Page 1
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2500
Solutions Guide
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Page 2
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of
data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help
file. To access the help file, see page30.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2001DellComputerCorporation.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron , DellPlus, Dell TravelLite, Dell
Precision, Dimension , OptiPlex, Latitude, Dell TrueMobile, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell
Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark
of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation
and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.
September 2001 P/N 4J175 Rev. A00
Page 3
Contents
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
EMC Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ergonomic Computing Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
When Removing or Installing Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . 17
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1 Setting Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing the Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Transferring Information to a New Computer
(Windows® XP Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Windows Me and Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Using the Media Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Swapping Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Contents 3
Page 4
2 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Accessing Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Start-Up Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Integrated Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
External Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
If you cannot print to a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . 35
If you cannot print to a USB printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Modem Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4 Contents
Touch Pad Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
External Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Unexpected Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
If you cannot play a music CD or install a program
from a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
If you cannot play a DVD movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
If the CD-RW drive stops writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
If you have a hard drive problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Page 5
Microsoft® Windows® Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
A program crashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
A program error causes the system to lock up . . . . . . . . . . 46
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
A program is designed for an earlier version of the
Windows operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
E-Mail Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
If Your Computer Gets Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Resolving Other Technical Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reinstalling the Modem or Network Adapter Driver
(Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback . . . . . . . . . 54
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . 54
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Windows 200 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Using System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Creating a Re store Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State . . . . . . 59
Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Reinstalling Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Reinstalling Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Reinstalling Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Enabling Hibernate Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Contents 5
Page 6
3 Adding Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Replacing the Palm Rest Inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Replacing a Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
4 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Standard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Viewing Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Definition of “Dell-Installed” Software and Peripherals . . . . 84
Definition of “Third-Party” Software and Peripherals . . . . . 85
Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Contact Numbers and Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . 99
6 Contents
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
NOM Information (Mexico Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Información para NOM (únicamente para México) . . . . . . . 106
Warranty and Return Policy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
One-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Page 7
One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Guarantee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Exclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Making a Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy
(U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Contents 7
Page 8
8 Contents
Page 9
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable
Computers
The following information defines the meaning of additional symbols used
only in the Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Instructions.
Risk of explosion Aircraft
Risk of fire Use of this feature may be prohibited
on aircraft
Risk of electric shock
Safety Instructions
General
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless
you are an authorized 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.
• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk
top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer
or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter
with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also,
do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 9
Page 10
• 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.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC
Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an
electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk
of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do
not connect or disconnect any cables or perform
maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during
an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during
an electrical storm unless all cables have been
disconnected and the computer is operating on battery
power.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used
with the modem should be manufactured with a
minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG)
and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• PC Cards may become very warm during normal
operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their
continuous operation.
• Before you clean your computer, remove power. Clean
your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may
contain flammable substances.
10 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
Page 11
Power (Safety Instructions, 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 power from the computer, turn it off,
remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and
peripheral power cables into properly grounded power
sources. These power cables may be equipped with
three-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, twoprong or three-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.
• 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.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 11
Page 12
Battery (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Use only Dell battery modules that are approved for use
with this computer. Use of other types may increase the
risk of fire or explosion.
• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or
other container where metal objects (such as car keys or
paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals.
The resulting excessive current flow can cause
extremely high temperatures and may result in damage
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
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 battert away from children.
• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack
near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove,
electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or
otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60ºC
(140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures,
battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.
• Do not dispose of your computer ’s battery in a fire or
with normal household waste. Battery cells may
explode. Discard a used battery according to the
manufacturer ’s instructions or contact your local waste
disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a
spent or damaged battery promptly.
12 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
Page 13
Air Travel (Safety Instructions, continued)
• 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, 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.
EMC Instructions
• Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate
EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers,
a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from
Dell at its world-wide website at http://www.dell.com.
• 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.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 13
Page 14
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
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
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 f rom 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.
14 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
Page 15
• When preparing to remove a memory module from the system board
or disconnect a peripheral device from the computer, turn off the
computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and then wait 5 seconds
before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window
cleaner that does not contain wax or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the
cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving
from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains
grease or some other contaminant, use isopropyl alcohol instead of
commercial window cleaner.
• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures
described in “If Your Computer Gets Wet” (see page48). If, after
following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not
operating properly, contact Dell. (See page85 for the appropriate
telephone number.)
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in
injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for
extended periods of time may result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines
when setting up and using your computer:
• Position your computer directly in front of you as you work.
• Adjust the tilt of the computer’s display, its contrast and/or brightness
settings, and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk
lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize
reflections and glare on the display.
• When using an external monitor with your computer, set the monitor
at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters
[20to 24 inches] from your eyes). Make sure the monitor screen is at
eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
• Use a chair that provides good lower-back support.
• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral,
comfortable position while using the keyboard, touch pad, track stick,
or external mouse.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 15
Page 16
• Always use the palm rest with the keyboard, touch pad, or track stick.
Leave space to rest your hands when using an external mouse.
• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
• Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not
on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a
footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.
• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not
have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try
to do things that use both hands.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
wrists relaxed
and flat
computer positioned
directly in front of
user
arms at
desk level
16 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
Page 17
When Removing or Installing Memory Modules
Before removing or installing memory modules, perform the following steps
in the sequence indicated.
NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is
when you are installing memory modules.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting
a peripheral device or removing a memory module to help prevent possible
damage to the system board.
1 Turn off your computer and any attached peripherals.
2 Disconnect your computer and peripherals from electrical outlets to
reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any
telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3 Remove the battery from the battery compartment.
4 Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O
panel on the back of the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any
static electricity that might harm internal components.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To
prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you
touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory
module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the
computer’s I/O panel.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O
connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
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.
Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers 17
Page 18
• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.
• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you
of these precautions:
NOTICE: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the safety
instructions at the front of this guide.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
18 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
Page 19
1
SECTION 1
Setting Up
Connecting a Printer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
(Windows® XP On ly)
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)
Turning Off the Computer
Using the Media Bay
ww w. d el l . co m | s u ppo r t. d el l .c o m
Page 20
Connecting a Printer
See the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended
preparation procedures, such as:
• Removing the packaging
• Installing the toner or ink cartridge
• Loading paper
Then follow the instructions that came with the printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, see the following sections.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
P arallel Printer
1 Turn off the computer (see page24).
NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE parallel cable measuring 3 m (10ft) or
less to connect the printer to the computer. Use of a nonstandard cable may
prevent the printer from working.
2 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the
computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the parallel
connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.
20 Setting Up
Page 21
screws (2)
parallel printer
cable
3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New
parallel connector on
computer
parallel
connector on
printer
clips (2)
notches (2)
Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
4 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page22).
USB Printer
1 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page22).
2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer
and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
HINT: You can connect
USB devices while the
computer is turned on.
Setting Up 21
Page 22
USB connector on
back of computer
USB connector on
printer
USB printer
cable
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Installing the Printer Driver
HINT: For complete
printer driver installation
instructions, refer to your
printer documentation.
22 Setting Up
To determine whether your printer driver is installed on a computer running
the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system, click the Start button,
click Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click
View installed printers or fax printers. If your computer runs either
Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows Millennium Edition (Me), c lick the
Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers. If your printer
model is listed in the Printers window, the printer is ready to use.
If you need to install a printer driver, insert the installation CD into the CD
or DVD drive. Then follow the prompts on the screen and use the
instructions that came with the printer.
Page 23
If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start
button, click Run, and type x:\setup.exe (where x is the letter of your
CD or DVD drive [usually drive D]). Then click OK and follow the prompts
on your screen. If your printer installation CD still does not run, check the
documentation that came with your printer for instructions on how to start
the printer installation CD.
Transferring Information to a New
Computer (Windows® XP Only)
Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data,
such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks,
from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source
computer, and then you import the data to the new computer .
If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, you can
launch the wizard from the Windows XP operating system CD or from a
floppy disk created on a computer that is running Windows XP. 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 floppy disk, a Zip disk,
or a writable CD.
1 On the computer running Windows XP, click Start, point to All
Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and then click Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and
then click Next.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)
Windows XP 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.
Setting Up 23
Page 24
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.
HINT: Selecting the This
computer connects
directly to the Internet
connection method
enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
HINT: If you are having
difficulties turning off
your computer, see
“General Program
Problems” on page45.
4 Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to
the Network Setup Wizard.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Turning Off the Computer
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the
Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.
Windows XP
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer .
3 Click Turn off.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
Windows Me and Windows 2000
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and then click Shut Down.
3 Click the pull-down menu under What do you want the computer to
do?.
24 Setting Up
4 Click Shut down and then click OK.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
Using the Media Bay
The media bay supports a variety of devices such as a floppy drive, an
internal Zip drive , or a Dell TravelLite™ module.
Page 25
Swapping Devices
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down
the computer (see page24).
2 Close the display and turn the computer over.
3 Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the media
bay.
NOTICE: To prevent damage, place devices in a travel case when they are not
inserted into the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid placing
heavy objects on top of them.
bottom of computer
device latch release
NOTICE: Insert devices before you dock and turn on the computer.
4 Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.
5 Turn on the computer.
Setting Up 25
Page 26
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
26 Setting Up
Page 27
2
SECTION 2
Solving Problems
Finding Solutions
Accessing Help
Power Problems
Start-Up Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
Modem Problems
Scanner Problems
Touch Pad Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
Network Problems
Microsoft® Windows® Error Messages
General Program Problems
Internet Connection Problems
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using System Restore
Reinstalling Windows XP
Reinstalling Windows Me
Reinstalling Windows 2000
ww w. d el l . co m | s u ppo r t. d el l .c o m
Page 28
HINT: If you have a
problem with an external
device, see the device
documentation or contact
the manufacturer.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
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.
See page31.
Press the power button to
resume from standby mode.
See the Tell Me How help file
for more information on
standby mode.
Get technical assistance from
Dell. See page85.
See page44.
28 Solving Problems
Page 29
See page32.
See page34.
See page35.
See page38.
See page40.
See page40.
See page40.
See page41.
See page41.
See page44.
See page44.
See page50.
See page45.
See page46.
See page48.
Solving Problems 29
Page 30
Accessing Help
T O A C CE S S T H E T EL L M E H O W H EL P F IL E
Microsoft® Windows® XP
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.
Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and Windows 2000
Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to User’s Guides, and then click
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Tell Me How.
T O A C CE S S H EL P IN W IN D O W S X P
1 Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click the arrow
icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
T O A C CE S S H EL P IN W IN D O W S M E
1 Click the Start button and then click Help.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem in the Search box and then
click Go.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
30 Solving Problems
T O A C CE S S H EL P IN W IN D O W S 2000
1 Click the Start button and then click Help.
2 Click the Search tab.
3 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click List Topics .
4 Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
5 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Page 31
Power Problems
CH E CK T H E P O W E R LIG H T— 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 resume from standby mode. If the power light
is off, press the power button.
CH E CK T H E B AT TE RY — 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.
T ES T TH E E L EC TR ICA L O U TL E T— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
CH E CK T H E AC AD A PTE R — Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted
into the electrical outlet and the green light on the AC adapter is on.
CO N N E CT T H E C OM P U T ER DIR EC TL Y TO A N EL EC TR IC AL O U T LE T—
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify
that the computer turns on.
CH E CK F OR I N T E RF ER E N CE —Electrical appliances on the same circuit or
operating near the computer can cause interference. Other causes of
interference: power extension cables, too many devices on a power strip, or
multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet.
HINT: See the Tell Me
How help file for
information on standby
mode.
CH E CK T H E POW E R PRO P E RT IES — See the Tell Me How help or search for
the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center (Help in Windows Me and
Windows 2000). To access help, see page30.
RE S EA T T H E M EM O RY MO D U LE S —If the computer power light turns on but
the display remains blank, you may need to reseat the memory modules (see
page69).
Solving Problems 31
Page 32
Start-Up Error Messages
OP ER A TIN G S YS T E M N O T FO U N D — Contact Dell for technical assistance
(see page85).
I N S E R T BO OT A BL E M ED IA— The operating system is trying to boot to a
nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
N O N -S YS T EM DIS K E RR OR — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the
floppy disk and restart the computer.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
CH EC K TH E P OW E R L I GH T —When the power light is blinking, the computer
has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press
the power button to exit standby mode. If the power light is off, press the power
button.
CH EC K TH E B AT T ER Y —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.
32 Solving Problems
T E S T T H E EL E CT RIC AL OU T LE T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
CH EC K TH E AC A DA PT ER —Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted
into the electrical outlet and the green light on the AC adapter is on.
CH EC K TH E P O W ER P R OP ER TIE S — Search for the keyword standby in the
Help and Support Center (Help in Windows Me and Windows 2000). To access
help, see page30.
Page 33
If the display is difficult to read
AD J U S T T H E BR IG H TN E S S —See the Tell Me How help file (see page30) for
instructions on adjusting the brightness.
M OV E T H E S U B W O OF ER A W A Y F R OM T H E C OM PU TE R OR M O N ITO R — If
your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is
at least 60cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.
EL I MIN A T E PO S S IBL E IN TE R FE RE N C E— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent
lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.
RO TA TE TH E C O MP U TE R TO FA CE A DI F FE RE N T D IRE C TIO N —Eliminate
sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.
RE S TO R E TH E R E CO M ME N D ED S E T TI N G S —Restore the original resolution
and refresh rate settings. See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on
changing the resolution. To access the help file, see page30.
A DJ U S T W IN DO W S DIS P LA Y S E T TIN G S
Windows XP
1Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2Click Appearance and Themes.
3Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.
4Try different settings for Colors and Screen area.
Windows Me and Windows 2000
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2Double-click the Display icon and then click the Settings tab.
3Try different settings for Colors and Screen area.
Solving Problems 33
Page 34
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
HINT: The volume
control in some MP3
players overrides the
Windows volume setting.
If you have been listening
to MP3 songs, make sure
that you did not turn the
player volume down or off.
Sound and Speaker Problems
Integrated Speakers
ADJ U S T T H E WIN DO W S VO L U ME CO N TR O L— In Windows XP, click the
speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. In Windows Me and
Windows 2000, double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your
screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
CH EC K TH E V O LU M E C ON T R OL B U TT O N S —Press both volume control
buttons simultaneously or press <Fn><End> to disable (mute) or reenable the
integrated speakers.
REI N S T AL L T H E SOU N D ( AU D IO ) DR IVE R— See page50.
External Speakers
EN S U RE TH A T T H E S U B W OO F ER A N D T H E S P E AK E R S A RE T U R N ED
O N —See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
ADJ U S T T H E S PE A K ER C O N TR O LS — If your speakers have volume controls,
adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.
34 Solving Problems
VER I FY TH E S PE AK E R C AB LE C O N N EC T IO N S — Ensure that the speakers
are connected as shown on the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
T E S T T H E EL E CT RIC AL OU T LE T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
EN S U RE TH A T T H E S P E AK E RS A RE T U R N ED O N — See the setup diagram
supplied with the speakers.
ADJ U S T T H E S PE A K ER C O N TR O LS — Adjust the volume, bass, or treble
controls to eliminate distortion.
Page 35
AD J U S T T H E WIN D O W S V O LU M E C ON T R OL —In Windows XP, click the
speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. In Windows Me and
Windows 2000, double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your
screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
T ES T TH E S PEA K E RS — Plug the speaker audio cable into the headphone
connector on the side of the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume
control is turned up. Play a music CD.
RU N T H E S P E AK E R S E LF -T ES T — Some speaker systems have a self-test
button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test
instructions.
EL I MIN A T E PO S S IBL E IN TE R FE RE N C E— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent
lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.
RE I N S TA L L TH E S O U N D (AU D IO) D RIV ER — See page50.
Printer Problems
If you cannot print to a parallel port printer
VE RI F Y T H E PR IN T ER C A BL E CO N N E CT IO N S —Ensure that the printer
cable is connected as described on page20.
T ES T TH E E L EC TR ICA L O U TL E T— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
EN S U R E T H AT TH E P RI N T ER IS T U RN E D O N —See the documentation
supplied with the printer.
Solving Problems 35
Page 36
VER I FY TH AT T H E PR IN TE R IS RE CO G N IZ ED B Y W IN D OW S
Windows XP
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 Properties, and then select the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the
following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).
Windows Me and Windows 2000
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
If the printer model is listed, right-click the printer icon.
2 Click Properties, and then select the Details tab in Windows Me and the
Ports tab in Windows 2000. Ensure that the Print to the following port(s):
setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).
REI N S T AL L T H E PR IN TE R D RIV ER — See page22.
If you cannot print to a USB printer
VER I FY TH E PRIN TE R CA B LE C ON N EC TIO N S —Ensure that the printer
cable is connected as described on page21.
36 Solving Problems
T E S T T H E EL E CT RIC AL OU T LE T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working
by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
EN S U RE TH A T T H E P R IN TE R IS T U R N ED O N — See the documentation
supplied with the printer.
Page 37
VE RI F Y T H A T TH E PRIN T E R IS R EC O GN IZ E D B Y WIN DO W S
Windows XP
1Click the Start button.
2Click Control Panel.
3Click Printers and Other Hardware.
4Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer model is listed,
right-click the printer name.
5Click Properties, and then select the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the
following port(s): setting is USB.
Windows Me and Windows 2000
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
If the printer model is listed, right-click the printer icon.
2Click Properties, and then select the Details tab in Windows Me and the Port
tab in Windows 2000. E nsure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is
USB.
RE I N S TA L L TH E PRIN T E R DR IVE R— See page22.
Solving Problems 37
Page 38
Modem Problems
NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only.
Connecting the modem to a digital telephone network damages the modem.
CH EC K TH E T EL E P H O N E JAC K — Disconnect the telephone line from the
modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
CON N E C T TH E M O DE M D I RE C TL Y T O T H E TE L EPH O N E W A L L JAC K —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 connect the
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
modem directly to the telephone wall jack with the telephone line.
CH EC K TH E C O N N EC TI O N — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the
modem.
CH EC K TH E T EL E P H O N E LIN E — Try using a different telephone line. If you
are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.
38 Solving Problems
Page 39
VE RI F Y T H A T TH E MO D EM IS C OM M U N ICA TIN G W ITH WIN DO W S
Windows XP
1Click the Start button.
2Click Control Panel.
3Click Network and Internet Connections.
4Click Internet Options.
5Click Network Diagnostics and perform the connectivity test.
Windows Me
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel
2In the Control Panel window, double-click Modems.
If multiple entries appear for the same modem, or if modems are listed that
are not installed, delete the entries and restart the computer.
3Click the Diagnostics tab.
4Click the COM port for your modem.
5Click More Info to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
Windows 2000
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2Double-click Phone and Modems.
If multiple entries for the same modem or modems are listed but not installed,
delete the entries, restart the computer, and repeat steps 1 and 2.
3Click the Modems tab.
4Click the COM port for your modem.
5Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to
verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.
If all the commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
Solving Problems 39
Page 40
Scanner Problems
CH EC K TH E P OW E R C AB LE CO N N E CT I ON — Ensure that the scanner power
cable is firmly connected to a working electrical power source and that the
scanner is turned on.
CH EC K TH E S C A N N ER C A BL E C ON N E C TI O N —Ensure that the scanner
cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the scanner.
U N L O CK TH E S CA N N E R— Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
locking tab or button.
REI N S T AL L T H E S C AN N E R D RIV ER —See the scanner documentation for
instructions.
Touch Pad Problems
CH EC K TH E T OU CH P A D S ET T IN GS
Windows XP
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and click Printers and Other
Hardware.
2 Click Mouse.
Try adjusting the settings.
Windows Me and Windows 2000
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2 Double-click the Mouse icon.
Try adjusting the settings.
40 Solving Problems
External Keyboard Problems
DI S CO N N E CT T H E K E YBO A RD C AB L E— Shut down the computer (see
page24). Disconnect the keyboard cable and check the cable connector for bent
or broken pins.
Page 41
Unexpected Characters
back of floppy disk
DI S A BL E T H E N U M ER IC K E YPA D— Press the <Num Lk> key to disable the
numeric keypad. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
Drive Problems
If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk
EN S U R E T H AT W I N D OW S R EC OG N IZ E S T H E D RIV E— In Windows XP,
click the Start button and then click My Computer. In Windows Me and
Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. I f
the floppy 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.
CA N N O T S AV E F I LE S T O A F LO PPY DIS K —Ensure that the floppy disk is
not full or write-protected (locked). See the following illustration.
T ES T TH E D R IVE W IT H AN O T H ER F L OPP Y D IS K — Insert another floppy
disk to eliminate the possibility that the original floppy disk is defective.
write-protected
not writeprotected
Solving Problems 41
Page 42
HINT: High-speed CD
drive vibration is normal
and may cause noise. This
noise does not indicate a
defect in the drive or the
CD.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD
EN S U RE TH A T WI N DO W S RE CO GN IZ ES TH E DR IVE —In Windows XP,
click the Start button and then click My Computer. In Windows Me and
Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. If
the CD 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.
T E S T T H E DR IV E W ITH A N OT H E R CD— Insert another CD to eliminate the
possibility that the original CD is defective.
CLE AN T H E DI S C —See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access
the help file, see page30.
ADJ U S T T H E WIN DO W S VO L U ME CO N TR O L— In Windows XP, click the
gray speaker icon in the lower-right corner of the screen. In Windows Me and
Windows 2000, double-click the yellow speaker icon in the lower-right corner of
your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not
muted.
If you cannot play a DVD movie
HINT: Because of
different worldwide file
types, not all DVD titles
work in all DVD drives.
42 Solving Problems
EN S U RE TH A T WI N DO W S RE CO GN IZ ES TH E DR IVE —In Windows XP,
click the Start button and click My Computer. In Windows Me and Windows
2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. If the DVD
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.
T E S T T H E DR IV E W ITH A N OT H E R DVD— Insert another DVD to eliminate
the possibility that the original DVD is defective.
CLE AN T H E DI S C —See the Tell Me How help file for instructions. To access
the help file, see page30.
Page 43
If the CD-RW drive stops writing
D I S AB LE S TA N DB Y MO DE IN W IN D O W S BE FO RE W RIT IN G T O A CD -R W
D I S K —See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in the
Help and Support Center (Help in Windows Me and Windows 2000). To access
help, see page30.
CH A N G E TH E W RI T E S PE ED TO A S L O W ER R A TE —The CD-RW drive
must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an
error occurs. Closing all programs before writing to the CD-RW may also
alleviate the problem.
If you have a hard drive problem
R U N S C A N DI S K
Windows XP and Windows 2000
1In Windows XP, click the Start button and then click My Computer. In
Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows
desktop.
2Right-click on the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for errors, and
then click Properties.
3Click the Tools tab.
4Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
5Click Start.
Windows Me
Click the Start button, point to Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and
then click ScanDisk.
HINT: If you must
disable standby mode to
write to a CD-RW drive,
remember to enable
standby mode again when
you finish writing the CD.
CH E CK F OR I N T E RR U PT R EQ U E S T CO N F LIC TS — See page54.
Solving Problems 43
Page 44
Network Problems
CH EC K TH E N E T W OR K CA BL E C ON N EC TO R— Ensure that the network
cable connector is firmly connected to the connector on the computer and the
network wall jack as shown on the Start Here sheet for your computer.
CH EC K TH E N E T W OR K LI G H TS O N T H E N E TW OR K C O N N EC T OR —Green
indicates that the network connection is active. If the status light is not green, try
replacing the network cable. Amber indicates that the network adapter driver is
loaded and the adapter is detecting activity.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
RES T AR T T H E CO M P U T ER — Try to log on to the network again.
CON T AC T Y O U R N E TW OR K A D MIN IS T RA T OR —Verify that your network
settings are correct and that the network is functioning.
CH EC K FO R I N TE R RU P T RE QU E S T S C ON FL ICT S —See page54.
Microsoft® Windows® Error Messages
X :\ I S N OT AC CE S S IB LE . TH E DE VIC E IS N OT R EA D Y— Insert a disk into
the drive and try again.
A F I LE N A ME C A N N OT C O N TA IN A N Y OF TH E F OL L OW IN G
C H A RA CT E RS : \ / : * ? “ < > |— Do not use these characters in
filenames.
N O T EN O U G H M EM O RY O R RE S O U RC E S . CLOS E S O M E P RO GR AM S A N D
T R Y A GA IN —You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open
the program that you want to use.
44 Solving Problems
T H E FIL E BE IN G C OPIE D IS TO O L AR GE F O R TH E D E S TIN A TIO N
D R I VE —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.
Page 45
A RE QU I RE D .DLL FIL E W A S N O T F OU N D — The program that you are
trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the
program.
Windows XP
1Click the Start button.
2Click Control Panel.
3Click Add or Remove Programs, select the program you want to remove, and
click the Change or Remove Program icon.
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Windows Me and Windows 2000
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
3Select the program that you want to remove.
4Click Add/Remove (click Change/Remove in Windows 2000) and follow the
prompts on the screen.
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
General Program Problems
A program crashes
SEE T H E S O FT W A RE D O CU M E N TA TI O N —Many software manufacturers
maintain websites with information that may help you to solve the problem.
A program stops responding
EN D T H E P R O GR AM
1Press and hold <Ctrl><Shift><Esc>.
2In Windows XP and Windows 2000, click the Applications tab, and then select
the program that is no longer responding. In Windows Me, select the program
that is no longer responding.
3 Click the End Task button.
Solving Problems 45
Page 46
A program error causes the system to lock up
T U R N TH E C O MP U TE R O FF — If your computer locks up and you are unable to
get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or your touch pad, press and
hold the power button for at least 6 seconds until the computer turns off. Then
press the power button again to turn on the computer. You might lose data if you
are unable to perform a Microsoft Windows shutdown.
A solid blue screen appears
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
T U R N TH E C O MP U TE R O FF — If the computer does not respond to a keystroke
or a proper shutdown (see page24), press the power button until the computer
turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer. The solid blue
screen appears because you were not able to perform a proper Windows
shutdown. ScanDisk automatically runs during the start-up process. Follow the
instructions on the screen.
A program is designed for an earlier version of the Windows
operating systems
RU N T H E PRO G RA M CO M P AT IBIL ITY WIZ AR D— Windows XP provides a
Program Compatibility Wizard that configures a program to run in an
environment more similar to the environment of earlier versions of the Windows
operating systems.
1 Click Start, point to All Programs —> Accessories, and then click Program
Compatibility Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Internet Connection Problems
46 Solving Problems
REV I EW “MO D EM P R OB L EM S ”— See page38.
Page 47
EN S U R E T H AT Y OU AR E C ON N EC TE D T O TH E I N TE RN E T — With the
Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check
next to it, click the check to remove it and connect to the Internet.
CO N TA C T Y OU R IN TE RN E T S E RV ICE PRO V ID E R— Contact your Internet
service provider for assistance.
T U R N O FF CA LL W AIT IN G (CAT C H -PH O N E )—See your telephone directory
for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking
connection properties.
Windows XP
1Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2Click Printers and Other Hardware and then click Phone and Modem
Options.
3Click to highlight your type of connection in the displayed list.
4Click the Dialing Rules tab and click the Edit button.
5Click to place a check mark in the To disable call waiting box.
6Select the disable code (for example, *70) from the drop-down menu.
7Click Apply and then click OK.
Windows Me
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2Double-click the Modems icon.
3In the Modems Properties window, click Dialing Properties.
4Ensure that To disable call waiting, dial: is checked, and then select the
proper code according to the information in your telephone directory.
5Click Apply and then click OK.
6Close the Modems Properties window.
7Close the Control Panel.
Windows 2000
1Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2Double-click the Phone and Modems Options icon.
3In the Locations window, select the location for which you want to disable call
waiting, and then click Edit.
4Ensure that To disable call waiting, dial: is checked and then select the proper
code according to the information in your telephone directory.
5Click Apply and then click OK.
6Close the Phone and Modems Options window.
7Close the Control Panel.
Solving Problems 47
Page 48
E-Mail Problems
EN S U RE TH A T Y O U A RE CO N N E CT ED T O T H E IN TE R N ET —With the
Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check
mark next to it, click the check mark to remove it and connect to the Internet.
BE S U RE TH A T Y O U H A V E S U BS C R IBE D TO AN IN TE R N ET S E R VIC E
P RO VI D ER —Contact an Internet service provider to subscribe.
CON T AC T Y O U R INT ER N ET S ER VIC E PR OV IDE R —Contact your Internet
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
service provider for assistance.
If Your Computer Gets Wet
CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain that
it is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical
outlet, Dell recommends that you turn off AC power at the circuit
breaker before attempting to remove the power cables from the
electrical outlet. Use the utmost caution when removing wet
cables from a live power source.
1 Turn off the computer (see page24), disconnect the AC adapter from
the computer, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical
outlet.
48 Solving Problems
2 Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from
their power sources and then from the computer.
3 Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back
of the computer.
4 Remove the media bay device (see page24) and any installed PC
Cards, and put them in a safe place to dry.
5 Remove the battery.
6 Wipe off the battery and put it in a safe place to dry.
7 Remove the hard drive (see page72).
8 Remove the memory modules (see page69).
Page 49
9 Open the display and place the computer right-side up across two
books or similar props to let air circulate all around it. Let the
computer dry for at least 24hours in a dry area at room temperature.
NOTICE: Do not use artificial means, such as a hair dryer or a fan, to speed
up the drying process.
CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shock, verify that the
computer is thoroughly dry before continuing with the remainder
of this procedure.
10 Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back
of the computer.
11 Replace the memory modules, the memory module cover, and the
screw (see page69).
12 Replace the hard drive (see page72).
13 Replace the media bay device (see page24) and any PC Cards you
removed.
14 Replace the battery.
15 Turn on the computer and verify that it is working properly.
If the computer does not start, or if you cannot identify the damaged
components, contact Dell for technical assistance (see page85).
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down
the computer (see page24).
2 Disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, and disconnect the
AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
3 Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from
their power sources and then from the computer.
4 Remove and reinstall the battery.
5 Turn on the computer.
If the computer does not turn on, or if you cannot identify the damaged
components, call Dell for technical assistance (see page85).
Solving Problems 49
Page 50
Resolving Other Technical Problems
GO TO T H E DE L L S U P PO RT W EB S ITE — Go to support.dell.com for help
with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. See “Dell
Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)” on page84 for a description of the
hardware and software support provided by Dell.
E- MA I L DE LL — Go to the “Welcome” page at support.dell.com and then click
E-Mail Dell under the Communicate heading. Send an e-mail message to Dell
about your problem; you can expect to receive an e-mail message from Dell
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
within hours. See “Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)” on page84 for a
description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.
CON T AC T DE LL —If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell support
website or e-mail service, contact Dell for technical assistance (see page85). See
“Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)” on page84 for a description of the
hardware and software support provided by Dell.
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
The Dell Drivers and Utilities CD for your computer contains drivers for
operating systems that may not be on your computer. Verify that the driver
you are loading is under your operating system subdirectory.
50 Solving Problems
To reinstall drivers for optional devices, such as wireless communications,
DVD drives, and Zip drives, see the software CD and documentation that
came with those devices.
You can also access and download new drivers, system tools, and
documentation from Dell’s technical support page at support.dell.com. For
more information on using the operating system installed on your computer
by Dell, see the operating system user’s guide that came with your
computer.
Page 51
To install a driver or utility from your Drivers and Utilities CD:
1 Save your work in all open programs.
2 Insert your Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD or DVD drive.
In most cases, the CD should start running automatically. If it does
not, start Microsoft® Windows® Explorer, click your CD drive
directory to display the CD contents, and then double-click the
autocd.exe file. If a welcome screen appears, click Next. The first time
that you run the CD, it might prompt you to install some setup files.
Click OK and follow the instructions on the screen to continue.
3 From the Language pull-down menu in the toolbar, select your
preferred language for the driver or utility (if available).
A welcome screen appears.
4 Click Next.
5 Under Search Criteria , select the appropriate categories from the
System Model, Operating System, Device Type, and Topic pull-down
menus.
A link or links appear(s) for the specific drivers or utilities used by your
computer.
6 Click the link of a specific driver or utility to display information about
the driver or utility that you want to install.
7 Click the Install button (if present) to begin installing the driver or
utility. At the welcome screen, follow the screen prompts to complete
the installation.
If no Install button is present, automatic installation is not an option.
For installation instructions, either see the appropriate instructions in
the following subsections, or click the Extract button, follow the
extracting instructions, and read the readme file.
If instructed to navigate to the driver files, click the CD directory on
the driver information window to display the files associated with that
driver.
Reinstalling the Modem or Network Adapter Driver (Optional)
If you ordered the internal modem, reinstall the modem driver.
Solving Problems 51
Page 52
If you ordered the combination modem/network adapter, reinstall both the
modem driver and the network adapter driver.
Windows XP
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and insert your
Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD or DVD drive.
2 Click the Start button, and click Control Panel .
3 Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
4 Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click System.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
HINT: To see the System
icon, you may need to
click View all control
panel options at the left
side of the window.
5 Click the Hardware tab.
6 Click Device Manager .
• If you are installing a modem driver, click Modem and then click
the appropriate modem.
• If you are installing a network adapter, click Network adapters and
then click 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller.
7 Click Action, and then click Update Driver.
8 Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) , and then
click Next.
9 Verify that Search removable media is selected, and then click Next.
10 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
11 Click Finish and restart your computer.
Windows Me
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and insert the
Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD or DVD drive.
2 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
Panel.
3 Double-click the System icon.
4 Click the Device Manager tab.
• If you are installing a modem driver, click Modem and then click
the appropriate modem.
52 Solving Problems
Page 53
• If you are installing a network adapter driver, click Network
adapters and then click 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet
Controller.
5 Click Properties and then click the Driver tab.
6 Click Update Driver.
7 Verify that Automatic search for a better driver (Recommended) is
selected, and then click Next.
8 Click Finish, and then click Yes to restart the computer.
Windows 2000
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and insert your
Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD or DVD drive.
2 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
Panel.
3 Double-click the System icon.
4 Click the Hardware tab.
5 Click Device Manager.
• If you are installing a modem driver, click Modem and then click
the appropriate modem.
• If you are installing a network adapter , click Network adapters and
then click 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller.
6 Click Action, and then click Properties.
7 Click the Driver tab, click Update driver, and then click Next.
8 Verify that Search for a suitable driver for my device (Recommended)
is selected, and then click Next.
9 Verify that CD-ROM drives is selected, and then click Next.
10 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
11 Click Finish and restart your computer.
Solving Problems 53
Page 54
Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
The Windows XP Device Driver Rollback can replace a device driver with
the previously installed version if you install a new device driver that causes
system instability. If you cannot reinstall your previous driver with the
Driver Rollback process, then use System Restore (see page57) to attempt
to return your operating system to its previous operating state before the
new device driver installation:
1 Click the Start button, and then right-click My Computer.
2 Click Properties.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
3 Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
4 In the Device Manager window, right-click the device for which the
new driver was installed and then click Properties.
5 Click the Drivers tab.
6 Click Roll Back Driver .
Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities
Windows XP, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 IRQ conflicts occur if a
device either is not detected during the operating system setup or is
detected but incorrectly configured. See the following subsection that
corresponds to your operating system to check for IRQ conflicts on your
computer.
Windows XP
1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Performance and Maintenance , and then click System.
3 Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button.
54 Solving Problems
4 In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the
conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
Page 55
5 Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties
window so that you can determine what needs to be reconfigured or
removed from the Device Manager.
6 Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.
7 Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager
list.
8 Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.
The Properties window appears.
If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties
window reports what other devices are sharing the device’s IRQ.
9 Resolve any IRQ conflicts.
You can also use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter. To use the
troubleshooter, click the Start button and click Help and Support. Type
hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, and then click the arrow
to start the search. Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results
list. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware
conflict on my computer , and then click Next.
Windows Me
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2 Double-click the System icon.
3 Click the Device Manager tab.
4 In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the
conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
5 Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties
window so that you can determine what needs to be reconfigured or
removed from the Device Manager.
6 Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.
7 Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager
list.
Solving Problems 55
Page 56
8 Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.
The Properties window appears.
If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties
window reports what other devices are sharing the device’s IRQ.
9 Resolve any IRQ conflicts.
You can also use the Windows Me Hardware Troubleshooter. To use the
Hardware Troubleshooter, click the Start button and click Help. Click
Troubleshooting in the What would you like help with? list, click Hardware
& system device problems, click Hardware, memory, & others, and then
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
click Hardware Troubleshooter. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I
need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and then click Next.
Windows 2000
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel .
2 Double-click the System icon.
3 Click the Hardware tab.
4 Click Device Manager .
5 Click View, and then click Resources by connection.
6 Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) to view the IRQ assignments.
56 Solving Problems
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the
conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
7 Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties
window so you can determine what needs to be reconfigured or
removed from the Device Manager. Resolve these conflicts before
checking specific devices.
8 Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager
list.
9 Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.
The Properties window appears.
If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties
window reports what other devices are sharing the device’s IRQ.
10 Resolve the IRQ conflicts.
Page 57
You can also use the Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter. To use the
Hardware Troubleshooter, click the Start button and click Help. Click
Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click Windows
2000 troubleshooters, and then click Hardware. In the Hardware
Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
computer, and then click Next.
Using System Restor e
Windows XP and Windows Me provide a System Restore feature that allows
you to return your computer to an earlier operating state if changes to the
computer’s hardware or software (including new hardware or program
installations), or o ther system settings, have left the computer in an
undesirable operatin g state. You can also undo the last “System Restore.”
System Restore automatically creates system checkpoints. You can also
manually create your own checkpoints by creating Restore Points. To limit
the amount of hard disk space used, older restore points are automatically
purged.
To resolve an operating system problem, you can use System Restore from
Safe Mode or Normal Mode to return your computer to an earlier operating
state.
System Restore does not cause you to lose personal files stored in the My
Documents folder, data files, or e-mail messages after restoring the
computer to an earlier operating state. If you restore the computer to an
operating state that excused before you installed a program, the program’s
data files won’t be lost, but you will have to reinstall the actual program
again.
NOTICE: It is important to make regular backups of your data files. System
Restore does not monitor changes to or recover your data files. If the original
data on the hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten, or if it becomes
inaccessible because of a hard disk malfunction, use your backup files to
recover the lost or damaged data.
System Restore is enabled on your new computer. However, if you reinstall
Windows XP or Windows Me with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space
available, System Restore is automatically disabled. Before you see if System
Restore, see the following subsections to confirm that it is enabled.
Solving Problems 57
Page 58
Windows XP
1 Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2 Click the Performance and Maintenance.
3 Click System.
4 Click the System Restore tab.
5 Make sure that Turn off System Restore is not checked.
Windows Me
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Panel.
2 Double-click the System icon.
3 Click the Performance tab.
4 Click File System.
5 Click the Troubleshooting tab, and make sure that Disable System
Restore is not checked.
Before proceeding with any System Restore function, Dell recommends that
you thoroughly read Microsoft’s information about using System Restore.
To access this information:
58 Solving Problems
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs (point to Programs in
Windows Me) —>Accessories —>System Tools, and then click
System Restore .
2 Click Help in the upper-right corner of the Welcome to System
Restore screen.
Creating a Restore Point
Using the System Restore Wizard
In Windows XP you can either use the System Restore Wizard or manually
create the restore points. To use the System Restore Wizard, click the
Start button, click Help and Support, click System Restore, and then follow
the instructions on the System Restore Wizard window. You can also create
and name a restore point if you are logged on as the computer administrator
or a user with administrator rights.
Page 59
Manually Creating the Restore Points
1 Click Start, point to All Programs (point to Programs in Windows Me)
—>Accessories —>System Tools, and then click System Restore.
2 Click Create a restore point.
3 Click Next.
4 Type a name for the new restore point in the Restore point description
field.
The present date and time are automatically added to the description
of the new restore point.
5 Click Create (click Next in Windows Me).
6 Click OK (click Close in Windows Me).
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
If problems occur after you install a device driver, first try using Device
Driver Rollback (see page54). If that is unsuccessful, then use System
Restore.
NOTICE: Before restoring the computer to an earlier operating state, save
and close all open files and exit all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete
any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs (point to Programs in
Windows Me)—>Accessories—>System Tools, and then click
System Restore.
2 Be sure Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click
Next.
3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point (Choose a Restore Point in Windows Me)
screen provides a calender that allows you to see and select restore
points. All calender dates with available restore points appear in bold.
4 Select a restore point and click Next.
If a calender date has only one restore point, then that restore point is
automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click
the restore point that you want to use.
Solving Problems 59
Page 60
NOTICE: Save and close all open files and exit all open programs. Do not
alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is
complete.
5 Click Next (click OK in Windows Me).
In Windows XP, the Restoration Complete screen appears after
System Restore completes collecting data, and then the computer
automatically restarts.
In Windows Me, the Restoration in Progress screen appears, and then
the computer automatically restarts.
6 After the computer restarts, click OK.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a
different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.
Undoing the Last System Restore
NOTICE: Save and close all open files and exit all open programs. Do not
alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is
complete.
1 Click Start, point to All Programs (point to Programs in Windows Me)
—>Accessories—>System Tools , and then click System Restore.
2 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
60 Solving Problems
NOTICE: Save and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not
alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is
complete.
3 Click Next (click OK in Windows Me).
4 The System Restore (Undoing Last Restoration in Windows Me)
screen appears, and then t he computer automatically restarts.
5 After the computer restarts, click OK.
Reinstalling Windows XP
Before reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem,
try correcting the problem by using Windows System Restore (see page57).
Page 61
NOTICE: The operating system CD provides options for reinstalling the
Windows XP operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files
installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive.
Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system
unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
1 Insert the Operating System CD into the CD or DVD drive.
2 Shut down the computer (see page24) and then turn on the
computer.
3 Press any key when the Press any key to boot from CD message
appears on the screen.
4 When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to
select To set up Windows now.
5 Read the information in the License Agreement window, and then
press <F8> on your keyboard to agree with the license information.
6 If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to
recover your current Windows XP data, type R to select the repair
option, and then go to step 15.
If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to
select the fresh copy option, and then press <Enter> on the next
screen to select the highlighted partition (recommended). Then follow
the instructions on the screen.
7 The Windows XP Setup screen appears and Windows XP begins to
copy files and install the device drivers. The computer automatically
restarts multiple times before it requires additional input.
8 When the Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen appears, click the
green arrow icon at the bottom of the screen to continue. Follow the
instructions on the screen to finish the installation .
9 When the Regional Settings screen appears, select the settings for
your locale, and then click Next.
10 Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software
screen, and then click Next.
Solving Problems 61
Page 62
11 If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, enter a name for
your computer when the Computer Name window appears, and then
click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, enter a name for your
computer and a password when the Computer Name and
Administrator Password windows appears, and then click Next.
12 If you have a modem installed, the Modem Dialing Information
screen appears. Enter the requested information, and then click Next.
13 Enter the date and time in the Date and Time Settings window, and
then click Next.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
14 If your computer has a network adapter, select the appropriate network
settings. If your computer does not have a network adapter, you do not
see this option.
Windows XP begins to install its components and configure the
computer. The computer automatically restarts.
15 When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click the green arrow
icon at the bottom of the screen to continue. Follow the instructions
on the screen to finish the installation .
16 Remove the CD from the drive.
17 Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page50).
18 Reenable the virus protection software.
Reinstalling Windows Me
Before reinstalling the Windows Me operating system to correct a problem,
try correcting the problem by using Windows System Restore (see page57).
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling the
Windows Me operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files
installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive.
Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system
unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows Me, you must disable any virus
protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows.
62 Solving Problems
1 Turn on the computer, and enter the System Setup program as
directed by a Dell technical support representative.
Page 63
2 In the System Setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence
so that the CD or DVD drive boots first as directed by a Dell technical
support representative. Then place the Operating System CD in the
CD or DVD drive and close the drive tray.
3 Exit the System Setup program.
4 At the Welcome window, click OK.
5 Double-click Refresh Windows OS.
6 Click OK.
7 Click OK again.
8 Remove the Operating System CD from the CD or DVD drive, and
click OK to restart your computer.
The Getting ready to run Windows for the first time window appears.
9 If the mouse tutorial starts, press <Esc> to exit and then press <y>.
10 Click the regional setting closest to where you live, and then click
Next.
11 Click the graphic that matches your keyboard layout, and then click
Next.
12 In the User Information window, type your name and, if applicable,
company name, and then click Next.
The Name field must be completed; the Company Name field is
optional.
The License Agreement window appears.
13 Click I accept the Agreement, and then click Next.
14 Type the Windows product key in the fields provided, and then click
Next.
The product key is the bar code number found on the Microsoft
Windows label, which is located on the computer.
15 When the Start Wizard window appears, click Finish.
The Enter Windows Password window appears. To continue without
creating a Windows user name and password, click OK. Otherwise,
type your user name and password in the appropriate fields, and then
click OK.
Solving Problems 63
Page 64
16 If the Date/Time Properties window appears, adjust the date and time
properties, click Apply, and then click OK.
Windows updates the system settings and restarts your computer.
17 If you created a Windows user name and password, type your password
and click OK.
18 Reinstall the appropriate drivers (see page50).
19 Reenable your virus protection software.
Reinstalling Windows 2000
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
NOTICE: The operating system CD provides options for reinstalling the
Windows 2000 operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files
installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive.
Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system
unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
1 Insert the Operating System CD into the CD or DVD drive.
2 Shut down the computer (see page24).
3 Turn on the computer.
4 Press any key when the Press any key to boot from CD message
appears on the screen.
64 Solving Problems
5 When the Windows 2000 Setup window appears, ensure that the To
setup Win2000 now, press ENTER option is highlighted. Then press
<Enter>.
6 Read the information in the License Agreement window, and then
press <F8> to continue.
7 When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup window appears, press
the arrow keys to select the Windows 2000 partition option that you
want. To continue, press the key specified in the partition option that
you chose.
8 When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup window reappears, press
the arrow keys to select the type of file system that you want Windows
2000 to use, and then press <Enter>.
9 Press <Enter> again to restart your computer.
Page 65
10 Click Next when the Welcome to the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard
window appears.
11 When the Regional Settings window appears, select the settings for
your locale, and then click Next.
12 Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software
window, and then click Next.
13 When prompted, enter the Windows product key, which is printed on
the Microsoft label on your computer. Then click Next.
14 When the Computer Name and Administrator Password window
appears, enter a name for your computer and a password, if desired.
Then click Next.
15 Enter the date and time in the Date and Time Settings window, and
then click Next.
Windows 2000 begins to install its components and configure the
computer.
16 When the Completing the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard window
appears, remove the CD from the drive, and then click Finish. The
computer automatically restarts.
NOTICE: Make sure that you reinstall the Intel® Chip Set Update Utility
driver before you reinstall any other drivers.
Enabling Hibernate Support
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
1 Double-click the Power Management icon.
2 Click the Hibernate tab.
3 Ensure that Enable hibernate support is selected, and click Apply.
4 Click OK to close Control Panel .
Solving Problems 65
Page 66
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
66 Solving Problems
Page 67
3
SECTION 3
Adding Parts
Replacing the Palm Rest Inserts
Adding Memory
Replacing a Hard Drive
ww w. d el l . co m | s u ppo r t. d el l .c o m
Page 68
Replacing the Palm Rest Inserts
bottom of computer
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down
the computer (see page24).
2 Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can
access the bottom of the computer.
3 Slide and hold the latch release on the left side, and remove any device
installed in the media bay.
4 Slide and hold the latch release on the right side, and remove any
battery installed in the battery bay.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
5 Locate the indentation under each palm rest insert, place your thumbs
on the indentation, and gently push to release the palm rest inserts.
6 Remove the palm rest inserts.
7 To replace the palm re st inserts, align the tabs on the edge of the palm
rest inserts with the slots on the computer and then press down until
you hear a click.
Repeat the process on each side.
68 Adding Parts
Page 69
Adding Memory
palm rest insert
You can increase computer memory by installing memory modules on the
system board. See page76 for information on the type of memory supported
by your computer.
Your computer has two memory module connectors. All Dell memory
modules designed for your computer can be installed in either connector.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
instructions at the front of this guide.
NOTICE: Do not install or remove a memory module when the computer is
turned on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode.
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down
the computer (see page24).
2 Remove the battery, if installed, a nd disconnect external devices.
3 Disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer.
4 Ground yourself by touching a metal connector on the back of the
computer.
5 Turn the computer over, remove the screw located next to the K/M
icon, and lift up the memory module cover.
HINT: Memory modules
purchased from Dell are
covered under your
computer warranty.
Adding Parts 69
Page 70
memory module cover
screw
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the computer, do not use tools to spread the
inner metal tabs of the socket when you are installing or removing a memory
module.
6 If you are replacing a memory module, you must remove the existing
module:
a Use your fingernails to carefully spread apart the inner metal tabs
of the memory module connector.
The module should pop up.
70 Adding Parts
b Lift the memory module away from the connector.
securing
clip
memory
module
Page 71
7 Install the memory module:
screw
a Align the notch in the module with the slot in the center of the
connector.
b Slide the edge of the module firmly into the connector, and rotate
the module down until you hear a click.
NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in both connectors, install a
memory module in the connector labeled “DIMM1” before you install a
module in the connector labeled “DIMM2.”
8 Replace the cover and screw.
memory module cover
HINT: If the memory
module is not installed
properly, the computer
will not boot. No error
message indicates this
failure.
Adding Parts 71
Page 72
HINT: Dell does not
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
guarantee compatibility
or provide support for
hard drives from sources
other than Dell.
9 Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to
your computer and an electrical outlet.
10 Turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, it will detect the additional memory and
automatically update the system configuration information.
Replacing a Hard Drive
NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile and must be handled carefully.
Even a slight bump can damage the drive.
CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when
the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer (see page24) before
removing or installing a hard drive. Do not remove the hard drive while the
computer is in standby mode or hibernate mode, or if the power light is lit.
HINT: You need the
Operating System CD to
install the Windows
operating system. You
also need the Drivers and
Utilities CD to install the
drivers and utilities on the
new hard drive.
1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down
the computer (see page24).
2 Remove all installed batteries, and disconnect the AC adapter cable
and any external devices from the computer.
3 Turn the computer over, and remove the hard drive screw.
72 Adding Parts
Page 73
bottom of computer
hard drive
screw
NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, protect the drive from
exposure to static electricity by storing it in protective antistatic packaging.
4 Lift up the hard drive cover until you hear a click.
5 Slide the hard drive out of the computer.
6 Remove the new drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging to use when storing or shipping the hard
drive.
NOTICE: Do not force the drive into the computer. If you experience some
resistance, use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place.
7 Slide the new drive into the computer:
a Lift up the hard drive cover until you hear a click.
b Push the hard drive until it is fully seated in the bay.
c Press the hard drive cover down.
8 Replace and tighten the screw you removed in step3.
9 Install the Dell-provided operating system (see page60).
10 Install the Dell-provided drivers and utilities (see page50).
Adding Parts 73
Page 74
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell
Return your old hard drive to Dell in its original or comparable foam
packaging. Otherwise, the hard drive may be damaged in transit.
hard drive
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
74 Adding Parts
Page 75
SECTION 4
Appendix
Specifications
Standard Settings
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Contacting Dell
Regulatory Information
Warranty and Return Policy Information
4
ww w. d el l . co m | s u ppo r t. d el l .c o m
Page 76
Specifications
Microprocessor
Microprocessor type Intel® Mobile Pentium® III or Mobile
Celeron™
L1 cache 32 KB (internal)
L2 cache 256 KB or 128 KB
Math coprocessor internal to microprocessor
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
System Information
System chip set Intel 815EM
Data bus width 64 bits
DRAM bus width 64 bits
Microprocessor address bus width 32 bits
Flash EPROM 2 MB
Graphics bus width integrated Intel 3D AGP Graphics
PC Card
CardBus controller O2Micro OZ6933 CardBus controller
PC Card connectors two (supports two Type I or Type II cards or
one TypeIII card)
Cards supported 3.3 V and 5 V
PC Card connector size 68 pins
Data width (maximum) PCMCIA: 16 bits
CardBus: 32 bits
Memory
76 Appendix
Architecture SDRAM
Memory module socket two user-accessible SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities 32-, 64-, 128-, and 256-MB
3.3-V SDRAM SODIMMS
Page 77
Memory (continued)
Standard memory 64 MB (non-ECC)
Maximum memory 512 MB (non-ECC)
Memory clock speed 100 MHz
Memory access time CL2 (NOTE: CL2 indicates a CAS latency of
two clocks.)
Ports and Connectors
Serial 9-pin connector, RS232; 16550-compatible,
16-byte buffer connector
Parallel unidirectional (standard AT), bidirectional,
or ECP connector
Video VGA connector
Audio stereo (line-in) mini connector; microphone
mini connector; headphone/speakers (line-
out) mini connector
PS/2 keyboard/mouse 6-pin mini-DIN connector
USB two USB-compliant connectors
Modem/network adapter optional factory-configurable RJ-11/RJ-45
port for mini-PCI modem/network adapter
Video
Video type 128-bit hardware-accelerated video support
Data bus integrated Intel 3D AGP Graphics
Video controller integrated graphics (Intel 815EM)
Display cache optional factory-configurable 4-MB display
cache card
LCD interface LVDS
Appendix 77
Page 78
Audio
Audio controller AC97 link audio
Stereo conversion 16-bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-
analog)
Interfaces:
Internal PCI bus/AC 97
External stereo (line-in), microphone,
headphones/speaker (line-out)
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Display
Type 128-bit hardware-accelerated video support
Response time (typical) 50 ms
Operating angle 0° (closed) to 180°
Dot pitch 0.20 mm
Panel (typical)
Backlight
1.3 W
3.4 W using battery; 4.9 W using AC
adapter
Controls brightness can be controlled through key
combinations
Keyboard
Number of keys 87 (U.S., Canada, and locations that use
traditional Chinese); 88 (Europe);
90 (Japan)
Key travel 2.7 ± 0.3 to 0.4 mm (0.11 ± 0.016 inch)
Key spacing 19.05 ± 0.3 mm (0.75 inch ± 0.012 inch)
Layout QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji
78 Appendix
Touch Pad
Interface PS/2 compatible
X/Y position resolution
(graphicstable mode) 240 cpi
Page 79
Touch Pad (continued)
Size:
Thickness 2.00 mm (0.08 inch) at highest component
Width 64.88 mm (2.55 inch)
Height 48.88-mm (1.92-inch) rectangle with
0.5-mm (0.02-inch) tabs
Weight 6.5 g (0.23 ounce) ± 0.5 g (0.001 ounce)
Power:
Supply voltage 5 V ± 0.5 VDC
Supply current 25 mA (maximum operating current)
ESD in accordance with IEC-801-2
Modem
Data/fax modem optional 56K, V.90 Mini PCI card modem
Data/fax network adapter optional 10/100 LAN + 56K, V.90 Mini PCI
card modem
Battery
Type 4-cell and 8-cell lithium ion
Dimensions:
Depth 88.5 mm (3.48 inches)
Height 21.5 mm (0.83 inch)
Width 139.0 mm (5.47 inches)
Weight 8 cell; 0.39 kg (0.87 lb)
Voltage 14.8 VDC
Appendix 79
Page 80
Battery (continued)
Charge time (approximate):
Computer on 2.5 hours
Computer off 1 hour
Battery life approximately 1.5 hours minimum with
4-cell battery and 3 hours minimum with
8-cell standard battery
Life span (approximate) 400 discharge/charge cycles
0
Temperature range:
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Operating 0° to 45°C (32° to 113°F)
Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140°F)
AC Adapter
Input voltage 90 to 135 VAC and 164 to 264 VAC
Input current (maximum) 1.5 A
Input frequency 40 to 63 Hz
Output current 4.5 A (maximum 4-second pulse); 3.5A
(continuous)
80 Appendix
Rated output voltage 20 VDC
Dimensions:
Height 27.94 mm (1.1 inches)
Width 58.42 mm (2.3 inches)
Depth 133.85 mm (5.25 inches)
Weight (with cables) 0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
Temperature range:
Operating 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Storage –4° to 65°C (24.8° to 149°F)
Page 81
Environmental
Temperature range:
Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)
Storage –4° to 65°C (24.8° to 149°F)
Relative humidity (maximum):
Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing)
Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration:
Operating 0.9 GRMS using a random-vibration
spectrum that simulates user environment
Storage 1.3 GRMS using a random-vibration
spectrum that simulates air/truck shipment
Maximum shock:
Operating 152.4 cm/sec (60 inches/sec) (equal to a half-
sine pulse width of 2 ms)
Storage 2.03 m/sec (80 inches/sec) (less than or
equal to a pulse width of 2 ms)
Altitude (maximum):
Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)
Fixed Optical Drives
Supported drives 12.5-mm drives: CD, CD-RW, and DVD
Appendix 81
Page 82
Standard Settings
The system setup program c ontains the standard settings for your
computer.
NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, don’t change the settings
for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.
System Setup Screens
The system setup screens are organized into the following sections:
• The menu bar at the top provides access to the main program screens:
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
– Main provides settings for the basic computer configuration.
– System Devices provides detailed settings for some computer
features.
– Security provides indications and settings for user and setup
passwords.
– Boot provides information about how the computer starts.
– Exit provides selections for saving and loading the program
settings.
HINT: To see
information about a
specific item,
highlight the item
and refer to the
ItemSpecific help area
on the screen.
82 Appendix
• The left side lists configuration options and their settings for the
hardware installed in your computer.
You can change settings enclosed in brackets, but not those that are
grayed out. Options identified by an arrowhead (>) provide access to
submenus.
Page 83
See the following figure for an example of the Main screen of the program.
E
PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility
Main
System Time
System Date:
Floppy Drive:
Hard Disk
S/N:
Quiet Boot:
Video Display Device
System Memory:
Extended Memory:
Display Cache Memory
Service Tag Number:
Visit our WebSite
F1
Help
ESC
Exit
Viewing Settings
System Devices Security
:
Select Item
Select Menu
[00:06:57]
[11/09/99]
1.44 MB 3 1/2”
[20004 MB]
10WWEP
[Enabled]
[Simul Mode]
640 KB
126 MB
4 MB
1A2B3C4
http://www.dell.com
F5/F6
Enter
Change Values
Select Sub-Menu
Boot
Exit
Item Specific Help
<Tab>, <Shift-Tab>, or
<Enter> selects field.
Select appropriate field
[HH:MM:SS] and enter
value in 24-hour format.
F9
Setup Defaults
F10
Save and Exit
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 When the blue Dell™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Windows® desktop. Then shut down your
computer and try again.
HINT: In Windows Me
and Windows 2000, you
must press <F2> to enter
the system setup program.
HINT: External USB
keyboards function only
when Windows is running.
Appendix 83
Page 84
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S.
Only)
Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and
participation of the customer in the troubleshooting process and provides
for restoration of the operating system, application software, and hardware
drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as
the verification of appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dellinstalled hardware. In addition to this technician-assisted technical support,
online technical support is available at support.dell.com. Additional
technical support options may be available for purchase.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any “Dellinstalled” software and peripherals1. Support for third-party software and
peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer, including those
purchased and/or installed through Dell Software & Peripherals
(DellWare™), Readyware, and Custom Factory Integration (DellPlus™)2.
1
Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited
warranty and any optional support service contract purchased with the
computer.
2
All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI)
project are covered by the standard Dell limited warranty for your computer.
However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover all nonstandard, third-party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration
of the computer’s service contract.
84 Appendix
Definition of “Dell-Installed” Software and Peripherals
Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the
application software that is preinstalled on the computer during the
manufacturing process (Microsoft Office, Norton Antivirus, and so on).
Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dellbranded module bay or PC Card accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded
monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones for telephonic modems,
docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and all associated
cabling are included.
Page 85
Definition of “Third-Party” Software and Peripherals
Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or
application software sold by Dell not under the Dell brand (printers,
scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party software
and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.
Contacting Dell
When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers, codes, and
electronic addresses provided in the following table. If you need assistance
in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international
operator.
HINT: Toll-free numbers
are for use within the
country for which they are
listed.
Contact Numbers and Addresses
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
Antigua and Barbuda General Support 1-800-805-5924
Australia (Sydney)
International Access Code: 0011
Country Code: 61
City Code: 2
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Home and Small Business 1-300-65-55-33
Government and Business tollfree:1-800-633-559
Preferred Accounts Division (PAD) tollfree:1-800-060-889
Customer Care tollfree:1-800-819-339
Corporate Sales tollfree:1-800-808-385
Transaction Sales tollfree:1-800-808-312
Fax tollfree:1-800-818-341
Local Numbers, and
Area Codes,
TollFree Numbers
Appendix 85
Page 86
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
City Code
Austria (Vienna)
International Access Code: 900
Country Code: 43
City Code: 1
Home/Small Business Sales 0179567602
Home/Small Business Fax 0179567605
Home/Small Business Customer Care 0179567603
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care 06608056
Home/Small Business Technical Support 0179567604
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Technical Support 06608779
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Switchboard 01491040
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com
Barbados General Support 1-800-534-3066
Belgium (Brussels)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 32
City Code: 2
Technical Support 024819288
Customer Care 024819119
Home/Small Business Sales tollfree:080016884
Corporate Sales 024819100
Fax 024819299
Switchboard 024819100
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_be@dell.com
E-mail for French Speaking Customers:
http://support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/
Bermuda General Support 1-800-342-0671
Brazil
International Access Code: 0021
Country Code: 55
City Code: 51
Brunei
Country Code: 673
Customer Support, Technical Support 0800 90 3355
Tech Support Fax 55 51 481 5470
Sales 0800 90 3366
Website: http://www.dell.com/br
Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4966
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949
Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4955
86 Appendix
Page 87
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
Canada (North York, Ontario)
International Access Code: 011
Cayman Islands General Support 1-800-805-7541
Chile (Santiago)
Country Code: 56
City Code: 2
China (Xiamen)
Country Code: 86
City Code: 592
Colombia General Support 980-9-15-3978
Costa Rica General Support 0800-012-0435
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Automated Order-Status System tollfree:1-800-433-9014
AutoTech (Automated technical support) tollfree:1-800-247-9362
Customer Care (From outside Toronto) tollfree:1-800-387-5759
Customer Care (From within Toronto) 416758-2400
Customer Technical Support tollfree:1-800-847-4096
Sales (Direct Sales—from outside Toronto) tollfree:1-800-387-5752
Sales (Direct Sales—from within Toronto) 416 758-2200
Sales (Federal government, education, and
medical)
Sales (Major Accounts) tollfree:1-800-387-5755
TechFax tollfree:1-800-950-1329
Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support tollfree:1230-020-4823
Home and Small Business Technical Support tollfree:8008582437
Corporate Accounts Technical Support tollfree:800 858 2333
Customer Experience tollfree:8008582060
Home and Small Business tollfree:8008582222
Preferred Accounts Division tollfree:8008582062
Large Corporate Accounts North tollfree:8008582999
Large Corporate Accounts East tollfree:8008582020
Large Corporate Accounts South tollfree:8008582355
Large Corporate Accounts GCP tollfree:8008582055
Large Corporate Accounts HK tollfree:800964108
Large Corporate Accounts GCP HK tollfree:800907308
Local Numbers, and
tollfree:1-800-567-7542
Area Codes,
TollFree Numbers
Appendix 87
Page 88
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
City Code
Czech Republic (Prague)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 420
City Code: 2
Technical Support 02 22 83 27 27
Customer Care 02 22 83 27 11
Fax 02 22 83 27 14
TechFax 02 22 83 27 28
Switchboard 02 22 83 27 11
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Denmark (Horsholm)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 45
E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com
Technical Support 45170182
Relational Customer Care 45170184
Home/Small Business Customer Care 32875505
Switchboard 45170100
Fax Technical Support (Upplands Vasby, Sweden) 46 0 859005594
Fax Switchboard 45170117
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: den_support@dell.com
E-mail Support for Servers:
Nordic_server_support@dell.com
Dominican Republic General Support 1-800-148-0530
El Salvador General Support 01-899-753-0777
Finland (Helsinki)
International Access Code: 990
Country Code: 358
City Code: 9
Technical Support 0925331360
Technical Support Fax 0925331381
Relational Customer Care 0925331338
Home/Small Business Customer Care 0969379194
Fax 0925331399
Switchboard 0925331300
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: fin_support@dell.com
88 Appendix
Page 89
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
France (Paris/Montpellier)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 33
City Code: (1) (4)
Germany (Langen)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 49
City Code: 6103
Guatemala General Support 1-800-999-0136
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Home and Small Business
Technical Support 0825387270
Customer Care 0825823833
Switchboard 0825004700
Switchboard (Alternative) 0499754000
Sales 0825004700
Fax 0825 004701
Fax (Alternative) 04 99 75 40 01
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: http://support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/
Corporate
Technical Support 0825004719
Customer Care 0825338339
Switchboard 0155947100
Sales 0155947100
Fax 0155947101
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: http://support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/
Technical Support 06103766-7200
Home/Small Business Customer Care 0180-5-224400
Global Segment Customer Care 06103766-9570
Preferred Accounts Customer Care 06103766-9420
Large Accounts Customer Care 06103766-9560
Public Accounts Customer Care 06103766-9555
Switchboard 06103766-7000
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com
Local Numbers, and
Area Codes,
TollFree Numbers
Appendix 89
Page 90
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
City Code
Hong Kong
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 852
Technical Support tollfree:800964107
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 6334949
Transaction Sales tollfree:800964109
Corporate Sales tollfree:800964108
Ireland (Cherrywood)
International Access Code: 16
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Country Code: 353
City Code: 1
Technical Support 1850 543 543
Home User Customer Care 01 204 4095
Small Business Customer Care 012044026
Corporate Customer Care 01 279 5011
Sales 01 204 4444
SalesFax 012040144
Fax 204 5960
Switchboard 012044444
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com
Italy (Milan)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 39
City Code: 02
Home and Small Business
Technical Support 0257782690
Customer Care 0269682114
Fax 0269682113
Switchboard 0269682112
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: http://support.euro.dell.com/it/it/emaildell/
Corporate
Technical Support 0257782690
Customer Care 0257782555
Fax 0257503530
Switchboard 02577821
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: http://support.euro.dell.com/it/it/emaildell/
Jamaica General Support 1-800-682-3639
90 Appendix
Page 91
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
Japan (Kawasaki)
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 81
City Code: 44
Korea (Seoul)
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 82
City Code: 2
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Technical Support (Server)
Technical Support Outside of Japan (Server)
Technical Support (Dimension™ and Inspiron™)
Technical Support Outside of Japan (Dimension
and Inspiron)
Technical Support (Dell Precision™, OptiPlex™
and Latitude™)
Technical Support Outside of Japan (Dell
Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)
24-Hour Automated Order Service 044556-3801
Customer Care 044556-4240
Business Sales Division (up to 400 employees) 044 556 3494
Preferred Accounts Division Sales (over 400
employees)
Large Corporate Accounts Sales (over 3500
employees)
Public Sales (Government Agencies, Educational
Institutions, and Medical Institutions)
Global Segment Japan 044 556 3469
Individual User 044 556 1657
Faxbox Service 044556-3490
Switchboard 044556-4300
Website: http://support.jp.dell.com
Technical Support tollfree:080-200-3800
Sales tollfree:080-200-3600
Customer Service (Seoul, Korea) toll free: 080-200-3800
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949
Fax 2194-6202
Switchboard 2194-6000
Local Numbers, and
tollfree:0120-1984-35
tollfree:0120-1982-26
tollfree:0120-1984-33
Area Codes,
TollFree Numbers
81-44-556-4152
81-44-520-1435
81-44-556-3894
044556-3433
044556-3440
044 556 3440
Appendix 91
Page 92
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
City Code
Latin America Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas,
512728-4093
U.S.A.)
Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512728-3619
Fax (Technical Support and Customer
512728-3883
Service)(Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512728-4397
SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512728-4600
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Luxembourg
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 352
Technical Support (Brussels, Belgium) 024819288
Home/Small Business Sales (Brussels, Belgium) tollfree:080016884
Corporate Sales (Brussels, Belgium) 024819100
or 512728-3772
Customer Care (Brussels, Belgium) 024819119
Fax (Brussels, Belgium) 024819299
Switchboard (Brussels, Belgium) 024819100
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_be@dell.com
Macau
Country Code: 853
Technical Support tollfree:0800582
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949
Transaction Sales tollfree:0800581
Malaysia (Penang)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 60
City Code: 4
Technical Support tollfree:1800888298
Customer Service 04633 4949
Transaction Sales tollfree:1800888202
Corporate Sales tollfree:1800888213
92 Appendix
Page 93
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
Mexico
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 52
Netherlands Antilles General Support 001-800-882-1519
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 31
City Code: 20
New Zealand
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 64
Nicaragua General Support 001-800-220-1006
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Customer Technical Support 001-877-384-8979
Sales 50-81-8800
Customer Service 001-877-384-8979
Main 50-81-8800
Technical Support 020581 8838
Customer Care 0205818740
Home/Small Business Sales tollfree:0800-0663
Home/Small Business Sales Fax 0206827171
Corporate Sales 0205818818
Corporate Sales Fax 0206868003
Fax 0206868003
Switchboard 0205818818
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_nl@dell.com
Home and Small Business 0800446255
Government and Business 0800444617
Sales 0800441567
Fax 0800441566
Local Numbers, and
Area Codes,
TollFree Numbers
or 001-877-269-3383
or 01-800-888-3355
or 001-877-269-3383
or 01-800-888-3355
Appendix 93
Page 94
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
City Code
Norway (Lysaker)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 47
Technical Support 67116882
Relational Customer Care 67117514
Home/Small Business Customer Care 23162298
Switchboard 67116800
Fax Technical Support (Upplands Vasby, Sweden) 46 0 85 59005594
Fax Switchboard 67116865
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: nor_support@dell.com
E-mail Support for Servers:
Nordic_server_support@dell.com
Panama General Support 001-800-507-0962
Peru General Support 0800-50-669
Poland (Warsaw)
International Access Code: 011
Country Code: 48
City Code: 22
Customer Service Phone 57 95 700
Customer Care 57 95 999
Sales 57 95 999
Customer Service Fax 57 95 806
Reception Desk Fax 57 95 998
Switchboard 57 95 999
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: pl_support@dell.com
Portugal
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 35
Technical Support 35800834077
Customer Care 800 300 415 or
35800834075
Sales 800300410 or
800300411 or
800300412 or
351 214 220 710
Fax 351214240112
E-mail:
http://support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/
Puerto Rico General Support 1-800-805-7545
94 Appendix
Page 95
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
St. Lucia General Support 1-800-882-1521
Singapore (Singapore)
International Access Code: 005
Country Code: 65
South Africa (Johannesburg)
International Access Code:
09/091
Country Code: 27
City Code: 11
Southeast Asian and Pacific
Countries
Spain (Madrid)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 34
City Code: 91
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Technical Support tollfree:8006011051
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604633 4949
Transaction Sales tollfree:8006011054
Corporate Sales tollfree:8006011053
Technical Support 0117097710
Customer Care 0117097707
Sales 0117097700
Fax 0117060495
Switchboard 0117097700
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_za_support@dell.com
Customer Technical Support, Customer Service,
and Sales (Penang, Malaysia)
Home and Small Business
Technical Support 902100130
Customer Care 902118540
Sales 902118541
Switchboard 902118541
Fax 902118539
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail:
http://support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/
Corporate
Technical Support 902100130
Customer Care 902118546
Switchboard 917229200
Fax 917229583
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail:
http://support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/
Local Numbers, and
Area Codes,
TollFree Numbers
6046334810
Appendix 95
Page 96
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
City Code
Sweden (Upplands Vasby)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 46
City Code: 8
Technical Support 0859005199
Relational Customer Care 0859005642
Home/Small Business Customer Care 0858770527
Fax Technical Support 0859005594
Sales 0859005185
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
E-mail: swe_support@dell.com
E-mail Support for Latitude and Inspiron:
Swe-nbk_kats@dell.com
E-mail Support for OptiPlex: Swe_kats@dell.com
E-mail Support for Servers:
Nordic_server_support@dell.com
Switzerland (Geneva)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 41
City Code: 22
Technical Support (Home and Small Business) 0844811411
Technical Support (Corporate) 0844822844
Customer Care (Home and Small Business) 0848802202
Customer Care (Corporate) 0848821721
Fax 0227990190
Switchboard 0227990101
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: swisstech@dell.com
E-mail for French Speaking HSB and Corporate
Customers:
http://support.euro.dell.com/ch/fr/emaildell/
Taiwan
International Access Code: 002
Country Code: 886
Technical Support tollfree:0080601255
Technical Support (Servers) tollfree:0080601256
Transaction Sales tollfree:0080651228
or 080033556
Corporate Sales tollfree:0080651227
or 080033555
96 Appendix
Page 97
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
Thailand
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 66
Trinidad/Tobago General Support 1-800-805-8035
U.K. (Bracknell)
International Access Code: 010
Country Code: 44
City Code: 1344
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Technical Support tollfree:088006007
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4949
Sales tollfree:088006009
Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred
Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees])
Technical Support (Direct/PAD and General) 08709080800
Global Accounts Customer Care 01344723186
Home and Small Business Customer Care 0870 906 0010
Corporate Customer Care 0134472 3185
Preferred Accounts (500-5000 employees)
Customer Care
Central Government Customer Care 01344723193
Local Government Customer Care 01344723194
Home/Small Business Sales 08709074000
Corporate/Public Sector Sales 01344860456
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com
Local Numbers, and
Area Codes,
TollFree Numbers
08709080500
01344723196
Appendix 97
Page 98
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
City Code
U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)
International Access Code: 011
Country Code: 1
Automated Order-Status System tollfree:1-800-433-9014
AutoTech (for portable and desktop computers) tollfree:1-800-247-9362
Dell Home and Small Business Group (for portable and desktop computers):
Customer Technical Support (Return Material
tollfree:1-800-624-9896
Authorization Numbers)
Customer Technical Support (Home sales
tollfree:1-877-576-3355
purchased via http://www.dell.com)
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
Customer Service (Credit Return Authorization
tollfree:1-800-624-9897
Numbers)
National Accounts (systems purchased by established Dell national accounts
[have your account number handy], medical institutions, or value-added resellers
[VARs]):
Customer Service and Technical Support (Return
tollfree:1-800-822-8965
Material Authorization Numbers)
Public Americas International (systems purchased by governmental agencies
[local, state, or federal] or educational institutions):
Customer Service and Technical Support (Return
tollfree:1-800-234-1490
Material Authorization Numbers)
Dell Sales tollfree:1-800-289-3355
or tollfree:1-800-879-3355
Spare Parts Sales tollfree:1-800-357-3355
DellWare™ tollfree:1-800-753-7201
Desktop and Portable Fee-Based Technical Support tollfree:1-800-433-9005
Sales (Catalogs) toll free: 1-800-426-5150
Fax tollfree:1-800-727-8320
TechFax tollfree:1-800-950-1329
Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or
Speech-Impaired
tollfree:1-877-DELLTTY
(1-877-335-5889)
Switchboard 512338-4400
Dellnet Technical Support tollfree:1-877-Dellnet
(1-877-335-5638)
98 Appendix
Page 99
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
US Virgin Islands General Support 1-877-673-3355
Venezuela General Support 8001-3605
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
TollFree Numbers
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
1 Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and
prominently on the outside of the box.
2 Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the
return.
3 Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned
(power cables, CDs, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.
4 Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent)
packing materials.
You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible
for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during
shipment to Dell. Collect-on-delivery packages are not accepted.
Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused
at our receiving dock and returned to you.
Regulatory Informatio n
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is any signal or emission, radiated in
free space or conducted along power or signal leads, that endangers the
functioning of a radio navigation or other safety service or seriously
degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a licensed radio
communications service. Radio communications services include but are
not limited to AM/FM commercial broadcast, television, cellular services,
radar, air-traffic control, pager, and Personal Communication Services
(PCS). These licensed services, along with unintentional radiators such as
digital devices, including computers, contribute to the electromagnetic
environment.
Appendix 99
Page 100
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of items of electronic
equipment to function properly together in the electronic environment.
While this computer has been designed and determined to be compliant
with regulatory agency limits for EMI, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference with radio communications services, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient the receiving antenna.
• Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.
www.de l l . c o m | s u p p o r t .d e l l . c o m
• Move the computer away from the receiver.
• Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and the
receiver are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, consult a Dell Technical Support representative or an
experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.
Dell computers are designed, tested, and classified for their intended
electromagnetic environment. These electromagnetic environment
classifications generally refer to the following harmonized definitions:
• Class A is typically for business or industrial environments.
• Class B is typically for residential environments.
Information Technology Equipment (ITE), including devices, expansion
cards, printers, input/output (I/O) devices, monitors, and so on, that are
integrated into or connected to the computer should match the
electromagnetic environment classification of the computer.
A Notice About Shielded Signal Cables: Use only shielded cables for
connecting devices to any Dell device to reduce the possibility of
interference with radio communications services. Using shielded cables
ensures that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for the
intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell.
If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell on the World Wide Web at
http://accessories.us.dell.com/.
100 Appendix
Loading...