Dell Inspiron 3500 User Manual

Dell™Inspiron™3500PortableComputerSystemReference

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Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

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, and InspironaretrademarksofDellComputerCorporation;Microsoft, Windows, MS-DOS, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel is a registered trademark and Celeron is a trademark of of Intel Corporation; VESA is a registered trademark of Video Electronics Standards Association; DVD-to-Go is a trademark of Margi Systems, Inc.; Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

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.

Initial release: 25 Jun 1999 Last revised: 11 Aug 1999

Conventions

Technical Overview

Jumpers, Switches, Controls, and Indicators

Utilities and Drivers

Setup Program

Technical Specifications

Removing and Replacing Parts

Documentation

Glossary

AC Adapter: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

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Audio Jacks: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

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Audio: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

You can connect speakers, a microphone, headphones, and record/playback devices such as cassette players, CD players, and VCRs to the sound jacks on the computer. Dell recommends using amplified speakers for the best sound.

Connect headphones or speakers to the line-out jack on the far right of the sound jacks. Connect a microphone to the microphone jack in the middle. Connect record/playbackdevicessuchascassetteplayersandCDplayerstotheline-in jack on the far left.

You can control the sound coming from the external speakers and from the computer's built-in speakers with key combinations. Press <Fn><Page Down> to lower the volume. Press <Fn><Page Up> to increase the volume. Press <Fn><End> to enable or disable both the built-in and external speakers.

See your Microsoft® Windows® 98 documentation for the location of sound applications such as mixers and volume control.

The MagicWave 3DX Config utility allows you to increase the microphone gain by 20 dB and configure the tone (treble, bass and 3D enhancement) settings.

To launch the utility, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears.

2. Double-click MagicWave 3DX Config.

See Installing Utilities and Drivers for information about installing or reinstalling audio drivers.

NOTES: If no sound comes from the speakers, make sure that the sound is not disabled by pressing <Fn><End>.

Ifyouhearnosoundoutputfromyourexternalspeakersbesurethattheconnectiontothesoundoutputjackissecure.IfyouareplayingaDVDin

the optional DVD-ROM drive and have speakers that connect to your computer through the USB port, no sound will be output to the speakers. This

configurationisnotsupported.

Component Locations (Back View): Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

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BaseAssembly:Dell™Inspiron™3500PortableComputer

Exploded View of Base Assembly

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Glossary

Exploded View of Base Assembly

Video Board Removal

Keyboard Removal

System Board Rails Removal

Infrared Board Removal

DC/DC Board Removal

LVDS Board Removal

Speaker Removal

Heat-Sink Fin Cover Removal

PC Card Cage Removal

Processor Module Assembly Removal

System Board Removal

Fan Cover and Fan Removal

Audio-Jack Board Removal

Modem Card Removal

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Ground springs (2)

Infrared board with 5-mm screw

Optional internal modem with 14-mm screw

EMI fin (2)

LVDS board

Video board with 4-mm jack screws (2) and 14-mm screw

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Keyboard Removal

 You can remove the keyboard without removing the palmrest. To remove the keyboard, see the exploded view of the palmrest assembly and

perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Place the computer base face down.

3. Remove the three 16-mm keyboard screws from the bottom of the computer. The keyboard screws have a K tooled into the plastic beside them.

4. Turn the computer face up.

5. Lift the top edge of the keyboard up, and then slide the keyboard out from beneath the palmrest assembly. Do not try to completely remove the keyboard, because it is still attached to the system board by a cable.

6. Disconnect the keyboard cable from the side-lift ZIF connector C42 on the system board.

7. Remove the keyboard.

Infrared Board Removal

PC Card cage with 14-mm screws (4)

Monitor connector cover

DC/DC board with 14-mm screw

Audio jack board

Audio jack shield

System-board retaining clip with 5-mm screw

Bottom plastic

Release latches

Speakers

system board (in EMI pan)

Fan and fan cover with 5-mm screw

Heat-sink fin

Processor module assembly with 14-mm screws (2)

System-board retaining clip with 14-mm screw

System board rails (2) with 5-mm screws (2) and 16-mm screw

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 16 (3)

3.5–4.0 kgf-cm

NOTE: You can remove the keyboard while the display assembly is still attached. However, Dell strongly recommends removing the display assembly before removing the keyboard to prevent cosmetic damage.

16-mm screws (3)

NOTE: The ZIF connector cap for the keyboard is stocked as a separate part. If the plastic connector cap is broken, you can snap a new one in place without having to replace the entire system board.

Type of Screw

Torque

You can remove the infrared (IR) board without removing the palmrest. To remove the infrared board, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the 5-mm screw securing the IR board to the right system board rail.

3. Lift the IR board to expose the wires.

4. Disconnect the IR cable from connector J4 on the system board.

5. Remove the IR board.

LVDS Board Removal

You can remove the LVDS board without removing the palmrest. To remove the LVDS board, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Carefully lift the LVDS board off of connectors J2 and J3 on the video board. The board is surrounded by an EMI fence.

When installing the LVDS board, put pressure only on the areas where the connectors on the LVDS board and on the video board fit together. Pressing on other areas may flex the board and break connections.

Heat-Sink Fin Cover Removal

You can remove the heat-sink fin cover without removing the palmrest. To remove the heat-sink fin cover, see the exploded view of the base

assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the keyboard.

2. Remove the 3.5-mm screw securing the cover to the heat-sink fin.

3. Remove the heat-sink fin cover.

Processor Module Assembly Removal

You can remove the processor module assembly without removing the palmrest. To remove the processor module assembly, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the keyboard.

2. Remove the heat-sink fin cover.

3. Remove the two 14-mm screws securing the processor module assembly to the system board.

4. Lift the processor module assembly off of connector U14 on the system board. Lift from the outside first.

5. To disassemble the processor module assembly, slide the top plate free of the interlock tabs. The assembly separates into upper and lower plates and reveals the processor module.

6. Remove and replace the thermal pads only if needed. The pink pad covers the BX chip and the gray pad covers the processor chip.

When you install the processor module assembly, put pressure only on the areas where the connectors on the processor module assembly and on the system board fit together. Pressing on other areas may break pins or connections.

FPH 2.5 x 5 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

NOTE: Reconnect the IR board to the system board by carefully threading the wires and connector by the I/O bracket and using a screwdriver to press on the connector to reseat it.

NOTE: For grounding purposes, an EMI tape may run from the LVDS board to the I/O bracket. Note the placement of the tape and, during installation, replace it in the same position.

NOTE: The LVDS board is unique for each type of LCD panel. During installation, make sure that the LVDS board is the correct one for the panel and that any EMI tape attached to the board is replaced in its original position.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2 x 3.5 (1)

1.5–1.8 kgf-cm

Type of Screw

Torque

PNH 2 x 14 (2)

1.5–1.8 kgf-cm

Fan Cover and Fan Removal

You can remove the fan cover and fan without removing the palmrest. To remove the fan cover and fan, see the exploded view of the base

assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the heat-sink fin cover.

4. Remove the 5-mm screw securing the fan cover.

5. Remove the fan cover.

6. Disconnect the fan cable from connector J6 on the system board.

7. Remove the fan.

Modem Card Removal

The modem card is an option available only to customers in the U.S. and Canada. You can remove the modem card without removing the palmrest. To remove the modem card, see the exploded view of the base assembly and

perform the following steps:

1. Remove the keyboard.

2. Remove the 14-mm screw from the right side of the modem card.

3. Pry up the modem card from the right side.

4. Disconnect the modem cable from connector J2 on the modem card.

5. Remove the modem card.

When you install the modem card, slip it into place under the system-board retaining clip. Put pressure only on the areas where the connectors on the modem card and on the video board fit together. Pressing on other areas may flex the card and break connections.

Video Board Removal

You can remove the video board without removing the palmrest. To remove the video board, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the LVDS board.

4. Remove the modem card, if present.

5. Remove (and save for installation) any Kapton tape securing the modem cable to the video board and lift the cable out of the way.

6. Remove the two 4-mm jack screws on either side of the display connector that hold the video board to the I/O bracket.

7. Disconnect the touch-pad FPC cable from the side-lift ZIF connector J4 on the video board.

8. Remove the 14-mm screw holding the system-board retaining clip. Remove both the screw and the retaining clip.

9. Remove the video board from connectors JP2 and JP3/JP4 on the system board. Lift the end toward the touch pad up, and then lift up and pull back the other end to free it from the I/O bracket.

When you install the board, put pressure only on the areas where the connectors on the video board and on the system board fit together. Pressing on other areas may flex the board and break connections.

System Board Rails Removal

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 5 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

NOTE: Note the positioning of the fan and the routing of the fan cable carefully so that you can duplicate it during installation. An arrow on the top of the fan indicates that the flow of air is from the outside of the computer in to the board.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 14 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

Type of Screw

Torque

jack 2.5 x 4 (2)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

FPH 2.5 x 14 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

Type of Screw

Torque

To remove the system board rails, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the palmrest assembly.

4. Remove the infrared board.

5. Remove the 5-mm screw and the 16-mm screw securing the right system-board rail.

6. Remove the right system-board rail.

7. Remove the 5-mm screw securing the left system-board rail.

8. Remove the left system-board rail.

9. Remove the release latches for the battery bay and media bay, which were previously held in place by the system board rails.

10. Remove the heat sink.

When you install the rails, be sure that the speaker cables are not pinched.

DC/DC Board Removal

To remove the DC/DC board, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the palmrest assembly.

4. Remove the system board rails.

5. Remove the 14-mm screw.

6. Gently lift the DC/DC board off of the connector on the system board.

When you install the board, put pressure only on the areas where the connectors on the DC/DC board and on the system board fit together. Pressing on other areas may flex the board and break connections.

Speaker Removal

To remove the speakers, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the palmrest assembly.

4. Remove the system board rails.

5. Remove the DC/DC board.

6. Disconnect the left speaker cable from connector J13 on the system board.

7. Disconnect the right speaker cable from connector J15 on the system board.

8. Lift the speakers and cables out of the bottom plastic.

PC Card Cage Removal

The PC Card cage is supplied as a part of the system board assembly. However, if only the PC Card cage needs replacement, use this procedure to remove and replace the PC Card cage. You do not need to remove the entire system board.

To remove the PC Card cage, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the palmrest assembly.

4. Remove the system board rails.

5. Remove the LVDS board, modem card (if present), and video board.

6. Remove the four 14-mm screws securing the PC Card cage to the system board.

FPH 2.5 x 5 (2)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

FPH 2.5 x 16 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 14 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

NOTE: The left and right speakers are interchangeable. Note the routing of the speaker cables through the plastic routing ribs for installation.

Type of Screw

Torque

PNH 2 x 14 (4)

1.5–1.8 kgf-cm

7. Remove the PC Card cage.

When you install the PC Card cage, ensure that the modem cable is routed correctly and is not pinched by the cage.

System Board Removal

To remove the system board, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the infrared board, LVDS board, heat-sink fin cover, processor module assembly, fan cover and fan, modem card (if present), and

video board.

4. Removed the palmrest assembly.

5. Remove the system board rails.

6. Remove the DC/DC board.

7. Disconnect the speaker cables.

8. Remove the heat-sink fin.

9. Remove the 5-mm screw from the upper right corner of the system board.

10. Remove the system board retaining clip that was held in place by this screw.

11. Remove the 14-mm screw used for grounding on the lower left corner of the system board.

12. Remove the system board by lifting up the back of the board/EMI pan so that it clears all of the bottom plastic, and then pulling back to free the I/O connectors from the bottom plastic. The EMI shield is still attached to the system board.

Audio-Jack Board Removal

To remove the audio jack board, see the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the keyboard.

3. Remove the palmrest assembly.

4. Remove the system board rails.

5. Remove the DC/DC board.

6. Disconnect the speaker cables.

7. Remove the system board.

8. Remove the audio jack shielding that covers the audio jacks on three sides. Note that the shielding wraps around and goes beneath the system board and the EMI pan, not between the board and the pan.

9. Lift the audio jack board off of connectors J16 and J11 on the system board.

When you install the audio jack board, it is helpful to move the PC Card latches out of the way. Put pressure only on the areas where the connectors on the audio jack board and on the system board fit together. Pressing on other areas may bend the board and break connections.

       

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 5 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

FPH 2.5 x 14 (1)

3.0–3.5 kgf-cm

Back to Contents Page

Glossary

Battery Charge Gauge: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

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Removing and Installing a Battery: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

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Conventions: Dell™Inspiron™3500PortableComputerSystemReference

The following subsections describe notational conventions used in this document.

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are used as follows:

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

Typographical Conventions

The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conventions used as visual cues for specific elements of text throughout this document:

l Interface components are window titles, button and icon names, menu names and selections, and other options that appear on the monitor

screen or display. They are presented in bold. Example: Click OK.

l Keycaps are labels that appear on the keys on a keyboard. They are enclosed in angle brackets.

Example: <Enter>

l Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless otherwise indicated) to perform a single function.

Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>

l Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are not intended to be typed when referenced.

Example: “Use the format command to . . . .”

In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are part of an instruction and intended to be typed. Example: “Type format a: to format the diskette in drive A.”

l Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.

Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows

l Screen text is a message or text that you are instructed to type as part of a command (referred to as a command line). Screen text is

presented in the Courier New font. Example: The following message appears on your screen: No boot device available Example: “Type md c:\programs and press <Enter>.”

l Variables are placeholders for which you substitute a value. They are presented in italics.

Example: DIMM_x (where x represents the DIMM socket designation)

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Glossary

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Typographical Conventions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer system.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

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Glossary

13.3- and 14.1-InchDisplayAssemblies:Dell™Inspiron™3500PortableComputer System Reference

Exploded View of 13.3-Inch Display Assembly

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Glossary

Exploded View of 13.3-Inch Display Assembly

LCD Interior Assembly Removal

Exploded View of 14.1-Inch Display Assembly

13.3-Inch LCD Panel Rails Removal

Display Assembly Removal

14.1-Inch LCD Panel Rails Removal

Bezel and LCD Latch Removal

13.3-Inch LCD Panel and EMI Pan Removal

13.3-Inch LCD Inverter Removal

14.1-Inch LCD Panel and EMI Pan Removal

14.1-Inch LCD Inverter Removal

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Rubber bumpers (2)

Bezel3LCD panel

EMI pan

LED card

LED cable

LCD cable

LCD latch

Panel rails (2)

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Exploded View of 14.1-Inch Display Assembly

5-mm hinge screws (2)

5-mm panel rail screws (4)

Back cover

Bottom FPC bobbin

Inverter

Hinges (2)

Top FPC bobbin

Inverter signal cable

LCD FPC cable

5-mm bezel screws (6)

Screw covers (4)

Hinge covers (2)

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Rubber bumpers (2)

Bezel3LCD panel

EMI pan

LED card

LED cable

LCD cable

LCD latch

Display Assembly Removal

 To remove the display assembly, see the exploded view of the computer and the exploded view of the base assembly and perform the following

steps:

1. Close the computer and place it upside down.

2. Remove the four 19-mm display screws from the bottom of the computer. The display screws have a D tooled into the base plastic beside them. Once the screws are removed, the display assembly is very loose.

3. Hold the computer firmly and turn it over.

4. Remove the top half of the cover over the monitor connector. This connector is on the back of the computer.

5. Remove the 5-mm screw that was beneath the cover.

6. Unlatch the LCD latch.

7. Slowly open the display assembly so it is at a 90-degree angle to the base. This action repositions the hinges so you can remove the bezel later.

8. Gently lift the display assembly so the hinges are free of the base. Do not lift the assembly too far up because the LCD FPC cable is still connected to the LVDS board. The FPC bobbin and hinge covers lift up with the assembly; the connector cover may lift up with the assembly.

9. Place the display assembly on a support so that the LCD FPC cable is not stressed.

10. Remove the connector cover to expose the end of the LCD FPC cable that connects to the system board.

11. Remove the two 2.5-mm screws securing the LCD FPC cable connector to the LVDS board, and gently lift the connector off of connector C24 on the LVDS board. The display assembly is now free from the base. The hinge covers may remain in place.

12. Remove the ground springs from the holes in the system board rails in the base of the computer. These fall out easily when the computer is turned upside down.

Right panel rail

4-mm panel rail screws (4)

Back cover

Bottom FPC bobbin

Inverter

Top FPC bobbin

Hinges (2)

Inverter signal cable

Left panel rail

5-mm hinge screws (2)

LCD FPC cable

5-mm bezel screws (6)

Hinge covers (4)

Hinge covers (2)

Type of Screw

Torque

FLH 2.5 x 19 (4)

1.5–2.0 kgf-cm

2.5 x 5 (1)

2.0–2.5 kgf-cm

FPH 2 x 2.5 (2)

1.5–1.8 kgf-cm

19-mm screws (4)

5-mm screw

Bezel and LCD Latch Removal

To remove the bezel and LCD latch, see the exploded view of the 13.3-inch display assembly or 14.1-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Use the dental pick to remove the four screw covers from the bottom of the bezel. Take care not to cause cosmetic damage and not to put pressure on the LCD panel.

3. Remove the two rubber bumpers from the top of the bezel. Take care not to cause cosmetic damage and not to put pressure on the LCD panel.

4. Remove the six 5-mm screws securing the bezel to the display assembly.

5. Remove the bezel. Unfasten the snaps at the bottom of the bezel by applying light pressure on the inside bottom edge of the bezel and pulling the bezel slightly up and toward you. Hold the LCD latch out of the way when removing the top of the bezel.

6. Insert a small, flat blade at the top of the latch and pry the latch up from the retainer in the back cover. You may be able to rotate the LCD latch inward to release it from the retainer in the back cover.

13.3-Inch LCD Inverter Removal

To remove the inverter, see the exploded view of the 13.3-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the bezel.

3. Disconnect the inverter signal cable from the side-lift ZIF connector CN1 on the left side of the inverter by gently pulling each side of the ZIF connector, and then pulling out the cable.

4. Disconnect the LED cable from connector CN3 on the inverter.

5. Disconnect the LCD cable from connector CN2 on the inverter. (A red dot denotes the top of the LCD cable connector when you are installing the cable.)

6. Remove the inverter.

14.1-Inch LCD Inverter Removal

To remove the inverter, see the exploded view of the 14.1-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the bezel.

3. Disconnect the inverter signal cable from the side-lift ZIF connector CN1 on the left side of the inverter by gently pulling each side of the ZIF connector, and then pulling out the cable.

4. Disconnect the wraparound LCD FPC cable on the left side of the inverter. The cable wraps around the inverter and connects to itself.

5. Remove (and save for installation) any Kapton tape securing cables on the right side of the inverter.

6. Lift the inverter partially up to make disconnecting the remaining cables easier.

7. Disconnect the LED cable from connector CN3 on the right side of the inverter.

8. Disconnect the LCD cable from connector CN2 on the right side of the inverter.

9. Remove the inverter.

LCD Interior Assembly Removal

To remove the LCD interior assembly from the back cover, see the exploded view of the 13.3-inch display assembly or the exploded view of the

14.1-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the bezel.

3. Remove the left and right hinge covers.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 5 (6)

3.5–4.0 kgf-cm

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 5 (2)

3.5–4.0 kgf-cm

4. Remove the two 5-mm screws securing the left and right hinges, and then remove the hinges. The hinges are not interchangeable, but are color-coded; the nut on the right hinge is gold and, on the left, silver.

5. Remove the top half of the FPC bobbin by inserting a flat blade into the bobbin and carefully prying the top and bottom apart.

6. If you have not removed the inverter, lift it up slightly (it is still connected to the LCD).

7. Slide the entire LCD interior assembly (which includes the LCD panel, panel rails, EMI pan, and LED card and cable) down to free the panel rails from the retaining tabs in the back cover.

8. Slide the LED card out of the plastic retainer next to the LCD latch.

9. Remove (and save for installation) any Kapton tape securing the LED or LCD cable to the back cover.

10. Remove the entire LCD interior assembly from the back cover.

When installing the LCD interior assembly, place it flat into the back cover, as close to the hinge edge as possible. Then slide it upward to fit it underneath the plastic retaining tabs.

13.3-Inch LCD Panel Rails Removal

To remove the panel rails, see the exploded view of the 13.3-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the bezel.

3. Remove the LCD interior assembly.

4. Remove the LED cable from the right panel rail (optional).

5. Place the LCD interior assembly face down on a surface that will not damage the LCD.

6. Remove the two 5-mm screws securing the left panel rail.

7. Remove the left panel rail. It is stamped with an L (left) for easy identification.

8. Remove the two 5-mm screws securing the right panel rail. Note that these screws can be loosened so the panel rail can slide out of the slots; the screws do not have to be completely removed.

9. Remove the right panel rail. It is stamped with an R (right) for easy identification.

During installation, the rails must fit snugly against the LCD panel so the interior assembly will fit inside the back cover.

14.1-Inch LCD Panel Rails Removal

To remove the panel rails, see the exploded view of the 14.1-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the bezel.

3. Remove the LCD interior assembly.

4. Remove the LED cable from the right panel rail (optional).

5. Remove the two 4-mm screws securing the left panel rail to the side of the LCD panel.

6. Remove the left panel rail. It is stamped with an L (left) for easy identification.

7. Remove the two 4-mm screws securing the right panel rail to the side of the LCD panel.

8. Remove the right panel rail. It is stamped with an R (right) for easy identification.

During installation, the rails must fit snugly against the LCD panel so the interior assembly fits inside the back cover.

13.3-Inch LCD Panel and EMI Pan Removal

NOTE: For installation, remember that the foot of the left hinge cover abuts the keyboard and that the infrared lens in the right hinge cover faces outward to receive infrared transmissions.

NOTE: Note how the screws go through the panel rails into the hinge so you will install the screws in the right place during installation.

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

Type of Screw

Torque

FLH 2.5 x 5 (4)

1.5–1.8 kgf-cm

NOTE: Note the routing of the LED cable through the right panel rail for installation.

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

Type of Screw

Torque

FLH 2 x 4 (4)

1.5–1.8 kgf-cm

NOTE: Note the routing of the LED cable through the right panel rail for installation.

To remove the LCD panel from the EMI pan, see the exploded view of the 13.3-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the bezel.

3. Remove the LCD interior assembly.

4. Remove the panel rails.

5. Turn the LCD interior assembly face up.

6. If present, remove (and save for installation) any Kapton tape from the lower right corner of the LCD interior assembly.

7. If present, remove (and save for installation) any Kapton tape from the center left side of the LCD interior assembly.

8. Remove (and save for installation) the EMI tape from the side and the bottom of the LCD interior assembly.

9. Remove (and save for installation) any other Kapton or EMI tape securing the LCD cable to the EMI pan.

10. Lift the LCD panel partially out of the EMI pan. The LCD FPC cable is still attached to the LCD panel.

11. Remove (and save for installation) the Kapton tape securing the LCD FPC cable to the LCD panel.

12. Gently pull the LCD FPC cable out of the connector on the LCD panel.

13. Lift the LCD panel out of the EMI pan. The LCD FPC cable remains taped to the EMI pan.

14.1-Inch LCD Panel and EMI Pan Removal

To remove the LCD panel from the EMI pan, see the exploded view of the 14.1-inch display assembly and perform the following steps:

1. Remove the display assembly.

2. Remove the bezel.

3. Remove the LCD interior assembly.

4. Remove the panel rails.

5. Remove (and save for installation) the Kapton tape from the lower right corner of the LCD interior assembly.

6. Remove (and save for installation) the EMI tape from the side and the bottom of the LCD interior assembly.

7. Remove (and save for installation) any other Kapton or EMI tape securing the LCD cable to the EMI pan.

8. Lift the LCD panel out of the EMI pan. The LCD FPC cable remains inside the EMI pan, held in place by Kapton tape.

         

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

NOTE: When removing the EMI tape, hold each end of the tape at all times. If one end is released, the tape curls and sticks to itself.

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

NOTE: When removing the EMI tape, hold each end of the tape at all times. If one end is released, the tape curls and sticks to itself.

Back to Contents Page

Glossary

Documentation:Dell™Inspiron™3500PortableComputer

To save PDF files (files with an extension of .pdf) to your hard-disk drive, right-click the document title, click Save Target As in Microsoft® Internet Explorer or Save Link As in Netscape Navigator, and specify a location on your hard-disk drive.

Right-click only the following links:

Reference and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf) Installing System Software (.pdf) Port Replicator User's Guide (.pdf) Service Manual (.pdf) Setup Guide (.pdf)

ToviewaPDFfile,launchAdobe™AcrobatReader.ClickFile–> Open and select the PDF file. To view a Help file (a file with an extension of .hlp),clickthelinkforthefile.

System User's Guide (.hlp)

You must right-click the link for a portable document format (PDF) file and save the file to your hard-disk drive. Attempting to link directly to large PDF files causes your system to freeze.

NOTES: PDF files require Acrobat Reader, which you can download from the Adobe World Wide Web site.

Help files require winhelp.exe, which is part of the Microsoft Windows® operating system (located in the windows directory). To view Help files online, you may need to configure winhelp.exe to work with your browser as a helper application program. See the Help information associated with your browser for additional information.

DriveAssemblies:Dell™Inspiron™3500PortableComputerSystemReference

Hard-Disk Drive Disassembly

 To disassemble the hard-disk drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the hard-disk drive from the base of the computer.

2. Remove the 4-mm screw from the side of the hard-disk drive.

3. Lift up the large plastic tab that the screw had previously secured. There are a series of small plastic tabs along the three sides of the plastic carrier.

4. Unsnap the plastic carrier along three sides.

5. Turn the carrier over in your hand so that the hard-disk drive partially falls into your hand. The 9.5-mm hard-disk drive uses a spacer inside the plastic carrier for proper fit.

6. Slide the hard-disk drive connector out of the plastic retainer inside the plastic carrier and remove the drive completely from the carrier.

7. Use the plastic pull to remove the flex cable from the hard-disk drive.

Diskette Drive Disassembly

Back to Contents Page

Glossary

Hard-Disk Drive Disassembly

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive Disassembly

Diskette Drive Disassembly

Zip Drive Disassembly

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 3 x 4 (1)

2.0–2.5 kgf-cm

Plastic tab

Flex cable

Plastic pull

Hard-disk drive connector

Plastic retainer

Plastic carrier

4-mm screw

Hard-disk drive

NOTE: Although the connector may not be as wide as the set of pins, it is keyed so that it can only fit one way on the pins.

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 4 (2)

2.5–3.0 kgf-cm

To disassemble the diskette drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the diskette drive from the media bay.

2. Remove the two 4-mm screws from the top of the diskette drive assembly.

3. Carefully unsnap the upper plastic from the lower plastic. The upper plastic is held in place by a series of internal plastic tabs around the edge of the holder.

4. Lift the diskette drive out of the lower plastic. The metal bracket for the connector may lift out as you remove the diskette drive.

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive Disassembly

To disassemble the CD-ROM drive or optional DVD-ROM drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the CD-ROM drive or the optional DVD-ROM drive from the media bay.

2. Remove the 3-mm screws from both sides of the drive assembly.

3. Insert a flat blade into the slots on the side of the upper plastic and carefully pry the upper plastic away from the lower plastic. A series of internal plastic tabs holds the plastic in place.

4. Remove two 5-mm screws securing the drive into the lower plastic.

5. Turn the drive assembly over so that the drive falls out of the lower plastic into your hand.

6. Slide the metal plate off of the end of the drive.

7. Remove the 3-mm screw holding the mounting bracket to the drive, and then remove the bracket.

8. Remove (and save for installation) any Kapton tape securing the drive cable.

9. Disconnect the cable.

4-mm screws (2)

Metal bracket

Lower plastic

Diskette drive

Upper plastic

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2 x 3 (3)

1.5–1.8 kgf-cm

FPH 2.5 x 5 (2)

2.5–3.0 kgf-cm

Metal plate

5-mm screws

Mounting bracket

3-mm mounting bracket screw

Lower plastic

3-mm drive assembly screws (2)

CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive

Upper plastic

Zip Drive Disassembly

To disassemble the optional Zip drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the optional Zip drive from the media bay.

2. Remove the two 5-mm screws from the top of the drive assembly.

3. Carefully unsnap the upper plastic from the lower plastic. The upper plastic is held in place by a series of internal plastic tabs around the edge of the holder.

4. Lift the Zip drive out of the lower plastic. The metal bracket for the connector may lift out as you remove the Zip drive.

       

NOTE: To remove the media from the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive once the power to the drive is off, insert a small, thin object (such as one end of a paper clip) into the pinhole near the drive’s LED. This ejects the media tray so that you can retrieve the CD or DVD.

CAUTION: The following procedure should be performed only by depot repair technicians.

Type of Screw

Torque

FPH 2.5 x 5 (2)

2.5–3.0 kgf-cm

5-mm screws (2)

Metal bracket

Lower plastic

Zip drive

Upper plastic

NOTE: To remove the media from the Zip drive once the power to the drive is off, insert a small, thin object (such as one end of a paper clip) into the pinhole in the drive’s LED. This ejects the Zip disk.

Back to Contents Page

Glossary

Utilities and Drivers: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

Introduction

You may need to install the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system and the Dell™ device drivers and utilities on your Dell Inspiron 3500 portable computer under the following conditions:

l Dell did not install an operating system or other system software on your computer. l You are reinstalling the version of Windows 98 that came with your computer, and you need to reinstall the drivers and utilities that Dell provides. l You have a new hard-disk drive and you need to install all of the system software.

To install the Windows 98 operating system as well as Dell device drivers and utilities, you must have the following items:

l Microsoft Windows 98 CD l Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette l Dell Inspiron 3500 System Software CD l Diskette drive cable

To install or reinstall Dell utilities and drivers in the Windows 98 operating system, use the program diskette set from Dell or the backup diskettes that you made after receiving the computer.

Before You Begin

Before you begin the installation, you must install the CD-ROM or the optional DVD-ROM drive in the options bay of your computer, and you must attach the diskette drive externally. For instructions on installing the CD-ROM or the optional DVD-ROM drive in the options bay, refer to the Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer — Using the Options Bay document. To install the external diskette drive, perform the following steps:

1. Plug the squared end of the cable into the parallel connector on the back of the computer, and tighten the screws on either side of the cable connector.

2. Plug the triangular end of the cable into the diskette drive, and tighten the screws on either side of the cable connector.

3. Insert the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive in the options bay and ensure that the diskette drive is connected to the parallel port connector via the diskette drive cable.

The diskette drive is now connected.

Installing Microsoft Windows 98 and Device Drivers

To install/reinstall Microsoft Windows 98 and device drivers on your computer, perform the following steps:

1. Insert the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette into the external diskette drive.

2. Restart the system.

3. Insert the Microsoft Windows 98 CD into the CD-ROM drive.

4. Ensure that the computer is connected to AC power.

5. When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears, be sure that the 1. Start Windows 98 setup from CD-ROM is highlighted, and press <Enter>.

6. When a message asks you if you want to reinstall Windows 98 over your current operating system, use the down-arrow key to highlight Continue setup and replace your current operating system, then press <Enter>.

7. When a message tells you that Windows 98 is about to prepare the system for installing the operating system, press <Enter>.

ScanDisk checks your system files.

8. When prompted for the directory in which to install the Windows 98 files, make sure that c:\windows is selected and click Next>.

9. When the Windows 98 Setup window appears, click Continue.

Windows 98 checks your hard-disk drive and prepares your system for installing the operating system.

10. When prompted to quit all programs before continuing the setup, click OK.

The Windows 98 Setup window appears and checks your system for available hard-disk drive space.

11. When prompted to save the existing system files, click Yes (Recommended).

12. When prompted for the drive to which you want to save the system files, click OK to select the default directory or type the path of another directory.

Windows 98 saves the system files to the designated directory.

13. When the Establish Your Location window appears, select your regional location and click Next>.

This setting tells Windows 98 how to display Internet content. If necessary, you can select the keyboard type you want to use.

14. When prompted to create the start-up diskette, remove the boot diskette from the diskette drive and click Next>.

15. Label a blank diskette as instructed, insert the diskette into the diskette drive, and click OK.

If a dialog box instructs you to format the diskette, click Format.

16. After you have created the start-up diskette, remove it from the diskette drive.

17. When the Start copying files window appears, click Next>.

The Welcome to Microsoft Windows 98 window appears and displays information about the operating system while the files are copied to your hard-disk drive.

When the files have been copied to the hard-disk drive, Windows 98 prompts you to restart the system.

18. Click OK to restart the computer.

19. In the User Information window, type your name and, if applicable, your company name, then click Next>.

The Name field must be completed. The Company Name is optional.

20. Read the license agreement, click I accept the agreement, and then click Next>.

If you do not accept the agreement, you cannot access Windows 98. After you accept the license agreement, the Product Key window appears.

21. Find the Product Key on the Certificate of Authenticity on the front cover of the Getting Started/Microsoft Windows 98 document, enter the Product Key in

the fields provided, and then click Next>.

22. When the Start Wizard appears, click Finish.

A series of windows appears to inform you that Windows 98 is setting up hardware, initializing drivers, and detecting hardware and Plug and Play devices. Windows 98 restarts the system and detects additional hardware settings. The Windows 98 Setup window appears and lists which items Windows 98 is setting up. Windows 98 updates the system settings and restarts the system.

The Welcome to Windows 98 screen appears.

After installing Windows 98 on your computer, you need to install the following device drivers:

l Video driver l Internal modem driver l Audio driver l Touch pad driver

Installing the Video Driver

The video driver controls features such as screen resolution and the number of screen colors.

To install the video driver, perform the following steps:

1. Insert the Dell Inspiron 3500 System Software CD into the CD-ROM or optional DVD-ROM drive.

2. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

3. In the Control Panel, double-click the Display icon.

4. In the Display Properties screen, click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.

5. Click the Adapter tab, and then click Change.

6. In the Update Device Driver Wizard screen, click Next>.

7. Click Next> again.

8. Click the Specify a Location checkbox. Uncheck the floppy diskette drive checkbox, and change drive A to D.

9. Click Browse.

10. Double-click the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM icon.

11. Double-click the Video folder.

12. Click OK, and then click Next>.

On the Update Device Driver Wizard screen, the Updated driver (recommended) NeoMagic Magic Media 256AV should be checked.

13. Click Next>.

14. After the driver has been located, click Next>.

15. After Windows has finished installing the updated driver, click Finish.

16. Click Yes to restart the computer.

Changing Video Resolution

To change the video resolution, perform the following steps:

1. When the system restarts, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Display icon and click the Settings tab.

3. Update the Color palette from 256 colors to High Color (16 bit).

4. Set the Screen area to 1024 x 768, and click Apply.

5. Click Apply the new color settings without restarting. Click OK.

6. When a message appears informing you that Windows will resize your computer, click OK.

7. When a message asks if you want to keep the new setting, click Yes.

8. Click Advanced.

9. Click the Monitor tab and click Change.

10. Under models, click Laptop Display Panel (1024 x 768) and click OK.

11. Click Apply and then click OK.

12. Click OK again.

NOTE: This step may take several minutes to complete. The approximate time is displayed on the Windows 98 status bar.

NOTE: If you need to use extended video modes, check the documentation that accompanied the application program to determine if the drivers are provided. If they are not, contact the software manufacturer to obtain the necessary drivers.

NOTE: After the computer restarts, you may change the video resolution. See the following section, “Changing Video Resolution.”

NOTE: This setting is optimized to DVD.

13. Restart the system.

Continue with the installation procedure by installing the audio driver as described in the next section, “Installing the Audio Driver.”

Installing the Audio Driver

The audio driver allows you to customize the sound features of your computer.

To install the audio driver, perform the following steps:

1. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM icon.

2. Double-click the Audio folder.

3. Double-click the setup.exe icon.

4. At the Welcome screen, click Next>.

Messages indicating that files are being copied and driver information is being built appear on your screen.

5. At the NeoMagic License Agreement screen, click Yes.

6. At the Choose Installation Configuration screen, the check boxes for MagicMedia 256AV Audio System and NeoMagic MagicWave 3DX Audio system are already checked as the defaults. Click Next>.

The audio driver files are copied to the hard-disk drive.

7. At the Setup is Complete window, click Yes, I want to restart my computer now, and click Finish.

Continue with the installation procedure by installing the internal modem driver as described in the next section, “Installing the Internal Modem Driver.”

Installing the Internal Modem Driver

The modem driver allows you to customize the operation of your internal modem. To install the internal modem driver, perform the following steps:

1. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM icon.

2. Double-click the Modem folder.

3. Double-click setup.exe.

4. At the Welcome screen, click Next>.

The internal modem files are copied to your hard-disk drive.

5. At the Setup Complete window, click Finish.

6. After the computer restarts, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

7. At the Control Panel, double-click the System icon.

8. Click the Device Manager tab. Be sure that View devices by type (default) is selected.

9. In the device list, double-click Other devices, and then click Unknown Device.

10. Click Remove and then click OK at the Confirm Device Removal window.

11. Click Close.

12. Exit the Control Panel window, shut down, and then restart the computer.

Continue with the installation procedure by installing the touch pad driver as described in the next section, “Installing the Touch Pad Driver.”

Installing the Touch Pad Driver

The touch pad driver and associated utilities allow you to customize the operation of your touch pad and cursor features. To install the touch pad driver, perform the following steps:

1. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM icon.

2. Double-click the Touchpad folder.

3. Double-click the setup.exe icon.

4. At the Welcome screen, click Next>.

5. At the Close Destination Location screen, click Next>.

6. Click Location, then click Next>.

7. At the Start Copying Files window, click Next>.

The touch pad files are copied to your hard-disk drive.

8. At the Setup Complete window, click Yes, I want to restart my computer now, and then click Finish to restart the computer.

Installing the DVD/MPEG-2 PC Card, Device Driver, and DVD-to-Go™Software

Perform the following steps to install the Dell DVD/MPEG-2 PC Card and the required device driver for your computer:

1. Insert the DVD-to-Go CD into the DVD-ROM drive.

2. Insert the MPEG-2 PC Card into the lower of the two connectors in your computer’s PC Card slot.

NOTE: The internal modem is not available in some regions.

The first time you insert the MPEG-2 PC Card, the New Hardware Found dialog box appears with the following statement:

DELL-DVD Player Windows has found new hardware and is locating the software for it.

Then another dialog box appears with the following statement:

Add New Hardware Wizard This Wizard searches for new drivers for: Dell-DVD Player

3. Click Next.

A dialog box appears with the following question:

What do you want Windows to do?

4. Click Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended).

5. Click Next.

A dialog box appears with the following statement:

Windows will search for new drivers in its driver database on your hard drive, and in any of the following selected locations.

6. Click (uncheck) the boxes next to Floppy disk drives and Specify location.

7. Click (check) the box next to CD-ROM drive.

8. Click Next.

A dialog box appears with the following statement:

Windows will search for the driver. Windows driver file search for the device:

DELL-DVD_Player.

9. Click Next.

The Copying Files dialog box appears with the following message:

The file ‘InstAgnt.exe’ on (Unknown) cannot be found.

10. Click Browse.

11. Click the arrow next to the Drives menu.

12. Select the drive letter (for example, E or G) with the CD icon.

13. Click OK.

14. Click OK again.

The computer automatically installs the DVD device driver onto the hard-disk drive. After the DVD device driver is installed, your computer emits two beeps notifying you that the MPEG-2 PC Card is recognized.

15. Click Finish.

After the driver software installation has been completed, an installation application for the DVD-to-Go Player software launches automatically. During the installation, you may need to wait for 6 to 8 seconds between some of the installation windows while the software is being installed from the CD. Do not try to rush through the installation as you may skip over some important steps. Provide all requested information. For example, be sure to select the appropriate region code.

Creating the Save-to-Disk Suspend File

If you are installing a new hard-disk drive or if you are rebuilding a hard-disk drive with corrupted software and you want to be able to use the save-to-disk suspend mode, you must use the phdisk.exe utility on the Dell Inspiron 3500 System Software CD to create a save-to-disk suspend file. When save-to-disk suspend mode is activated, all system data is stored in this file.

To create the save-to-disk suspend file, perform the following steps:

1. Insert the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette into the external diskette drive.

2. Restart the system.

3. When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears, select Start computer with CD-ROM Support and press <Enter>.

4. When the MS-DOS® prompt appears, insert the Dell Inspiron 3500 System Software CD into the CD-ROM or optional DVD-ROM drive.

5. At the MS-DOS prompt, type x:, where x is the drive letter for your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and press <Enter>.

The MS-DOS prompt changes to your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

6. Type cd\utility and press <Enter>.

7. Type phdisk/create/file and press <Enter>.

The utility calculates the size of the file, in kilobytes, based on the amount of system memory in your computer, plus 2 MB of video memory and additional system requirements.

8. Follow the instructions on your screen to create the save-to-disk suspend file.

To check the size of the save-to-disksuspendfile,typephdisk/info at an MS-DOS prompt and press <Enter>.

If you need to delete the save-to-disksuspendfile,typephdisk/delete/file at an MS-DOS prompt and press <Enter>.

Installing the System User’s Guide

See Documentation to download the Dell Inspiron 3500 System User’s Guide, if needed. Click Dell Inspiron 3500 User's Guide (.hlp) and, when prompted, save the file to your hard-disk drive.

NOTE: Only the lower PC Card slot connector is designed for use with ZV-capable PC Cards.

NOTE: Your only chance to select the region code occurs during the installation procedure. You cannot change it later. Each region, as defined in the installation software, encodes DVDs differently. You cannot switch back and forth between differently coded regional DVDs. Once you choose a region, your PC Card can only play DVDs designed to be sold in that region.

NOTE: Make sure that there is a space between phdisk/create and/file.

Reinstalling Device Drivers

If a driver and/or a utility that came with your computer is corrupted, you may wish to reinstall it individually.

The reinstallation procedures for the video driver, the internal modem driver, the audio driver, and the touch pad driver are the same as the installation procedures.

External Monitor: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer

Use the 15-pin monitor connector to attach an external monitor to the computer. If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the monitor connector. Use the following procedure to connect an external monitor:

1. Turn off the external monitor and your computer.

Set the monitor on a monitor stand, desktop, or other level surface near the computer.

2. Connect the external monitor's video cable to the computer.

Plug the monitor cable connector into the matching monitor connector at the back of the computer. If the cable is not permanently attached to the monitor, connect it to the monitor also. Tighten all the screws on the monitor cable connector(s) for proper connection.

3. Connect your external monitor to a grounded electrical outlet.

Plug the three-prong connector on one end of the monitor's power cable into a grounded power strip or some other grounded power source. If the cable is not permanently attached to the monitor, connect it to the monitor also.

The video image can be displayed on an external monitor, on the computer's display, or on both simultaneously. To toggle between the three display modes, press <Fn><F8>.

If the external monitor is turned off when you boot the computer, and if the Video Display Device category is set to CRT Mode in the Main menu of the Setup program, the computer sends the video image to the external monitor. In this case, you do not see an image on either the computer's display or on the external monitor. To resolve this situation, turn on the external monitor or press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image to the computer's display.

Whether you are using an appropriately equipped multifrequency monitor only or you are using an external monitor and the built-in display simultaneously, you can display up to 16 million colors at a noninterlaced resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels.

CAUTION: Do not place the monitor directly on top of your portable computer, even if it is closed. Doing so can crack the computer case, the display, or both.

NOTE: When the external monitor and built-in display are used simultaneously, the refresh rate is always 60 Hz. Each time you press <Fn><F8>, the computer switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the built-in display, an external monitor, both displays simultaneously.

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