Dell™ Inspiron™ 7500 System
REFERENCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
BE DIRECT
www.dell.com
™
™
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic type.
These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are used as follows:
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer system.
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 potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1999 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, and MegaBay are trademarks and DellWare is a service mark of Dell
Computer Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel is
a registered trademark of Intel 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.
September 1999 P/N 6945T Rev. A00
Safety Instructions
As you use your computer, observe the following safety guidelines:
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself. Always follow installation
instructions closely.
• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal
objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting
excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in
damage from burns.
• 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.
• 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.
• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bathtub,
sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement.
• 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.
• Use only the AC adapter and batteries that are approved for use with this
computer as indicated in this document. Use of another type of battery pack or
AC adapter may risk fire or explosion.
• Before you connect the computer to a power source, ensure that the voltage
rating of the AC adapter matches that of the available power source:
— 115 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some
Far Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan
— 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan
— 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and peripheral power cables
into properly grounded power sources. These cables are equipped with 3-prong
plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire
cable with properly grounded plugs.
v
• If you use an extension cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere
rating of the products plugged in to the extension cable does not exceed the
ampere rating of the extension cable.
• To remove power from the computer, turn it off, remove the battery pack, and
disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect
the modem cable during an electrical storm 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.
• PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when
removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.
• Do not dispose of battery packs in a fire. They may explode. Check with local
authorities for disposal instructions.
• 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-disk drive removed from the computer, wrap the
drive in a nonconducting material, such as 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-disk 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-disk 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.
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• 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.
• When removing a memory module from the system board or disconnecting a
peripheral device from the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the
computer before removing the memory module or disconnecting the device
to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
• Before you clean your computer, turn it off, unplug it from its power source, and
remove the battery pack(s).
• Clean your computer and display with a soft cloth dampened with water rather
than with liquid or aerosol cleaners.
• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in
Chapter 3, “Basic Troubleshooting.” If, after following these procedures, you
confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell Computer
Corporation. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for the appropriate telephone
number.)
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.
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computer positioned
directly in front
of user
For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting
up and using your computer:
wrists relaxed
and flat
arms at desk level
• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
• 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, trackball, touch pad, or external mouse.
• Always use the palmrest with the keyboard, touch pad, or trackball. 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.
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When Removing or Installing Memory
Modules
Before removing or installing memory modules, 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.
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 the 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 MegaBay and, if necessary, the second
battery from the media 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.
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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 at the front of this guide.
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Preface
About This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell portable computer. It can be used
by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the
features of the computer. This guide also provides basic troubleshooting procedures
and instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics to test your computer and its
components.
Summaries of the chapters and appendixes of this guide follow:
• Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides an overview of the computer features and a
list of available upgrades.
• Chapter 2, “Options and Upgrades,” describes the installation procedures for the
options and upgrades available from Dell for your computer.
• Read Chapter 3, “Basic Troubleshooting,” for some initial checks and procedures
that you can use to solve basic computer problems and for some general
guidelines on analyzing software problems.
• Chapter 4, “Installing System Software,” provides detailed instructions for
reinstalling system drivers and software.
• Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” describes the help tools Dell provides to assist you if
you have a problem with the computer. It also explains how and when to call Dell
for technical assistance.
• Appendix A, “Technical Specifications,” is intended primarily as reference
material if you are interested in learning more about the details of your computer.
• Read Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program,” to learn how to access the Setup
program, which allows you to change system settings, such as your computer’s
power conservation features.
• Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes,” defines system messages
and beep codes.
• Appendix D, “Regulatory Notices,” is for users who are interested in which
regulatory agencies have tested and approved your computer.
• Appendix E, “Warranty, Return Policy, and Year 2000 Statement of Compliance,”
describes the warranty for your Dell computer, the “Total Satisfaction” Return
Policy, and the year 2000 compliance of Dell-branded hardware products.
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Warranty and Return Policy Information
Dell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its hardware products from parts
and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industrystandard practices.
For information about the Dell warranty and return policy, see Appendix E, “Warranty,
Return Policy, and Year 2000 Statement of Compliance.”
Other Documents You May Need
In addition to this Reference and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is
included with your computer:
• The Setup Guide provides instructions for setting up a Dell Inspiron computer and
for using your computer’s hardware.
• The system Help contains essential information you need to use your computer.
To open the Help, click the Start button, point to Programs—> Dell Documents,
and click Dell Inspiron 7500 System Help.
You may also have one or more of the following documents:
• Information updates describing changes to your computer or software.
NOTE: Always read any included update before consulting any other
documentation because the updates contain the latest information.
xii
• Operating system documentation is included if Dell installed the operating
system on your hard-disk drive. This documentation describes how to configure
and use your operating system software.
Notational Conventions
The following subsections list notational conventions used in this document.
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in
bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are
used as follows:
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer system.
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 potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
Typographical Conventions
The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical
conventions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout this
document:
• Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names
and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor screen or display.
They are presented in bold.
Example: Click OK.
• Keycaps, the labeling that appears on the keys on a keyboard, are enclosed in
angle brackets.
Example: <Enter>
• Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless
otherwise indicated) to perform a single function.
Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>
• Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are
not intended to be typed at that particular point in the discussion.
Example: “Use the setup command to . . . .”
In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are intended to be
typed as part of an instruction.
Example: “Type
format to format the diskette in drive A.”
• Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.
Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows
• Syntax lines consist of a command and all its possible parameters. Com-
mands are displayed in lowercase bold; variable parameters (those for which
you
substitute a value) are displayed in lowercase italics; constant parameters are
displayed in lowercase bold. The brackets indicate items that are optional.
Example: del [drive:] [[path]filename] [/p]
• Command lines consist of a command and may include one or more of the
command’s possible parameters. Command lines are presented in the Courier
New font.
Example:
del c:\myfile.doc
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• Screen text is text that appears on the screen of your display or external monitor.
It can be a system message, for example, or it can be text that you are instructed
to type as part of a command (referred to as a command line). Screen text is
presented in the Courier New font.
Example: The following message appears on your screen:
No boot device available
• Variables are symbols for which you substitute a value. They are presented in
italics.
Example: module n (where n represents the memory module number.
xiv
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Front View of the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Back View of the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Available Options and Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Chapter 2 Options and Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Using the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Using the Media Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Using the MegaBay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Installing a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Attaching the Composite TV-Out Adapter Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Installing an Internal Hard-Disk Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Returning a Hard-Disk Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Installing Memory Modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Port Replicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Connecting Other External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Chapter 3 Basic Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Checking the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Checking Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Environmental Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Cleaning Diskette Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
xv
Look and Listen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Finding Software Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Installing and Configuring Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Start-Up Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Using Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Input Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Memory-Resident Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Program Conflicts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Troubleshooting Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Troubleshooting a Wet Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Troubleshooting a Power Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Total Power Failure When Using a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
No Power to a Part of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Troubleshooting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Troubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Troubleshooting an External Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Troubleshooting Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Troubleshooting the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Troubleshooting an External Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Troubleshooting the Serial and Parallel Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Troubleshooting the Infrared Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Troubleshooting the Touch Pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Troubleshooting Audio Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Starting the Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Dell Diagnostics Main Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Using the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Device Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Versions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
xvi
Chapter 4 Installing System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Installing the Windows 98 Operating System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Installing Drivers and Utilities for
Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Installing the Audio Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Installing the Video Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Installing the Touch Pad Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Installing the Internal Modem Driver (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Installing the Software DVD Decoder (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Installing the System Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Installing Help From the CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Downloading Help From the Support Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Installing Drivers and Utilities for
Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Installing the Video Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Changing Video Resolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Installing the Audio Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Installing the Touch Pad Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Installing the Power Management Configuration Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Installing the PC Card Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Installing the Internal Modem Driver (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Installing the System Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Installing Help From the CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Downloading Help From the Support Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Chapter 5 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Technical Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Help Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
AutoTech Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
TechFax Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
TechConnect BBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Automated Order-Status System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Technical Support Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Dell Contact Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
xvii
Appendix A Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Appendix B Using the Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Accessing the Setup Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Main Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
System Devices Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Security Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Power Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Boot Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Exit Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12
Appendix C System Messages and Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
System Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Appendix D Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2
Class A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Class B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Modem Regulatory Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Fax Branding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4
IC Notice (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4
Modem Regulatory Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
CE Notice (European Union) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6
EN 55022 Compliance (Czech Republic Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7
VCCI Notice (Japan Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7
Class A ITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7
Class B ITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
MOC Notice (South Korea Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Class A Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-9
Class B Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-9
Polish Center for Testing and Certification Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-10
Wymagania Polskiego Centrum Badañ i Certyfikacji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-10
Pozosta³e instrukcje bezpieczeñstwa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-10
NOM Information (Mexico Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-11
Información para NOM (únicamente para México). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-12
BSMI Notice (Taiwan Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-12
xviii
Appendix E Warranty, Return Policy, and Year 2000
Statement of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-1
Limited Three-Year Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Coverage During Year One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Coverage During Years Two and Three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Limited Three-Year Warranty
(Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3
Coverage During Year One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4
Coverage During Years Two and Three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4
General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5
“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy
(U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-5
Year 2000 Statement of Compliance for Dell-Branded Hardware Products . . . . . . E-6
Previous Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
Macrovision Product Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-7
Index
Figures Figure 1-1. Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Figure 1-2. Back View of the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Figure 2-1. Using the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Figure 2-2. Removing a Device From the Media Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Figure 2-3. Removing a Device From the MegaBay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Figure 2-4. Adjusting the Battery Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-5. Using the Composite TV-Out Adapter Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Figure 2-6. Removing the Internal Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Figure 2-7. Repackaging the Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Figure 2-8. Removing the Memory Module Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Figure 2-9. Removing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Figure 2-10. Installing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Figure 3-1. Diagnostics Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Figure 3-2. Dell Diagnostics Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Figure 5-1. Diagnostics Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Figure B-1. Main Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Figure B-2. System Devices Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Figure B-3. Security Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Figure B-4. Power Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Figure B-5. Boot Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Figure B-6. Exit Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12
xix
Figure D-1. VCCI Class A ITE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Figure D-2. VCCI Class B ITE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Figure D-3. MOC Class A Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-9
Figure D-4. MOC Class B Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-9
Tables Table 3-1. Boot Routine Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Table 3-2. Default IRQ Line Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Table 5-1. International Dialing Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Table 5-2. Dell Contact Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Table A-1. Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Table B-1. Main Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Table B-2. System Devices Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Table B-3. Security Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Table B-4. Power Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Table B-5. Boot Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Table B-6. Exit Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Table C-1. System Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Table C-2. Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
xx
Figure 1-1. Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Figure 1-2. Back View of the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Figure 2-1. Using the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Figure 2-2. Removing a Device From the Media Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Figure 2-3. Removing a Device From the MegaBay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Figure 2-4. Adjusting the Battery Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-5. Using the Composite TV-Out Adapter Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Figure 2-6. Removing the Internal Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Figure 2-7. Repackaging the Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Figure 2-8. Removing the Memory Module Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Figure 2-9. Removing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Figure 2-10. Installing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Figure 3-1. Diagnostics Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Figure 3-2. Dell Diagnostics Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Figure 5-1. Diagnostics Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Figure B-1. Main Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Figure B-2. System Devices Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Figure B-3. Security Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Figure B-4. Power Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Figure B-5. Boot Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Figure B-6. Exit Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12
Figure D-1. VCCI Class A ITE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Figure D-2. VCCI Class B ITE Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Figure D-3. MOC Class A Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-9
Figure D-4. MOC Class B Regulatory Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-9
xxi
xxii
Table 3-1. Boot Routine Indications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Table 3-2. Default IRQ Line Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Table 5-1. International Dialing Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Table 5-2. Dell Contact Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Table A-1. Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Table B-1. Main Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Table B-2. System Devices Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Table B-3. Security Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Table B-4. Power Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Table B-5. Boot Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Table B-6. Exit Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Table C-1. System Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Table C-2. Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
xxiii
xxiv
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
This chapter provides information about the major hardware and software features of
your computer, as well as available upgrades.
Hardware Features
Your Dell™ Inspiron™ computer has the following hardware features:
• An Intel
• An ATI video controller with an accelerated graphics port (AGP 2X), 4 or
8megabytes (MB) of video memory, 3D assist, Motion Pictures Experts Group
(MPEG)-2 assist, and a flicker-free TV-out S-video connector.
• An active-matrix extended graphics array (XGA) or super extended graphics array
(SXGA) color display.
• Extended battery power with a lithium-ion main battery in the MegaBay™ and an
optional second battery that you can use in the media bay to double battery life.
You can expect 2.0 to 3.5 hours of battery life with a single battery, or 4 to 7 hours
of battery life with two batteries.
®
microprocessor incorporating the latest processor technology.
NOTES: Battery performance features such as charge time, operating time, and
life span can vary according to the conditions under which the computer and
battery are used.
The battery is designed to work only with Dell Inspiron 7500 computers. Do not
attempt to use the battery with other computers.
CAUTION: Do not puncture or incinerate the battery. When your battery
no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal agency or
environmental agency for advice on disposing of the computer’s
lithium-ion battery. The lithium-ion technology used in the battery is
significantly less hazardous to the environment than the lithium-metal
technology used in some other batteries (such as watch batteries).
• Cache memory that enhances the speed of many microprocessor operations by
storing the most recently accessed contents of system memory. Your computer
has 32 kilobytes (KB) of internal Level 1 (L1) cache on the microprocessor, and
support.dell.com Introduction 1-1
128 or 256 KB of external static random-access memory (SRAM) level 2 (L2)
cache, depending on your microprocessor.
• A minimum of 32 MB of memory, which you can increase up to 512 MB by
installing a combination of 32-, 64-, 128-, 192-, or 256-MB 3.3-volt (V) small-
outline, dual in-line memory modules (SODIMMs) in the two memory module
sockets on the system board.
• Power conservation modes, standby (sleep) mode and save-to-disk suspend
(hibernate) mode, which help you conserve battery power. The standby mode
enables you to conserve battery power without shutting down application
programs or files. If the batteries run out of power, save-to-disk suspend mode
prevents data loss by copying all system data to the hard-disk drive and turning
off the computer.
• A special media bay and a variety of combination modules that extend the
functionality of your computer. You can select a CD-ROM drive/diskette drive
module, a DVD-ROM drive/diskette drive module, a DVD-ROM drive/LS-120
drive, an optional second battery, or an optional third hard-disk drive.
NOTE: The optional media bay hard-disk drive is not bootable.
• A MegaBay, in which you can use a battery, a second hard-disk drive, or a Zip
drive.
NOTE: The optional MegaBay hard-disk drive and the Zip drive are not bootable.
• Sixteen-bit stereo audio with Dolby AC3 decode, hardware wavetable, 3D
surround sound, and integrated speakers and microphone. Connectors for
attaching external speakers, headphones, or a microphone to your computer
are also included.
NOTE: The Dolby AC3 decode can only be used with the optional port replicator.
• Support for up to two 3.3-V or 5-V PC Cards. The computer supports up to two
Type I or Type II cards (in any combination) or one Type III card. Dell-installed
device drivers on the hard-disk drive support the operation of many standard
PC Cards.
• A basic input/output system (BIOS) that resides in flash memory and can
be upgraded by diskette. You can obtain a BIOS upgrade, if required, on
diskette from Dell or you can download the upgrade from Dell’s Web site at
http://support.dell.com. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for more information
on Dell’s online services.
• High-performance parallel and serial ports, and a multipurpose Personal System/2
(PS/2) connector for attaching external devices.
• A video connector allows you to attach an external monitor to your computer.
• A PS/2-compatible touch pad that gives your computer full mouse functionality.
• An infrared port for use with compatible external devices. The infrared port
permits file transfers without using cable connections. Fast infrared technology is
also available.
1-2 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) capability, which provides a single connection point
speakers (2)
MegaBay
for multiple USB-compliant devices. You can also connect and disconnect
USB-compliant devices while the system is running.
NOTE: If you attach a USB device that was not included in your original system
configuration, you may need to install a specific driver for that device to obtain its
full functionality. Contact the USB device manufacturer for more information.
• A TV-out S-video connector for connecting any device with an S-video port. A
composite TV-out adapter cable allows you to use a television with the computer.
• A docking connector for attaching the computer to the optional port replicator.
Front View of the Computer
touch pad
touch pad
buttons (2)
media bay
display latch
device access
indicators
keyboard status
indicators
power button
keyboard
display locking tabs (2)
display
display close/
suspend button
microphone
security cable slot
air intake
optional modem connector
Figure 1-1. Front View of the Computer
The following components are visible from the front of the computer, as illustrated in
Figure 1-1:
• Keyboard status indicators — The Num Lock indicator is green when you press
the <Num Lk> key. The Caps Lock indicator is green when you press the <Caps
Lock> key. The Scroll Lock indicator is green when you press the <Fn><Scr Lk>
key combination.
support.dell.com Introduction 1-3
• Display close/suspend button — When you close the display, this button
activates standby mode. Do not press this button with your finger.
• Microphone — Allows you to record from a distance of 1 meter (m) (3.3 ft) in a
normal tone of voice.
• Power button — Under normal circumstances, you should use the power button
only to turn on the computer or to resume operation from save-to-disk suspend
mode. To shut down the computer, click the Start button in the Microsoft
Windows
NOTE: If your operating system is "locked up"—that is, it does not respond to
commands—press and hold down the power button for at least five seconds.
®
operating system, and then click Shut Down.
®
• Keyboard — The keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad and two
special keys that support Windows 98 Second Edition.
• Touch pad and buttons — The PS/2-compatible touch pad gives the computer
full mouse functionality. Use the touch pad buttons in the same way that you
would use mouse buttons.
• Media bay — The standard configuration of your computer includes a CD-ROM
drive/diskette drive combination module. You can also use a DVD-ROM drive/
diskette drive combination module, a DVD-ROM drive/LS-120 drive combination
module, a second battery, or a third hard-disk drive in the media bay. You remove
and install all devices in the same way.
NOTE: Because the Microsoft Windows NT
DVD technology, the DVD-ROM/diskette drive combination module and the
DVD-ROM drive/LS-120 drive combination module are available only on
computers running Windows 98 Second Edition.
®
operating system does not support
• MegaBay — The computer is shipped with a partially charged battery in the
MegaBay.
NOTE: Dell recommends connecting an AC adapter to the computer and fully
charging the battery as soon as possible after unpacking the computer.
You can also use a Zip drive or a second hard-disk drive in the MegaBay.
• Display — The computer has an active-matrix XGA or SXGA color display.
• Speakers — You can enable or disable the integrated stereo speakers or external
speakers by pressing <Fn> <End>. You can increase speaker volume by pressing
<Fn><Page Up> and decrease speaker volume by pressing <Fn><Page Down>.
NOTES: Certain audio utilities installed on your computer also allow you to
control speaker volume.
If no sound comes from the speakers, press <Fn><End> and make sure the
volume control is not set to Mute by clicking the volume icon in the Microsoft
Windows desktop taskbar. Also check the volume control wheel to make sure
it is not turned down.
• Air intake — The air intake works with the fan as part of the computer's
automatic thermal management system. When operating conditions make it
necessary, a small internal fan turns on and helps draw air through the air intake.
1-4 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
PS/2 connector
connector
fan exhaust
parallel port connector
serial port connector
video connector
docking connector
USB connector
NOTICE: Do not push objects into the air intake. Keep the opening free
from dust and other foreign particles. When using the computer, do not
block the air intake.
NOTE: The fan spins at a very high rotational speed and makes a whirring sound.
This phenomenon is normal and does not indicate a problem with the computer.
• Security cable slot — To prevent unauthorized removal of the computer, use a
security cable to attach the computer to an immovable object.
Back View of the Computer
TV-out S-video connector
infrared port
PC Card slot
volume control
audio connectors
AC adapter
Figure 1-2. Back View of the Computer
The following components are visible from the back of the computer, as illustrated in
Figure 1-2:
• Fan exhaust — Works with the air intake as part of the computer's automatic
thermal management system. When operating conditions make it necessary, the
small internal fan turns on and helps draw air through the air intake.
NOTICE: Do not push objects into the fan opening. Doing so can cause
fire or electric shock to the interior components. Keep the opening free
from dust and other foreign particles. When using the computer, do not
block the fan opening.
NOTE: The fan spins at a very high rotational speed and makes a whirring sound.
This phenomenon is normal and does not indicate a problem with the computer.
• Parallel port connector — Use the parallel port connector to attach a parallel
device to the computer. The parallel port connector is used primarily for printers.
support.dell.com Introduction 1-5
• Serial port connector — Use the serial port connector to attach a serial device to
the computer.
• Video connector — Use the video connector to attach an external monitor to the
computer.
• TV-out S-Video connector — This connector allows you to connect your
computer to a television. If your television has an S-video cable, you can plug it
directly into the computer. If your television has a composite cable, use the cable
that came with your computer to convert from S-video to composite video.
NOTE: Refer to the user manual that came with your television for instructions on
connecting a composite cable or an S-video device.
• Docking connector — Use this connector to attach the computer to the optional
port replicator.
• USB connector — Use the USB connector to attach a USB device, such as a
mouse, a digital camera, or speakers to the computer. USB is a peripheral bus
standard that enables automatic detection of USB-compliant peripheral devices.
• PS/2 connector — Use this connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as
a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.
NOTES: If the computer is in standby or save-to-disk suspend mode when you
attach a mouse, you can use the mouse when the computer resumes normal
operation.
While the mouse is attached to the computer, the touch pad is still enabled.
• Infrared port — The infrared port lets you transfer files from the computer to
another infrared device without using cable connections.
• Modem connector (optional) — If you ordered the optional internal modem, use
this connector to plug in the telephone connector. This option may not be avail-
able in all regions.
• PC Card slot — The PC Card slot has two connectors that support Type I, Type II,
and Type III PC Cards.
• Audio connectors — Connect headphones or speakers to the line-out connector
(the connector closest to the volume control wheel). Connect a microphone to
the microphone-in connector in the middle. Connect record/playback devices
such as cassette players and CD players to the line-in connector (the connector
closest to the AC adapter connector).
• AC adapter connector — Use this connector to attach an AC adapter to the
computer.
1-6 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Software Features
In addition to the operating system, the following software is included with your
computer:
• The Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition operating system, or the Microsoft
Windows NT operating system.
• A Setup program that lets you customize the operation of your computer. For
more information, see Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program.”
• Drivers that tell your computer how to communicate with various types of
hardware devices, such as CD-ROM drives or speakers. If you need to reinstall
these drivers, or if you installed your own operating system, use the System
Software CD that accompanied your computer. Instructions for installing the
drivers are provided in Chapter 4, “Installing System Software”.
NOTE: The drivers on the System Software CD are the ones Dell installed on your
hard-disk drive before shipping the computer to you. To download the latest
version of these drivers from the following Dell Web site, http://www.dell.com/
support, click File Library, and then select your computer model.
• Optional software DVD decoder driver on systems that use the Microsoft
Windows 98 Second Edition operating system. (Windows NT does not support
the DVD decoder driver.)
• The Dell Diagnostics for evaluating your computer’s components and devices.
This program is on the Dell Diagnostics Diskette that accompanied your
computer. For information on using this program, see “Running the Dell
Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.
• McAfee VirusScan virus-scanning software with systems that use Windows 98
Second Edition.
Available Options and Upgrades
Dell offers the following upgrade options:
• Internal 56-KB/second digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD) telephony
modem
• DVD-ROM drive and diskette drive combination module
• DVD-ROM drive and LS-120 drive combination module
• Zip drive module for the MegaBay
• External devices, such as pointing devices, printers, external monitors, external
keyboards, and numeric keypads, that connect to ports on the back of the
computer
• AC adapter
• Extra batteries
• Hard-disk drives
support.dell.com Introduction 1-7
• Advanced port replicator with a network interface controller (NIC)
• Memory modules (32-, 64-, 128-, 192-, and 256-MB capacities)
• Leather and nylon carrying cases
• Microphone, external speakers, headphones
• Network PC Cards
To order any of these upgrades, call Dell. For instructions, refer to Chapter 5,
“Getting Help,” or to the “Contacting Dell” section of the system Help.
Instructions for connecting or installing these options are included in Chapter 2,
“Options and Upgrades.”
Getting Help
If at any time you do not understand a procedure described in this guide, or if your
computer does not perform as expected, Dell provides a number of tools to help you.
For more information, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”
1-8 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
CHAPTER 2
cable
Options and Upgrades
This chapter describes the installation procedures for the options and upgrades
available from Dell for your computer.
Using the AC Adapter
Your AC adapter kit contains the AC adapter and an AC power cable (see Figure 2-1).
This section describes how to connect the AC adapter to your computer.
NOTICE: The AC adapter works with AC power sources worldwide. However,
electrical outlets vary between countries. Before using electrical outlets
outside of the U.S., you may need to obtain a power cable designed for use
in that country.
NOTICE: The AC adapter is designed to work only with Dell Inspiron 7500
portable computers. Do not use adapters from other computers, and do not
attempt to use this adapter with other computers.
AC power
cable
AC adapter
AC adapter
connector
Figure 2-1. Using the AC Adapter
support.dell.com Options and Upgrades 2-1
AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter (with your computer turned either on or off), perform the
following steps and refer to Figure 2-1:
1. Connect the AC power cable to the AC adapter.
2. Plug the AC adapter cable into the AC adapter connector on the computer.
3. Plug the AC power cable into an electrical outlet.
If the connection is good, the light-emitting diode (LED) on the AC adapter turns
on and remains green. If the LED does not turn on, check all connections and try
a different outlet. If it still does not turn on, call Dell. (See Chapter 5, “Getting
Help,” for information on obtaining assistance.)
NOTE: If you are running your computer on AC power with a battery installed, the AC
adapter charges the battery (if needed) and then maintains its charge.
Using the Media Bay
The media bay, located on the left side of the front of the computer, supports the
following devices:
• CD-ROM/diskette drive combination module
• DVD-ROM/diskette drive combination module
• DVD-ROM/LS-120 drive combination module
NOTE: Because the Microsoft Windows NT operating system does not support DVD
technology, the DVD-ROM/diskette drive module and the DVD-ROM/LS-120 drive
module are available only on computers that use the Microsoft Windows 98 Second
Edition operating system. If you choose to install Windows NT on a system that
originally came with a DVD-ROM/diskette drive module, the DVD-ROM drive will
function as a CD-ROM drive.
• Second battery
• Third hard-disk drive (when a second hard-disk drive is installed in the MegaBay,
as described in “Using the MegaBay,” found later in this chapter)
When you receive your computer, a CD-ROM/diskette drive combination module is
installed in the media bay.
NOTICE: Do not change devices while the computer is connected to a port
replicator. The docking connector can be irreparably damaged.
To change a device in the media bay, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. Remove the currently installed device:
a. Close the display and turn the computer over so that it is oriented as
illustrated in Figure 2-2.
2-2 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
b. Push the latch lock to the unlocked position, and slide the latch release in the
in media bay
direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2-2. Keep holding the latch release
with one hand while pulling the device out of the media bay with the other.
latch lock
(unlocked position)
bottom of computer
optional device
Figure 2-2. Removing a Device From the Media Bay
3. Install the new device in the media bay.
Insert the device into the media bay and push the latch lock back into the locked
position.
4. Reboot the computer.
Using the MegaBay
latch
release
The MegaBay, located on the right side of the front of the computer, supports the
following devices:
• Main battery
• Zip drive
• Second hard-disk drive
When you receive your computer, the main battery is installed in the MegaBay.
NOTICE: Do not change devices while the computer is connected to a port
replicator. The docking connector can be irreparably damaged.
support.dell.com Options and Upgrades 2-3
To change a device in the MegaBay, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open application programs.
2. Turn off the computer.
3. Remove the currently installed device from the MegaBay:
a. Close the display and turn the computer over so that it is oriented as
illustrated in Figure 2-3.
b. Push the latch lock to the unlocked position, and slide the latch release in the
direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2-3. Keep holding the latch release
with one hand while pulling the device out of the MegaBay with the other.
battery
latch
bottom of computer
latch lock
(unlocked
position)
MegaBay
device
Figure 2-3. Removing a Device From the MegaBay
4. With the latch lock unlocked, slide the new device into the MegaBay until you
hear it click into place.
The label on the device will be facing away from you when you have the
computer turned over as shown in Figure 2-3.
5. Press the latch lock to the locked position to secure the device in the MegaBay.
The new device is available when you turn the system on again.
2-4 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Installing a Battery
This section describes how to install the main and the optional second lithium-ion
batteries that provide power to your computer when AC power is not available.
NOTE: You can install a lithium-ion battery in either the MegaBay or as a second
battery in the media bay by sliding the bezel on the end of the battery to one side
or the other as shown in Figure 2-4.
battery
bezel
Figure 2-4. Adjusting the Battery Bezel
CAUTION: The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with Dell
Inspiron7500 computers only. Do not attempt to use it with other
computers, and do not use a battery from another computer with the Dell
Inspiron 7500. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type
purchased from Dell. Using the wrong battery type may present a risk of
fire or explosion.
CAUTION: The battery may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if
mistreated. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery
to temperatures above 60° Celsius (C) (140° Fahrenheit [F]). Keep the
battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with
extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells
and cause personal injury. Dispose properly of the used battery promptly.
Do not dispose of these batteries along with household waste.
NOTE: When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal
agency or environmental agency for advice on disposing of the computer’s lithium-ion
battery. The lithium-ion technology used in the battery is significantly less hazardous
to the environment than the lithium-metal technology used in some other batteries
(such as watch batteries).
To install a battery in the MegaBay, refer to “Using the MegaBay” found earlier in this
chapter. To install a battery in the media bay, refer to “Using the Media Bay” found
earlier in this chapter.
support.dell.com Options and Upgrades 2-5
Attaching the Composite TV-Out Adapter
Cable
Your computer has a TV-out S-video connector for connecting a television to the
computer. To connect a television, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. If the television has an S-video cable, plug the cable directly into the computer
at the TV-out S-video connector. If the television has only a composite cable
connector, connect the composite TV-out adapter cable that came with your
computer to the TV-out S-video connector on the computer (see Figure 2-5),
and then connect the other end of the adapter cable to the television's
composite cable.
composite TV-out
adapter cable
Figure 2-5. Using the Composite TV-Out Adapter Cable
NOTE: If your television did not come with a composite video cable, you can
purchase one from from a local electronics store.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press <Fn><F7> to toggle between the television and the display. To enable
simultaneous display on the television and the display, refer to “Changing Display
Properties” in the system Help for instructions.
2-6 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
S-video TV-out connector
NOTE: If you are outside the U.S., you may need to change the Television Type
setting in the Setup program. See Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program,” for more
information.
Installing an Internal Hard-Disk Drive
NOTE: If you ordered a second and/or third hard-disk drive from Dell, refer to the
documentation that accompanied the drive(s) for instructions on installing it in the
MegaBay or the media bay.
NOTICE: Hard-disk drives are extremely fragile and must be handled
carefully. Even a slight jar or bump can damage the spinning heads
and plates, thus rendering the drive inoperable.
CAUTION: The hard-disk drive may be hot to the touch. Do not touch the
metal housing of the hard-disk drive if you remove the drive from the
computer when the drive is hot.
NOTES: You will need the Microsoft Windows Installation CD and the System
Software CD to install software on the new hard-disk drive.
The computer’s basic input/output system (BIOS) may not support hard-disk drives
obtained from vendors other than Dell. Dell does not guarantee compatibility or
provide support for hard-disk drives obtained from other sources.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, shut down your computer before removing or
installing your hard-disk drive. Do not remove the hard-disk drive if the
computer is in standby mode or save-to-disk suspend mode, or if the
hard-disk drive access indicator is lit.
To install an internal hard-disk drive, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. Remove any installed batteries from the MegaBay and/or media bay.
For instructions, refer to “Using the Media Bay” and/or “Using the MegaBay”
found earlier in this chapter.
3. Turn the computer over, and loosen the two screws securing the hard-disk drive
cover as shown in Figure 2-6.
The screws are held captive in the lip of the carrier. A spring causes the front
edge of the cover to pop up. If the front edge of the cover does not pop up, pull
on one of the screws to lift the front edge.
NOTICE: When the hard-disk drive is not in the computer, protect the
drive from exposure to static electricity by storing it in protective
packaging.
support.dell.com Options and Upgrades 2-7
C
hard-disk drive
screws (2)
bottom of computer
Figure 2-6. Removing the Internal Hard-Disk Drive
4. Push the hard-disk drive forward until it stops, and then pull it up.
5. Remove the new drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging to use when storing or shipping the hard-disk drive.
C
NOTICE: While sliding the drive in, do not force it into place.
6. Slide the new drive into place.
There may be some resistance as the drive connects to its interface connector at
the back of the hard-disk drive bay.
7. Tighten the screws you loosened in step 3.
8. Test the drive by running the IDE Devices device group in the Dell Diagnostics.
For information on running the diagnostics, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics,”
in Chapter 3.
9. Install the Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows NT operating system and
the computer’s drivers and utilities. See Chapter 4, “Installing System Software,”
for instructions.
2-8 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Returning a Hard-Disk Drive to Dell
If you need to return your hard-disk drive, you must ship it to Dell in its original foam
packaging (see Figure 2-7). Otherwise, the hard-disk drive may be damaged while in
transit.
hard-disk drive
Figure 2-7. Repackaging the Hard-Disk Drive
Installing Memory Modules
Memory modules for your computer are available in 32-, 64-, 128-, 192-, and
256-megabyte (MB) sizes.
NOTE: Your computer has two memory module sockets (slot 1 and slot 2). You can
install all sizes of memory modules you purchase from Dell (but which Dell does not
install), except the 192-MB memory module, in either socket. If you purchase a
non-Dell-installed 192-MB memory module, you must install it in slot 2.
To install memory module(s), perform the following steps.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read “Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge” in the “Safety Instructions” of this guide.
NOTICE: Do not install or remove a memory module when the computer is
turned on or in save-to-disk suspend mode.
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. Unplug the computer and any attached peripherals from the electrical outlets.
support.dell.com Options and Upgrades 2-9
3. Remove any installed batteries from the MegaBay and/or media bay. For
instructions, refer to “Using the MegaBay” and/or “Using the Media Bay”
found earlier in this chapter.
4. Ground yourself by touching a metal input/output (I/O) connector on the back of
the computer.
5. Turn the computer over, and remove the memory module cover as shown in
Figure 2-8.
Slide the memory module cover as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow,
and then lift it away from the computer.
bottom of computer
memory module
cover
Figure 2-8. Removing the Memory Module Cover
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the computer, do not use tools to spread
the inner metal tabs of the socket when you are installing or removing
a memory module.
6. If you are replacing one or more memory modules, remove the memory
module(s) as shown in Figure 2-9.
NOTE: If one memory module is already installed and you are adding a second
memory module, put the second module in the available slot. Removing existing
module(s) is necessary only if they are being replaced. Depending on how you
ordered your computer, one or two modules may already be installed.
Using your fingernails, carefully spread apart the inner metal tabs of the memory
module socket just far enough for the memory module to disengage from the
socket (the module should pop up slightly). Then lift the memory module away
from the socket.
2-10 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
bottom of computer
slot 1
slot 2
memory
module
Figure 2-9. Removing a Memory Module
7. Install the new memory module(s) as shown in Figure 2-10:
a. Align the notch in the edge connector with the slot in the center of the
memory module socket.
b. Press the memory module’s edge connector firmly into the socket.
c. Pivot the module down until it clicks.
bottom of computer
slot 1
slot 2
memory
module
Figure 2-10. Installing a Memory Module
8. Replace the memory module cover.
9. Reinstall any batteries you removed in step 3.
10. Reconnect your computer and peripherals to electrical outlets.
11. Turn on the peripherals and then turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically
updates the system configuration information.
support.dell.com Options and Upgrades 2-11
12. Confirm that the system configuration information reflects the newly installed
memory by checking the System Memory option on the Main menu of the
Setup program.
To enter the Setup program, press <F2> while the computer is booting. The
Main menu appears. If the System Memory total is incorrect, the memory
modules may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 11 until the
memory total is correct.
NOTE: The computer will not boot if without a memory module installed, nor if
the installed module(s) are not seated properly in the socket(s). No error message
or beep code indicates this failure.
13. Run the System Memory device group in the Dell Diagnostics to confirm that
the installed memory modules are operating correctly.
For instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.
14. If you have added additional memory to your computer, you will need to delete
and recreate the save-to-disk suspend file on your hard-disk drive so that it is
large enough to accommodate the new memory.
For instructions, refer to the next subsection, “Creating the Save-to-Disk
Suspend File.”
Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend File
The save-to-disk suspend file on your hard-disk drive cannot be accessed by the
operating system or application programs. When the save-to-disk suspend mode
is activated, all system data is stored in this file.
To create a save-to-disk suspend file if you installed a new hard-disk drive, if you
removed the file, or if you are rebuilding a corrupted hard-disk drive, perform the
following steps.
NOTE: If you installed memory to increase system memory, delete the save-to-disk
suspend file and then complete the following procedure. To delete the save-to-disk
suspend file, type
<Enter>.
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. Insert the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette into the diskette
drive.
3. When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears, press the
down-arrow key to select Start computer with CD-ROM support and
press <Enter>.
4. When
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
2-12 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
phdisk /delete /file at an MS-DOS® prompt and press
A:\> appears on the screen, insert the System Software CD into your
5. At the MS-DOS prompt, type x:/, where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive. Drive letter D is typical for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives.
6. Type
7. Type
8. Follow the instructions on your screen to create the save-to-disk suspend file.
To check the size of the save-to-disk suspend file, type
prompt and press <Enter>.
If you need to delete the save-to-disk suspend file, type
an MS-DOS prompt and press <Enter>.
cd\utility and press <Enter>.
phdisk /create /file and press <Enter>.
NOTE: Make sure to place a space between
The utility calculates the size of the file, in kilobytes, based on the amount of
system memory in your computer, plus 4 or 8 MB to handle video memory, plus
2 MB to handle additional system requirements.
phdisk /create and /file.
phdisk /info at an MS-DOS
phdisk /delete /file at
Port Replicator
If you purchased a port replicator from Dell, see the documentation that came with
the port replicator for instructions on its use.
Connecting Other External Devices
You can connect the following external devices to your Dell computer:
• Speakers (and other audio devices)
• Personal System/2 (PS/2) or universal serial bus (USB) Keyboard
• PS/2 or USB mouse
• Keypad
• Monitor
• Serial devices
• Parallel devices
• Infrared devices
For instructions, refer to the section titled “Connecting External Devices” in the
system Help. To open the Help, click the Start button, point to Programs—>
Dell Documents, and click Dell Inspiron 7500 System Help.
support.dell.com Options and Upgrades 2-13
2-14 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
CHAPTER 3
Basic Troubleshooting
This chapter guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve
basic computer problems. It also provides detailed troubleshooting information and
procedures to solve more complex problems. Complete the checks in this chapter
before you call Dell for technical assistance; even if these checks do not provide an
immediate solution, they can help technicians help you diagnose and fix the problem.
NOTES: When you see the question “Is the problem resolved?” in a troubleshooting
procedure, repeat the operation that caused the problem to see if it still occurs.
Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures, make sure the Quiet Boot
option is set to Disabled in the Main menu of the Setup program. See Appendix B,
“Using the Setup Program,” for information on using the Setup program.
CAUTION: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer
is when you are installing memory modules.
CAUTION: To help prevent possible damage to the system board, wait
5 seconds after turning off the computer before you disconnect a
peripheral device or remove a memory module.
Checking the Basics
To perform an initial check of your computer, perform the following steps.
NOTE: If your computer is wet or damaged, refer to “Troubleshooting a Wet
Computer” or “Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer” found later in this chapter.
1. If the problem you are experiencing began after making a change to your
computer, such as installing new hardware or software, undo the change if
possible.
If the problem is resolved, check any documentation that came with the option
you attempted to install or that describes the change you made. In particular,
read any text files (such as readme.txt) included with the software package or
hardware product; such files contain information that updates or supplements
the documentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide
installation information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that
have not yet been documented, and list known problems.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-1
If you were trying to install new hardware, double-check configuration settings
and available system resources. Refer to the documentation that accompanied
the hardware device for more information. Also make sure you changed the
appropriate settings in the Setup program for the system’s new hardware
configuration (refer to Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program”).
If you need technical assistance, contact the product manufacturer or the
company from whom you purchased the product.
NOTE: DellWare
product support information, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation that
accompanied the item.
2. Perform the steps described in the next subsection, “Checking Connections.”
3. Check the items listed in “Environmental Factors” found later in this chapter.
4. For power problems, refer to “Power” found later in this chapter.
5. Check the boot routine indications in Table 3-1.
NOTE: The boot routine is the operating system’s attempt to load its files into
memory from the boot-up sector on the hard-disk drive or bootable diskette.
6. If you hear a beep code or see a system message, refer to Appendix C,
“System Messages and Beep Codes.”
7. If appropriate, refer to the subsections titled “Monitor,” “Speakers,” “Modem,”
and “Drives” found later in this chapter.
SM
products are supported by the item's manufacturer. To receive
8. Verify that the settings in the Setup program match your computer’s configuration as explained in Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program.”
9. Use the Dell Diagnostics to check your computer (refer to “Running the Dell
Diagnostics” found later in this chapter).
10. If the problem persists, refer to Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
Checking Connections
Loose or improperly connected cables are likely sources of problems for your
computer, external monitor, or other peripherals (such as a printer, external keyboard,
or mouse). A quick check of all cable connections can easily solve these problems. If
the connector has two small screws, make sure the screws are tight. In addition,
check for damaged or frayed cables and for bent pins on connectors.
NOTE: See the “System Features” section of the system Help for the location of your
computer’s external connectors and controls.
Be sure the following items are properly connected or installed:
• AC adapter and AC power cable
• Main battery or any other optional device installed in the MegaBay
3-2 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
• Second battery or any other optional device installed in the media bay
• Cables that connect external devices through the input/output (I/O) connectors
and ports on the computer.
Environmental Factors
A number of external factors, including temperature extremes and humidity, magnetic
influences, sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor input power or
signal quality, can interfere with the performance of your computer and attached
devices. Monitors are especially susceptible to these environmental factors. The
following items can adversely affect the performance of a computer:
• Inadequate ventilation from operating the computer in a confined space, such as
a desk enclosure
• Direct sunlight causing the computer to overheat
• Line noise or power drops and surges from electrical outlets due to poor wiring
• Line noises or surges through telephone lines
• High-voltage electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close
proximity to the computer
• Speakers, especially subwoofer, or telephone too close to the monitor,
generating magnetic fields that distort the display image
• Fluorescent lights causing display flickering or distortion
• Electrical extension cords and keyboard and mouse extension cables
• Too many devices on a power strip or multiple power strips from one electrical
outlet
• Electrical conduits in an adjoining wall or elevators on the other side of the wall
• Large metal beams inside the wall behind the computer
If removing potential sources of problems does not help, try moving the computer.
Power
If you are experiencing problems with power to your computer, perform the following
tasks:
• Check the computer’s power indicator. When lit, the power indicator verifies that
the power supply is operating.
• If your computer is connected to a power strip, turn the power strip off and then
on again.
• Plug the computer directly into an electrical outlet, bypassing any power
protection devices.
• Plug a device, such as a lamp that you know works, into the electrical outlet to
make sure the power source is okay.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-3
Modem
NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog line only. Using a nonanalog
line, such as a digital or private branch exchange (PBX) line, will damage
the modem.
NOTE: If your modem can dial and connect to one Internet service provider (ISP) or to
a fax machine, your modem is functioning properly. For assistance, contact the ISP to
which you cannot connect.
If you are experiencing problems with a modem, perform the following checks:
• If you have any other telephone devices plugged into this line, such as answering
machines, dedicated fax machines, or line splitters, then bypass them and plug
the modem cable directly into the telephone connector on the wall.
• Reseat the cable connections.
• Try a different cable; if you are using a cable that is 10 feet or more in length,
try a shorter one.
• Disconnect the cable from the modem and plug it directly into a telephone.
Listen for a dial tone.
• Low connection speeds can be caused by line noise. If you have persistent
problems, try connecting the modem to a different telephone connector or
contact your telephone company to check for data noise and imbalanced lines.
Drives
If you have diskette drive problems, perform the following checks:
• Make sure the diskette is not write-protected if you are trying to copy data to it.
• Try a different diskette in the drive. If the new diskette works, the original one
may be defective.
• Check drive operations at the MS-DOS
“Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter) and the Windows
operating system.
• Check the settings on the Diskette Options submenu of the Setup program as
described in Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program.”
• Run the Diskette device group as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics”
found later in this chapter.
If you have CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive problems, perform the following checks.
NOTE: Inconsistencies in the manufacturing of CD-ROM media may cause some
higher-speed CD-ROM drives to vibrate more than others. Such vibration and
associated noise do not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.
• Double-click My Computer and check to see if the drive is recognized by the
computer. Most of the common boot sector viruses cause the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive to “disappear.” Use virus-scanning software (if Dell installed
3-4 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
®
prompt in the Dell Diagnostics (refer to
Windows 98 on your computer, you should already have virus-scanning software)
to check for and remove any viruses.
• Clean the disc with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
• Clean the drive as described in the next subsection, “Cleaning Diskette Drives.”
• Try another CD or DVD title.
NOTE: Because of different conventions currently used in the industry, not all
DVD titles work in all DVD-ROM drives.
• Enter the Setup program as described in Appendix B, “Using the Setup
Program,” and verify that IDE Controller is set to Both.
• Run the IDE Devices device group as described in “Running the Dell
Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.
• Refer to “Troubleshooting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive” found later in this
chapter for further troubleshooting information.
If you have hard-disk drive problems, perform the following checks:
• For Windows 98, run the ScanDisk utility by clicking the Start button, pointing to
Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and clicking ScanDisk.
• For Windows NT, run the error-checking utility by opening the property sheet of
the affected volume(s) and clicking Check Now in the Error-checking section of
the Tools tab.
• Run the IDE (ATA/ATAPI) Devices device group as described in “Running the
Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.
• Check the settings on the IDE Configuration submenu of the Setup program as
described in Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program.”
Cleaning Diskette Drives
You can clean a diskette drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits
contain pretreated diskettes to nonabrasively remove contaminants that accumulate
during normal operation.
If the kit does not contain instructions, insert a pretreated diskette into the drive and
turn on the system. After 20 or 30 seconds, remove the diskette from the drive.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You may
accidentally misalign the heads, rendering the drive inoperable.
Look and Listen
Looking at and listening to your computer is important in determining the source of a
problem. Look and listen for the indications described in Table 3-1.
If the problem is still not resolved, see the next subsection, “Setup Options.”
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-5
NOTE: Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures, make sure the
QuietBoot option is set to Disabled in the Main menu of the Setup program. See
Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program,” for information on using the Setup program.
Table 3-1. Boot Routine Indications
Look for: Action
An error message See Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes.”
The power indicator If the computer’s power status indicator does not come on, see
The keyboard status
indicators
The diskette-drive access
indicator
The CD-ROM/hard-disk
drive access indicator
A series of beeps See Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes.”
An unfamiliar constant
scraping or grinding
sound when a drive is
accessed
The absence of a familiar
sound
“Troubleshooting a Power Failure” found later in this chapter.
Press the <Num Lock> key, the <Caps Lock> key, and the <Scroll Lock> key to
toggle their respective status indicator. If the indicators do not light up, run the
PC-AT Compatible Keyboards device group in the Dell Diagnostics (for
instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter).
The diskette-drive access indicator lights up when data is accessed on the
diskette drive. You can test this indicator by inserting a diskette into the drive,
typing
dir a: at an MS-DOS prompt, and pressing <Enter>. If the
diskette-drive access indicator does not light up, see “Troubleshooting the
Diskette Drive” found later in this chapter.
The CD-ROM/hard-disk drive access indicator lights up when data is accessed
on the CD-ROM drive or the hard-disk drive. You can test this indicator by
typing
dir c: at an MS-DOS prompt and pressing <Enter>. If the CD-ROM/
hard-disk drive access indicator does not light up, see “Troubleshooting the
Hard-Disk Drive” or “Troubleshooting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive” found
later in this chapter.
Make sure the sound is not caused by the application program that is running.
The sound could also be caused by a hardware malfunction. See Chapter 5,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance from Dell.
When you turn on the computer, you can hear the hard-disk drive spin up, and
the computer tries to access the boot files from the hard-disk drive or the
diskette drive. If your computer does not boot, call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) Otherwise, see “Running the
Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the system Help.
Setup Options
You can easily correct certain computer problems by verifying the settings for Setup
program options. When you boot the computer, it compares the system configuration
information with the current hardware configuration. If the computer’s hardware
configuration doesn’t match the information recorded by the Setup program options,
an error message may appear on the display.
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To fix this problem, correct the appropriate options in the Setup program. See
Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program,” for detailed information about the Setup
program and its options.
If, after checking the setup options, you have not resolved the problem, see
“Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.
Finding Software Solutions
Because most computers have several application programs installed in addition to
the operating system, isolating a software problem can be confusing. Software errors
can also appear to be hardware malfunctions at first. Software problems can result
from the following circumstances:
• Improper installation or configuration of a program
• Input errors
• Drivers that may conflict with certain application programs
• Memory conflicts resulting from the use of terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR)
programs, such as drivers
• Interrupt conflicts between devices
You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by software by first running the
System Board Devices device group as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics”
found later in this chapter. If all tests in the device group complete successfully, the
error condition is most likely caused by software.
The following subsections provide general guidelines for analyzing some software
problems. For detailed troubleshooting information on a particular program, see the
documentation that accompanied the software or consult the support service for the
software.
Installing and Configuring Software
When you obtain software, check it for viruses using virus-scanning software before
installing it on the computer’s hard-disk drive. Viruses can quickly use all available
system memory, damage and/or destroy data stored on the hard-disk drive, and
permanently affect the performance of the programs they infect. Several commercial
virus-scanning programs are available for purchase, and most bulletin board services
(BBSs) archive freely distributed virus-scanning programs that you can download with
a modem.
Before installing a program, read its documentation to learn how the program works,
what hardware it requires, and what its defaults are. A program usually includes
installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and a software installation
routine on its program diskettes.
The software installation routine assists you in transferring the appropriate program
files to the computer’s hard-disk drive. Installation instructions may provide details
about how to configure the operating system to successfully run the program. Always
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-7
read the installation instructions before running a program’s installation routine. If you
are instructed to modify the start-up files, see the documentation that came with the
operating system for instructions.
When you run the installation routine, be prepared to respond to prompts for
information about how the computer’s operating system is configured, what type of
computer you have, and what peripherals are connected to the computer.
Start-Up Files
Whenever you start or reboot the computer, the operating system executes
commands from its start-up files.
These files contain commands that automatically configure the operating system by
setting system parameters, starting memory-resident programs, and loading device
driver software. If you experience program conflicts or memory error messages,
check the commands for memory-resident programs in the start-up files of the
operating system. (For information on start-up files, see the documentation that came
with the operating system). If a program or peripheral does not work correctly, check
the product’s documentation to see if you need to modify these files.
Using Software
The following subsections discuss errors that can occur while using software.
Error Messages
Error messages can be produced by an application program, the operating system, or
the computer. Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes,” discusses the error
messages generated by the computer. If you receive an error message not listed in
Appendix C, check the operating system or application program documentation.
Input Errors
If a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrong time, a program may give you
unexpected results. See the documentation that came with the application program
to make sure the values or characters you are entering do not conflict with the
application program you are using.
Make sure the operating system is compatible with the programs you use. Keep in
mind that whenever you change the parameters of the computer’s operating system,
you may affect the successful operation of the programs. Sometimes, after modifying
the operating system, you may need to reinstall a program that no longer runs
properly.
Memory-Resident Programs
There are a variety of utilities and supplementary programs that can be loaded either
when the computer boots or from an operating system prompt. These programs are
designed to stay resident in system memory and thus always be available for use.
Because they remain in the computer’s memory, memory conflicts and errors can
3-8 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
result when other programs require use of all or part of the memory already occupied
by these TSR programs.
Typically, the operating system’s start-up files contain commands to start TSR
programs when you boot the computer. If you suspect that one of these TSR
programs is causing a memory conflict, remove the commands that start them from
the start-up file. If the problem you were experiencing does not recur, one of the TSR
programs probably created the conflict. Add the TSR commands back into the start-up
files one at a time until you identify which TSR program is creating the conflict.
Program Conflicts
Some programs may leave portions of their setup information behind, even though
you have exited from them. As a result, other programs cannot run. Rebooting the
computer can confirm whether or not these programs are the cause of the problem.
Other programs use specialized subroutines called drivers that can cause problems in
the computer. For example, a variation in the way the data is sent to an external
monitor may require a special screen driver program that expects a certain kind of
video mode or monitor. In such cases, you may have to develop an alternative method
of running that particular program—for example, the creation of a boot file made
especially for that program. For help with this situation, call the support service
offered by the manufacturer of the software you are using.
Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts
Problems can arise if two devices attempt to use the same interrupt request (IRQ)
line. To avoid this type of conflict, check the documentation for the default IRQ line
setting for each installed device. Then consult Table 3-2 to configure the device for
one of the available IRQ lines.
NOTE: Installed devices cannot share the same COM port address. The default
address of the computer’s serial port is COM1.
Table 3-2. Default IRQ Line Assignments
IRQ Line Used/Available
IRQ0 Generated by the system timer
IRQ1 Generated by the keyboard controller to signal that the
keyboard output buffer is full
IRQ2 Cascade to second interrupt controller
IRQ3 Reserved
IRQ4 Used by the communications port (COM1)
IRQ5 Used by the internal modem, audio controller, and USB
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary
in the system Help.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-9
Table 3-2. Default IRQ Line Assignments (continued)
IRQ Line Used/Available
IRQ6 Generated by the diskette drive controller to indicate that the
IRQ7 Used by the parallel port
IRQ8 Generated by the system RTC
IRQ9 Reserved for internal system control interrupts
IRQ10 Free
IRQ11 Generated by the CardBus controller and the video controller
IRQ12 Generated by the keyboard controller to indicate that the output
IRQ13 Used by the math coprocessor on the microprocessor
IRQ14 Primary IDE controller
IRQ15 Generated by the secondary IDE controller (CD-ROM drive)
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary
in the system Help.
diskette drive requires the attention of the microprocessor
buffer of the integrated touch pad or external PS/2 mouse is full
to indicated that the drive requires attention of the
microprocessor.
Troubleshooting Procedures
This section provides troubleshooting procedures for integrated components
(such as the display) and for external devices that connect to the computer (such as
an external monitor). Before performing any of the procedures in this section, see
“Basic Checks” found earlier in this chapter and read the safety instructions at the
front of this guide. Then perform the appropriate troubleshooting procedure for the
component or equipment that is malfunctioning.
NOTES: When you see the question “Is the problem resolved?” in a troubleshooting
procedure, perform the operation that caused the problem to see if the problem still
occurs.
Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures, make sure the Quiet Boot
option is set to Disabled in the Main menu of the Setup program. See Appendix B,
“Using the Setup Program,” for information on using the Setup program.
Troubleshooting a Wet Computer
Liquids, spills and splashes, rain, and excessive humidity can cause moisture damage
to the computer. If the computer gets wet or if condensation forms on the computer
because of humid conditions, perform the following steps.
3-10 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
CAUTION: Perform step 1 of the following procedure only after you are
certain that it is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical
outlet, Dell recommends turning off AC power at the circuit breaker before
attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical outlet. Use the
utmost caution when removing wet cables from live power.
1. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the AC adapter. Then disconnect
the AC adapter from the electrical outlet. Turn off any attached peripherals and
disconnect them from their power sources and then from the computer.
2. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the
computer.
3. If the media bay or MegaBay slot is wet, remove the device from the bay. If the
PC Card slot is wet, remove any PC Cards. Put the device and cards in a safe
place to dry.
4. Remove any installed batteries.
Wipe off each battery and store it in a safe place to dry.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive.
For instructions, refer to “Installing a Hard-Disk Drive” in Chapter 2.
6. Remove the memory module(s).
For instructions, refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
7. Open the display, and place the computer across two books or similar props to
let air circulate all around it. Let the computer dry for at least 24hours.
Place the computer in a dry area at room temperature. Do not use artificial
means to speed up the drying process.
CAUTION: Before continuing with the remainder of this procedure,
verify that the computer is thoroughly dry.
8. Ground yourself by touching one of the unpainted metal connectors on the I/O
panel.
9. Replace the memory module(s).
10. Replace the memory module cover.
11. Reinstall the hard-disk drive.
12. Reinstall the media bay or MegaBay device and PC Cards that you removed in
step 3.
13. Replace any batteries that you removed in step 4.
14. Reconnect the computer and peripherals to an electrical outlet and turn them on.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-11
15. Does the computer work properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. If the computer is able to boot, run the Dell Diagnostics to identify computer
damage. If the computer is unable to boot, see “Troubleshooting a Power
Failure” found later in this section. If you cannot identify the damaged
component(s), call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,”
for instructions.)
Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer
If the computer is dropped or damaged, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut
down the computer.
2. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Then disconnect the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet. Turn off any attached peripherals and
disconnect them from the electrical outlet and then from the computer.
3. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the
computer.
4. Remove any installed batteries or other devices from the media bay or MegaBay.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive.
For instructions, refer to “Installing a Hard-Disk Drive” in Chapter 2.
6. Remove the memory module cover and the memory module(s).
For instructions, refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
7. Reinstall the memory modules, making sure to seat them properly.
8. Replace the memory module cover.
9. Reinstall the hard-disk drive.
10. Verify that any installed PC Cards are properly seated in the PC Card connectors.
11. Reinstall the battery or other device(s) removed from the media bay or MegaBay
in step 4. Verify that the device(s) is seated properly.
12. Reconnect the computer and peripherals to the electrical outlet and turn them
on.
13. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the computer is operating properly. ( For
instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.)
14. If the computer does not operate properly, make a copy of the Diagnostics
Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out. Then call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
3-12 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting a Power Failure
Occasionally, you may experience a power failure in all or part of the computer.
A total power failure is indicated by the absence of electrical activity (such as
status indicators and sounds) from the keyboard, display, hard-disk drive, and diskette
drive. In a partial power failure, one or more of these indicators shows that there is
power to a part of the computer.
To determine if there is any power to the computer, make a copy of the Diagnostics
Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer and to an electrical outlet.
2. Remove all peripherals, including internal devices such as the diskette drive,
hard-disk drive, and battery.
3. Try turning on the computer.
4. Does the computer turn on properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to Step 5.
5. Turn off the computer. Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display
latch, light up?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 7.
6. Remove any installed batteries and disconnect the AC adapter. Then reinstall the
batteries, reconnect the AC adapter, and turn on the computer. Does the power
status indicator, to the right of the display latch, light up?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 7.
7. Turn off the computer, wait a few seconds, and then turn on the computer again.
Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display latch, light up?
Yes. Your computer is receiving power. Go to step 8.
No. Your computer is not receiving power. Go to step 9.
8. Does the computer boot successfully?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 9.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-13
9. Reseat (remove and reinstall) any installed batteries, and check the AC adapter
connection. Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display latch,
light up?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. If the computer is powered by the AC adapter, see the next subsection,
“Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter.” If the computer is using
battery power, see “Total Power Failure When Using a Battery” found later
in this section.
Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter
If no signs of power are present in the computer when using the AC adapter, make a
copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the
following steps:
1. Turn off the computer and peripherals and disconnect them from the electrical
outlet. If you are using a surge protector, remove it.
2. Make sure the AC adapter is connected to the computer, and then verify that the
power cable is firmly attached to the AC adapter and to the electrical outlet.
See “Checking Connections” found earlier in this chapter.
3. Does the LED on top of the AC adapter turn on?
Yes. Go to step 4.
No. The AC adapter may be defective. Go to step 5.
4. Turn on the computer. Does the power status indicator, to the right of the display
latch, light up?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 5.
5. Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Total Power Failure When Using a Battery
If an AC adapter is not connected to your computer, the computer’s power source is
its battery. If the computer does not turn on when a battery is installed, the battery’s
charge may be depleted. To troubleshoot this problem, make a copy of the
Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following
steps:
1. Turn off the computer and peripherals. Disconnect the peripherals from the
electrical outlet.
2. Reseat each installed battery by first removing and then replacing the battery in
its bay.
3-14 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
3. Press the power button. Does the computer turn on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking
for signs of power.
Yes. Go to step 4.
No. Use the AC adapter to connect your computer to an electrical outlet. If the
computer operates normally when using AC power, go to step 7. If the computer
does not boot when using the AC adapter, see the preceding subsection,
“Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter.”
4. Is the battery status indicator blinking, indicating that the battery is charging?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.
5. Does the battery status indicator remain constantly lit (not blinking)?
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. The battery is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5,
“Getting Help,” for instructions.)
6. Use the AC adapter to fully charge the battery.
For instructions, see the topic titled “Charging the Battery” in the system Help.
The battery charges in approximately 2 hours, using an electrical outlet, if the
computer is off; the battery charges in approximately 3 hours if the computer is
on.
7. Does the battery status indicator remain constantly lit (not blinking), indicating
that the battery is fully charged?
Yes. The problem is resolved. Turn on the computer.
No. You may have a defective battery. Go to step 8.
8. Disconnect the AC adapter. If a fully charged spare battery is available, install it
in the computer.
9. Press the power button. Does computer turn on?
Yes. Your original battery is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See
Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-15
No Power to a Part of the Computer
If the power status indicator shows that your computer is receiving power, but the
display remains blank, part of your computer is probably not receiving power. To
troubleshoot this problem, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in
Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the computer and peripherals and disconnect them from the electrical
outlet. Disconnect any attached peripherals from the computer.
2. Make sure that the AC adapter is connected to the computer and to an electrical
outlet, or confirm that a fully charged battery is properly seated in the MegaBay
or the media bay.
3. Turn on the computer. Is the display on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking
for signs of power.
Yes. The entire computer is receiving power; the problem is resolved.
No. Adjust the brightness of the display. If the display still does not show an
image, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
During the power-on self-test (POST), the computer checks the diskette drive,
comparing its characteristics with the system configuration information. (The
diskette-drive access indicator blinks as the computer performs this check on a
diskette drive.)
If the drive fails POST or if the access indicators do not appear, make a copy of the
Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following
steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. Remove the diskette drive combination module from the media bay.
3. Reinstall the diskette drive.
4. Reboot the computer. Does the diskette-drive access indicator blink during the
boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.
3-16 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
5. Remove and reinsert the diskette drive (or disconnect and reconnect the drive if
used externally). Reboot the computer. Does the diskette-drive access indicator
light up during the boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 9.
6. Does the computer display a drive error message?
Yes. See Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes” for an explanation of
the message, and then go to step 7.
No. Go to step 9.
7. Insert a bootable 1.44-megabyte (MB) diskette into the diskette drive and reboot
the computer.
8. Does the diskette-drive access indicator blink during the boot routine, and does
the drive boot the operating system?
Yes. The diskette drive problem has probably been resolved. If you continue to
experience trouble, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting
Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 9.
9. Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Troubleshooting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive
During POST, the computer checks the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, comparing its
characteristics with the system configuration information. (The CD-ROM/hard-disk
drive access indicator blinks as the computer performs this check.)
If a failure occurs with the drive, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in
Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. Remove the drive from the media bay.
3. Reinstall the drive.
4. Reboot the computer. Does the drive access indicator blink during the boot
routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-17
5. Remove and reinsert the drive. Reboot the computer. Does the drive access
indicator blink during the boot routine?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 10.
6. Remove the hard-disk drive and boot the computer from a bootable CD. Does the
drive access indicator blink?
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. Go to step 10.
7. Reinstall the hard-disk drive. Then check the config.sys file (in Windows 98,
check the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive configuration in the Settings folder). Is
the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM driver installed?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Load the driver, and return to step 1 to begin this procedure again. (To load
the driver, use the System Software CD you received with your Dell computer.)
8. Insert a bootable diskette into drive A and reboot the computer.
9. Type
10. Insert your Dell Diagnostics diskette into drive A and reboot the computer. Then
11. Call Dell for technical assistance.
d: and press <Enter>. Then type dir and press <Enter>. Does MS-DOS
display the root directory contents for drive D?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 10.
run the IDE Devices device group. Does your CD-ROM drive pass all the tests?
Yes. Return to step 1 and perform this troubleshooting procedure again. If you
continue to experience trouble, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5,
“Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 11.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Troubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive
During POST, the computer checks the hard-disk drive, comparing its characteristics
with the system configuration information. (The drive access indicator, located to the
right of the display latch, blinks as the computer performs this check.) If a failure
occurs with the drive, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5
and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1. Shut down the computer.
3-18 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
2. Reboot the computer. Does the drive access indicator blink during the boot
routine, and does the drive boot the operating system?
Yes. If a message appears on the display, see Appendix C, “System Messages
and Beep Codes,” for an explanation of the message and possible corrective
actions. Then go to step 7.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Insert a bootable diskette into drive A and reboot the computer.
4. Type
c: and press <Enter>. Then type dir and press <Enter>. Does MS-DOS
display the root directory contents for drive C?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.
5. If your hard-disk drive has more than one logical drive, type
<Enter>. Then type
dir and press <Enter>. Does MS-DOS display the root
d: and press
directory contents for drive D?
Yes. You may have a corrupted boot sector or file allocation table (FAT) on drive C.
Go to step 9.
No. Go to step 8.
6. Rename your autoexec.bat and config.sys files, remove the operating system
diskette from drive A, and reboot the computer. Does the operating system load
now?
Yes. You have an error in your autoexec.bat or config.sys file. Use a text editor
to examine the contents of these files and locate the error. For information on
the correct syntax for commands in these files, see the documentation that
accompanied your operating system.
No. Go to step 7.
7. Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A and reboot the computer. Then run
the IDE Devices device group. Does your drive pass all the tests?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 9.
8. Replace your diagnostics diskette with the operating system diskette, and reboot
the computer. Does the operating system load now?
Yes. The hard-disk drive may contain a corrupted operating system or it may have
bad sectors. Reinstall the operating system as described in the documentation
that came with it. If reinstalling the operating system does not correct the
problem, go to step 9.
No. Go to step 9.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-19
9. Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Troubleshooting an External Keyboard
When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully
functional. During POST, the computer checks whether an external keyboard
is connected; if it is, the computer recognizes both the built-in keyboard and the
external keyboard. If an attached external keyboard does not work when you boot the
computer, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, “Getting
Help,” and fill it out as you perform the following steps.
NOTE: External USB keyboards are not supported on the computer.
1. Turn off the computer, and then remove the keyboard cable and check it for bent
or broken pins.
Yes. If you see bent pins and they can be straightened, straighten them and go to
step 2. If they cannot be straightened, or are broken, you need a new keyboard.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Reconnect the keyboard to the computer.
3. Make sure the cable from the external keyboard is firmly connected to the
keyboard/mouse connector on the back of the computer. (See “Checking
Connections” found earlier in this chapter.)
4. Turn on the computer.
5. If you are using a keyboard that can be configured with various switch settings,
make sure the switch is set to PS/2, Enhanced XT/AT, or PC/AT.
The switch settings are usually on the bottom of the keyboard, sometimes
behind a panel tab. Refer to the documentation that came with the keyboard for
more information.
6. Turn off the computer, wait one minute, and then turn it on again. During the boot
routine, do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the external
keyboard blink momentarily?
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. You may have a defective keyboard. Go to step 10.
7. Does the computer recognize the external keyboard?
Use the external keyboard to type some characters. Do they appear on the
display?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 8.
3-20 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
8. Turn off the computer and disconnect the external keyboard from the computer.
9. Turn on the computer. Does the computer recognize the integrated keyboard?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components. Then use the
computer’s integrated keyboard to type some characters. Do the characters
appear on the display?
Yes. The external keyboard may be defective. Run the PC-AT Compatible
Keyboards device group in the Dell Diagnostics. If you cannot isolate the
problem after running the diagnostics, call Dell for technical assistance.
No. Go to step 10.
10. Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Troubleshooting Memory
During POST, the computer checks the computer’s memory, and then writes to and
reads from the number of available bytes to ensure proper operation. If the memory
count displayed is less than the amount installed, make a copy of the Diagnostics
Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the following steps:
1. Reboot the computer. Does the random-access memory (RAM) count displayed
correctly match the actual amount of memory installed in the computer?
Yes. The computer needed to update the memory; the memory check phase is
okay now.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and remove
any installed batteries.
3. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the AC adapter. Then disconnect
the AC adapter from the electrical outlet. Turn off any attached peripherals, and
disconnect them from their power sources and then from the computer.
4. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the
computer.
5. Turn the computer over and remove the memory module cover and the memory
modules.
Refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
6. Install the new memory module(s).
Refer to “Installing Memory Modules” in Chapter 2.
7. Replace the memory module cover.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-21
8. Reboot the computer, and press <F2> when prompted to enter the Setup
program.
9. In the Main menu of the Setup program, make sure that the value in the
Extended Memory field is at least 15 MB.
Yes. A memory module was loose; the memory check phase is complete.
No. Go to step 11.
10. Call Dell for technical assistance.
See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.
Troubleshooting the Display
If the computer is receiving power, but nothing appears on your display (such as light,
text, or graphics) or the display image does not appear as you would expect, make a
copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you perform the
following steps.
NOTE: Extended graphics array (XGA) displays support 1024 x 768 pixels, and
super extended graphics array (SXGA) displays support 1280 x 1024 pixels. If your
application program uses a higher resolution, you must attach an external video
graphics array (VGA) monitor to your computer.
1. If the computer is running, press any key on the integrated keyboard. Is the full
display readable?
Yes. The computer was in standby or suspend mode. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Is an external monitor connected to the computer?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 4.
3. Press the <Fn><F8> key combination. Is the full display readable?
Yes. The Video Display Device option in the Setup program was set to CRT
Mode.
No. Go to step 4.
4. Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals. Disconnect all peripherals
from the computer.
5. Make sure the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to an
electrical outlet, or verify that a fully charged battery is properly seated in its bay.
3-22 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
6. Turn on the computer. Is the display on?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. Go to step 9.
7. Press the <Fn> down-arrow or <Fn> up-arrow key combination to adjust the
brightness. Is the full display readable?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 9.
8. Has an error message appeared on the display, or has a beep code sounded?
Yes. Refer to Appendix C, “System Messages and Beep Codes,” to find the
message or beep code, along with its explanation. If you can’t find the message
or code, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
No. If you still have a display problem but the display is not completely blank,
run the Video device group in the Dell Diagnostics. Then call Dell for technical
assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
9. Turn off your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
10. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor’s brightness and
contrast controls. Is the monitor readable?
Yes. The computer’s display may be defective. Call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. The computer’s video controller on the system board may be defective. Call
Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
Troubleshooting an External Monitor
During POST, the computer checks to see if an external monitor is attached to the
computer. If no image appears on the external monitor when the computer boots,
make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5 and fill it out as you
perform the following steps:
1. Is the Video Display Device option in the Setup program set to LCD Mode?
Yes. If the Video Display Device option is set to LCD Mode, the computer
ignores the presence of an external monitor at system start-up. Go to step 2.
No. Go to step 2.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-23
2. Press the <Fn><F8> key combination on the integrated keyboard several times.
Does an image appear on the external monitor?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Make sure the external monitor’s video cable is firmly connected to the
computer’s external video connector, and then verify that the monitor’s power
cable (if it has one) is firmly plugged into an electrical outlet. Make sure the
monitor is turned on.
4. Check the monitor cable for bent pins.
5. Turn off the computer, wait a minute, and then turn the computer back on. Adjust
the monitor’s brightness and contrast controls. Is the monitor readable?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 6.
6. Raise your computer’s display into viewing position, if necessary, and press
<Fn><F8> to switch the video image from the external monitor to the display.
7. Press the <Fn> down-arrow or <Fn> up-arrow key combination to adjust the
brightness. Is the full display readable?
Yes. The external monitor may be defective. Go to step 8.
No. The video controller on the system board may be defective. Call Dell for
technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
8. Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals. Disconnect all peripherals
from the computer. Attach another external monitor to the computer.
If you do not have another external monitor, call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
9. Reboot the computer, and adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast. Is the
monitor readable?
Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components.
Yes. The original monitor is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
3-24 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting the Serial and Parallel Ports
This section provides a procedure for troubleshooting the computer’s serial and
parallel ports and any attached peripheral devices.
If a system error message indicates a port problem or if equipment connected to a
port seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the source of the problem may be any
of the following:
• A faulty connection between the I/O port and the peripheral device
• Incorrect settings for Setup options
• Incorrect settings in the operating system’s configuration files
• A faulty cable between the I/O port and the peripheral device
• A faulty peripheral device
• Faulty I/O port logic on the system board
• Conflicting COM port settings
• Lack of drivers
Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions
Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, and fill it out as you
perform the following steps:
1. Check the settings for the Serial Port and Parallel Port Mode options in the
System Devices menu of the Setup program.
For information on the Setup program, see Appendix B, “Using the Setup
Program.” Are the communication port options set correctly for the peripheral
devices connected to the computer?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Change the Serial Port and Parallel Port Mode options to the appropriate
settings, and then reboot the system.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Check the contents of your initialization and start-up files. (See “Installing and
Configuring Software” found earlier in this chapter.)
Are the port configuration commands correct?
Yes. Go to step 5.
No. Go to step 4.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-25
4. Change the necessary statements in the start-up files.
If the port problem is confined to a particular application program, see the
application program’s documentation for specific port configuration
requirements.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 5.
5. Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the
Serial Ports device group and/or the Parallel Ports device group in the Dell
Diagnostics. (See “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.)
The Serial Ports device group and the Parallel Ports device group check the
basic functions of the system board’s I/O port logic. Also, if a parallel printer is
connected to the parallel port, the Parallel Ports device group tests the
communication link between the system board’s I/O port logic and the printer.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
6. If the problem persists, go to “Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer” or
“Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device” found later in this chapter.
Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer
If the preceding procedure, “Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions,” indicates that
the problem is with a parallel printer, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the parallel printer and computer.
2. Swap the parallel printer’s interface cable with a known working cable.
3. Turn on the parallel printer and computer.
4. Attempt a print operation on the parallel printer.
Does the print operation complete successfully?
Yes. You probably need a new interface cable. Call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 5.
3-26 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
5. Run the parallel printer’s self-test.
Does the self-test complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. The printer is probably defective. If you bought the printer from Dell, call Dell
for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) If you
purchased the printer elsewhere, take it to one of the manufacturer’s authorized
service centers for repair.
6. Attempt another print operation on the parallel printer.
Does the print operation complete successfully?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device
If the procedure titled “Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions” found earlier in this
section indicates that the problem is with a device connected to one of the serial
ports, perform the following steps:
1. Exit any open application programs, and then turn off the computer and the serial
device.
2. Swap the device’s interface cable with a known working cable.
3. Turn on the computer and the serial device.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You probably need a new interface cable. Call Dell for technical assistance.
(See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 4.
4. Turn off the computer and the serial device and swap the device with a
comparable working device.
For example, if your serial mouse has a problem, swap it with a serial mouse you
know is working properly.
5. Turn on the computer and the serial device.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You probably need a new device. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See
Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-27
Troubleshooting the Infrared Port
This section provides a procedure for troubleshooting the computer’s infrared (IR)
port.
Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” and fill it
out as you perform the following steps:
1. Check the setting for the Infrared Port option in the System Devices menu of
the Setup program.
For information on the Setup program, see Chapter 2, “Customizing System
Features.” Is the Infrared Port option set correctly for the external device with
which you are communicating?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Change the Infrared Port option to the appropriate setting, and then reboot the
computer.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the
Serial Ports device group in the Dell Diagnostics. (See “Running the Dell
Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.) The Serial/Infrared Ports device group
checks the basic functions of the computer’s infrared logic.
4. Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. The infrared port is functioning properly. There may be a problem with
the infrared application program or with the external device. Check the
documentation that came with the application program and with the external
device.
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
Troubleshooting the Touch Pad
Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” and fill it
out as you perform the following steps:
1. Clean the touch pad with a soft cloth dampened with water (never use liquid or
aerosol cleaners) and dry it thoroughly.
3-28 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
2. Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. The controller is functioning properly. If the problem persists, call Dell for
technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Go to step 3.
3. Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the
Mouse test in the Pointing Devices device group in the Dell Diagnostics. (See
“Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.) The Mouse test
checks the functionality of the mouse controller (which affects the ability to move
the pointer around the screen) and the operation of the touch pad buttons.
4. Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. The controller is functioning properly. If the problem persists, call Dell for
technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
Troubleshooting Audio Functions
Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” and fill it
out as you perform the following steps:
1. Insert your diagnostics diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the
Misc. PCI Devices device group in the Dell Diagnostics. (See “Running the Dell
Diagnostics” found later in this chapter.) The Misc. PCI Devices device group
checks the functionality of the audio controller.
2. Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. The controller is functioning properly. If the problem persists, call Dell for
technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
Running the Dell Diagnostics
Whenever a major component or device in your computer does not function properly,
run the Dell Diagnostics provided on the Dell Diagnostics Diskette to check your
computer's hardware. If you find a problem you cannot solve by yourself, the
diagnostic tests can provide you with important information you will need when
talking to Dell's service and support personnel.
NOTICE: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only your Dell computer. Using this
program with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or
result in error messages.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-29
The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you choose
particular device groups or subtests. You can also control the sequence in which the
tests are run. The diagnostic device groups or subtests also have these helpful
features:
• Options that let you run tests individually or collectively
• An option that allows you to choose the number of times a device group or
subtest is repeated
• The ability to display or print out test results, or to save them in a file
• Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected, or to terminate
testing when an adjustable error limit is reached
• A Devices menu option that briefly describes each test and its parameters
• A Config menu option that describes the configuration of the devices in the
selected device group
• Status messages that inform you whether device groups or subtests were
completed successfully
• Error messages that appear if any problems are detected
As long as the microprocessor and the input and output components of your
computer (the display or display, keyboard, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive, and diskette
drive) are working, you can use the Dell Diagnostics. If you are experienced with
computers and know what component(s) you need to test, select the appropriate
diagnostic device group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin
diagnosing a problem, read the rest of this chapter.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
To start the diagnostics, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the computer.
NOTICE: Before using the Dell Diagnostics Diskette, make sure to
write-protect the diskette.
2. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into the diskette drive.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. When the boot screen appears, select 2 Start Computer with CD-ROM
Support (Windows 98) or 1 EIDE Support (Windows NT).
5. Type
NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, you may want to start the Dell
Diagnostics so that you can see it on the screen.
3-30 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
diags32 and press <Enter>.
The DIAGNOSTICS MENU appears (see Figure 3-1). The menu allows you to run
all or specific diagnostic tests or to exit to the MS-DOS prompt.
For a quick check of your system, select Quickly Test All Devices. This option runs
only the subtests that do not require user interaction and that do not take a long time
to run. Dell recommends that you choose this option first to increase the odds of
tracing the source of the problem quickly. For a thorough check of your system,
select Fully Test All Devices. To check a particular area of your system, select
Select Devices to Test.
To select an option from this menu, press the arrow keys to highlight the option and
press <Enter>, or press the key that corresponds to the highlighted letter in the
option you choose.
Figure 3-1. Diagnostics Menu
Dell Diagnostics Main Screen
When you select Select Devices to Test from the DIAGNOSTICS MENU, the
main screen of the diagnostics appears (see Figure 3-2). The main screen lists the
diagnostic test device groups, lists the devices of the selected device group, and
allows you to select options from a menu. From this screen, you can enter two other
types of screens.
Information on the main screen of the diagnostics is presented in the following areas:
• Two lines at the top of the screen identify the version number of the Dell
Diagnostics.
• On the left side of the screen, the Device Groups area lists the diagnostic device
groups in the order they will run if you select All from the Run Tests menu. Press
the up- or down-arrow key to highlight a device group.
• On the right side of the screen, the Devices for Highlighted Group area lists the
devices to be tested for the selected device group.
• Two lines at the bottom of the screen are the menu area. The first line lists the
menu options you can select; press the left- or right-arrow key to highlight a
menu option. The second line gives information about the option currently
highlighted.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-31
Figure 3-2. Dell Diagnostics Main Screen
Do not be concerned if the Device Groups area does not list the names of all the
components or devices you know are part of your computer. For example, you will not
see a mouse listed, although you know one is attached to your computer. If you select
the Pointing Devices device group, Mouse is listed under Devices for Highlighted
Group. Similarly, you can test your printer connection through the Parallel Ports
device group.
Using the Dell Diagnostics
The online Help in the Dell Diagnostics provides instructions on how to use the
program and explains each menu item, device group, subtest, and test and error
result. To enter the Help menu, perform the following steps:
1. Highlight Select Devices to Test in the DIAGNOSTICS MENU.
2. Press <Enter>.
3. Press <h>.
The Help menu options are Menu, Keys, Device group, Device, Test, and Versions.
The online Help also provides detailed descriptions of the devices that you are testing.
The Help options are explained in the following subsections.
Menu
Menu describes the main menu screen area, the device groups, and the different
diagnostic menus and commands and provides instructions on how to use them.
3-32 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Keys
Keys explains the functions of all the keystrokes that can be used in the Dell
Diagnostics.
Device Group
Device Group describes the device group that is presently highlighted in the Device
Groups list on the main menu screen. It also provides reasoning for using some
tests.
Device
Device is the educational section of the online Help. It describes the function
and purpose of the highlighted device in the Device Groups area. For example,
the following information appears when you select Device for Diskette in the
Device Groups list:
Diskette drive A:
The diskette disk drive device reads and writes data to and from diskettes. Diskettes
are flexible recording media, sometimes contained in hard shells. Diskette recording
capacities are small and access times are slow relative to hard disk drives, but they
provide a convenient means of storing and transferring data.
Test
Test provides a thorough explanation of the subtest highlighted for a selected device
group. For example, the following description is provided for the Diskette Drive Seek
Test:
Diskette drive A: - Diskette Drive Seek Test
This test verifies the drive's ability to position its read/write heads. The test operates
in two passes: first, seeking from the beginning to ending cylinders inclusively, and
second, seeking alternately from the beginning to ending cylinders with convergence
towards the middle.
Versions
Versions lists the version numbers of the subtests that are used by the Dell
Diagnostics.
support.dell.com Basic Troubleshooting 3-33
3-34 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
CHAPTER 4
Installing System Software
This document explains how to install/reinstall Dell device drivers and utilities on your
Dell computer running the Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition operating system or
the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. You may need to use this document
under the following conditions:
• You are reinstalling the version of the Windows operating system that came with
your computer, and you need to reinstall the drivers and utilities that Dell
provides.
• You have a new hard-disk drive and you need to install all of the system software.
Installing the Windows 98 Operating
System
You must install Windows 98 on the hard-disk drive before you install any device
drivers.
1. Insert the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette into the diskette
drive.
2. Restart the computer.
3. When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup menu appears, insert the Microsoft
Windows 98 CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
4. Select Start Windows 98 Setup from CD-ROM and press <Enter>.
The Setup program runs ScanDisk to check your hard-disk drive.
5. When the hard-disk drive check is completed, type
6. Follow the prompts on your screen to continue with the installation.
7. When prompted to create a start-up diskette, remove the Microsoft Boot Disk
Windows 98 Series diskette, and click Next>.
support.dell.com Installing System Software 4-1
x to exit ScanDisk.
8. Label a blank, high-density diskette as instructed, insert the diskette into the
diskette drive, and then click OK.
9. Follow the prompts on your screen to complete the installation.
Installing Drivers and Utilities for
Windows 98
This section explains how to install/reinstall device drivers and utilities on your Dell
computer running the Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition operating system.
To install the system software, you need the following items:
• System Software CD
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive installed in the media bay of the computer
• Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition CD
• Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette
NOTE: Verify that Windows 98 is already installed on the hard-disk drive before you
install any device drivers. For instructions, see the preceding section, “Installing the
Windows 98 Operating System.”
The following subsections describe the installation instructions for the drivers and
utilities that are provided on the System Software CD for use with a system running
the Windows 98 operating system.
Installing the Audio Driver
The audio driver allows you to customize the sound features of your computer.
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open application programs.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
3. If the Welcome to Windows 98 screen appears, click the x in the upper-right
corner of the screen to close it and continue with the installation.
4. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
5. In the Run dialog box, type
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter.
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter is usually D.
6. Click OK.
7. At the Welcome screen, click Next>.
8. At the Main Menu, the Upgrade Drivers radio button is selected. Click Next>.
The audio files are copied to your hard-disk drive.
4-2 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
x:\win98\audio\setup.exe, where x is the
9. When prompted, be sure that the Yes, I want to restart my computer now
radio button is selected, and then click Finish.
The New Hardware Found window appears, the driver is installed, and the
installation is completed.
Installing the Video Driver
The video driver controls features such as video resolution and color palette.
NOTE: If you need to use extended video modes, check the documentation that
accompanied the application program to determine if the driver is provided. If it is not,
contact the software manufacturer to get the necessary driver.
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open application programs.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
3. If the Welcome to Windows 98 screen appears, click the x in the upper-right
corner of the screen to close it and continue with the installation.
4. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
5. In the Run dialog box, type
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter is usually D.
6. Click OK.
7. When prompted to restart, click Finish>.
The computer restarts automatically.
NOTE: After the computer restarts, you may change the video resolution.
x:\win98\video\setup.exe, where x is the
Installing the Touch Pad Driver
The touch pad driver controls features such as touch pad and mouse functions,
scrolling, touch features, and sensitivity.
NOTE: When you are promoted to select a directory, Dell recommends using the
default directory settings.
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open application programs.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
3. If the Welcome to Windows 98 screen appears, click the x in the upper-right
corner of the screen to close it and continue with the installation.
4. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
support.dell.com Installing System Software 4-3
5. In the Run dialog box, type x:\win98\touchpad\english\setup.exe,
where
x is the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter.
If you are using a Japanese-language version of Windows 98, type
x:\win98\touchpad\japanese\setup.exe, where x is the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive letter.
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter is usually D.
NOTICE: Do not install the Japanese-language driver on a computer
with a non-Japanese-language operating system.
6. Click OK.
7. At the Welcome screen, click Next>.
At the Choose Destination Location window, click Next>.
8. At the Start Copying Files window, click Next>.
The touch pad files are copied to your hard-disk drive.
9. At the Setup Complete window, be sure that the Yes, I want to restart my
computer now radio button is selected, and then click Finish.
The Information about your Touch Pad window appears. If you do no want this
window to appear each time you start the computer, uncheck the box that says
Show this message the next time Windows starts. Then click Close.
Installing the Internal Modem Driver (Optional)
NOTE: The internal modem is not available in some regions.
The modem driver allows you to customize the operation of the optional internal
modem.
If your computer has an internal modem, perform the following steps to install the
driver:
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open application programs.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
3. If the Welcome to Windows 98 screen appears, click the x in the upper-right
corner of the screen to close it and continue with the installation.
4. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
5. In the Run dialog box, type
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter.
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter is usually D.
6. Click OK.
4-4 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
x:\win98\modem\setup.exe, where x is the
7. At the Welcome Screen, click Next>.
The internal modem files are copied to your hard-disk drive.
The New Hardware Found window appears, the driver is installed, and the
installation is completed.
Installing the Software DVD Decoder (Optional)
The DVD decoder driver allows you to play DVD movies on the computer.
NOTE: When you are promoted to select a directory, Dell recommends using the
default directory settings.
1. Insert the Dell Inspiron 7500 Software DVD Decoder CD into the DVD-ROM
drive.
2. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
3. In the Run dialog box, type
letter.
The DVD-ROM drive letter is usually D.
4. Click OK.
5. The Welcome window appears. Click Next>.
6. At the Choose Destination Location screen, click Next>.
7. At the Select Program Folder screen, click Next>.
8. At the Start Copying Files screen, click Next>.
9. At the Setup Complete screen, be sure that the Yes, I want to restart my
computer now radio button is selected, and then click Finish.
The first time you play a DVD after installing this driver, you may be prompted to
change the region setting.
x:\setup.exe, where x is the DVD-ROM drive
Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend File
After you have installed a new hard-disk drive or rebuilt a hard-disk drive that had
corrupted software, use the phdisk.exe utility to create a save-to-disk suspend file
after you partition the drive. When save-to-disk suspend mode is activated, all system
data is stored in this file.
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and restart the
computer.
2. Insert the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette into the diskette
drive.
support.dell.com Installing System Software 4-5
3. When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears, press the
down-arrow key to select 2. Start computer with CD-ROM support and press
<Enter>.
4. When the
into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
5. At the
DVD-ROM drive, and press <Enter>.
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive letter is usually D.
6. Type
7. Type
NOTE: Make sure you insert a space before the slashes.
The utility calculates the size of the file in kilobytes (KB), based on the amount of
system memory and video memory in your computer, and adds 2 megabytes
(MB) to handle additional system requirements.
8. Follow the instructions on your screen to create the save-to-disk suspend file.
To check the size of the save-to-disk suspend file, type
MS-DOS
To delete the save-to-disk suspend file, type
press <Enter>.
9. Remove the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette, and press
<Ctrl><Alt><Del> to restart the system.
A:\> prompt appears on the screen, insert the System Software CD
A:\> prompt, type x:, where x is the drive letter for your CD-ROM or
cd\utility\ and press <Enter>.
phdisk /create /file and press <Enter>.
®
prompt and press <Enter>.
phdisk /delete /file and
phdisk /info at the
Installing the System Help
The Dell Inspiron system Help is available on the System Software CD. You can also
access it from Dell’s support Web site (http://support.dell.com).
Installing Help From the CD
To install the system Help from the System Software CD, perform the following steps.
NOTE: You must copy the popup.ocx file into the Windows registry; otherwise, error
messages may appear.
1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
2. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive icon.
3. Double-click the Guide folder.
4. Right-click the popup.ocx file, and then right-click Copy.
5. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the C: drive icon.
4-6 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
6. Double-click the Windows folder, then double-click the System folder, and then
right-click Paste.
7. Click Start, and then click Run.
8. Type
9. Click OK when a window indicates the file was successfully registered.
10. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM or
11. Double-click the Guide folder, and then double-click the appropriate language
12. Right-click and hold 7500help and drag it to the Windows desktop.
13. Release the right mouse button.
14. Left-click Copy Here.
15. Double-click the 7500help icon to access the system Help.
regsvr32 popup.ocx and then press <Enter>.
DVD-ROM icon.
folder for the version of the Help you want to install.
Downloading Help From the Support Web Site
To download the system Help from http://support.dell.com, perform the following
steps:
1. Click Support Your Dell.
2. Type your computer’s service tag sequence, if available, click Submit, and go to
step 5.
If the service tag is not available, go to step 3.
3. Click Inspiron Notebooks.
4. Click 7500.
5. Click Dell Documents (Technical Information).
Follow the instructions on the page to save the file to your hard-disk drive.
6. Click System Help.
7. When prompted, you can save the Help file to your hard-disk drive.
support.dell.com Installing System Software 4-7
Installing Drivers and Utilities for
Windows NT
This section explains how to install/reinstall device drivers and utilities on your Dell
portable computer running the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system.
NOTICE: You must install the Windows NT service pack before installing
device drivers.
To install the system software, you need the following items:
• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 CD
• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5 CD
• System Software CD
• CD-ROM drive (installed)
• One formatted diskette
The following subsections describe the drivers and utilities that are provided on the
System Software CD.
NOTE: To install the drivers and utilities correctly, you must install them in the order
presented in this document.
Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend Partition
If you have installed a new hard-disk drive or are rebuilding a hard-disk drive that had
corrupted software, you must create a save-to-disk suspend partition before creating
any other partitions (but after deleting any existing partitions). To create a save-to-disk
suspend partition, perform the following steps:
1. Insert the Dell Diagnostics and Utilities for Inspiron 7500 diskette number 1 into
the diskette drive and turn on the computer.
2. When the message
A:... appears, type C to exit to MS-DOS. Leave the Dell Diagnostics and
Utilities for Inspiron 7500 diskette number 1 in the diskette drive.
3. At the
4. Follow the instructions provided in your Windows NT documentation to install the
4-8 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
A:> prompt, type phdisk /create /partition and press <Enter>.
NOTE: Make sure you insert a space before the slashes.
The utility calculates the size of the file in kilobytes (KB), based on the amount of
system memory and video memory in your computer, and adds 2 megabytes
(MB) to handle additional system requirements and creates a partition on the
hard-disk drive to store the system state when put in the save-to-disk suspend
mode.
operating system on the drive.
Insert Delldiag diskette 2 of 4 in drive
Installing the Video Driver
The video driver controls features such as video resolution and color palette.
NOTE: If you need to use extended video modes, check the documentation that
accompanied the application program to determine if the driver is provided. If it is not,
contact the software manufacturer to get the necessary driver.
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open application programs.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
3. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM drive
icon.
4. Double-click the WinNT folder, then double-click the Video folder.
5. Dobule-click setup.exe.
6. When prompted to restart, click Finish>.
The computer restarts automatically.
NOTE: After the computer restarts, you may change the video resolution.
Changing Video Resolution
1. After the computer restarts, log on as Administrator.
2. Click OK in the Invalid Display Settings dialog box.
3. In the Color palette area, highlight 65536 Colors. In the Desktop Area, drag the
pointer to the right until 1024 by 768 pixels is shown. Make sure the Refresh
Frequency is set to the optimum setting of 60 Hertz.
4. Click Test.
5. Click OK.
A test bitmap appears for the selected resolution and color palette.
6. Click Yes if the expected results appear.
7. Click Apply to immediately accept these settings and configure your desktop.
8. Click OK to close the Display Properties dialog box.
Installing the Audio Driver
The audio driver allows you to customize the sound features of your computer.
1. Log on as Administrator.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive.
3. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
support.dell.com Installing System Software 4-9
4. In the Run dialog box, type x:\winnt\audio\setup.exe, where x is the
DVD-ROM drive letter.
5. Click OK.
6. At the Welcome screen, click Next>.
7. At the Main Menu, the Install radio button is selected. Click Next>.
The audio files are copied to your hard-disk drive.
8. When prompted, be sure that the Yes, I want to restart my computer now
radio button is selected, and then click Finish.
Installing the Touch Pad Driver
The touch pad driver controls features such as touch pad and mouse functions,
scrolling, touch features, and sensitivity.
1. Log on as Administrator.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive.
3. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM drive
icon.
4. Double-click the WinNT folder, then double-click the Touchpad folder, and then
double-click the English folder.
If you are using a Japanese-language version of Windows NT, double-click the
WinNT folder, then double-click the Touchpad folder, and then double-click the
Japanese folder.
NOTICE: Do not install the Japanese-language driver on a computer
with a non-Japanese-language operating system.
5. Double-click Setup.
6. In the Welcome window, click Next>.
7. In the Important Information window, click Next>.
Another Important Information window appears recommending that you create
or update an emergency repair diskette before you install the touch pad driver.
8. Ensure that the Run the Emergency Repair Disk utility before installing check
box is selected, and then click Next>.
9. Click Next> to install the files in the default directory.
10. Click Next> to begin copying the files.
11. When prompted to create an emergency repair diskette, click Yes.
12. Label a blank diskette “Emergency Repair Diskette,” insert it into the diskette
drive, and then click OK.
4-10 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
13. Click OK at the dialog box regarding sensitive information.
14. After the appropriate files are copied onto the hard-disk drive and the emergency
repair diskette is created, remove the Emergency Repair Diskette and select Yes,
I want to restart my computer now.
Do not remove the System Software CD.
15. Click Finish to exit the installation and restart your computer.
To prevent the Show this Dialog Box at Startup window from appearing when
the computer restarts, remove the check from the check box.
Installing the Power Management Configuration Utility
The power management configuration utility allows you to adjust the way the
computer uses the battery. The Softex Power Management icon appears in the
Control Panel after you install the utility.
1. Log on as Administrator.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive.
3. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM drive
icon.
4. Double-click the WinNT folder, and then double-click the APM folder.
5. Double-click Setup.
The Softex Power Management Control Setup screen appears, and then the
Softex Power Management Control Setup window displays the license
agreement.
6. Read the agreement and click Accept.
NOTE: You must accept the license agreement to continue.
7. Click the button in the Softex Power Management Control Setup window to
accept the default installation directory.
The Softex Power Management Control Setup window notifies you that the
installation is complete.
8. Click OK.
9. Click Don’t Restart Now in the Softex Power Management Control Setup
window.
support.dell.com Installing System Software 4-11
Installing the PC Card Configuration Utility
The PC Card configuration utility allows you to view and change the properties of an
installed PC Card. The Softex PC Card Controller icon appears in the Control Panel
after you install the utility.
1. Remove any PC Card(s) from the PC Card slot and restart the computer.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive.
3. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM drive
icon.
4. Double-click the WinNT folder, and then double-click the PCMCIA folder.
5. Double-click Setup.
The Softex PC Card Controller Setup screen appears, and then the Softex PC
Card Controller Setup window displays the license agreement.
6. Read the agreement and click Accept.
NOTE: You must accept the license agreement to continue.
7. Click the button in the Softex PC Card Controller Setup window to accept the
default installation directory.
The Softex PC Card Controller Setup window monitors the installation and
displays a status bar.
The Creating Control Panel window appears and notifies you that the setup
program will install the PC Card configuration in the Control Panel and that the
Microsoft Windows PC Card (PCMCIA) icon will be disabled.
8. Click I Understand.
9. When the Softex PC Card Controller Setup window notifies you that the
installation is complete, click OK.
The Reboot Now window appears.
10. Click Restart Now to restart the computer.
11. Log on as Administrator.
The Softex PC Card Controller Diagnostics window appears.
12. Click Next>, and then click Next> again to start the diagnostics utility.
13. When the Softex PC Card Controller Diagnostics window notifies you that the
diagnostics are complete, click Finish.
14. Verify that the computer restarts.
4-12 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Installing the Internal Modem Driver (Optional)
The modem driver allows you to customize the operation of your optional internal
modem.
NOTICE: Do not install this driver if the computer does not have an internal
modem installed.
NOTE: The internal modem is not available in all regions.
1. Log on as Administrator.
2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive.
3. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM drive
icon.
4. Double-click the WinNT folder, and then double-click the Modem folder.
5. Double-click Setup.
The Installing Modem Drivers window appears.
6. At the Modem Installation window, click Next>.
7. When prompted, select Install new modem driver and components and click
Next>.
8. When prompted, select the Yes, I want to restart my computer now check box
and click Finish to restart the computer.
Installing the System Help
The Dell Inspiron system Help is available on the System Software CD. You can also
access it from Dell’s support Web site (http://support.dell.com).
NOTE: You must install Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 from the Microsoft Windows
NT 4.0 Service Pack 5 CD prior to installing the system Help.
Installing Help From the CD
To install the system Help from the System Software CD, perform the following steps:
1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM drive
icon.
3. Double-click the Guide folder, and then double-click the appropriate language
folder for the version of the Help you want to install.
4. Right-click and hold 7500help and drag it to the Windows desktop.
5. Release the right mouse button.
support.dell.com Installing System Software 4-13
6. Left-click Copy Here.
7. Double-click the 7500help icon to access the system Help.
Downloading Help From the Support Web Site
To download the system Help from http://support.dell.com, perform the following
steps:
1. Click Support Your Dell.
2. Type your service tag sequence, if available, click Submit, and go to step 5.
If the service tag is not available, go to step 3.
3. Click Inspiron Notebooks.
4. Click 7500.
5. Click Dell Documents (Technical Information).
Follow the instructions on the page to save the file to your hard-disk drive.
6. Click System Help.
7. When prompted, you can save the system Help to your hard-disk drive.
Contacting Dell
Dell’s technical assistance Web site (http://support.dell.com) provides driver and
utility updates, as well as technical assistance with questions about your computer. In
addition, if you have access to a computer with a modem and/or fax capabilities, you
can access Dell’s TechConnect bulletin board service (BBS), AutoTech service, and
TechFax service. Dell’s Web site also contains links to some of these services.
Dell regularly tests and officially releases new drivers and utilities for
Inspiron computers. A list of the latest drivers and utilities is available at
http://support.dell.com.
4-14 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
CHAPTER 5
Getting Help
This chapter describes the tools Dell provides to help you when you have a problem
with your computer. It also tells you when and how to call Dell for technical or
customer assistance.
Technical Assistance
If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps:
1. Complete the troubleshooting checks in Chapter 3, “Basic Troubleshooting.”
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics as described in “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in
Chapter 3.
3. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (found later in this chapter), and fill it
out.
4. Use Dell’s extensive suite of online services available at Dell’s World Wide Web
site (http://
procedures.
www.dell.comwww.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting
For more information, refer to “World Wide Web on the Internet” found later in
this chapter.
5. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem and you need to talk to a
Dell technician, call Dell’s technical support service.
When prompted by Dell’s automated telephone system, enter your Express
Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do
not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click
the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.
NOTES: The Express Service Code is shown on the bottom of the computer.
Dell’s Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.
For instructions on using the technical support service, refer to “Technical
Support Service” and “Before You Call” found later in this chapter.
support.dell.com Getting Help 5-1
Help Tools
Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. These tools are described in the
following subsections.
NOTE: Some of the following tools are not always available in all locations outside the
continental U.S. Please call your local Dell representative for information on
availability.
World Wide Web
The Internet is your most powerful tool for obtaining information about your computer
and other Dell products. Through the Internet, you can access most of the services
described in this chapter, including AutoTech, TechFax, order status, technical support,
and product information.
From Dell’s World Wide Web home page (www.dell.com), click the Support icon,
and click Support Your Dell. Enter your service tag number (or, if you have one, your
Express Service Code) and click Submit. The service tag and Express Service Code
are shown on the bottom of the computer.
You can also select support by clicking Inspiron and selecting your system by name.
Your system information is presented on the system support page, including the
following tools and information:
• Technical information — Details on every aspect of your system, including
hardware specifications.
• Self-diagnostic tool — A system-specific troubleshooting application for resolving
many computer-related issues by following interactive flowcharts.
• Drivers, files, and utilities — The latest drivers and BIOS updates to keep your
system functioning at its best.
• Component support — Technical information, documentation, and
troubleshooting tips for different system components.
• Online Communications Center — Tool for submitting requests for both
technical and non-technical information on Dell products. Avoid telephone
delays by receiving an e-mail response to your request for information if your
computer is not functioning properly or if you have questions regarding your
computer’s hardware or operation.
Dell can be accessed electronically using the following addresses:
• World Wide Web
http://www.dell.com/
http://www.dell.com/ap/ (for Asian/Pacific countries only)
http://www.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)
5-2 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
• Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)
ftp.dell.com/
Log in as
user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.
• Electronic Support Service
mobile_support@us.dell.com
apsupport@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only)
support.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)
• Electronic Quote Service
sales@dell.com
apmarketing@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only)
• Electronic Information Service
info@dell.com
AutoTech Service
Dell’s automated technical support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers
to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers.
When you call AutoTech, you use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects
that correspond to your questions. You can even interrupt an AutoTech session and
continue the session later. The code number that the AutoTech service gives you
allows you to continue your session where you ended it.
The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also
access this service through the technical support service. For the telephone number
to call, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.
TechFax Service
Dell takes full advantage of fax technology to serve you better. Twenty-four hours a
day, seven days a week, you can call the Dell TechFax line toll-free for all kinds of
technical information.
Using a touch-tone phone, you can select from a full directory of topics. The technical
information you request is sent within minutes to the fax number you designate. For
the TechFax telephone number to call, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in
this chapter.
TechConnect BBS
Use your modem to access Dell’s TechConnect bulletin board service (BBS) 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. The service is menu-driven and fully interactive. The
protocol parameters for the BBS are 1200 to 19.2K baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop
bit.
support.dell.com Getting Help 5-3
Automated Order-Status System
You can call this automated service to check on the status of any Dell products that
you have ordered. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and
report on your order. For the telephone number to call, refer to “Dell Contact
Numbers” found later in this chapter.
Technical Support Service
Dell’s industry-leading hardware technical-support service is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, to answer your questions about Dell hardware.
Our technical support staff pride themselves on their track record: more than
90 percent of all problems and questions are taken care of in just one toll-free call,
usually in less than 10 minutes. When you call, our experts can refer to records kept
on your Dell system to better understand your particular question. Our technical
support staff use computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers to
questions.
To contact Dell’s technical support service, first refer to the section titled “Before You
Call” and then call the number for your country as listed in “Dell Contact Numbers”
found later in this chapter.
Problems With Your Order
If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect
billing, contact Dell Computer Corporation for customer assistance. Have your invoice
or packing slip handy when you call. For the telephone number to call, refer to “Dell
Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.
Product Information
If you need information about additional products available from Dell Computer
Corporation, or if you would like to place an order, visit Dell’s World Wide Web site
at http://www.dell.com/. For the telephone number to call to speak to a sales
specialist, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in this chapter.
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or
Credit
Dell’s technical support staff will work with you to solve any problem you may have
with your computer. Sometimes, though, a part needs to be returned to Dell for repair
or credit. Use the following procedure to prepare all items being returned:
1. Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and prominently
on the outside of the box.
For the telephone number to call, refer to “Dell Contact Numbers” found later in
this chapter.
5-4 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
2. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.
3. Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indicating the tests you have run and
any error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics.
4. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power
cables, software diskettes, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.
5. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing
materials.
You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for
insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment
to Dell Computer Corporation. Collect-on-delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not
accepted.
Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at our
receiving dock and returned to you.
Before You Call
NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s
automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.
Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (Figure 5-1). If possible, turn on your
system before you call Dell for technical assistance and call from a telephone at or
near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay
detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps possible
only at the computer system itself. Make sure the system documentation is available.
support.dell.com Getting Help 5-5
Diagnostics Checklist
Name: ______________________________________________________________Date: ______________________
Address: ________________________________________________________Phone number: _________________
Service tag (bar code on the back of the computer): _________________________________________________
Express Service Code: ___________________________________________________________________________
Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician): ___________________________
Operating system and version: ____________________________________________________________________
Peripherals: ____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Expansion cards:_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you connected to a network? yes no
Network, version, and network card: _______________________________________________________________
Programs and versions: ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Refer to your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system’s start-up files. If the
computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before
calling Dell.
Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code: ______________________________________________________
Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed: ________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 5-1. Diagnostics Checklist
5-6 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Dell Contact Numbers
When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers and codes provided
in Tables 5-1 and 5-2. Table 5-1 provides the various codes required to make
long-distance and international calls. Table 5-2 provides local telephone numbers,
area codes, and toll-free numbers, if applicable, for each department or service
available in various countries around the world. If you are making a direct-dialed call to
a location outside of your local telephone service area, determine which codes to use
(if any) in Table 5-1 in addition to the local numbers provided in Table 5-2. For example,
to place an international call from Paris, France to Bracknell, England, dial the
international access code for France followed by the country code for the U.K.,
the city code for Bracknell, and then the local number as shown in the following
illustration.
00
International
Access Code
(in France)
44
Country
Code
(for U.K.)
1344
City Code
(Bracknell)
________
Local
Number
To place a long-distance call within your own country, use area codes instead of
international access codes, country codes, and city codes. For example, to call Paris,
France from Montpellier, France, dial the area code plus the local number as shown in
the following illustration.
01
Area Code
(for Paris from
outside Paris)
________
Local
Number
The codes required depend on where you are calling from as well as the destination
of your call; in addition, each country has a different dialing protocol. If you need
assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international
operator.
NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use only within the country for which they are listed.
Area codes are most often used to call long distance within your own country (not
internationally)—in other words, when your call originates in the same country you
are calling.
support.dell.com Getting Help 5-7
Table 5-1. International Dialing Codes
Country (City)
International
Access Code Country Code City Code
Australia (Sydney) 0011 61 2
Austria (Vienna) 900 43 1
Belgium (Brussels) 00 32 2
Brunei — 673 —
Canada (North York, Ontario) 011 — Not required
Chile (Santiago) — 56 2
China (Xiamen) — 86 592
Czech Republic (Prague) 00 420 2
Denmark (Horsholm) 009 45 Not required
Finland (Helsinki) 990 358 9
France (Paris) (Montpellier) 00 33 (1) (4)
Germany (Langen) 00 49 6103
Hong Kong 001 852 Not required
Ireland (Bray) 16 353 1
Italy (Milan) 00 39 2
Japan (Kawasaki) 001 81 44
Korea (Seoul) 001 82 2
Luxembourg 00 352 —
Macau — 853 Not required
Malaysia (Penang) 00 60 4
Mexico (Colonia Granada) 95 52 5
Netherlands (Amsterdam) 00 31 20
New Zealand 00 64 —
Norway (Lysaker) 095 47 Not required
Poland (Warsaw) 011 48 22
Singapore (Singapore) 005 65 Not required
South Africa (Johannesburg) 09/091 27 11
Spain (Madrid) 07 34 91
5-8 Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
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