Dell INSPIRON 1150 User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 1150m

Owner’s Manual

Model PP08L

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE 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

Dell Inspiron Help

file. To access the help file, see

page 11.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

Windows®

operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, AccessDirect, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerApp,

PowerEdg e, P owerConnect, P owerVault, Axim, TrueMobile, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. 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.

Model PP08L

July 2004 P/N F7573 Rev. A00

Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Finding Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

E-Mail Problems

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable Connecting a USB Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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Printer Problems

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Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors Line Conditioners

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Turning Off Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Contents 3

3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Checking the Battery Charge

Power Meter

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Low-Battery Warning

Charging the Battery

Removing a Battery

Installing a Battery

Storing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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Battery and Power Problems

If the battery is not charging If battery life is short

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Reprogramming the Button

Numeric Keypad

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Keyboard Shortcuts

System Functions CD or DVD Tray Display Functions Power Management Speaker Functions

Microsoft

Windows® Logo Key Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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4 Contents

Touch Pad

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Customizing the Touch Pad

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

External Keyboard Problems

Unexpected Characters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

CD or DVD Problems

If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound If the CD-RW drive stops writing

Sound and Speaker Problems

If you have a problem with integrated speakers If you have a problem with external speakers

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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6 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Network Setup Wizard

Network Problems

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network

Determining Your Network Type Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft Configuring Security Settings (Optional)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Windows® XP. . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

7 Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Error Messages

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

If the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Contents 5

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Drive Problems

If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive If you have problems with a hard drive

PC Card Problems

General Program Problems

A program crashes A program stops responding Error messages appear

Resolving Other Technical Problems

If Your Computer Gets Wet

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer

Drivers

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

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Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

8 Adding and Replacing Parts

6 Contents

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Recommended Tools Shutting Down Your Computer

Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Modem and Mini PCI Card

Replacing the Modem Adding a Mini PCI Card

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

CD or DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Keyboard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

9 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Using the System Setup Program

Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens Commonly Used Options

System and Battery Performance Optimization

System Performance Overview Optimizing Power Consumption and Battery Charge Time Variable Speed Fan

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

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Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Contents 7

8 Contents

Safety Instructions

See your Product Information Guide for safety instructions.

CAUTION: Safety Instructions 9

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10 CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to access tutorials and other how to information

• How to get a copy of my invoice

• How to extend my warranty

• How to access Dell Support on my Microsoft Windows

desktop (U.S. only)

• Additional documentation, tools, troubleshooting information, and links to online support resources

• How to set up my computer

Dell Solution Center

Setup Diagram

On your Windows desktop

• Tips on using Microsoft® Windows

• How to play CDs and DVDs

• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode

• How to change my display resolution

• How to clean my computer

Dell Inspiron Help File

Click the

Click

Start

button and click

User and system guides Dell Inspiron Help

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

Finding Information 11

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when

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• Use the number on the Microsoft Windows License

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• Online discussions with other users and technical support

• Documentation for my computer

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select the appropriate region on the

support.dell.com welcome page.

The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such

• Customer Care — Contact information, order status,

• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates

• Reference — Computer documentation, product

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

identify your computer when you

support.dell.com

use or contact technical support.

contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.

Label if you reinstall your operating system.

from technicians, and online courses

customers

as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

warranty, and repair information

specifications, and white papers

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem. Follow the instructions on the screen.

12 Finding Information

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

display latch

Dell AccessDirect button

power button

touch pad

touch pad buttons

speakers (2)

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.

ISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help

file. To access the help file, see page 11.

display

keyboard status lights

keyboard

device status lights

A Tour of Your Computer 13

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

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The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

EYBOARD —

The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key. For

information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see page 34.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume-control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see page 35.

14 A Tour of Your Computer

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when Caps Lock is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

Turns on when you turn on the computer. Blinks or turns off in power management mode.

Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the

light is flashing.

Blinks to indicate battery charge status.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:

– Solid green: The battery is charging.

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:

– Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off). – Flashing orange: The battery charge is low. – Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See page 36 for more information.

OUCH PAD — The touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See page 36

for more information.

A Tour of Your Computer 15

POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management mode. For more information, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 11.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you shut

down the computer (see page 28).

If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).

ELL™ ACCESSDIRECT™ BUTTON — Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as

support and educational tools. You can reprogram the button to launch a program of your choice. For more information, see page 33.

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Left Side View

PC CARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. For more information, see "Using PC Cards" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 11.

PC Card slot

CD or DVD drive

audio connectors (2)

16 A Tour of Your Computer

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

CD OR DVD DRIVE — Accommodates a CD drive, DVD drive, CD-RW drive, or CD-RW/DVD combo drive.

Right Side View

battery/battery bay

modem connector

BATTERY/BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 29.

air vents

security cable slot

A Tour of Your Computer 17

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MODEM CONNECTOR

Connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer.

AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

NOTE: The fan may run constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage.

Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the

air vents. Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

ECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft

device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the

security cable slot.

18 A Tour of Your Computer

Back View

AC adapter connector

air vents

AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

NOTE: The fan may run constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and

does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store

your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

DAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach an AC adapter to the computer.

AC A

USB connectors (2)

video connector

network connector

AC adapter

AC adapter connector

NOTE: Use only the AC adapter that came with your computer.

The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.

CAUTION: 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 the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

A Tour of Your Computer 19

CAUTION: 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.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the

cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.

ONNECTORS

USB C

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VIDEO CONNECTOR

NETWORK CONNECTOR

Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 11.

Connects the computer to a network. The lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network communications.

For information on using the network adapter, see the online network-adapter documentation supplied with your computer.

NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the

computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.

20 A Tour of Your Computer

Bottom View

modem/Mini PCI card cover

hard drive

memory module cover

MODEM/MINI PCI CARD COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the modem and Mini PCI card. See page 73.

ATTERY/BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting

the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 29.

IR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the

computer from overheating.

battery latch release

battery/battery bay

air vent

NOTE: The fan may run constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and

does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store

your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

ATTERY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See page 31 for instructions.

EMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s) and the CD

or DVD drive latch release. See page 70.

ARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

A Tour of Your Computer 21

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22 A Tour of Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a phone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing phone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your phone on the same line simultaneously.

• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

Double-click the

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an Internet connection with a different ISP:

Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

Click the

The

Start

New Connection Wizard

MSN Explorer

button and click

appears.

AOL

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

AOL

icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an

Internet Explorer

Click

Connect to the Internet

Setting Up Your Computer 23

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

service providers (ISPs)

Choose from a list of Internet

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

Set up my connection manually

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the

instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

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NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

Click the appropriate option under

click

Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "Modem and Internet Connection Problems." 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.

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting the modem to a digital

telephone network damages the modem.

NOTICE: Modem and network connectors look similar. Do not plug a telephone line into the network

connector.

NOTE: If you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), your modem is functioning properly. If

you are sure that your modem is working properly and you still experience problems, contact your ISP.

HECK THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to

a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that you have touchtone telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a different telephone wall jack.

Slow connection speeds can be caused by telephone noise as well as by telephone line or network conditions. Contact your telephone company or network administrator for more information.

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then

24 Setting Up Your Computer

CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone line to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.

HECK THE CONNECTION — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the modem.

HECK THE TELEPHONE LINE — Try using a different telephone line. If you are using a line that is 3 m

(10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

RREGULAR DIAL TONE —If you have voice mail service, you might hear an irregular dial tone when you

have messages. Contact your telephone company for instructions on restoring a dial tone.

URN OFF CALL WAITING (CATCH-PHONE)—See your telephone directory for instructions on

deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties.

Click the

Click then click

In the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Printers and Other Hardware

Edit...

Edit Location

window, ensure that

, click

Phone and Modem Options

To disable call waiting, dial:

, click the

Dialing Rules

tab, and

is checked, and then select the

proper code as listed in your telephone directory.

Click

Apply

and click OK.

Close the

Phone and Modems Options Control Panel

window.

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click the

Click

Click the

Click the COM port for your modem.

Click

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Printers and Other Hardware

Modems

Properties

tab.

, click the

Diagnostics

and click

Phone and Modem Options

tab, and then click

Query Modem

to verify that the modem is

communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

E-Mail Problems

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check mark next to it, click the check mark to remove it and connect to the Internet.

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers.

• Connect the printer to the computer.

Setting Up Your Computer 25

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

Printer Cable

Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

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Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

USB connector on computer

Printer Problems

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the printer cable is properly connected to the computer (see page 26).

EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another

device, such as a lamp.

26 Setting Up Your Computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON — See the documentation supplied with the printer.

ERIFY THAT WINDOWS

Click the

Click

(Printer Port)

REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See page 61.

Start Control Panel Printers and Other Hardware View installed printers or fax printers Properties

RECOGNIZES THE PRINTER —

button.

and click the

. If the printer model is listed, right-click the printer icon.

Ports

tab. Ensure that the

Print to the following port(s):

setting is

USB 001

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

• Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.

NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions

caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.

Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.

NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from

the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.

Setting Up Your Computer 27

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.

NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other

devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.

A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Turning Off Your Computer

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NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you shut

down the computer.

NOTE: As an alternative to turning off your computer, you can set your computer to enter standby or

hibernate mode. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 11.

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the

Turn Off Computer

In the

Turn off computer

The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes.

window, click

Tur n of f

Start

button, and then click

28 Setting Up Your Computer

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

NOTE: Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial one-year period of the limited

warranty for your computer. For more information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see your

Product Information Guide.

Use a battery to power the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time may be significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.

• Using optical drives, especially DVD and CD-RW drives.

• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices.

• Using high-brightness display settings.

• Using 3D screen savers or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games and engineering programs.

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Power Management" in the

Dell Inspiron Help

You can set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the

battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

file for more information. To access the help file, see page 11.

CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a

charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,

incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Using a Battery 29

Checking the Battery Charge

The Microsoft® Windows® power meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.

Power Meter

The Windows power meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the power meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information on the "Power Management" in the

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

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Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning.

Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For more information on low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the access the help file, see page 11.

Charging the Battery

NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 3 hours with the

computer turned off. Charge time is significantly longer if the computer is on and running at high processor speeds and system activity levels. Running the computer at high system activity levels for extended periods of time may prevent the battery from charging.

When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.

If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

Dell Inspiron Help

Power Meter

file. To access the help file, see page 11.

Dell Inspiron Help

tab, see

file. To

The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.

NOTE: You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery internal circuitry

prevents the battery from overcharging.

For more information on resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Management" in the

Inspiron Help

30 Using a Battery

Dell

file. To access the help file, see page 11.

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