INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory model: P07T series Regulatory type: P07T002
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, YOURS IS HERE, Inspiron, Solution Station, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; AMD and AMD Athlon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Blu ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu ray Disc Association; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
May 2010 P/N 7R3VH Rev. A00
Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop 5
Before Setting Up Your Computer |
5 |
Connect the AC Adapter |
6 |
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) |
7 |
Press the Power Button |
8 |
Set Up Microsoft Windows |
9 |
Create System Recovery Media |
|
(Recommended) |
10 |
Install the SIM Card (Optional) |
12 |
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional) |
14 |
Connect to the Internet (Optional) |
16 |
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 18
Right View Features 18 Left View Features 20 Back View Features 22
Computer Base and Keyboard Features 24 Status Lights and Indicators 26 Touch Pad Gestures 28 Multimedia Control Keys 30 Display Features 32 Removing and Replacing the Battery 34 Software Features 36 Dell Dock 37 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 38
Solving Problems 39
Beep Codes 39 Network Problems 40 Power Problems 41 Memory Problems 42 Lockups and Software Problems 43
3
Contents
Using Support Tools 45
Dell Support Center 45 My Dell Downloads 46 System Messages 46 Hardware Troubleshooter 48 Dell Diagnostics 49
Restoring Your Operating System 53
System Restore 54 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 55 System Recovery Media 57 Dell Factory Image Restore 58
Getting Help 60
Technical Support and Customer
Service 61 DellConnect 61 Online Services 62 Automated Order-Status Service 63 Product Information 63
4
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit 64 Before You Call 65 Contacting Dell 67
Finding More Information and
Resources 68 Specifications 70 Appendix 77
Macrovision Product Notice 77
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 78
Index 79
This section provides information about setting up your Dell™ Inspiron™ laptop.
When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.
Restricting airflow around your Inspiron laptop may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least 10.2 cm (4 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other
sides. You should never place your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.
WARNING: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not place your Dell™
computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, or on fabric surfaces, such as carpets or rugs, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer, deteriorate the computer performance, or cause a fire. The computer turns on the fan when the
computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
CAUTION: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.
INSPIRON
5
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into an electrical outlet or surge protector.
WARNING: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or permanent damage to your computer.
6
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.
7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with Microsoft® Windows® 7 operating system. To set up Windows 7 for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows 7 setup screens will take you through several
procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection.
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.
NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.
NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see support.dell.com/MyNewDell.
9
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set up Microsoft Windows.
NOTE: Your computer does not have an internal optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures that involve discs.
The system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data files (without the need of the Operating System disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware, software, drivers, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state.
You will require the following to create the system recovery media:
•Dell DataSafe Local Backup
•USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD-R/DVD+R/Blu-ray Disc™
NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.
10
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To create a system recovery media:
1.Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page 6).
2.Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.
3.Click Start → Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup.
4.Click Create Recovery Media.
5.Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: For information on using the system recovery media, see “System Recovery Media” on page 57.
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
NOTE: Installing a SIM card is not required if you are using an EVDO card to access the Internet.
Installing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card on your computer allows you to connect to the Internet. To access the Internet, you must be within the network of your cellular service provider.
To install the SIM card:
1.Turn off your computer.
2.Remove the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 34).
3.In the battery bay, slide the SIM card into the SIM card slot.
4.Replace the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 34).
5.Turn on your computer.
To remove the SIM card, press and eject the SIM card.
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
1SIM card slot
2SIM card
3battery bay
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
14
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
NOTE: The wireless feature is available on your computer only if you ordered a WLAN card at the time of purchase. For more information on the cards supported by your computer, see “Specifications” on page 70.
To enable or disable wireless:
1.Ensure that your computer is turned on.
2.Press the wireless key on the keyboard.
The current wireless status is displayed on the screen.
Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
3. Press the wireless key again to toggle between wireless enable or disable modes.
NOTE: The wireless key allows you to quickly turn off wireless radios (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®), such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight.
15
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect to the Internet
(Optional)
To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not a part of your original order, you can purchase one at www.dell.com.
Setting Up a Wired Connection
•If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection.
•If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.
To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 17.
16
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router.
Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.
To set up your connection to a wireless router:
1.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 14).
2.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
3.Click Start → Control Panel.
4.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.
5.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.
If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.
Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To set up your Internet connection:
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start → Control Panel.
3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a new connection or network→ Connect to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
17
INSPIRON
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron laptop.
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
18
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1Antenna-in connector (on supported models) — Connects to an external antenna to view programs using the TV tuner card (optional).
2 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system.
3 Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with audio programs.
4 USB connector with USB PowerShare — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
The USB Powershare feature allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is powered on/off or in sleep state.
NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is powered off or in sleep state. In such cases, turn on the computer to charge the device.
NOTE: If you turn off your computer while charging an USB device, the device will stop charging. To continue charging, disconnect the USB device and connect it again.
5 USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
6 AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
19
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
20
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network.
2 HDMI connector — Connects to a TV for both multi-channel digital audio and video signals.
NOTE: For a monitor without built-in speakers, only the video signal will be read.
3 USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
4 7-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on memory cards.
NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the media card slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no media card is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.
21
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 |
2 |
22
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer.
NOTE: Before you buy an security cable, ensure that it fits into the security cable slot on your computer.
2 VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.
23
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1
2
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
5 |
6 |
24