
or Bluetooth
®
wireless technology
connection.
Chose – Dial-up if you will use an optional
USB dial-up modem or ISDN.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of
connection to select, click Help me choose
or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and 5.
use the setup information provided by your
ISP to complete the setup.
13
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Using Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Your computer has indicators and buttons
INSPIRON
that provide information and enable you to
perform common tasks. The connectors on
your computer provide the option of attaching
additional devices.
14
Front View Features
Using Your Inspiron™ Desktop
1 Optical drive panel eject button (2) —
Press to open or close the optical drive.
2
USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connects
to USB devices such as memory keys,
digital cameras, and MP3 players.
3
Headphone connector — Connects
to headphones.
NOTE: To connect to a powered
speaker or sound system, use the
audio out connector on the back of
your computer.
4
Power button — Press to turn
computer on or off. The light in the center
of this button indicates the power state:
Solid white — the computer is in •
power-on state.
Blinking amber — there may be a •
problem with the system board.
Solid amber — the computer is in •
sleep state.
Power light is off — the computer is •
either turned off or is not receiving
power.
5
Hard drive activity light — The
hard drive activity light is on when the
computer reads data from or writes data
to the hard drive.
6
FlexBay panel — Open the FlexBay panel
to access the FlexBay drive.
7
Microphone connector — Connects
to a microphone for voice or to an audio
cable for audio input.
8
FlexBay — Supports a Media Card
Reader, or an additional hard drive.
9
Optical drive panel (2) — This panel
covers the optical drive. Use the optical
drive to play a CD/DVD/Blu-ray Disc™.
15
Using Your Inspiron™ Desktop
1
2
4
5
3
Back View Features
16
Power connector — For power cable
1
connection. Appearance may vary.
2
Voltage selector switch — For selecting
the voltage rating.
3 Power supply diagnostic light —
Indicates power availability for power
supply.
Green light — Power is available for •
the power supply.
No light — Power is not available or •
the power supply is not working.
NOTE: The power supply diagnostic
light may not be available on some
models.
4
Back panel connectors — Plug USB,
audio, and other devices into the
appropriate connector.
5
Expansion card slots — Access
connectors for any installed PCI and
PCI express cards.
Using Your Inspiron™ Desktop
Back Panel Connectors
NOTE: Some back panel connectors may
not be available on your computer. For
details, see “Specifications” on page 50.
VGA video connector —
Connects to the display.
On computers with a video card,
use the connector on the card.
HDMI video connector —
Connects to the display.
On computers with a video card,
use the connector on the card.
USB 2.0 connectors (4) —
Connects to USB devices, such
as a mouse, keyboard, printer,
external drive, or MP3 player.
Network connector and light —
Connects your computer to a
network or broadband device.
The network activity light
flashes when the computer is
transmitting or receiving data.
A high volume of network traffic
may make this light appear to be
in a steady “on” state.
Side L/R surround connector
(silver) — Connects to surround
sound speakers.
Rear L/R surround connector
(black) — Connects to
multichannel-capable sound
speakers.
Center/subwoofer connector
(orange) — Connects to a
subwoofer.
17
Using Your Inspiron™ Desktop
7
1
5
6
7
1
5
6
18
Microphone connector (pink) —
Connects to a microphone for
voice or audio input into a sound
or telephony program.
Line-out connector (green) —
Connects to headphones and
speakers with integrated
amplifiers.
Line-in connector (blue) —
Connects to devices like cassette
or CD players.
Software Features
NOTE: For more information about the
features described in this section, see the
Dell Technology Guide available on your
hard drive or on the Dell Support website
at support.dell.com.
Productivity and Communication
You can use your computer to create
presentations, brochures, greeting cards, fliers,
and spreadsheets. You can also edit and view
digital photographs and images. Check your
purchase order for software installed on your
computer.
After connecting to the Internet, you can access
websites, setup an e-mail account, upload and
download files, and so on.
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