Dell P11S001, P11S, N301Z User Manual

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INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

Regulatory model: P11S series        Regulatory type: P11S001

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 Delln 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. © 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.; 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; Ubuntu is a registered trademark of Canonical Ltd.; Intel is a registered trademark and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S.and 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.

March 2010      P/N R3PH1      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 the Operating System

9

Create System Recovery Media

 

(Recommended)

10

Install the SIM Card (Optional)

12

Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)

14

Connect the External Optical Drive

 

(Optional)

16

Set Up the TV Tuner (Optional)

17

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

17

Using Your Inspiron Laptop 22

Right View Features 22 Left View Features 24

Back View Features 26 Front View Features 27 Status Lights and Indicators 28

Computer Base and Keyboard

Features 30 Touch Pad Gestures 32 Multimedia Control Keys 34 Display Features 36 Removing and Replacing the Battery 38 Software Features 40 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 41 Dell Dock 42

Solving Problems 43

Beep Codes 43 Network Problems 44 Power Problems 44

3

Contents

Memory Problems 46 Lockups and Software Problems 47

Using Support Tools 49

Dell Support Center 49 My Dell Downloads 50 System Messages 50 Hardware Troubleshooter 53 Dell Diagnostics 53

Restoring Your Operating System 58

System Restore 59 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 60 System Recovery Media 62 Dell Factory Image Restore 63

Getting Help 65

Technical Support and Customer

Service 66 DellConnect 66 Online Services 67

4

Automated Order-Status Service 68 Product Information 68

Returning Items for Repair Under

Warranty or for Credit 69 Before You Call 71 Contacting Dell 73

Finding More Information and

Resources 74 Specifications 76 Appendix 82

Macrovision Product Notice 82

Information for NOM, or Official Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) 83

Index 84

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

This section provides information about setting up your DellInspironlaptop.

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 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

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

Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.

7

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Press the Power Button

8

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Set Up the Operating System

Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system you selected at the time of purchase.

Set Up Microsoft Windows

To set up Microsoft® 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.

Set Up Ubuntu

To set up Ubuntu® for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. See the Ubuntu documentation for more operating system specific information.

9

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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.

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 ProgramsDell 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 61.

11

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Install the SIM Card (Optional)

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 38).

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 38).

5.Turn on your computer.

12

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

1 SIM card slot

2 SIM card

3 battery bay

1

2

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Dell P11S001, P11S, N301Z User Manual

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)

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 76.

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 the External Optical Drive (Optional)

NOTE: Your computer does not have an internal optical drive. Use an external optical drive for procedures that involve discs.

Connect the external optical drive to the USB connectors on your computer.

16

Set Up the TV Tuner

(Optional)

NOTE: Availability of the TV tuner may vary by region.

To set up the TV tuner for the first time:

1.Click Start All ProgramsWindows

Media Center.

2.Follow the instructions on the screen.

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.

17

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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 19.

18

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.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 Connect To.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

Windows® 7

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 CenterConnect to a network.

5.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

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.

19

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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 CenterSet up a connection or networkConnect 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.

20

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 CenterSet up a new connection or networkConnect 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

21

INSPIRON

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron laptop.

Right View Features

1

2

3

4

5

22

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1 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.

2 eSATA/USB combo connector — Connects to eSATA compatible storage devices (such as external hard drives or optical drives) or USB devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player).

3 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system.

4 Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with audio programs.

5 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network.

23

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Left View Features

1

2

24

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1 AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.

2 USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.

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