Dell 8600 User Manual

Download

Page 1

Dell™ Inspiron™ 8600

Owner’s Manual

Model PP02X

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Page 2

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 pr operty damage, p ersonal

injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file (see page 94).

____________________

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 TravelLite, 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 any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP02X

July 2003 P/N D2513 Rev. A00

Page 3

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Contents 3

Page 4

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

4 Contents

Power Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

About the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Checking the Charge on the Second Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . 52

Page 5

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

If the Device Screw Is Not Installed

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

If the Device Screw Is Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

If the Device Screw Is Not Installed If the Device Screw Is Installed

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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

4 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

System Functions

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

CD or DVD Tray Display Functions

Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth™) . . . . 61

Power Management Speaker Functions

Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Customizing the Touch Pad Touch Pad or Mouse Problems External Keyboard Problems Unexpected Characters

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

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

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

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

Contents 5

Page 6

5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

CD or DVD problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray . . . . . 69

If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound

. . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . 69

Sound and Speaker Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

If you have a problem with integrated speakers If you have a problem with external speakers

Copying CDs

Using Easy CD Creator Basic

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . 69

Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

How to Copy a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Connecting a Television to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

S-Video and Standard Audio

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

S-Video and Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Composite Video and Standard Audio Composite Video and Digital Audio

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Enabling the Display Settings for a Television . . . . . . . . . 82

Enabling Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio for DVD Playback

6 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

. . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . 84

6 Contents

Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Network Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Page 7

7 Solving Problems

Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Accessing Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Error Messages Video and Display Problems

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

Scanner Problems Drive Problems

If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive If you have problems with a hard drive

PC Card Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

A program crashes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Error messages appear

E-Mail Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

If Your Computer Gets Wet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer Resolving Other Technical Problems Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

What Is a Driver?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

. . . . . . . . 105

Contents 7

Page 8

Using System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Creating a Restore Point

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . 108

Reinstalling Microsoft

Before You Reinstall Reinstalling Windows XP

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Reinstalling Drivers and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

8 Adding and Replacing Parts

Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

. . . . . 106

Adding a Mini PCI Card Adding a Modem

Replacing the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

9 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Standard Settings

Overview Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens

Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . 139

Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

. . . . . 139

8 Contents

Page 9

Regulatory Noticesthe help file, see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Limited Warranties and Return Policy

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (U.S. Only)

"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

. . . . . . . . . 162

Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware

Products (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (Canada Only)

. . . . . . . . 165

Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . 166

1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Intel® Warranty Statement for Pentium® and

Celeron® Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only). . . . . . . 169

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Contents 9

Page 10

10 Contents

Page 11

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help ensur e 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 a s 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 stor m is approaching to avoid the remote risk of elect ric shock from lightning via the telephone line.

Page 12

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 wir e si ze of 26 A merican wir e gauge (AWG) and an FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.

• Before you open the memory module/Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of your

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets a nd disconnect the te lephone 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 preve nt electric shock, plug the A C 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.

Page 13

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 e xplosion.

• 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-gene rating 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.

Page 14

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,

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

EMC Instructions

Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classificati on for the intended environment. F or 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.

Wash your hands after handling the cord.

Page 15

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.

Page 16

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 101. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell (see page 139 for the appropriate contact information).

(continued)

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAUTI ON: Improper or prolonge d keyboard use may result in injur y. CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of

time may result in eye strain.

F or comfort an d efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Tell Me How help file when setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 94.

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.

Page 17

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

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.

Page 18

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Page 19

SECTION 1

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View Left View Right View Back View Bottom View

Page 20

Front View

keyboard status lights

display latch

display

mute button

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

volume control buttons

track stick

track stick/touch pad buttons

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed. DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the

help file, see page 94.

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

shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.

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

speakers

power button

device status lights

keyboard

media control buttons

touch pad display latch

button

Windows®

20 A Tour of Your Computer

Page 21

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.

NOTE: Bluetooth is an optional feature, so the light turns on

only if you ordered Bluetooth with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth Technology.

T o turn off only the Bluetooth functionality, right-click on the icon in the system tray and select Disable Bluetooth Radio.

To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press .

A Tour of Your Computer 21

Page 22

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

key . For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see page60.

EDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Control CD and DVD playback.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

TOUCH PAD — T ou ch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See page63

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 page62.

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — T ouch 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 94.

VOLUME CONTROL BUTTONS — Press these buttons to adjust the volume. MUTE BUTTON — Press this button to turn off the volume.

Window s® logo

22 A Tour of Your Computer

Page 23

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the fo llowing:

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

A Tour of Your Computer 23

Page 24

Lef t View

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

air vents

security cable slot

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.

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.

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, s uch as a c losed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR (4-PIN)—Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed

transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.

ARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer

PC C

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 94.

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 137). For information on transferring data, see the Windows Help and Support Center (see page 94), or the documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device.

audio connectors

hard drive

24 A Tour of Your Computer

Page 25

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

Page 26

Right View

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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.

module bay device latch release

security cable slot

26 A Tour of Your Computer

Page 27

MODULE BAY — You can install devices such as an optical drive or Dell TravelLite™ module in the

module bay. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To acc ess th e he l p fil e, see p a ge94.

DEVICE LATCH RELEASE — Releases a device. For more information, see the Tell Me How help

file. To access the help file, see page 94.

Back View

S-video TV-out connector

air vent

USB connectors (2)

network connector (RJ-45)

modem connector (RJ-11)

S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

AC adapter connector

parallel connector

serial connector

video 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 73.

air vents

A Tour of Your Computer 27

Page 28

USB CONNECTORS (2)

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboar d, or printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector using the optional floppydrive cable, as shown below.

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.

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

28 A Tour of Your Computer

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.

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.

Page 29

AIR VENT — The computer uses an internal fan to creat e airflow through the vents, which pr events

the computer from overheating.

PARALLEL CONNECTOR

Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects an external monitor. F or more information, se e the Tell Me How help file. To acc ess the help file, see page 94.

SERIAL CONNECTOR

Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.

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.

A Tour of Your Computer 29

Page 30

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with el ectrical 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.

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.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

vents. Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, s uch as a c losed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

Bottom View

hard drive

Mini PCI card/modem cover

battery-bay latch release battery charge gauge

fan

memory module cover

battery

docking device slot

30 A Tour of Your Computer

Page 31

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

INI PCI CARD AND MODEM — Covers the compartment that contains the optional modem

and optional Mini PCI card. See page 119.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See page47. BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the

computer to an electrical outlet. See page 47.

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge. See page46. MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory modules. See

page 114.

DOCKING DEVICE SLOT — Lets you attach your computer to a docking device. See the

documentation that came with your docking device for additional information.

FAN — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, wh ich prevents the

computer from overheating.

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.

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 enviro nment, such as a clos ed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

A Tour of Your Computer 31

Page 32

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

32 A Tour of Your Computer

Page 33

SECTION 2

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet Modem and Internet Connection Problems Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Printer Printer Problems Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network Power Protection Devices Turning Off Your Computer

Page 34

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a phone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing phone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your phone on the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

same line simultaneously.

• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft

Windows® desktop.

3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Click the Start button and click Interne t Explorer.

The New Connection Wizard appears.

3 Click Connect to the Internet. 4 In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of

Internet service providers (ISPs).

34 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 35

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually.

• If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP.

5 Click Next.

If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

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

6 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and

then click Next.

7 Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting the modem to

a digital telephone network damages the modem.

NOTICE: Modem and network connectors look similar. Do not plug a telephone line into the

network connector.

HECK THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and

connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that you have touchtone telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a different telephone wall jack.

Slow connection speeds can be caused by telephone noise as well as by telephone line or network conditions. Contact your telephone company or network administrator for more information.

ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — If you have other

telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone line to connect the modem directly to the tele phone wall jack.

HECK THE CONNECTION — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the modem.

HECK THE TELEPHONE LINE — T r y using a different telephone line. If you ar e using a line that

is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

RREGULAR DIAL TONE —If you have voice mail service, you might hear an irregular dial tone

when you have messages. Contact your telephone company for instructions on restoring a dial tone.

URN OFF CALL WAITING (CATCH-PHONE)—See your telephone directory for instructions on

deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties.

Setting Up Your Computer 35

Page 36

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click P rinte rs and Other Hardware, click Phone and Modem Options, click the Dialing Rules tab,

and then click Edit....

3 In the Edit Location window, ensure that To disable call waiting, dial: is checked, and then select

the proper code as listed in your telephone directory.

4 Click Apply and click OK. 5 Close the Phone and Modems Options window. 6 Close the Control Panel window.

ERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware and click Phone and Modem Options.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

3 Click the Modems tab. 4 Click the COM port for your modem. 5 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem

is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

NOTE: If you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), your modem is functioning

properly. If you are sure th at your modem is working p roperly and you st ill experience problems, contact your ISP.

Transferring Information to a New Computer

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer wizard to move data from the source computer to the new computer. You can move data such as:

•E-mails

• Toolbar settings

• Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD or floppy disk.

To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then

click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.

36 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 37

3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and click Next. 4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the

Windows XP CD and click Next.

5 When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source

computer. Do not click Next at this time.

To copy data from the old computer:

1 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD. 2 On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks. 3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings. 4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next. 5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer and click Next. 6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer. 7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer

and click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen

appears.

8 Click Finish.

To transfer data to the new computer:

1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next. 2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for

transferring your settings and files and click Next. The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new

computer. When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears.

3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.

Setting Up Your Computer 37

Page 38

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers.

• Connect the printer to the computer.

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Printer Cable

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

Connecting a Parallel Printer

1 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so. 2 Turn off the computer (see page 42).

NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable.

3 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten

the two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.

38 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 39

parallel connector on computer

connector on printer

screws (2) parallel printer

cable

notches (2)

4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer . If the Add New Hardware Wizard

clips (2)

window appears, click Cancel.

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

printer.

Connecting a USB Printer

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

1 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so. 2 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your

printer.

3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer.

The USB connectors fit only one way.

Setting Up Your Computer 39

Page 40

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Printer Problems

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the printer cable is properly

connected to the computer (see page 38).

EST THE ELECTR ICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with

another device, such as a lamp.

NSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON — See the documentation supplied with the

printer.

ERIFY THAT WINDOWS

1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer model is listed, right-click the printer

icon.

5 Click Pr operties, and then click the Ports tab. 6 Ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).

EINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See page 103.

USB connector on computer

USB printer cable

RECOGNIZES THE PRINTER

USB connector on printer

40 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 41

Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network

NOTE: A network adapter is also referred to as a network interface controller (NIC). NOTICE: Do not install a network adapter or a network adapter/modem combination PC Card

until you complete the docking device setup.

NOTICE: To prevent serious operating system problems, do not connect your computer to a

docking device until the Windows operating system setup on the computer is complete.

A docking device allows you to more fully integrate your portable computer into a desktop environment.

F or instructions and details on setting up a docking device, refer to the documentation that came packaged with the device.

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

•Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrica l stor ms or follo wi n g power interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.

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

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

Setting Up Your Computer 41

Page 42

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

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

cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

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

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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

file damage.

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

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

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

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsof t® Windows

operating system shutdown, as described next, rather than by pressing the power button.

NOTE: As an alternative to turning off your computer, you can set your computer to enter

standby or hibernate mode.

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then

click Turn Off Computer.

2 In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.

The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes.

42 Setting Up Your Computer

Page 43

SECTION 3

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Using a Battery Power Proble ms About the Module Bay Checking the Charge on the Second Battery Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is

Turned Off

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is

Running

Page 44

Using a Battery

CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures listed below, read and follow

the safety instructions located at the front of this document.

Battery Performance

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

the limited warranty for your computer (see page 159).

Use a battery to power the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. With average usage, you may expect from 3 to 4 hours from a single fully charged battery. You can install an optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more information about the second battery, see page 51.

NOTE: The module bay in your computer supports a second battery. The Dell D/Bay does not

support a second battery.

Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing

to a CD.

• Using optical drives, especially DVD and CD-RW drives

• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices

• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.

NOTE: You can conserve battery life by setting the Maximum Power Savings option for your

graphics card. For more information, see the documentation that came with your graphics card.

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or

explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

44 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Page 45

CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery

no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See page 17.

CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increas e the risk of fire or chemical burn.

Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Checking the Battery Charge

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

For more information about checking the charge on the second battery, see page 51.

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter

Press to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter screen displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the

primary and second batteries in your computer.

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing

to a CD.

In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the Battery Meter screen includes a Dock Battery tab, which displays the charge level and current

status of the docking device battery. The following icons appear in the Battery Meter screen:

• The computer or docking device is running on battery power.

• The battery is discharging or idle.

• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and running on AC power.

• The battery is charging.

• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and running on AC power.

• The battery is not inserted, discharging, idle, or charging.

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 45

Page 46

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and click Help.

Microsoft Windows Power Meter

The Windows power meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the power meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information on the Power Meter tab, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 94.

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

Charge Gauge

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Before you insert a battery, press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge.

Health Gauge

The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity, or battery health. To check the battery health, press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See page 132 for more information about the battery operating time.

Low-Battery Warning

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

warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet, or install a second battery in the module bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During that time, the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning means that the combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level. For more information on low-battery alarms, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 94.

46 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Page 47

Charging the Battery

NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with

the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.

When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the

computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.

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

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

For more information on resolving problems with a battery, see page 50.

Removing a Battery

For more information about removing the second battery, see page51.

CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer,

disconnect it from the electrical outlet, and disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.

NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have up

to 90 seconds to complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved data.

Ensure that the computer is turned off, suspended in a power management mode, or

connected to an electrical outlet.

2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the

documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 47

Page 48

3 Slide and hold the battery-bay (or module-bay) latch release on the bottom of the

computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Installing a Battery

Rotate the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks. For more information about installing the second battery, see page 51.

48 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Page 49

Removing and Installing a Reserve Battery

1 Remove the battery (see page 47). 2 Remove the reserve battery cover.

3 Pull the reserve battery out of its compartment, and disconnect the reserve battery

cable from the connector.

reserve battery cable

connector

reserve

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 49

Page 50

4 Connect the reserve battery cable to the connector in the reserve battery

compartment.

5 Place the reserve battery in the compartment, and replace the reserve battery cover.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Storing a Battery

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

Power Problems

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 light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer.

HECK THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE — If the battery temperature is below 0° C (32° F), the

computer will not start up.

CHARGE THE BATTERY — The battery charge may be depleted.

1 Reinstall the battery. 2 Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet. 3 Turn on the computer.

50 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Page 51

CHECK THE BATTERY STATUS LIGHT — If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady

orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to charge. Turn off the

computer (see page 42), disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room temperature.

If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be defective. Contact Dell (see page 139).

EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with

another device, such as a lamp.

HECK THE AC ADAPTER — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a

light, ensure that the light is on.

ONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Bypass power

protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.

LIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen

lamps, or other appliances.

DJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES — See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword

standby in the Help and Support Center. To access the help file, see page 94.

ESEAT THE MEMOR Y MODULES — If the computer power light turns on but the display

remains blank, reseat the memory modules (see page114).

About the Module Bay

NOTE: You can only use D-Family modules in the module bay.

You can install devices such as a floppy drive, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, CD-RW/DVD drive, DVD+RW, Dell TravelLite™ module, second battery, or second hard drive in the module bay.

NOTE: All devices that you install in the module bay, except a second battery, can also be

installed in the Dell D/Bay.

Your Dell™ computer ships with an optical drive instal le d in the module bay. However, the device screw is not installed in the optical drive but packaged separately. When you install your device in the module bay, you can install the device screw.

NOTE: You do not need to install the device screw unless you want to secure the module inside

the computer for security purposes.

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 51

Page 52

Checking the Charge on the Second Battery

Before you install a second battery, press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

status button on the charge gauge

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

Your computer ships with an optical drive installed in the module bay. However, the device screw is not installed in the optical drive but packaged separately. When you install your device in the module bay, you can in stall the device screw.

NOTE: You do not need to install the device screw unless you want to secure the module inside

the computer for security purposes.

52 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

second battery (top)

Page 53

If the Device Screw Is Not Installed

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a safe, dry place when they are not

installed in the computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

1 Press the device latch release.

device latch release

2 Pull the device out of the module bay.

3 Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device until you feel a click.

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 53

Page 54

If the Device Screw Is Installed

1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer

(see page 42).

2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the

documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a safe, dry place when they are not

installed in the computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

Close the display and turn the computer over.

3 4 Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the device screw from the bottom of the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

computer.

5 Press the device lat c h release.

device latch release

54 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Page 55

6 Pull the device out of the module bay.

NOTICE: Insert devices into the module bay before you dock and turn on the computer.

7 Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device until you feel a click. 8 Replace the device screw. 9 Turn on the computer.

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running

NOTE: If the device screw is not installed, you can remove and install devices while the

computer is running and connected to a docking device (docked).

NOTE: You do not need to install the device screw unless you want to secure the module inside

the computer for security purposes.

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 55

Page 56

If the Device Screw Is Not Installed

1 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar. 2 Click the device you want to eject.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a safe, dry place when they are not

installed in the computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

3 Press the device lat c h release.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

device latch release

4 Pull the device out of the module bay.

56 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Page 57

5 Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device until you feel a click.

Windows XP automatically r ecognizes the new device.

6 If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.

If the Device Screw Is Installed

1 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar. 2 Click the device you want to eject. 3 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the

documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a safe, dry place when they are not

installed in the computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the device screw from the bottom of the

computer.

5 Press the device latch release.

device latch release

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 57

Page 58

6 Pull the device out of the module bay.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

7 Insert the new device into the bay, push the device until you feel a click, and replace

the screw. Windows XP automatically r ecognizes the new device.

8 If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.

58 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Page 59

SECTION 4

Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

Numeric Keypad Keyboard Shortcuts Touch Pad Customizing the Touch Pad Touch Pad or Mouse Problems External Keyboard Problems Unexpected Characters

Page 60

Numeric Keypad

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, ensure that the keypad is enabled, and press and the

desired key. The light indicates that the keypad is active.

Keyboard Shortcuts

System Functions

60 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

Opens the Task Manager window

Enables and disables the numeric keypad

Enables and disables the scroll lock

Page 61

Battery

CD or DVD Tray

Display Functions

Displays the Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

Requires Dell QuickSet to function. Ejects the tray out of the drive.

Switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the integrated display only, the integrated display and an external CRT monitor simultaneously, an external CRT monitor only, the integrated display and an external DVI monitor simultaneously, external DVI monitor only, and external CRT monitor and external DVI monitor simultaneously.

Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth™)

Enables and disables radios, including wireless networking and Bluetooth

Power Management

Activates the power management mode of your choice. You can program this keyboard shortcut on the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window.

Using the Keyboard and Touchpad 61

Page 62

Speaker Functions

If no sound comes from the speakers, press and adjust the volume.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions

Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Minimizes all open windows

Maximizes all windows

Runs Windows Explorer

Opens the Run dialog box

To adjust ke yboard op eration, such as the character repeat r ate, open the Control Panel, and click Printers and Other Hardware.

62 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

Opens the Search Results dialog box

Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the computer is connected to a network)

Opens the System Properties dial og box

Page 63

Touch Pad

The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the display. Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse.

track stick

track stick buttons

touch pad

touch pad buttons

• To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.

• To select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button.

• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap down-up-down on the touch pad. On the second down motion, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger over the surface.

• To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button twice.

Using the Keyboard and Touchpad 63

Page 64

Customizing the Touch Pad

You can disable the touch pad or adjust their settings by using the Mouse Properties window.

1 Open the Control Panel and double-click the Mouse icon. 2 On the Mouse Properties window:

•Click the Device Select tab to disable the touch pad.

•Click the Pointer tab to adjust touch pad settings.

3 Select the desired settings and click Apply.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

4 Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

CHECK THE TOUCH PA D SETTINGS —

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printe rs and Other Hardware. 2 Click Mouse. 3 Try adjusting the settings.

O VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MOUSE, CHECK THE TOUCH PAD —

1 Shut down the computer (see page42). 2 Disconnect the mouse. 3 Turn on the computer. 4 At the Windows

If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.

EINSTALL THE TOUCH PAD DRIVER — See page 103.

External Keyboard Problems

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE — Shut down the computer (see page 42). Disconnect the

keyboard cable and check it for damage. If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconn ect it and conne ct the keyboard directly to the

computer.

HECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD —

1 Turn off the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again. 2 Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot

routine.

desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it.

64 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

Page 65

3 From the Windows

desktop, click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories,

and click Notepad.

4 Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.

O VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTE RNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE

INTEGRATED KEYBOARD —

1 Turn off the computer. 2 Disconnect the external keyboard. 3 Turn on the computer. 4 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories,

and click Notepad.

5 Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If the characters appear now but did not with the external k eyboard, you may have a defective ext ernal keyboard. Contact Dell (see page 139).

NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully

functional.

Unexpected Characters

DISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD — Press to disable the numeric keypad if numbers

are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.

Using the Keyboard and Touchpad 65

Page 66

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

66 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

Page 67

SECTION 5

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs CD or DVD problems Sound and Speaker Problems Copying CDs Connecting a Television to the Computer

Page 68

Using CDs and DVDs

For information about using CDs and DVDs in your computer, see th e Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 94.

CD or DVD problems

If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD

NOTE: Because of different worldwide file types, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This noise does not indicate

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

a defect with the drive or the CD.

ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — In Windows XP, click the Start button and click My Computer. In other operating systems, double-click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from r ecognizing the drive. Insert a bootable disk and restart the computer. Verify that the light is blinking, indicating normal operation.

RY ANOTHER DISC — Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original disc is

defective.

NSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED TO THE SPIN DLE ON THE CD DRIVE TRAY

E ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right

corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

DENTIFY THE DISC THAT IS NOT PLAYING — If you have one CD, CD-RW, or DVD in the

fixed drive device and one in the module bay device:

1 Click the Start button and click My Computer. 2 Double-click the drive letter of the device that you are verifying.

EINSTALL THE DRIVE

1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer. 2 If the drive is installed in the module bay, remove the drive. See page51 for instructions.

If the drive is a fixed drive, review "Check the drive for errors" on page 99.

3 Reinstall the drive. 4 Turn on the computer.

LEAN THE DRIVE OR DISC — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access the help

file, see page 94.

68 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 69

CHECK THE DRIVE FOR ERRORS — If the drive is a fixed drive:

1 Remove the hard drive and floppy drive. 2 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD for your computer and turn on the computer. 3 Verify that the light is blinking, indicating normal operation.

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray

1 Ensure that the computer is turned off. 2 Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly

until the tray is partially ejected.

3 Gently pull out the tray until it stops.

If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound

• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.

• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.

DISABLE STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD-RW — Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help. To access the help file, see page 94.

HANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE — See the help files for your CD creation

software.

XIT ALL OTHER OPEN PROGRAMS — Exiting all other open programs before writing to the

CD-RW may alleviate the problem.

Sound and Speaker Problems

If you have a problem with integrated speakers

ADJUST THE WINDOWS® VOLUME CONTROL — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-

right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

DJUST THE VOLUME USING KEYBOARD BUTTONS — Use the keyboard buttons to ensure

that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

EINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER — See page 103.

If you have a problem with external speakers

CHECK THE SPEAKER CA BLE CONNECTIONS — See the setup diagram supplied with the

speakers.

EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with

another device, such as a lamp.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 69

Page 70

ENSURE THAT THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON — See the setup diagram supplied with the

speakers.

DJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right

corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

NOTE: 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.

EST THE SPEAKERS — Plug the speaker audio cable in to the line-out connector on the

computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.

UN THE SPEAKER SELF-TEST — Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test instructions.

LIMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen

lamps to check for interference.

EINSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO) DRIVER — See page 103.

Copying CDs

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.

This section applies only to computers that have a CD- or DVD-recording device. The information in this section is based on the Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic

documentation that came with your computer. See the following section, "Using Easy CD Creator Basic," for instructions on how to locate that documentation.

NOTE: The information in this section also applies to using Easy CD Creator Basic with a

DVD+RW or a DVD+R drive.

To burn CDs, you need to use CD-burner software. Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic is your computer's CD-burner software. The software includes the following project programs that enable you to record specialty CDs for different types of uses:

• DirectCD allows you to format a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc so that you can use Microsoft

Windows® Explorer to drag and drop data files to the CD-RW drive. You can use a DirectCD-formatted CD-RW disc like another har d drive on your computer because CD-RW discs are fully rewritable (CD-R discs can be used with DirectCD, but that media type has overwriting limitations—see "Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs" for recording media differences).

• MusicCD allows you to burn custom music CDs.

70 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 71

• DataCD allows you to copy a variety of your documents, such as spreadsheet or accounting files, to a CD for permanent storage.

NOTE: Some music and game CDs are copy-protected. If you have a CD that cannot be copied,

you must use the original CD for everyday use.

• Disc Copier allows you to make a backup copy of almost any type of CD. This program allows you to make a copy of a CD for everyday use so that you can archive and save the original copy. (Disc Copier is titled "CD Copier" in some versions of Roxio CD Creator Basic.)

All four project programs are availabl e on the Easy CD Creator Basic Select a P roject menu screen. To view the Select a Project menu screen, click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Roxio Easy CD Creator, and then click Project Selector.

Using Easy CD Creator Basic

See the Easy CD Creator Basic documentation for instructions on how to use the program, information about different recording techniques, and CD media limitations. The Easy CD Creator Basic documentation is located in the Microsoft

Windows® Help and Support Center (see page 94). The documentation is also provided on the Roxio reinstallation CD, which is included with your computer. Each Easy CD Creator Basic project program also has thorough online help files.

Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs

Your CD-RW drive writes to two different types of recording media—CD-R and CD-RW discs. Use blank CD-R (CD-Recordable) disks to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R disc, you cannot write to that disc again without changing your method of recording (see the Roxio documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RW (CD-ReWritable) discs when you want to write, erase, rewrite, and update your files onto CDs.

Helpful Tips

• You must use the Easy CD Creator Basic project programs to copy and record all music and data CDs. You can use Windows Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW disc only after you first use DirectCD to format the disc.

• You must use CD-R discs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RW discs do not play in most home or car stereos.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 71

Page 72

• If you want to copy files from the Internet or files from a floppy or Zip drive, copy those files to your hard drive first, and then burn your CD. Your CD-RW drive requires a ste ady stream of dat a to properly rec ord. Direct Internet downloads, floppy drives, and Zip drives may not be able to provide a steady data stream to your CD-RW drive.

• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.

• Ensure that you set the sampling rate to at least 128 Kbps when you burn MP3 files to a CD. Otherwise, recording errors may occur.

• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Use a blank CD-RW disc to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the CD-RW disc and try again. You can also use blank CD-RW discs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R disc.

• See the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com for additional helpful tips.

How to Copy a CD

NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, first

check for available software patches at the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and if necessary, the Roxio support website at support.roxio.com.

The procedure assumes that your computer is equipped with a single CD-RW drive (without an additional CD drive). If your computer is equipped with both types of drives, see the Roxio documentation for instructions on how to copy CDs from a CD drive to a CD-RW drive.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Roxio Easy CD Creator, and then

click Project Se lector. The Select a Project window appears.

2 Click Disc Copier. (Disc Copier is titled "CD Copier" in some versions of Easy CD

Creator Basic.) The Disc Copier window appears and displays your CD-RW drive in the Copy from

and the Record to lists.

3 Insert the source CD that you want to copy into the CD-RW drive.

The Disc Copier project program briefly checks the source CD in the CD-RW drive to ensure that it is a readable CD.

72 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 73

4 Click Copy.

Depending on the size of the files that are being copied, the copy process may take a few minutes.

5 After the source CD is copied, remove the source CD from the

CD-RW drive tray. The CD-RW drive tray opens automatically after the source CD is copied.

NOTE: You must use CD-R discs to burn music CDs that you want to

play in regular stereos. CD-RW discs do not play in most home or car stereos.

Insert a blank CD into the CD-RW drive and close the tray.

The recording start s auto matically.

7 After the recording completes, click OK.

Connecting a Television to the Computer

NOTE: Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to a television are not included

with your computer. Cables may be purchased at most consumer electronics stores.

Your computer has an S-video TV -out connector that , together with the included TV/digital audio adapter cable, enables you to connect the computer to a television and/or stereo audio device. The TV/digital audio adapter cable provides connections for S-video, composite video, and S/PDIF digital audio.

S-video TV-out conn ector

TV/digital audio adapter cable

S-video connector

composite video connector

S/PDIF digital audio connector

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 73

Page 74

For televisions and audio devices without support for S/PDIF digital audio, you can use the audio connector on the side of the computer to connect the computer to your television or audio device.

It is recommended that you connect video and audio cables to your computer in one of the following combinations:

NOTE: Diagrams for each connection combination appear at the beginning of each subsection

to help you determine which method you should use.

• S-video and standard audio

• S-video and digital audio

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• Composite video and standard audio

• Composite video and digital audio

When you complete the cable connection, see page 82 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the television. Additionally, if you are using S/PDIF digital audio, see page 85.

S-Video and Standard Audio

74 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 75

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:

TV/digital audio adapter cable

S-video cable

audio cable

1 Turn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you want to connect.

NOTE: You can connect an S-video cable directly to the S-video connector on the computer

(without the video adapter cable) if your television or audio device supports S-video but not S/PDIF digital audio.

Connect the TV/digital audio adapter cable to the S-video TV-out connector on your

computer.

3 Plug one end of the S-video cable in to the S-video connector on the TV/digital audio

adapter cable.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 75

Page 76

4 Plug the other end of the S-video cable in to your television. 5 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable in toin to the headphone connector

on your computer.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

6 Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the audio input

connectors on your television or other audio device.

7 Turn on the television and any audio device you connected, and then turn on the

computer.

8 See page 82 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the

television.

76 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 77

S-Video and Digital Audio

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:

TV/digital audio adapter cable

S-video cable

S/PDIF digital audio cable

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 77

Page 78

1 Turn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you want to connect. 2 Connect the TV/digital audio adapter cable to the S-video TV-out connector on your

computer.

3 Plug one end of the S-video cable in to the S-video connector on the TV/digital audio

adapter cable.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

4 Plug the other end of the S-video cable in to the S-video connector on the television. 5 Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable in to the digital audio connector on the

TV/digital audio adapter cable.

6 Plug the other end of the S/PDIF digit al audio cable in to the audio input connector

on your television or other audio device.

78 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 79

Composite Video and Standard Audio

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:

TV/digital audio adapter cable

S-video cable

audio cable

1 Turn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you want to connect. 2 Connect the TV/digital audio adapter cable to the S-video TV-out connector on the

computer.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 79

Page 80

3 Plug one end of the composite video cable in to the composite video connector on the

TV/digital audio adapter cable.

4 Plug the other end of the composite video cable in to the composite video connecto r

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

on the television.

5 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable in to the headphone connector on

the computer.

6 Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the audio input

connectors on your television or other audio device.

80 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 81

Composite Video and Digital Audio

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:

TV/digital audio adapter cable

composite video cable

S/PDIF digital audio cable

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 81

Page 82

1 Turn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you want to connect. 2 Connect the TV/digital audio adapter cable to the S-video TV-out connector on the

computer.

3 Plug one end of the composite video cable in to the composite video connector on the

TV/digital audio adapter cable.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

4 Plug the other end of the composite video cable in to the composite video connecto r

on the television.

5 Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable in to the S/PDIF audio connector on

the TV/digital audio adapter cable.

6 Plug the other end of the digital audio cable in to the S/PDIF connector on your

television or other audio device.

Enabling the Display Settings for a Te levision

ATI Video Controller

1 Click the Start button and then click the Control Panel icon. 2 Double-click the Display icon, click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced. 3 Click the Displays tab. 4 Click the upper-left corner of the TV button to enable the television.

82 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 83

5 To play a DVD on the television, click the small "primary" button (resembles a bull’s-

eye) at the bottom-left under the TV picture.

NOTE: Various programs access the hardware in different ways. You may or may not need to

click the primary button for operations other than playing DVDs.

Click Apply.

6 7 Click Yes to keep the new settings. 8 Click OK.

DVD video is visible only on the display that is set to primary. While the DVD is playing, the DVD player window on your computer display is blank or (if the DVD player window is set to full-screen mode) the entire computer display screen is blank.

NVIDIA Video Controller

NOTE: Ensure that you properly connect the television before you enable the display settings.

Open the Control Panel window.

1 2 Click the Start button and then click the Control Panel icon. 3 Double-click the Display icon, click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced. 4 Click the TwinView tab. 5 Click the Clone button to enable the television. 6 Click Apply. 7 Click OK to confirm the settings change. 8 Click Yes to keep the new settings. 9 Click OK.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 83

Page 84

Enabling Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio for DVD Playback

If your computer has a DVD drive, you can en able Do lby Dig ital 5.1 audio for DVD playback.

1 Double-click the InterVideo WinDVD icon on the Windows desktop.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

2 Insert a DVD into the DVD drive.

If the DVD begins playing, click the stop button.

3 Click the Properties (wrench) icon. 4 Click the Audio tab. 5 Click Enable S/PDIF output. 6 Click Apply.

7 Click OK.

84 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 85

Enabling S/PDIF in the Windows Audio Driver

NOTE: Enabling S/PDIF in Windows disables the sound from the headphone connector.

1 Double-click the speaker icon in the Windows notification area. 2 Click the Options menu and then click Advanced Controls. 3 Click Advanced.

4 Click Enable S/PDIF. 5 Click Close. 6 Click OK.

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 85

Page 86

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

86 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Page 87

SECTION 6

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard Network Problems

Page 88

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.

To connect a network cable:

1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your

computer.

NOTE: Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is

secure.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device, such as a

network wall jack.

NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall jack.

network adapter connector on computer

network cable

88 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Page 89

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications, and

then click Network Setup Wizard.

2 On the welcome screen, click Next. 3 Click Checklist for creating a network.

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables

the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP.

Complete the checklist and required preparations.

4 5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Network Problems

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR — Ensure that the network cable connector is

firmly connected to the optional connector on the computer and the network wall jack.

HECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE NETWORK CONNECTOR — Green indicates that the

network connection is active. If the status light is not green, try replacing the network cable. Amber indicates that the optional network adapter driver is loaded and the adapter is detecting activity.

ESTART THE COMPUTER — Try to log on to the network again.

ONTACT YOUR NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR — Verify that your network settings are correct

and that the network is functioning.

Setting Up a Home and Office Network 89

Page 90

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

90 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Page 91

SECTION 7

Solving Problems

Finding Solutions Accessing Help Error Messages Video and Display Problems Scanner Problems Drive Problems PC Card Problems General Program Problem s E-Mail Problems If Your Computer Gets Wet If You Drop or Damage Your Computer Resolving Other Technical Problems Drivers Using System Restore Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Microsoft

Windows® XP

Page 92

Finding Solutions

Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to quickly find the answers to your questions.

NOTE: If you have a problem with an external device, see the device documentation or contact

the manufacturer.

See page 50.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Press the power button to resume from standby mode. See the

Tell Me How

(see page 94) for more information on standby mode.

Get technical assistance from Dell. See page 139.

See page 94.

help file

92 Solving Problems

Page 93

See page 95.

See page 69.

See page 40.

See page 35.

See page 97.

See page 64.

See page 65.

See page 98

See page 89.

See page 94.

See page 102.

See page 100.

See page 35.

See page 101.

Solving Problems 93

Page 94

Accessing Help

TO ACCESS THE

TO ACCESS HE LP —

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Error Messages

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running at the time the message appeared.

THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DEST INATION

DRIVE — The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or

the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.

ELL ME HOW

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides and click User’s guides. 3 Click Tell Me How.

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

HELP FILE —

94 Solving Problems

A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these characters in

filenames.

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 OR DISK ERROR — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.

Page 95

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME PROGRAMS AND

TRY AGAIN — You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open

the program that you want to use.

OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Contact Dell (see page 139).

A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The program that you are

trying to open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the progra m.

1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Add or Remove Programs. 4 Select the program you want to remove. 5 Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen. 6 See the program documentation for installation instructions.

X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — Insert a disk

into the drive and try again.

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer

supports, it is recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.

CHECK THE LIGHT — When the light is blinking, the computer has power.

• If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode.

• If the light is off, press the power button.

• If the light is on, your power management settings may have caused the display to turn off. Try pressing any key or move the cursor to exit standby mode.

Solving Problems 95

Page 96

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 ELE CTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE AC ADAPTER — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that it is on.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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. To access the help file, see page 94.

ADJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES — Search for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center. For instructions on accessing help files, see page 94.

SWITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press to switch the video image to the display.

If the display is difficult to read

ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions

on adjusting the brightness. To access the help file, see page94.

MOVE THE SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR —

If your external speak er 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, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

96 Solving Problems

ROTAT E THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION —

Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

Page 97

ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Appearance and Themes. 3 Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon. 4 Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.

SEE "ERROR MESSAGES"—If an error message appears, see page 94.

If only part of the display is readable

CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR —

1 Turn off your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer. 2 Turn on the computer and the monitor, and adjust th e monitor brightness and

contrast controls.

If the external monitor works, the computer display may be defective. Contact Dell (see page 139).

Scanner Problems

CHECK THE POWER CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the scanner

power cable is firmly connected to a working electrical power source and that the scanner is turned on.

CHECK THE SCANNER CABLE CONNECTION — Ensure that the scanner cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the scanner.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.

REINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER — See the scanner documentation for instructions.

Solving Problems 97

Page 98

Drive Problems

NOTE: For information on saving files to a floppy disk, see the

the help file, see page 94.

If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive

ENSURE THAT WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — Click the Start

button and click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable disk and restart the computer. Verify that the light is blinking, indicating normal operation.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

ENSURE THAT THE DISK IS NOT WRITE-PROTECTED — You cannot save data to a write-protected disk. See the following figure.

back of floppy disk

write-protected

Tell Me How

help file. To access

98 Solving Problems

not write-protected

TRY ANOTHER FLOPPY DISK — Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility that the original disk is defective.

Page 99

REINSTALL THE DRIVE —

1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the

computer.

2 Remove the drive from the module bay. See page 52 for instructions. 3 Reinstall the drive. 4 Turn on the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE — See "Cleaning Your Computer" in the Tell Me How

help file for instructions. To access the help file, see page 94.

If you have problems with a hard drive

ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO COOL BEFORE TURNING IT ON — A hot

hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on.

CHECK THE DRIVE FOR ERRORS —

1 Click the Start button and click My Computer. 2 Right-click the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for errors, and

then click Properties.

3 Click the Tools tab. 4 Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 5 Click Start.

PC Card Problems

CHECK THE PC CARD — Ensure that the PC Card is properly inserted into

the connector.

ENSURE THAT THE CARD IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS®— Doubleclick the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.

Solving Problems 99

Page 100

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL-PROVIDED PC CARD —

Contact Dell (see page 139).

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A PC CARD NOT PROVIDED BY D

General Program Problems

A program crashes

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy

disk or CD.

SEE THE SOFTW ARE D OCUMENTATION — Many software manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help you solve the problem. Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. Reinstall the program if necessary.

A program stops responding

END THE PROGRAM —

ELL — Contact the PC Card manufacturer.

1 Simultaneously press . 2 Click the Applications tab, and then select the program that is no longer

responding.

3 Click End Task.

Error messages appear

100 Solving Problems

REVIEW "ERRO R MESSAGES"—Look up the message and take the

appropriate action. See the software documentation.

Dell 8600 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 8600

Contents

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

Lef t View

Right View

Back View

Bottom View

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Problems

Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network

Power Protection Devices

Turning Off Your Computer

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Using a Battery

Power Problems

About the Module Bay

Checking the Charge on the Second Battery

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running

Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

Numeric Keypad

Keyboard Shortcuts

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

External Keyboard Problems

Unexpected Characters

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs

CD or DVD problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

Copying CDs

Connecting a Television to the Computer

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Network Setup Wizard

Network Problems

Solving Problems

Finding Solutions

Accessing Help

Error Messages

Video and Display Problems

Scanner Problems

Drive Problems

PC Card Problems

General Program Problems