Dell Inspiron 1427 User Manual

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

1427
INSPIRON
1427

SETUP GUIDE

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.
_________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2008 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, Insprion, YOURS IS HERE and Dell Inc. Intel and Core 2 Duo are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation, Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries/regions. Bluetooth is a registered 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.
January 2009 P/N F243R Rev. A00
Contents
INSPIRON
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
Windows Vista Setup ....................................9
Connect to the Internet (optional) ................9
Using Your Inspiron Laptop .................... 12
Right side View ..........................................12
Left side View ..............................................14
Front view ...................................................16
Back View ...................................................18
Removing and Replacing the Battery ..........19
Software Features ........................................20
Troubleshooting................................... 22
Network Problems ...................................... 22
Power Problems ......................................... 23
Memory Problems ...................................... 24
Lockups and Software Problems ................ 24
Dell Diagnostics ......................................... 27
Restore the Operating System..............28
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Getting Help ......................................... 33
Technical Support and Customer Service ....34
Online Services ...........................................34
Product Information ....................................35
Before You Call ............................................36
Contacting Dell ............................................37
Finding More Information and Resources.. 38
Specifications ...................................... 40
Index.................................................... 48
4

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1427 laptop and connecting peripherals.

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 10.2cm (4in. ) at the back of the computer and a minimum of
5.1cm (2in. ) on all other sides. When the computer is powered on, you should never put it in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer.
NOTICE: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.
INSPIRON
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the AC Adapter

Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into a wall outlet or surge protector.
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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 a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

To establish a wired network connection, plug in the network cable.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Press the Power Button

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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Windows Vista Setup

If you ordered Windows Vista operating system with your computer, it is already configured. To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures, including accepting license agreements, setting preferences and configuring an Internet connection.
NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable.

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

NOTE: ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and
ISP offerings vary by country and region.
To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP).
NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might be having a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection in Windows Vista
If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions and see “Setting Up Your Internet Connection in Windows Vista” on page 11.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Setting Up a Wireless Internet Connection in Windows Vista
Wireless Router
Internet Service
Portable Computer with Wireless Internet Card
Cable Modem or DSL Modem
1. Internet Service
2. Cable Modem or DSL Modem
3. Wireless Router
4. Portable Computer with Wireless Internet Card
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For more information on setting up and using wireless see the user manual of the computer or router.
Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router. To set up a wireless router connection:
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.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Setting Up Your Internet Connection in Windows Vista
To set up an Internet connection, perform the steps in the following section.
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2. Double-click the ISP icon on the desktop.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete
the Microsoft Windows setup.
If there is no ISP icon on the desktop or you wish to use a different ISP for your Internet connection, perform the steps in the following section.
NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might be having a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open
programs.
2. Click Start → Control Panel.
3. Under Network and Internet, click on the Connect
to the Internet link. Connect to the Internet wizard will be displayed.
4. Select your preferred connection type by clicking on Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up:
a.
If you are using a DSL, satellite or cable modem, or Bluetooth wireless technology, select Broadband.
b.
If you are using an external USB modem or ISDN, select Dial-up.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen and use the information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
11

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Your Inspiron 1427 has indicators, buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks.
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Right Side View

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1. Optical drive: You can input/output data for
different purposes, such as burning CDs or playing DVDs.
2. USB connectors: Connect to USB devices,
such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external device, or an MP3 player.
3. AC adapter connector: Connects to the
AC adapter to power on the computer and charge the battery when the computer is not in use.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Left Side View

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Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1. VGA connector: Connects to a monitor or
projector.
2. Network connector (RJ-45): Connects the
computer to a Local Area Network (LAN).
3. High Power USB connectors: Connects to
high power devices that draw more than 100mA from the USB power line, such as digital cameras and external hard drives.
4. IEEE 1394 connector: Connects devices
1394
supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.
5. PCI-Express Card slot: Supports 54mm PCI-
Express Card s.
6. 3-in-1 memory cardreader: Supports SD/MMC/
MS memory cards, commonly used for digital still cameras and portable digital devices.
7. Microphone connector: Attach a
microphone to this connector.
8. Headphone connector: Attach headphones or stereo speakers to this connector. The internal speakers are used when you attach headphones or stereo speakers to this port.
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