Dell Inspirion 2500 User Manual
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2500
Solutions Guide
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
8 Contents
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
• 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.
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• 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
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
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
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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
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
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
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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
• 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
• 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.
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wrists relaxed
and flat
computer positioned
directly in front of
user
arms at
desk level
16 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
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
• 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.
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18 Safety and EMC Instructions: Portable Computers
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
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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.
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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
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
USB connector on
back of computer
USB connector on
printer
USB printer
cable
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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.
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
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.
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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.
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
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26 Setting Up
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
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HINT: If you have a
problem with an external
device, see the device
documentation or contact
the manufacturer.
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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
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
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
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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.
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