Dell 8100 Service Manual
Dell Inspiron 8100
Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100
A Tour of Your Computer
Power Conservation
Solving Problems
System Specifications
Reinstalling Software
System Setup Program
Ports and Connector Pin-Outs
Removing and Replacing Parts
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of
data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file (click
the Start button on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, point to Programs—>
User's Guides, and click Tell Me How).
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Dell Inspiron 8100
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, Dell TravelLite, Inspiron, AccessDirect, and TrueMobile are
trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks; GeForce2 Go is
a trademark of NVIDIA Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary
interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain
U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights
owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation,
and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
August 2001
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Back to Contents Page
A Tour of Your Computer
Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Front View
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Display Latch
This latch keeps the display locked in place when the display is closed.
Display
The computer has a color LCD.
Device Status Lights
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The lights below the display indicate the following:
● The light labeled turns on when the computer is turned on and blinks when
the computer is in standby mode.
● The light labeled turns on when the computer reads data from or writes
data to the hard drive.
● The light labeled turns on steadily or blinks to indicate the battery charge
status. Indicator states include:
❍ Off, which indicates that the computer is operating on an adequately
charged battery or that the computer is turned off
❍ Flashing green, which indicates that the battery is fully charged
❍ Solid green, which indicates that the battery is charging
❍ Flashing orange, which indicates that the battery charge is low
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❍ Solid orange, which indicates that the battery charge is critically low
NOTICE: To avoid data loss, never turn off the computer while the green light
labeled
is flashing.
Air Intake
HINT: The computer turns on the fans only when the computer gets hot. They
may run most of the time or very seldom, depending on your use of the
computer. Because the fans spin at a high rate of speed, they may make a
noise. This noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the
computer.
The fans work with the air intakes to prevent the computer from overheating. When
the computer gets hot, the small internal fans turn on and draw air through the air
intakes to cool the computer. Hot air is expelled through the
fan exhausts.
CAUTION: Do not push objects into or block the air intakes. Doing so
can cause fire or damage the interior components. Keep the openings
free from dust and other foreign particles.
Keyboard Status Lights
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The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
● The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the numeric
keypad.
● The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the
uppercase letter function.
● The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the scroll
lock function.
Track Stick
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The track stick detects the pressure and movement of your finger for moving the
cursor on the display and, along with the track stick buttons, provides full mouse
functionality.
Touch Pad
The touch pad detects the position of your finger over a touch-sensitive area and
provides the computer with full mouse functionality.
Battery Bay
With a charged battery in this bay, you can use the computer without plugging it in to
an electrical outlet.
Media Bay
You can install devices such as a CD drive, DVD drive, CD-RW and CD-R drive, second
battery, or Dell TravelLite™ travel module in the media bay.
Touch Pad/Track Stick Buttons
These buttons correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Keyboard
The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo
key that supports the Windows operating systems.
Power Button
HINT: To turn off your computer, perform a Windows shutdown.
Press the power button to turn on the computer or to initiate standby mode.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer
turns off completely (this may take several seconds).
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Microphone
The internal microphone allows you to record voice audio.
Volume Control Buttons
Increase or decrease the speaker volume with the volume control buttons. You can
also change the speaker volume using key combinations:
● To increase the volume press, the <Fn> and the <Page Up> keys.
● To decrease the volume, press the <Fn> and the <Page Dn> keys.
● To enable or disable (mute) the integrated stereo speakers or external speakers,
press both of the volume control buttons simultaneously.
HINT: If no sound comes from the speakers, press <Fn> and <End> and check
the volume control buttons to make sure that the sound is not disabled.
When you mute music, the computer may take a moment to respond.
Dell™ AccessDirect™ Buttons
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HINT: To launch the Dell Solution Center, the computer must be turned on and
functioning properly.
1
Press this button to launch the Dell Solution Center, where you can find support
and educational tools that Dell has installed on your computer.
2
Press this button to launch your default Internet browser.
3
Press this button to launch http://www.dell.com, or reprogram the button to
launch a program of your choice.
4
Press this button to open your default e-mail program, or reprogram the button to
launch a program of your choice.
You can also reprogram the button scheme to control CD or DVD player functions.
Left Side View
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Security Cable Slot
The slots (one on each side of the computer) let you attach a commercially available
antitheft device to the computer. Complete instructions for installing antitheft devices
are usually included with the device.
NOTICE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before you buy one, make
sure it will work with the security cable slot in the computer.
Speakers
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Your computer has integrated speakers. Press the volume control buttons to adjust
the speaker volume.
S-Video TV-Out Connector
Use this connector to connect your computer to a television. If you
have a TV/digital audio adapter cable, you can also connect
composite video cables and S/PDIF devices to this connector.
Fixed Optical Drive
Your computer supports a CD drive, DVD drive, or CD-RW drive.
Right Side View
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Audio Connectors
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● Attach record/playback devices such as a cassette player or CD player to the
connector.
● Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
● Attach a microphone to the connector.
IEEE 1394 Connector
Use this connector to attach IEEE 1394-compatible devices such as a
digital camera to your computer.
Infrared Sensor
The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from the computer to another infrared
device without using cable connections.
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HINT: The infrared sensor does not function when the computer is connected to
a port replicator.
Hard Drive
The hard drive reads and writes data on a hard disk.
Modem Connector
If you ordered the optional internal modem, use this connector to plug
in the telephone connector.
Network Connector
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If you ordered the optional integrated network adapter, use this
connector to connect the computer to a network.
Security Cable Slot
The slots (one on each side of the computer) let you attach a commercially available
antitheft device to the computer. Complete instructions for installing antitheft devices
are usually included with the device.
NOTICE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before you buy one, make
sure it works with the security cable slot in the computer.
PC Card Slot
The PC Card slot has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including
modems and network adapters.
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Back View
Fan Exhausts
HINT: The computer turns on the fan only when the computer gets hot. It may
run most of the time or very seldom, depending on your use of the computer.
Because the fan spins at a high rate of speed, it may make a noise. This noise is
normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
The fan works with the air intake to prevent the computer from overheating. When
the computer gets hot, the small internal fan turns on and draws air through the air
intake to cool the computer. Hot air is expelled through the fan exhaust.
CAUTION: Do not push objects into or block the air intake. Doing so can
cause fire or damage interior components. Keep the opening free from
dust and other foreign particles.
AC Adapter Connector
Use this connector to attach an AC adapter to the computer.
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HINT: Although the AC adapter works worldwide, power connectors vary among
countries. Before using the AC adapter in a foreign country, you may need to
obtain a new power cable designed for use with the electrical outlets in that
country.
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You
can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the
adapter cable connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid
damaging the cable.
Parallel Connector
Use this connector to attach a parallel device, such as a printer, to
the computer.
USB Connectors
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Use these connectors to attach USB-compatible devices such as a
mouse, keyboard, printer, or scanner to your computer.
Serial Connector
Use this connector to attach a serial device to the computer.
HINT: The port replicator may not be available in certain countries. Refer to the
documentation that came with your port replicator for instructions on attaching
external devices to the port replicator and connecting your computer to it.
Docking Connector
Use this connector to attach your computer to the optional port
replicator. A port replicator allows you to easily use an external
keyboard, mouse, and monitor with your computer. An advanced
port replicator also includes a network connector for connecting
your computer to a network.
Video Connector
Use this connector to attach an external monitor to the computer.
PS/2 Connector
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Use this connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as a
mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad to your computer.
Back to Contents Page
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 8100
Back to Contents Page
Power Conservation
Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100
Conservation Tips
Power Conservation Modes
Power Options Properties
Conservation Tips
● You automatically conserve battery power each time you attach your computer
to an electrical outlet. When the AC adapter is attached, the battery is charged
while the computer uses AC power. Your battery's life expectancy is largely
determined by the number of times it is charged, so use an AC power source to
run the computer if one is available.
● When the computer is using battery power, remove the PC Cards that you are
not using.
● When possible, attach your computer to an electrical outlet when you play CDs
and DVDs. Playing a CD or DVD uses a lot of battery power.
● Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the
computer unattended for long periods of time.
Power Conservation Modes
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a
predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out.) When you exit standby mode, the
desktop is restored to the same state that it was in before the computer entered
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standby mode.
To activate standby mode:
● Click the Start button, click Shut down, click Stand by, and then click OK.
or
● Press the power button or the power conservation key combination,
<Fn><Suspend>, that you programmed (via the Advanced tab).
HINT: You can use the Advanced tab to program the display-close option, the
power button, and the power conservation key combination to activate standby
mode.
To exit standby mode, press the power button, or if you activated standby mode by
closing the display, open (raise) the display.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the
hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When you exit hibernate
mode, the application programs and files that were open before you activated
hibernate mode are still open.
Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically
low, or if either the power button, the power conservation key combination,
<Fn><Suspend>, or the display-close option are programmed to activate hibernate
mode in the Advanced tab of the Power Options Properties window.
HINT: Some PC Cards may not operate correctly after resuming operation from
hibernate mode. If you encounter problems with a PC Card, reinsert the card or
restart your computer.
To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time
to return to its normal operating state. Pressing a key or touching the touch pad or
track stick does not bring the computer out of hibernate mode.
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Hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to
store the contents of the computer memory. Dell creates an appropriately sized
hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you.
If you reinstall the operating system, you must reenable
hibernate support.
Power Options Properties
To access the Microsoft® Windows® Power Options Properties window:
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Power Options icon.
Power Schemes Tab
The Power schemes pull-down menu displays the selected preset power scheme:
● Portable/Laptop (default)
● Home/Office
● Always On
● Presentation (Windows 2000 only)
● Minimal Power Management (Windows 2000 only)
● Max Battery (Windows 2000 only)
HINT: Dell recommends that you continue to use the Portable/Laptop power
scheme to maximize battery power conservation.
Each preset power scheme has different time-out settings for putting the computer
into standby mode, turning off the display, and turning off the hard drive.
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Alarms Tab
HINT: To enable audible alarms, click each Alarm Action button and select
Sound alarm.
The Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm settings alert you with a
message when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive
your computer, the Lower battery alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes
are selected. Dell recommends that you continue to use these defaults.
Power Meter Tab
The Power Meter tab displays the current power source and amount of battery
charge remaining.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab allows you to:
● Set icon and standby password options.
● Program the following functions:
❍ Activate standby mode (the default when you close the display).
❍ Activate hibernate mode (the default for the power button).
❍ Shut down Windows and turn off the computer.
❍ Choose no action (None).
HINT: If you are going to connect your computer to a port replicator, click
None when you program the display-close option. This setting ensures that your
computer does not enter standby mode or hibernate mode when you close
(lower) the display.
To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding pull-down menu,
and then click OK.
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Hibernate Tab
The Hibernate tab lets you enable hibernate mode by clicking the Enable hibernate
support check box.
Back to Contents Page
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Solving Problems : Dell Inspiron 8100
Back to Contents Page
Solving Problems
Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100
Accessing Help Files
Power Problems
Start-Up Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
Sound and Speaker
Problems
Printer Problems
Modem Problems
Scanner Problems
Touch Pad Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
Network Problems
Windows® Error Messages
General Program Problems
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your
Computer
Resolving Other Technical
Problems
HINT: If you have a problem with an external device, see the device
documentation or contact the manufacturer.
Accessing Help Files
To access the Tell Me How help file
1. Click the Start button, point to Programs—>User's
Guides, and then click Tell Me How.
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To access Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Help
1. Click the Start button and then click Help.
2. Click the Search tab.
3. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then
click List Topics.
4. Click the topic that describes your problem and then click
Display.
5. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
To access Windows Me Help
1. Click the Start button and then click Help.
2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem in the
Search box and then click Go.
3. Click the topic that describes your problem and then click
Display.
4. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Power Problems
HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on standby mode.
Check the power light— When the power light is lit or blinking,
the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the
computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit
standby mode. If the power light is off, press the power button.
Check the battery— If you are using a battery to power your
computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the
computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on
the computer.
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
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Check the AC adapter— Be sure that the power cable is firmly
inserted into the electrical outlet and the green light on the AC
adapter is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet—
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension
cable to verify that the computer turns on.
Check for interference— Electrical appliances on the same circuit
or operating near the computer can cause interference. Other
causes of interference: power extension cables, too many devices
on a power strip, or multiple power strips connected to the same
electrical outlet.
Adjust the Power Properties— See the
Tell Me How help file or
search for the keyword standby in
Windows Help.
Reseat the memory modules— If your computer power light
turns on but the display remains blank, you may need to
reseat the
memory modules.
Start-Up Error Messages
Operating system not found— Contact Dell for technical
assistance. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Solutions Guide that
came with your computer for contact information.
Insert bootable media— The operating system is trying to boot
to a nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or
CD.
Non-system disk error— A floppy disk is in the floppy drive.
Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
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Check the power light— When the power light is lit or blinking,
the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the
computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit
standby mode. If the power light is off, press the power button.
Check the battery— If you are using a battery to power your
computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the
computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on
the computer.
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter— Be sure that the power cable is firmly
inserted into the electrical outlet and the green light on the AC
adapter is on.
Adjust the power properties— Search for the keyword standby
in
Windows Help.
If the display is difficult to read
Adjust the brightness— See the Tell Me How help file for
instructions on adjusting the brightness.
Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor— If
your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that
the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or
external monitor.
Eliminate possible interference— Turn off nearby fans,
fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.
Rotate the computer to face a different direction— Eliminate
sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.
Restore the recommended settings— Restore the original
resolution and refresh rate settings. For more information, see the
Tell Me How help file for instructions.
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Adjust the Windows display settings—
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click
Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Display icon and then click the Settings
tab.
3. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area.
Sound and Speaker Problems
Integrated Speakers
Adjust the Windows volume control— Double-click the yellow
speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Be sure that
the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
Check the volume control buttons— Press both volume control
buttons simultaneously or press <Fn><End> to disable (mute) or
reenable the integrated speakers.
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver— See "
Reinstalling Drivers
and Utilities."
External Speakers
HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume
setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not
turn the player volume down or off.
Verify the speaker cable connections— Ensure that the
speakers are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied
with the speakers.
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
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