Dell Inspiron 2100 Service Manual
Dell Inspiron 2100
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2100
A Tour of Your Computer
Power Conservation
Solving Problems
System Specifications
Drivers and Utilities
System Setup Program
Ports and Connector Pin-Outs
Removing and Replacing Parts
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT: A HINT 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 potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the Tell Me How help file (click
Start, point to Programs, point to User's Guides, and then click Tell Me How).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell TravelLite, Inspiron, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell Computer
Corporation; Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other
than its own.
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Dell Inspiron 2100
A01 5 Mar 2001
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A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Back to Contents Page
A Tour of Your Computer
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2100
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
External Media Bay
Front View
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A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Display Latch
This tab keeps the display locked in place when the display is closed.
Display
The computer has a color LCD.
Device Status Lights
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
● The light labeled turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
● The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the numeric keypad.
● The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the uppercase letter function.
● The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the scroll lock function.
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A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
NOTICE: To avoid data loss, never turn off the computer while the light labeled is
flashing.
Microphone
The internal microphone allows you to record voice audio.
Touch Pad
The touch pad detects the position of your finger over a touch-sensitive area and provides the computer with full mouse
functionality.
Touch Pad Buttons
These buttons correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Status Lights
The lights below the display indicate the following:
● The light labeled turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status. Indicator states include:
❍ Solid green, which indicates that the battery is charging
❍ Flashing green, which indicates that the battery charge cycle is complete
❍ Flashing amber, which indicates that the battery charge is low
❍ Solid amber, which indicates that the battery charge is critically low
● The light labeled turns on when the computer is turned on.
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Keyboard
The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key, , which supports the
Windows operating systems. See the Tell Me How help file for information on your computer's supported key
combinations.
Power Button
HINT: To turn off your computer, perform a Windows
shutdown.
Press the power button to turn on the computer or to initiate standby mode. Depending on the computer's power
management settings, pressing the power button may activate hibernate or shutdown mode instead.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (this may
take several seconds).
Display-Close Button
When you close the display, this button activates a power conservation mode that you can select on the Microsoft
Windows Power Options Properties window.
NOTICE: Do not press the display-close button with your
finger.
Left Side View
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A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Fan Exhaust
HINT: The computer turns on the fan only when the computer gets hot. It may run most of the time or very
seldom, depending on your use of the computer. Because the fan spins at a high rate of speed, it may make a
noise. This noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
The fan works with the air intakes to prevent the computer from overheating. When the computer gets hot, the small
internal fan turns on and draws air through the air intakes to cool the computer. Hot air is expelled through the fan
exhausts.
CAUTION: Do not push objects into or block the fan exhaust. Doing so can cause fire or damage the
interior components. Keep the opening free from dust and other foreign particles.
Audio Connectors
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A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
● Attach a microphone to the connector.
● Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
USB Connector
Use this connector to attach USB-compatible devices such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, or
scanner to your computer.
Right Side View
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A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Security Cable Slot
The slot lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. Complete instructions for installing
antitheft devices are usually included with the device.
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NOTICE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before you buy one, make sure it will work with the security
cable slot in the computer.
Hard Drive
The hard drive reads and writes data on a hard disk.
PC Card Slot
The PC Card slot has one connector that supports various types of PC Cards, including modems and network cards. See
the
Tell Me How help file for more information on supported PC Cards and for installation and removal instructions.
Back View
Network Connector
Use this connector to connect the computer to a
network.
HINT: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a telephone line into the
network connector.
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Modem Connector
Use this connector to plug in the telephone
line.
Video Connector
Use this connector to attach an external monitor to the
computer.
Parallel Connector
Use this connector to attach a parallel device, such as a printer, to the
computer.
External Media Bay Connector
Use this connector to connect the external media
bay.
NOTICE: When you remove the media bay cable from the computer or a device, press in on the cable securing
clips while pulling the cable connector straight out. Do not insert or pull out the connector at an angle.
AC Adapter Connector
Use this connector to attach an AC adapter to the computer.
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A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
HINT: Although the AC adapter works worldwide, power connectors vary among countries. Before using the AC
adapter in a foreign country, you may need to obtain a new power cable designed for use with the electrical
outlets in that country.
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with
your computer either turned on or off.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable connector, not the
cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
PS/2 Connector
Use this connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or external
numeric keypad to your computer.
Air Intake
HINT: The computer turns on the fan only when the computer gets hot. It may run most of the time or very
seldom, depending on your use of the computer. Because the fan spins at a high rate of speed, it may make a
noise. This noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
The fan works with the air intake to prevent the computer from overheating. When the computer gets hot, the small
internal fan turns on and draws air through the air intake to cool the computer. Hot air is expelled through the fan
exhaust.
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CAUTION: Do not push objects into or block the air intake. Doing so can cause fire or damage interior
components. Keep the opening free from dust and other foreign particles.
Bottom View
Docking Connector
Use this connector to attach your computer to the optional port replicator. A port replicator allows you to easily use an
external keyboard, mouse, and monitor with your computer. An advanced port replicator also includes a network
adapter for connecting your computer to a network.
HINT: The port replicator may not be available in certain countries. Refer to the documentation that came with
your port replicator for instructions on attaching external devices to the port replicator and connecting your
computer to it.
Speaker
Your computer has an integrated speaker. Press the volume control buttons to adjust the speaker volume.
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Battery Bay Latch
Slide the battery bay latch to the unlock position, causing the battery to pop up slightly on one side. While keeping the
latch in the unlock position, pivot the battery up and out of the bay. Release the latch.
Battery Charge Gauge
To check the charge level, press the battery test button. The appropriate number of indicators lights up for a few
seconds to indicate the amount of charge remaining in the battery.
Battery
The computer is shipped with a partially charged battery in the battery bay. Dell recommends that you connect an AC
adapter to the computer and fully charge the battery as soon as possible after you unpack the computer.
External Media Bay
Your computer comes with a floppy drive installed in the external media bay. You can also install a CD drive, a DVD
drive, or a CD-RW drive in the external media bay.
NOTICE: To avoid overheating the computer, do not place the external media bay close to the air intake or fan
exhaust.
NOTICE: When a device is not inside the external media bay, the device is fragile and must be handled carefully
to avoid damage. Do not press down on the device or place a heavy object on top of it. Place extra devices in a
travel case to keep them free of dust and protected from liquids. Store devices in a safe place.
Before you remove a device from the external media bay, turn off the computer. After you install a device in the
external media bay, reboot the computer so that the device is recognized by the operating system. See the Dell
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Solutions Guide that came with the computer for information on swapping devices without shutting down the computer.
Back to Contents Page
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Back to Contents Page
Power Conservation
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2100
Conservation Tips
Power Conservation Modes
Power Options Properties
Conservation Tips
● You automatically conserve battery power each time you attach your computer to an electrical
outlet. When the AC adapter is attached, the battery is charged while the computer uses AC
power. Your battery's life expectancy is largely determined by the number of times it is
charged, so use an AC power source to run the computer if one is available.
● When the computer is using battery power, remove PC Cards that you are not using.
● When possible, attach your computer to an electrical outlet when you play CDs and DVDs.
Playing a CD or DVD uses a lot of battery power.
● Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer
unattended for long periods of time. See "
Power Conservation Modes" for more information.
● If you are going to connect your computer to a port replicator, click None when you program
the display-close option on the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window.
● To resume computer operation from a conservation mode, press the power button.
Power Conservation Modes
You can use both standby mode and hibernate mode on your computer.
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined
period of inactivity (a time-out). When your computer exits standby mode, the desktop is restored to
the same state that it was in before the computer entered standby mode.
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
To activate standby mode:
● Click the Start button, click Shutdown, click Standby, and then click OK.
or
● Press the power button or the power conservation key combination, <Fn><Suspend>, that you
programmed (via the Advanced tab).
HINT: You can use the Advanced tab to program the display-close option, the power button,
and the power conservation key combination to activate standby mode.
For more information on activating standby mode, see the instructions for your operating system in
"Turning Your Computer On and Off" in Chapter 1 of the Dell Solutions Guide. To exit standby mode,
press the power button.
NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, you may lose
data.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and
then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, the programs and
files that were open before you activated hibernate mode are still open.
Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low, or if either the
power button, the power conservation key combination, <Fn><Suspend>, or the display-close option
are programmed to activate hibernate mode in the Advanced tab of the Power Options Properties
window.
HINT: Some PC Cards may not operate correctly after resuming operation from hibernate
mode. If you encounter problems with a PC Card, see the
Tell Me How help file for instructions
on removing and replacing the card, or simply restart (reboot) your computer.
To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to return to its
normal operating state.
HINT: Pressing a key or touching the touch pad will not bring the computer out of hibernate
mode.
Power Options Properties
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
To access the Microsoft® Windows® Power Options Properties window:
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Power Options icon.
The Power schemes pull-down menu displays the selected preset power scheme:
● Portable/Laptop (default)
● Home/Office
● Always On
● Presentation (Windows 2000 only)
● Minimal Power Management (Windows 2000 only)
● Max Battery (Windows 2000 only)
HINT: Dell recommends that you continue to use the Portable/Laptop power scheme to
maximize battery power conservation.
Each preset power scheme has different time-out settings for putting the computer into standby mode,
turning off the display, and turning off the hard drive.
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Alarms Tab
HINT: To enable audible alarms, click each Alarm Action button and select Sound
alarm.
The Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm settings alert you with a message when the
battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive your computer, the Low battery
alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes are selected. Dell recommends that you continue to
use these defaults.
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Power Meter Tab
The Power Meter tab displays the current power source and amount of battery charge remaining.
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab allows you to:
● Set icon and standby password options.
● Program the following functions:
❍ Activate standby mode (the default when you close the display).
❍ Activate hibernate mode (the default for the power button).
❍ Shut down Windows and turn off the computer.
❍ No action (None).
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
HINT: If you are going to connect your computer to a port replicator, click None when you
program the display-close option. This setting ensures that your computer does not enter
standby mode or hibernate mode when you close (lower) the display.
To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding pull- down menu, and then click
OK.
Hibernate Tab
The Hibernate tab lets you enable hibernate mode by clicking the Enable hibernate support check
box.
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Intel® SpeedStep™ Tab
If your computer has a Mobile Intel Pentium® III processor, the Power Options Properties window
includes the Intel® SpeedStep™ tab.
To change the Intel SpeedStep options, click the Advanced button and then click one of the following
options:
● Disable Intel SpeedStep technology control
HINT: If you disable Intel SpeedStep, the processor always operates at its maximum
speed.
● Remove flag icon
● Disable audio notification when performance changes
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Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Click Apply to accept any changes, and then click OK to close the Intel SpeedStep technology
window.
Back to Contents Page
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Solving Problems : Dell Inspiron 2100
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Solving Problems
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2100
Accessing Help Files
Power Problems
Start-Up Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
Modem Problems
Scanner Problems
Touch Pad Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
Network Problems
Windows Error Messages
General Program Problems
Internet Connection Problems
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer
Resolving Other Technical Problems
HINT: If you have a problem with an external device, see the device documentation or contact
the manufacturer.
Accessing Help Files
To access the Tell Me How help file
1. Click the Start button, point to Programs—>User's Guides, and then click Tell Me How.
To access Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Help
1. Click the Start button and then click Help.
2. Click the Search tab.
3. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click List Topics.
4. Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
5. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
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Solving Problems : Dell Inspiron 2100
To access Windows Me Help
1. Click the Start button and then click Help.
2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem in the Search box and then click Go.
3. Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
4. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Power Problems
HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on standby
mode.
Check the power light— When the power light is on, the computer has power. If the power light is
off, press the power button.
Check the battery— If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be
depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the
computer.
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter— Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted into the electrical outlet
and the green light on the AC adapter is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet— Bypass power protection devices, power
strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
Check for interference— Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating near the computer
can cause interference. Other causes of interference: power extension cables, too many devices on a
power strip, or multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet.
Adjust the power properties— See the Tell Me How help file or search for the keyword standby in
Windows Help.
Start-Up Error Messages
Operating system not found— Contact Dell for technical assistance. See "Contacting Dell" in the
Dell Solutions Guide for the correct contact information.
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Solving Problems : Dell Inspiron 2100
Insert bootable media— The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk or
CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
Non-system disk error— A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart
the computer.
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
Check the power light— When the power light is on, the computer has power. If the power light is
off, press the power button.
Check the battery— If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be
depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the
computer.
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter— Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted into the electrical outlet
and the green light on the AC adapter is on.
Adjust the power properties— Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help.
If the display is difficult to read
Adjust the brightness— See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on adjusting the brightness.
Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor— If your external speaker system
includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or
external monitor.
Eliminate possible interference— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to
check for interference.
Rotate the computer to face a different direction— Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause
poor picture quality.
Restore the recommended settings— Restore the original resolution and refresh rate settings.
See the
Tell Me How help file for instructions.
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Solving Problems : Dell Inspiron 2100
Adjust the Windows display settings
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. (In Windows 2000,
double-click Control Panel.)
2. Double-click the Display icon and then click the Settings tab.
3. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area.
Sound and Speaker Problems
Integrated Speakers
Adjust the Windows volume control— Double-click the yellow speaker icon in the lower-right
corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
Check the volume control buttons— Press <Fn><F5> to increase the volume, or press
<Fn><F6> to decrease the volume.
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver— See "Installing Drivers and Utilities."
External Speakers
HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you
have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not turn the player volume down or
off.
Verify the speaker cable connections— Ensure that the speakers are connected as shown on the
setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the speakers are turned on— See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
Adjust the speaker controls— Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Adjust the Windows volume control— Double-click the yellow speaker icon in the lower-right
corner of your screen. Be sure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
Test the speakers— Plug the speaker audio cable into the headphone connector on the side of the
computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.
Run the speaker self-test— Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the subwoofer. See
the speaker documentation for self-test instructions.
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Solving Problems : Dell Inspiron 2100
Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor— If your external speaker system
includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or
external monitor.
Eliminate possible interference— Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to
check for interference.
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver— See "Installing Drivers and Utilities."
Printer Problems
If you cannot print to a parallel port printer
Verify the printer cable connections— Ensure that the printer cable is connected (see
"Connecting a Printer" in Chapter 1 of the Dell Solutions Guide that came with your computer).
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the printer is turned on— See the documentation supplied with the printer.
Verify that the printer is recognized by Windows
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon, click Properties, and then select the Details
tab.
2. Ensure that the Print to the following port: setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).
Reinstall the printer driver— See "Installing the Printer Driver" in Chapter 1 of the Dell Solutions
Guide.
If you cannot print to a USB printer
Verify the printer cable connections— Ensure that the printer cable is connected (see
"Connecting a Printer" in Chapter 1 of the Dell Solutions Guide that came with your computer).
Test the electrical outlet— Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the printer is turned on— See the documentation supplied with the printer.
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