Dell 8500 User Manual
Dell™ Inspiron™ 8500
Owner’s Manual
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of
data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help
file (see page 104).
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2003 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, TrueMobile, DellNet, Dell T ravelLite , Inspiron,
Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation;
Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth
SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Computer Corporation under license; EMC is a registered trademark
of EMC 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 an y proprietary interest
in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP02X
July 2003 P/N 3Y007 Rev. A01
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
General
Power
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Air Travel
EMC Instructions
California Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Ergonomic Computing Habits
When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Battery Disposal
1 A Tour of Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Left View
Right View
Back View
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2 Setting Up Your Computer
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Contents 3
Modem and Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Transferring Information to a New Computer
. . . . . . . . . . 36
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Printer Cable
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Connecting a Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Connecting a USB Printer
Printer Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network . . . . 41
Power Protection Devices
Surge Protectors
Line Conditioners
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices
Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Battery Performance
Checking the Battery Charge
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Removing a Battery
Installing a Battery
Removing and Installing a Reserve Battery
Storing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . 49
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4 Contents
Power Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
About the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Checking the Charge on the Second Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . 52
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer
Is Turned Off
If the Device Screw Is Not Installed
If the Device Screw Is Installed
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Removing and Installing Devices While the
Computer Is Running
If the Device Screw Is Not Installed
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
If the Device Screw Is Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
4 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Keyboard Shortcuts
System Functions
Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Display Functions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth™)
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Speaker Functions
Microsoft
Touch Pad
®
Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Customizing the Touch Pad
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia
Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . 63
CD or DVD problems
If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . 71
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . . . . . . 71
Contents 5
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
If you have a problem with integrated speakers
If you have a problem with external speakers
. . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . 71
Copying CDs
Using Easy CD Creator Basic
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
How to Copy a CD
Connecting a Television to the Computer
S-Video and Standard Audio
S-Video and Digital Audio
Composite Video and Standard Audio
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Composite Video and Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Enabling the Display Settings for a Television
Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
6 Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Network Setup Wizard
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
. . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . 84
Connecting to Wireless Local Area Networks
Determining your Network Type
Connecting to a Network in Windows XP
Finalizing your Network Connection (Security Settings)
7 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Accessing Help
Error Messages
6 Contents
. . . . . . . . . . . 92
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
. . . . . . . . . . . . 93
. . . . 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
If the display is blank
If the display is difficult to read
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Drive Problems
If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive
If you have problems with a hard drive
PC Card Problems
General Program Problems
A program crashes
A program stops responding
Error messages appear
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
. . . . . . . . . . . 108
. . . . . . . . . . . . 109
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Drivers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
What Is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
. . . . . . . . 115
Using System Restore
Creating a Restore Point
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State . . . . . 116
Undoing the Last System Restore
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
. . . . . . 118
Contents 7
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Before You Reinstall
Reinstalling Windows XP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Reinstalling Drivers and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
8 Adding and Replacing Parts
Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Adding a Mini PCI Card
Adding a Modem
Replacing the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Standard Settings
Overview
Viewing the System Setup Screens
System Setup Screens
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
Contacting Dell
Regulatory Noticesour cccess the help
NOM Information (Mexico Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
. . . . . 149
. . . . . . 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
8 Contents
Limited Warranties and Return Policy
Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware
Products (U.S. Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
. . . . . . . . . . 174
Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware
Products (Canada Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . 178
Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only)
. . . . . . . . . 178
1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
®
Intel
Warranty Statement for Pentium® and
Celeron® Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . 181
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Contents 9
10 Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect
your computer and working environment from potential damage.
General
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service
technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.
• If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere
rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the
ampere rating of the extension cable.
• 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.
• Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a
closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on. Restricting airflow can damage the
computer or cause a fire.
• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling
vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer
in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
• 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.
• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care
when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
• Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed
skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during
normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact
with exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.
• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or
swimming pool or in a wet basement
• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the
modem cable if an electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk of electric
shock from lightning via the telephone line.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions 11
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
• 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. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been
disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be
manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an
FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• Before you open the memory module/Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of your
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computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone
cable.
• If your computer has both a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector,
which look alike, make sure you insert the telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not
the RJ-45 connector.
•PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC
Cards after their continuous operation.
• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.
Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
Power
(continued)
• Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of
another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.
• Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage
rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power
source.
• To remove the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, remove the
battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly
grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-prong plugs to
provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the
appropriate type, 2-prong or 3-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.
• 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.
12 CAUTION: Safety Instructions
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
• If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use caution when plugging the AC
adapter’s power cable into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you to insert the
plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage
to your computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the ground
prong of the power plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of the power strip.
(continued)
Battery
• Use only Dell™ battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of
other types may increase the risk of fire or explosion.
• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects
(such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting
excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage
to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.
• The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it.
Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged,
electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.
• Keep the battery away from children.
• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator,
fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or otherwise expose it
to temperatures in excess of 60ºC (140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures,
battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.
• Do not dispose of your computer’s battery in a fire or with normal household waste.
Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer’s
instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose
of a spent or damaged battery promptly.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions 13
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Air Travel
• Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions
may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are on board an aircraft. For
example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic
device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or
other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.
– In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is
equipped with Dell TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication device,
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EMC Instructions
Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for
the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you
can order a cable from Dell at its worldwide website at www.dell.com.
please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions
provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.
– Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable computer, may be prohibited in
aircraft during certain critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing. Some
airlines may further define the critical flight phase as any time the aircraft is below
3050 m (10,000 ft). Please follow the airline’s specific instructions as to when the use
of a PED is allowed.
(continued)
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 input/output panel.
California Residents
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product, or cords associated with accessories sold with
this product, will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
14 CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Wash your hands after handling the cord.
When Using Your Computer
Observe the following safe-handling guidelines to prevent damage to your computer:
• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
• 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 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 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 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.
• 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 preparing to remove a memory module from the system board or disconnect a
device from the computer, turn off the computer, remove any battery installed in the
battery bay or module bay, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and then wait 5 seconds
before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
When Using Your Computer 15
When Using Your Computer
• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and water. Apply the water to the cloth; then
stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to
the bottom. Remove moisture from the display quickly and keep the display dry. Longterm exposure to moisture can damage the display. Do not use a commercial window
cleaner to clean your display.
• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures on page 111. If, after
following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly,
contact Dell (see page 150 for the appropriate contact information).
(continued)
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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.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Tel l M e Ho w help file when
setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 104.
This portable computer is not designed for continuous operation as office equipment. For
extended use in an office, it is recommended that you connect an external keyboard.
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before removing or installing memory modules, Mini PCI cards, or modems, 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, a Mini PCI card, or a modem.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing
a memory module, Mini PCI card, or modem to help prevent possible damage to the system board.
Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.
1
2 Disconnect your computer and devices from 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 battery bay and, if necessary, the second battery from
the module bay.
16 When Using Your Computer
When Using Your Computer
4 Ground yourself by touching any unpainted metal surface 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.
(continued)
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.
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.
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a reserve battery. For instructions about replacing
the lithium-ion battery in your computer, refer to the section about replacing the battery in
your Dell computer documentation. The reserve battery is a long-life battery, and it is very
possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, see
page 49 for instructions.
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal
agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
When Using Your Computer 17
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18 When Using Your Computer
1
SECTION 1
A Tour of Your Computer
Front View
Left View
Right View
Back View
Bottom View
keyboard
status lights
Front View
display latch
display
mute button
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volume control
buttons
track stick
track stick/touch
pad buttons
power button
device status
lights
keyboard
touch pad
display latch
button
speakers
DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.
DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see the Tel l Me H ow help
file. To access the help file, see page 104.
POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or
exit a power management mode.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a
Microsoft
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the
computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).
®
Windows® shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.
20 A Tour of Your Computer
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
Turns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is
in a power management mode.
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while
the light is flashing.
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status. If if is off, you
may not have a battery in your computer.
Turns on when Bluetooth™ is enabled. To enable or disable Bluetooth,
press
NOTE: Bluetooth is an optional feature on your computer, so the
icon turns on only if your ordered Bluetooth with your computer. For more
information, see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth
wireless technology.
A Tour of Your Computer 21
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If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as
follows:
– Solid green: The battery is charging.
– Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.
If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
– Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).
– Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.
– Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.
KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft
®
Windows
logo key . For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see
page 62.
TOUCH PAD — Touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a
mouse. See page 65 for more information.
DISPLAY LATCH BUTTON — Press this button to release the display latch and
open the display.
SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume
control buttons or volume control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see
page 64.
TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a
mouse. See the Tell Me How help file for more information. To access the help file,
see page 104.
VOLUME CONTROL BUTTONS — Press these buttons to adjust the volume.
MUTE BUTTON — Press this button to turn off the volume.
®
22 A Tour of Your Computer
KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
9
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
A
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
A Tour of Your Computer 23
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Left View
air vents
security cable slot
NOTE: The computer
turns on the fan when the
computer gets hot. Fan
noise is normal and does
not indicate a problem
with the fan or the
computer.
IEEE 1394 connector
PC Card slot
infrared sensor
AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the
vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to
accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a
low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is
running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or
cause a fire.
IEEE 1394
1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.
ARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter.
PC C
The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information,
see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 104.
INFRARED SENSOR — Lets you transfer files from your computer to another
infrared-compatible device without using cable connections.
When you receive your computer, the sensor is disabled. You can use the system
setup program to enable the sensor (see page 148). For information on transferring
data, see the Windows Help and Support Center (see page 104), or the
documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device.
CONNECTOR (4-PIN)—Use to attach devices supporting IEEE
audio connectors
hard drive
24 A Tour of Your Computer
AUDIO CONNECTORS
Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
HARD
DRIVE — Stores software and data.
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft
device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with
the device.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the
security cable slot.
A Tour of Your Computer 25
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Right View
module bay device latch release
security cable slot
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft
device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with
the device.
26 A Tour of Your Computer
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the
security cable slot.
MODULE BAY — You can install devices such as an optical drive or Dell
TravelLite™ module in the module bay. For more information, see the Tel l Me H ow
help file. To access the help file, see page 104.
DEVICE LATCH RELEASE — Releases a device. For more information, see the
Tel l M e H ow help file. To access the help file, see page 104.
Back View
S-video TV-out connector
USB connectors (2)
network connector (RJ-45)
modem connector (RJ-11)
air vent
parallel connector
video connector
AC adapter connector
air vents
serial connector
A Tour of Your Computer 27
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S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR
Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital
audio capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter
cable. For more information, see page 76.
USB CONNECTORS (2)
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to a
USB connector using the optional floppy-drive cable, as
shown below.
NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
28 A Tour of Your Computer
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector.
To avoid damaging the computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network
connector.
Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow
lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired
and wireless network communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online
network adapter documentation supplied with your
computer.
MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
To use the internal modem, connect the telephone line to
the modem connector.
For additional information on using the modem, see the
online modem documentation supplied with your computer.
AIR VENT — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the
vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
PARALLEL CONNECTOR
Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.
VIDEO CONNECTOR
Connects an external monitor. For more information, see
the Tel l M e H ow help file. To access the help file, see
page 104.
SERIAL
CONNECTOR
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld
device.
A Tour of Your Computer 29
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NOTE: The computer
turns on the fan when the
computer gets hot. Fan
noise is normal and does
not indicate a problem
with the fan or the
computer.
AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach an AC adapter to the computer.
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You
can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.
CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets
worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary
among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly
connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may
cause fire or equipment damage.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer,
grasp the connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid
damaging the cable.
AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the
vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to
accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a
low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is
running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or
cause a fire.
30 A Tour of Your Computer
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