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INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory model: DCME and D06M Regulatory type: D06M001
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.; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; AMD, AMD Sempron, AMD Athlon, AMD Phenom, and ATI Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista 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.
March 2010 P/N M1PTF Rev. A00
Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop 5
Before Setting Up Your Computer |
5 |
Connect the Display |
6 |
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse |
8 |
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) |
9 |
Connect the Power Cable |
10 |
Press the Power Button |
11 |
Set Up Microsoft Windows |
12 |
Create System Recovery Media |
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(Recommended) |
12 |
Connect to the Internet (Optional) |
13 |
Using Your Inspiron Desktop 16
Front View Features 16 Back View Features 18 Back Panel Connectors 20
Software Features 22 Dell Dock 23 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 24
Solving Problems 25
Beep Codes 25 Network Problems 26 Power Problems 27 Memory Problems 29 Lockups and Software Problems 30
Using Support Tools 32
Dell Support Center 32 My Dell Downloads 33 System Messages 33 Hardware Troubleshooter 35 Dell Diagnostics 36
3
Contents
Restoring Your Operating System 40
System Restore 41 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 42 System Recovery Media 44 Dell Factory Image Restore 45
Getting Help 48
Technical Support and Customer
Service 49 DellConnect 49 Online Services 50 Automated Order-Status Service 51 Product Information 51
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit 52 Before You Call 53 Contacting Dell 55
Finding More Information and
Resources 56 Basic Specifications 58 Appendix 62
Macrovision Product Notice 62
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 63
Index 64
4
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron™ desktop.
WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Before Setting Up Your Computer
When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.
Restricting airflow around your computer may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least 10.2 cm (4 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other sides. You should never place your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.
INSPIRON
5
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Display
Your computer has integrated VGA and HDMI video connectors.
NOTE: A DVI connector may be available if you purchased a discrete graphics card.
You can purchase the HDMI-to-DVI adapter and additional HDMI or DVI cables at www.dell.com.
6
Use the appropriate cable based on the connectors available on your computer and display. Refer to the following table to identify the connectors on your computer and display.
NOTE: When connecting to a single display, connect the display to ONLY ONE of the connectors on your computer.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connection Type |
Computer |
Cable |
Display |
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VGA-to-VGA (VGA cable)
DVI-to-DVI (DVI cable)
HDMI-to-HDMI (HDMI cable)
HDMI-to-DVI (HDMI-to-DVI adapter + DVI cable)
7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Keyboard and
Mouse
Connect the USB keyboard and mouse to the USB connectors on the back panel of your computer.
8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Network Cable
(Optional)
A network connection is not required to complete your computer setup, but if you have an existing network or Internet connection that uses a cable connection (such as a broadband device or Ethernet jack), you can connect
it now.
NOTE: Use only an Ethernet cable to connect to the network connector
(RJ45 connector). Connect the telephone cable only to the modem connector (RJ11 connector) and not to the network connector (RJ45 connector).
To connect your computer to a network or a broadband device, connect one end of the network cable to the network port or the broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network connector (RJ45 connector) on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.
9
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect the Power Cable
CAUTION: To help avoid damaging your computer, ensure that the voltage selector switch is set for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.
To locate the voltage selector switch, see “Back View Features” on page 18.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Press the Power Button
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Set Up Microsoft Windows
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with Microsoft® Windows® operating system. To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are
mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection.
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.
12
Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set up Microsoft Windows.
The system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data files (without the need of the Operating System disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware, software, drivers, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state.
You will require the following to create the system recovery media:
•Dell DataSafe Local Backup
•USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD-R/DVD+R/Blu-ray Disc™
NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.
To create a system recovery media:
1.Ensure that the power cable is connected and the computer is turned on.
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 44.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Connect to the Internet (Optional)
To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP).
If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not part of your original order, you can purchase one at www.dell.com.
Setting Up a Wired Connection
•If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone cable to the optional modem and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection.
•If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.
To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 14.
13
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router.
Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.
To set up your connection to a wireless router:
Windows Vista®
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Connect To.
3.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Windows® 7
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Control Panel.
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3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.
If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.
Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
To set up your Internet connection:
Windows Vista
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Control Panel.
3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a connection or network→ Connect to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Desktop
Windows 7
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start 
→ Control Panel.
3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a new connection or network→ Connect to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
15
INSPIRON
Using Your Inspiron Desktop |
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This section provides information about the |
10 |
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features available on your Inspiron™ desktop. |
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Front View Features |
9 |
1 |
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1 Optical drive eject buttons (2) — Eject the |
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optical drive tray when pressed. |
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2 |
USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connect |
8 |
2 |
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to USB devices that are connected |
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occasionally such as memory keys, digital |
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4 |
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cameras, and MP3 players. |
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Headphone connector — Connects |
5 |
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to headphones. |
NOTE: To connect to a powered |
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speaker or sound system, use the audio |
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connectors on the back of your computer. |
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4
Line-in or microphone connector —
Connects to a microphone for voice or to an audio cable for audio input.
5
Power button — Turns the computer on or off when pressed. The light in the center of this button indicates the power state.
NOTE: For information on power problems, see “Power Problems” on page 27.
6
Hard-drive activity light — Turns on when the computer reads or writes data. A blinking white light indicates hard-drive activity.
CAUTION: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the hard-drive activity light is blinking.
Using Your Inspiron Desktop
7FlexBay cover — Covers the FlexBay slot.
8FlexBay slot — Can support an optional Media Card Reader or an additional hard drive.
9Optical drives (2) — Play or record CDs, DVDs, and Blu ray Discs (optional). Ensure that the side with print or writing
is facing up when placing the disc on the optical drive tray.
10Service Tag and Express Service Code (located on top of the chassis towards the back) — Helps to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support.
17
Using Your Inspiron Desktop
Back View Features
1
2
3
4
6
5
18
1Power connector — Connects to the power cable. Appearance of this connector may vary.
2Voltage selector switch — Allows to select the voltage rating appropriate for your region.
3Power supply light — Indicates power availability on the power supply unit.
NOTE: The power supply light may not be available on all computers.
Using Your Inspiron Desktop
4Back panel connectors — Connect USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connectors.
5Expansion card slots — Provide access to connectors on any installed PCI and PCI express cards.
6Padlock rings — Attaches to a standard padlock to prevent unauthorized access to the interior of your computer.
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