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INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory model: D03U series Regulatory type: D03U001
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, YOURS IS HERE, Solution Station, Inspiron, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, AMD Phenom, and ATI Mobility Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu ray Disc Association; Ubuntu is a registered trademark of Canonical Ltd.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
May 2010 P/N M41FV Rev. A00
Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop 5
Before Setting Up Your Computer |
5 |
Connect the Display |
6 |
Set Up the Home Theatre (Optional) |
8 |
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse |
13 |
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) |
14 |
Connect the AC Adapter |
15 |
Press the Power Button |
16 |
Set Up the Operating System |
17 |
Create System Recovery Media |
|
(Recommended) |
18 |
Connect to the Internet (Optional) |
19 |
Using Your Inspiron Desktop 22
Front View Features 22 Top View Features 24 Back View Features 26
Software Features 29 Dell Dock 30 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 31
Solving Problems 32
Beep Codes 32 Network Problems 33 Power Problems 34 Memory Problems 35 Lockups and Software Problems 36
Using Support Tools 39
Dell Support Center 39 My Dell Downloads 40 System Messages 40 Hardware Troubleshooter 42 Dell Diagnostics 43
3
Contents
Restoring Your Operating System 47
System Restore 48 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 49 System Recovery Media 52 Dell Factory Image Restore 53
Getting Help 55
Technical Support and Customer
Service 56 DellConnect 56 Online Services 57 Automated Order-Status Service 58 Product Information 58
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit 59 Before You Call 61 Contacting Dell 63
Finding More Information and
Resources 64 Specifications 66 Appendix 71
Macrovision Product Notice 71
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 72
Index 73
4
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
This section provides information about setting up your Dell™ Inspiron™ desktop.
WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Before Setting Up Your Computer
When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.
Restricting airflow around your computer may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least 10.2 cm (4 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other sides. You should never place your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.
INSPIRON
5
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Display
NOTE: You can also connect your computer to the TV. For more information, see “Set Up the Home Theatre (Optional)” on page 8.
Connect the display using the integrated VGA connector or the HDMI connector. For better performance, it is recommended that you connect the display using the HDMI connector.
You can purchase the HDMI-to-DVI adapter and additional HDMI cables at www.dell.com.
Use the appropriate cable based on the connectors available on your computer and display. See the following table to identify the connectors on your computer and display.
NOTE: When connecting to a single display, connect the display to ONLY ONE of the connectors on your computer.
6
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connection Type |
Computer |
Cable |
Display |
|
|
|
|
VGA-to-VGA (VGA cable)
HDMI-to-HDMI (HDMI cable)
HDMI-to-DVI (HDMI-to-DVI adapter + DVI cable)
7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Set Up the Home Theatre (Optional)
You can set up the home theatre by connecting your computer to a flat panel display either directly or through an Audio/Video receiver using HDMI cable(s).
NOTE: The HDMI cable(s) does not ship with your computer and must be purchased separately. You can purchase the HDMI cables at www.dell.com.
Connect to the Flat Panel Display Directly
1.Connect the keyboard and mouse (see “Connect the Keyboard and Mouse” on page 13).
2.For audio and video output: Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI connector on your computer and the other end to an available HDMI connector on your flat panel display.
3.For additional audio output (optional): Connect the 2.1 analog audio cable to the line-out connector on your computer and make appropriate connections to your 2.1 channel speakers.
8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Audio/Video
Flat panel display
Line-out
Analog 2.1 audio
Optional
2.1 channel speakers
9
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect to the Flat Panel Display Through the Audio/Video Receiver
1.Connect the keyboard and mouse (see “Connect the Keyboard and Mouse” on page 13).
2.For audio and video output:
a.Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI connector on your computer and the other end to an available HDMI input connector on your Audio/Video receiver.
b.Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI output connector on your Audio/Video receiver and the other end to an available HDMI connector on your flat panel display.
3.For additional audio output (optional):
––2.1 analog audio: Connect the 2.1 analog audio cable to the line-out connector on your computer and make appropriate connections to your 2.1 channel speakers.
––7.1 digital audio:
a.Connect one end of the optical S/PDIF cable to the optical S/PDIF connector on your computer and the other end to an available optical S/PDIF connector on your Audio/Video receiver.
b.Connect the 7.1 audio channel cables from the Audio/Video receiver to your 7.1 channel speakers.
10
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Audio/Video |
Audio/Video |
|
Optical S/PDIF |
A/V receiver |
Flat panel display |
|
|
|
Digital 7.1 audio |
|
|
Line-out |
Optional |
|
Analog 2.1 audio |
7.1 channel speakers |
|
|
|
|
|
Optional |
2.1 channel speakers |
|
|
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Adjust the Display Scaling Setting
The scaling setting allows you to fit the image on your display screen. To adjust the scaling setting:
1.Ensure that the computer is turned on.
2.Click Start 
→ All Programs → Catalyst Control Center → CCC.
3.In the Catalyst™ Control Center window, click Graphics → Desktops & Displays.
4.In the Desktops & Displays window, right-click the display you want to configure.
5.Select Configure....
6.In the window that appears, select the Scaling Options tab.
7.Adjust the scaling to ensure that the image fits the display screen.
8.Click OK.
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse
Connect the USB keyboard and mouse to the USB connectors on the back of your computer.
NOTE: If you have purchased a Dell Wireless Trackball Keyboard, see the documentation that was shipped with it to set up the wireless keyboard.
13
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
A network connection is not required to complete your computer setup, but if you have an existing network or Internet connection that uses a cable connection (such as a broadband device or Ethernet jack), you can connect it now.
NOTE: Use only an Ethernet cable to connect to the network connector (RJ45 connector). Do not plug a telephone cable (RJ11 connector) into the network connector.
To connect your computer to a network or a broadband device, connect one end of the network cable to the network port or the broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network connector (RJ45 connector) on the back of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.
14
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the AC Adapter
15
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Press the Power Button
16
Set Up the Operating System
Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system you selected at the time of purchase.
Set Up Microsoft Windows
To set up Microsoft® Windows® for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.
NOTE: It is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.
NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see support.dell.com/MyNewDell.
Set Up Ubuntu Linux
To set up Ubuntu Linux for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen.
17
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Create System Recovery
Media (Recommended)
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set up Microsoft Windows.
The system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data files (without the need of the Operating System disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware, software, drivers, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state.
You will require the following to create the system recovery media:
•Dell DataSafe Local Backup
•USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD-R/DVD+R/Blu-ray Disc™
NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.
To create a system recovery media:
9. Ensure that the computer is turned on.
10.Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.
11.Click Start 
→ Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup.
12.Click Create Recovery Media.
13.Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: For information on using the system recovery media, see “System Recovery Media” on page 52.
18
Connect to the Internet
(Optional)
To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP).
If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not part of your original order, you can purchase one at www.dell.com.
Setting Up a Wired Connection
•If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection.
•If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.
To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 20.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router.
Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.
To set up your connection to a wireless router:
Windows® 7
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Control Panel.
3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
19
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Windows Vista®
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Connect To.
3.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
20
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.
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.
Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
To set up your Internet connection:
Windows 7
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Control Panel.
3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a new connection or network→ Connect to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Windows Vista
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Control Panel.
3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a connection or Network→ Connect to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
21
INSPIRON
Using Your Inspiron Desktop
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron™ desktop.
Front View Features
1 2
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
22
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