Dell Inspiron 1525 User Manual

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

™

Model PP29L

™

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

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.

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Intel, Pentium

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Inspiron, YOURS IS HERE, WIFi-Catcher,

are registered trademarks and

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Contents

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . .5

Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Check the Wireless Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Connect the Network Cable (optional) . . . . .7

Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Microsoft

Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . .8

Windows® Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Device Status Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Right Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Left Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Front Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Computer Base and Keyboard Features . . . 19

Media Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . . 22

Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 30

Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Contents

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .39

Windows XP: Using Dell™ PC Restore . . . . . 40

Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image

Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . . 43

Technical Support and Customer

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

DellConnect™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

AutoTech Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Returning Items for Repair Under

Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Finding More Information and

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Basic Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

INSPIRON

This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1525/1526 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 computer may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least

10.2 cm (4 in) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 in) on all other sides. You should never put your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.

NOTICE: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.

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.

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.

Check the Wireless Switch

If you plan to use wireless connections, make sure the wireless switch is in the “On” position.

Using The Wireless Switch

To turn on the wireless switch, slide it from the rear to the front of the computer until it clicks into place.

- Off

- Momentary

- On

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the Network Cable (optional)

If you plan to use a wired network connection, plug in the network cable.

Press the Power Button

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Microsoft® Windows® Setup

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 up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences and setting up 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 and ISP offerings vary by

country.

To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP).

Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) 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.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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:

Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.

Click 2. Start

→ Connect To.

Follow the instructions on the screen to 3. complete the setup.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:

Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.

Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft2. Windows

desktop.

Follow the instructions on the screen to 3. complete the setup.

If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, 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 have 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, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.

Windows Vista

Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.

Click 2. Start

Under 3. Network and Internet, click Connect

→ Control Panel.

to the Internet.

The Connect to the Internet window appears.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Click either 4. Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect:

Choose a. Broadband if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem, or Bluetooth

wireless technology

connection.

Chose b. Dial-up if you will use an optional USB dial-up modem or ISDN.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.

Follow the instructions on the screen and 5. use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

Windows XP

Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.

Click 2. Start → Internet Explorer.

The New Connection Wizard appears.

Click 3. Connect to the Internet.

In the next window, click the appropriate 4. option:

If you do not have an ISP and want to – select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs).

If you have already obtained setup – information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually.

If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got – from an ISP.

Click 5. Next.

If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of

connection to select, contact your ISP.

Click the appropriate option under How do 6. you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.

Use the setup information provided by your 7. ISP to complete the setup.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

INSPIRON

Your Inspiron 1525/1526 has several indicators, buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks.

Device Status Lights

The device status lights located at the front left of the computer provide information for wireless communication and keyboard input options.

Power light – Turns on when you

turn on the computer, and blinks when the

computer is in a power management mode.

Hard drive activity light – Turns

on when the computer reads or writes data. A flashing light indicates hard drive activity.

NOTE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the hard drive activity light is flashing..

Battery status light – Turns on

steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1 2 3 4 5

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

WiFi status light – Turns on when

wireless networking is enabled.

Use the wireless switch located at the, right side of the computer to quickly turn all wireless communication on and off.

Using The Wireless Switch

To turn on the wireless switch, slide it away from the front of the computer until it clicks into place.

Off

- On

- Momentary

Bluetooth® status light – Turns on

when a card with Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled.

NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature.

To turn off Bluetooth wireless, right-click the bluetooth icon in the notification area of your desktop, and click Disable Bluetooth Radio or use the wireless switch.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Right Side Features

Wireless On/Off switch – Use this

switch to rapidly turn all wireless devices off or on such as WLAN cards and internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology.

The wireless switch may be in the Off position when your computer is shipped to you. To turn the switch On, slide the switch away from the front of the computer until it clicks into place.

- Off - On

- Momentary

NOTE: This switch can be deactivated through Dell QuickSet or the BIOS (system setup program).

Off - Disables wireless devices

On - Enables wireless devices

momentary - Scans for WLAN

networks

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

2 Wi-Fi Catcher™ light -

The light operates as follows:

Flashing blue: Searching for networks

Solid blue: Strong network found

Solid yellow: Weak network found

Off: No signal found

ExpressCard slot – Supports one

ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot.

Optical Drive – Plays or burns only

standard-size and shape (12 cm) CDs, and DVDs. Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing upward when inserting discs.

Eject Button – Press the eject button to

open the optical drive.

S-video TV-out connector – Connects your

computer to a TV. Also connects digital audio-capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter cable.

USB 2.0 connectors (2) – Connects a

USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Left Side Features

Security cable slot – Used to attach a

commercially available antitheft device to the computer.

NOTE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer.

AC adapter connector – Connects to

the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery when the computer is not in use.

USB connectors (2)– Connects to a

USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.

VGA connector – Connects to a

monitor or projector.

Network connector – If you are

using a cabled network signal, this connects your computer to a network or broadband device.

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.

HDMI connector – HDMI (High-

Definition Multimedia Interface) connector carries an uncompressed all digital signal to produce hi-definition video and audio.

IEEE 1394 connector – Connects to

high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.

Hard Drive – Stores software and data.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Front Side Features

Touch pad – Provides the functionality of

a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface.

Touch pad buttons – Provide left- and

right-click functions those on like a mouse

Consumer IR – Infrared sensor for using

the Dell Travel Remote.

Audio Out/ Headphone connectors (2)

– Connects one pair of headphones, or

sends audio to a powered speaker or sound system.

Audio In/ Microphone connector –

Connects to a microphone or input signal for use with audio programs.

Analog Microphone – If you do not have

the optional built-in camera with dual microphones, this single microphone is used for conferencing and chat.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

SD/MMC - MS/Pro - xD

8-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 memory cards:

Secure digital (SD) memory card• SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) •

card Multi Media Card (MMC) • Memory Stick• Memory Stick PRO• xD-Picture Card (type - M and type - H)•

Computer Base and Keyboard Features

Keyboard – The settings for this keyboard

can be personalized by using Dell QuickSet. For more information, see the

Dell Technology Guide.

Media Controls – Controls CD, DVD, and

media playback.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Media Controls

To use the media controls, press the button and then release.

Play the previous track or chapter

Stop

Play or pause

Play the next track or chapter

Mute the sound

Turn down the volume

Turn up the volume

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Display Features

The display panel holds an optional camera and accompanying dual microphones.

Left digital array microphone – Combines

with the right digital array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording.

Camera activity indicator (optional) – Light

that indicates when the camera is on an off. Based on selections you made when purchasing your computer, your computer may not include a camera.

Camera (optional) – Built-in camera for

video capture, conferencing, and chat. Based the on selections you made when purchasing your computer, your computer may not include a camera.

Right digital array microphone – Combines

with the left digital array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording.

Display – Your display can vary based on

selections you made when purchasing your computer. For more information about displays, see the Dell Technology Guide.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Removing and Replacing the Battery

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery

may increase the risk of fire or explosion. This computer should only use a battery purchased from Dell. Do not use batteries from other computers.

CAUTION: Before removing the battery, shut down the computer, and remove external cables (including the AC adapter).

To remove the battery:

Shut down the computer and turn it over. 1.

Slide the battery release latch until it clicks 2. into place.

Slide the battery out. 3.

To replace the battery, slide it into the bay until it

clicks into place.

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