INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™
SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory Model P02F Regulatory Type P02F001
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2009 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, Inspiron, YOURS IS HERE, Dell On Call, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, AMD Sempron, and ATI Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; 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.
August 2009 P/N F2GGF 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 |
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional) |
10 |
Connect to the Internet (Optional) |
12 |
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 16
Right Side Features 16 Left Side Features 18 Front Side Features 20 Computer Base Features 24 Touch Pad Gestures 26 Media Controls 28 Using the Optical Drive 30
Display Features 32 Removing and Replacing the Battery 34 Software Features 36 Dell Dock 39
Solving Problems 40
Beep Codes 40 Network Problems 41 Power Problems 41 Memory Problems 43 Lockups and Software Problems 44
Using Support Tools 47
Dell Support Center 47 System Messages 48 Hardware Troubleshooter 49 Dell Diagnostics 49
3
Contents
Restoring Your Operating System 53
System Restore 54 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 55 Dell Factory Image Restore 57 Operating System Reinstallation 59
Getting Help 62
Technical Support and Customer
Service 63 DellConnect 63 Online Services 64 Automated Order-Status Service 65 Product Information 65
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit 66 Before You Call 67 Contacting Dell 69
Finding More Information and
Resources 70 Basic Specifications 72 Appendix 77
Macrovision Product Notice 77
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 78
Index 79
4
This section provides information about setting up your 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 store your Dell™ computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer 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.
WARNING: Only trained service personnel should remove the computer cover. See the Service Manual at support.dell.com/ manuals for advanced service instructions.
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.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
10
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To enable wireless:
1.Ensure that your computer is turned on.
2.Press the wireless key on the keyboard.
A confirmation of your selection appears on the screen. Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
To disable wireless:
Press the wireless key on the keyboard again to turn off all radios.
NOTE: The wireless key allows you to quickly turn off all wireless radios (WiFi and Bluetooth®) on your computer, such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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 from the Dell website at www.dell.com.
12
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 14.
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
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.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 10).
2.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
3.Click Start → Connect To.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Microsoft Windows® 7
1.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 10).
2.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
3.Click Start → Control Panel→ Network and Internet→ Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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.
14
To set up your Internet connection:
Windows Vista®
NOTE: The following instructions are applicable for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your computer to the Windows Classic view.
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start → Control Panel.
3.Click Network and Internet→ 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 Laptop
Windows® 7
1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2.Click Start → Control Panel.
3.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
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron™ laptop.
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1ExpressCard slot — Supports one 34 mm wide ExpressCard that can provide support for additional memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia, and security features.
NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.
2Optical drive — Plays or records CDs and DVDs. Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing upward when placing discs on the optical drive tray.
3Eject button — Ejects the optical drive tray when pressed.
4 USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer.
NOTE: Before you buy a security cable, ensure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer.
2 AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
3 USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
4 VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.
5 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network.
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 Power/Battery indicator light — The light indicates the following states when the computer is powered using either the AC adapter or the battery.
|
Indicator light status |
Computer state(s) |
Battery charge level |
|
|
|
|
AC adapter |
Solid white |
on |
charging |
|
|
off/hibernate |
<90% |
|
|
|
|
|
Breathing white |
standby |
charging |
|
|
|
|
|
off |
off/hibernate |
>90% |
|
|
|
|
Battery |
Solid white |
on |
>10% |
|
|
|
|
|
Breathing white |
standby |
>10% |
|
|
|
|
|
Solid amber |
on/standby |
<10% |
|
|
|
|
|
off |
off/hibernate |
n/a |
NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using an AC adapter.
2Analog microphone — If you do not have the optional built-in camera with dual microphones, this single microphone is used for conferencing and chat.
3 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system.
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
4 Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or input signal for use with audio programs.
5 7-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on the following digital media cards:
• Secure Digital (SD) memory card |
• Memory Stick |
• Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) card |
• Memory Stick PRO |
• Multi Media Card (MMC) |
• xD-Picture Card (type - M and type - H) |
• MMC+ |
|
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.
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
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