DELL Inspiron 3700 Service Manual

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Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

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Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference

Conventions Technical Overview Using the Computer Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT Technical Specifications

System Setup Program System Codes and Messages Passwords and Security Ports and Connectors Power Sources Power Conservation Removing and Replacing Parts Documentation

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, DualPoint, ExpressCharge, and Inspiron are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, MS-DOS, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks, and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

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Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

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: 20 Sep 1999 Last revised: 22 Dec 1999

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Conventions: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

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Conventions: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Typographical Conventions

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:

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

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.

Typographical Conventions

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

● 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.

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

Example: <Enter>

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Conventions: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

● Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless otherwise indicated) to perform a

single function.

Example: <Ctrl><Alt><Enter>

● 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.”

● Filenames and directory names are presented in lowercase bold.

Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows

● 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>.”

● 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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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

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Technical Overview: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference

System Features IRQ Line Assignments

Video

Memory

System Features

This section describes the major hardware and software features of your computer. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the front and back view of the computer, respectively.

Figure 1. Front View of the Computer

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

Display latch

DualPoint buttons

Air intake

Battery bay

Security cable slot

Touch pad

TV-out S-video connector

Keyboard

Audio connectors (3)

Track stick

Integrated microphone

Power button

Speaker

Keyboard status indicators

Media bay

Display

Figure 2. Back View of the Computer

Speaker

PS/2 connector

Security cable slot

USB connector

Hard-disk drive

Docking connector

PC Card slot

Device access/status indicators

Infrared port

Parallel port connector

AC adapter connector

Video connector

Serial port connector

Fan

Hardware Features

● An Intel® mobile microprocessor incorporating the latest processor technology.

● An internal, Level 1 (L1) cache consisting of 64 kilobytes (KB) of high-speed memory that resides in the

processor core. The microprocessor has either a 128-KB or 256-KB (integrated) Level 2 (L2) cache or a 512KB pipelined-burst static random-access memory (SRAM) (external) L2 cache.

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

● A minimum of 32 megabytes (MB) of synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) system

memory, with support for a maximum of 512 MB.

● A media bay in which you can install a variety of modules, including a diskette drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-

ROM drive (on computers running Microsoft® Windows® 98 Second Edition), Zip drive, SuperDisk LS-120 drive, second battery, or a second hard-disk drive.

NOTES: Your computer was shipped with a diskette drive in the media bay. For information on removing the diskette drive and installing a different device in the bay, see "Using the Media Bay" in Chapter 2 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

Because the Microsoft Windows NT® operating system does not support DVD technology, the DVD-ROM drive is available only on computers that use the Windows 98 Second Edition operating system.

● A 64-bit hardware-accelerated ATI Mobility-M video controller with 8 MB of video memory, accelerated

graphics port (AGP) 2X, 3D assist, motion compensation, extended desktop, OpenGL support, and a flickerfree TV-out S-video connector.

● An active-matrix extended graphics array (XGA) or super extended graphics array (SXGA) thin-film transistor

(TFT) color display.

● ESS Maestro-2E audio controller with hardware wavetable support and 3D surround sound.

● Integrated stereo speakers and microphone.

● Mini-Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) connectors for connecting external speakers, headphones, or an external

microphone to the computer.

● A TV-out S-video connector and composite TV-out adapter cable that allows you to connect a television to

your computer. You can obtain the latest video drivers on Dell's World Wide Web site at http://www.dell.com/ filelib.

● Ultra direct memory access (DMA)/33 data transfer protocol for Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)/

integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard-disk drive interface. Ultra DMA/33 allows data transfer rates of up to 33 MB/second.

● An integrated keyboard that includes two special keys that support the Windows operating systems.

● Dell™ DualPoint™ integrated pointing device, which provides a Personal System (PS)/2-compatible touch pad

that provides full mouse functionality, and a track stick to control the cursor on the display screen. These pointing devices are positioned for both left- and right-handed users. The track stick is positioned in the keyboard to allow you to move the cursor while keeping your fingers in a typing position. Two sets of left and right buttons, which are located above and below the touch pad, mimic mouse buttons. You can also perform many pointing functions by tapping the touch pad or the track stick. Click-and-drag buttonless functions are also supported.

● Universal Serial Bus (USB) capability, which simplifies connecting peripheral devices such as mice, printers,

and computer speakers. The USB port connector on your computer's back panel provides a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and computer speakers. Also, you can connect and disconnect USB-compliant devices while the computer is running.

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

NOTES: Microsoft Windows NT® does not support USB functions.

If you attach a USB device that was not included in your original system configuration, you may need to install a specific driver for that device to obtain its full functionality. Contact the USB device manufacturer for more information.

● A lithium-ion battery in the battery bay, with support for a second battery in the media bay. The Dell

ExpressCharge™ technology charges a single battery in approximately 1 hour (when the computer is off or in save-to-disk suspend [S2D] mode).

● An Infrared Data Association (IrDA) 1.1-compliant infrared port that permits you to transfer files without

connecting cables.

NOTE: Windows NT does not support IrDA.

● A PC Card slot with connectors for two 3.3-volt (V) or 5-V cards. Both PC Card connectors support CardBus

technology. In addition, the lower PC Card connector (slot 0) supports the use of a zoomed video (ZV) port card.

NOTE: Windows NT does not support zoomed video functions.

● One high-performance serial port connector.

● One parallel port connector that can be set to AT, PS/2, enhanced parallel port (EPP), or extended capabilities

port (ECP) mode.

● One PS/2 keyboard/mouse port connector.

● One docking connector for the optional advanced port replicator (APR).

● A security cable connector to which you can attach a commercially available security cable to prevent

unauthorized removal of the computer.

Software Features

● Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition or Windows NT operating system installed on your hard-disk drive.

● Virus-scanning software for computers that ship with Windows 98.

● A standard set of video drivers provided for supporting video resolutions greater than 640 x 480 pixels.

● Audio utilities for computers with integrated audio capabilities.

● DualPoint integrated pointing device software, which allows you to set the default for the type of cursor

pointing device you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag-and-drop features of both the touch pad and track stick.

● Optional software DVD decoder driver on computers that use the Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition

operating system.

NOTE: Windows NT does not support the DVD decoder driver.

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

● Two power management modes—standby mode and S2D mode—that help conserve battery power.

● The System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing system configuration information.

● Software support for the optional APR.

● Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer's components and devices. For information on using the

diagnostics, refer to "Running the Dell Diagnostics" in Chapter 3 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

Customizing Your System Configuration

As the computer environment changes, you may want to use the System Setup program to customize the configuration of your computer. The System Setup program lets you control the hardware and software features of

the computer. It also helps you reduce power consumption when the computer is running on battery power.

Available Options and Upgrades

● APRs

● Additional batteries

● External keyboards and a numeric keypad

● External monitors

● External pointing devices

● External speakers, headphones, and microphones

● Printers

● Hard-disk drives

● Second hard-disk drive for the media bay

● DVD-ROM drive modules

● SuperDisk LS-120 drive modules

● AC adapter

● PC Cards

● 32-, 64-, 128-, 192-, and 256-MB memory modules

● Carrying case

Instructions for connecting or installing these options are included in the upgrade kit you receive from Dell.

Video

The Dell-installed video drivers work with the operating system to let you customize the video resolution and number

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

of screen colors on your display.

NOTE: The Dell-installed video drivers are designed to offer the best performance on your computer. Dell recommends that you use only these drivers with your factory-installed operating system.

Table 1 lists the combinations of resolutions and colors that the computer supports.

Table 1. Display Resolution, Colors, and Refresh Rates

Resolution

Color Depth

Computer Display Only— Available Refresh Rate

Television as Secondary Display— Available Refresh

640 x 480 (video graphics array [VGA])

256 (8-bit) 60, 75, 85 hertz (Hz) 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

640 x 480 (VGA) 65 k (16-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 640 x 480 (VGA) 16 M (24-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 640 x 480 (VGA) 4.2 B (32-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

800 x 600 (super VGA [SVGA]) 256 (8-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 800 x 600 (SVGA) 65 k (16-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 800 x 600 (SVGA) 16 M (24-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 800 x 600 (SVGA) 4.2 B (32-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

1024 x 768 (XGA) 256 (8-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1024 x 768 (XGA) 65 k (16-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1024 x 768 (XGA) 16 M (24-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1024 x 768 (XGA) 4.2 B (32-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

1280 x 1024 (SXGA)* 256 (8-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1280 x 1024 (SXGA)* 65 k (16-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1280 x 1024 (SXGA)* 16 M (24-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1280 x 1024 (SXGA)* 4.2 B (32-bit) 60, 70, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

1400 x 1050 (SXGA Plus)* 256 (8-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1400 x 1050 (SXGA Plus)* 65 k (16-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1400 x 1050 (SXGA Plus)* 16 M (24-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1400 x 1050 (SXGA Plus)* 4.2 B (32-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

1600 x 1200 (UGA)* 256 (8-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

1600 x 1200 (UGA)* 65 k (16-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1600 x 1200 (UGA)* 16 M (24-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1600 x 1200 (UGA)* 4.2 B (32-bit) 60 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL

*NOTE: Pan mode may be turned on for the 1280 x 1024 (super XGA [SXGA]), 1400 x 1050 (SXGA Plus), and 1600 x 1200 (ultra graphics array [UGA]) computer displays. In pan mode, the screen resolution is too high to be completely displayed on the computer display. For example, the taskbar that usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the rest of the screen, use the touch pad or track stick to pan up and down and left and right.

To display more colors, select a lower resolution. If you select a resolution and color combination that the system does not support, the system automatically selects the next supported combination.

NOTE: Color depth is based on 256 colors for 8-bit, 65,536 colors for 16-bit, 16,842,752 colors for 24-bit, and 4,294,967,296 colors for 32-bit displays.

To find the maximum color depth for various combinations of resolutions without DVD or 3D software, select the primary resolution in the first column and move across the row to the right under the corresponding second resolution.

Table 2. Display Resolution and Color Depth Without DVD and 3D Software Running (in Bits)

Secondary

640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 1280 x 1024

r i

640 x 480 (8 bit) 32 32 32 32 800 x 600 (8 bit) 32

32 32 1024 x 768 (8 bit) 32 32 32 32 1280 x 1024 (8 bit) 32 32 32 32 1600 x 1200 (8 bit) 32 32 32 32 640 x 480 (16 bit) 32 32 32 32 800 x 600 (16 bit) 32 32 32 32 1024 x 768 (16 bit) 32 32 32 32 1280 x 1024 (16 bit) 32 32 32 32 1600 x 1200 (16 bit) 32 32 24 24 640 x 480 (24 bit) 32 32 32 32 800 x 600 (24 bit) 32 32 32 32 1024 x 768 (24 bit) 32 32 32 32 1280 x 1024 (24 bit) 32 32 32 24 1600 x 1200 (24 bit) 24 24 16 8

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

640 x 480 (32 bit) 32 32 32 32 800 x 600 (32 bit) 32 32 32 32 1024 x 768 (32 bit) 32 32 32 24 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) 32 32 24 16 1600 x 1200 (32 bit) 8 8 -- --

IRQ Line Assignments

Problems can arise if two devices attempt to use the same interrupt request (IRQ) line. To avoid this type of conflict, check the documentation for the default IRQ line setting for each installed device. Then consult Table 3 to configure

the device for one of the available IRQ lines.

NOTES: Installed devices cannot share the same COM port address. The default address of your computer's serial port is COM1.

To view IRQ line assignments in the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the System icon. Select the Device Manager tab, and then double-click Computer.

Table 3. IRQ Line Assignments

IRQ Line Reserved/Available

IRQ0 Reserved; generated by the system timer IRQ1 Reserved; generated by the keyboard controller to signal that the keyboard output buffer is full IRQ2 Reserved; generated internally by the interrupt controller to enable IRQ8 through IRQ15 IRQ3 Available for use by a PC Card unless the integrated serial port or infrared port is configured for COM2

or COM4

IRQ4 Available for use by a PC Card unless the integrated serial port or infrared port is configured for COM1

(the default) or COM3 IRQ5 Available for use by the audio controller IRQ6 Generated by the diskette drive controller to indicate that the diskette drive requires the attention of the

microprocessor IRQ7 Available for use by a PC Card or audio controller if the parallel port is disabled IRQ8 Reserved; generated by the system input/output (I/O) controller's real-time clock (RTC) IRQ9 Reserved; generated by the video controller IRQ10 Available for use by a PC Card or audio controller unless the APR is attached IRQ11 Generated by USB, PC Card, and audio controllers; available for use by a PC Card

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

IRQ12 Reserved; generated by the keyboard controller to indicate that the output buffer of the DualPoint

integrated pointing device or the external PS/2 mouse is full IRQ13 Reserved; generated by the math coprocessor IRQ14 Reserved; generated by the hard-disk drive to indicate that the drive requires the attention of the

microprocessor IRQ15 Reserved; generated by the CD-ROM drive in the media bay to indicate that the drive requires the

attention of the microprocessor

Memory

Memory Allocations

Table 4 provides a map of the conventional memory area. When the microprocessor or a program addresses a

location within the conventional memory range, it is physically addressing a location in main memory.

NOTE: To view memory allocations in Windows 98, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the System icon. Click the Device Manager tab, and then double-click Computer.

Table 4. Conventional Memory Map

Address Range Use

0000h-003FFh Interrupt vector table 00400h-00FFFF BIOS data area 00500h-005FFh MS-DOS® and BASIC work area 00600h-9FBFFh User memory

Table 5 provides a map of the upper memory area. Some of these addresses are dedicated to various system

devices, such as the system/video basic input/output system (BIOS). Others are available for use by expansion cards and/or an expanded memory manager (EMM).

When the microprocessor or a program addresses a location within the upper memory area, it is physically addressing a location within one of these devices.

Table 5. Upper Memory Map

Address Range Use

0009FC00-0009FFFF PS/2-mouse data area 000A0000-000BFFFF Video random-access memory (RAM) 000C0000-000CFFFF Video BIOS

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

000CC000-000CDFFF Reserved for PC Card 000F0000-000FFFFF System BIOS 00100000-03FFFFFF High memory area FD000000-FDFFFFFF Video RAM FF200000-FF2FFFFF Video RAM FFFE0000-FFFFFFFF BIOS ROM

I/O Memory Map

Table 6 provides a map of memory addresses reserved by the system for peripheral I/O devices. Use the information

in Table 6 to determine if the memory address of an external peripheral (such as a PC Card) conflicts with a memory address reserved by the computer.

Check the documentation of the external I/O device to determine its memory address. If there is a conflict with a memory address reserved by the computer, change the address of the device.

NOTE: To view I/O addresses in Windows 98, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the System icon. Click the Device Manager tab, and then double- click Computer.

Table 6. I/O Memory Map

Address Device

0000-001F DMA controller #1 0020-003F Interrupt controller #1 0040-005F System timers 0060-006F Keyboard controller 0070-007F RTC and nonmaskable interrupt (NMI) enable 0080-009F DMA page registers 00A0-00BF Interrupt controller #2 00C0-00DF DMA controller #2 00F0-00FF Math coprocessor 0170-0177 CD-ROM drive controller 01F0-01F7 Hard-disk drive controller 0210-0217 Audio controller 0220-022F Audio controller

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Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

0270-0277 Fast IR 0376-0376 Integrated drive electronics (IDE) controller 0378-037F LPT1 0388-038B Audio controller 038B-03BB Video graphics array (VGA) 03C0-03DF VGA 03E0-03E1 PC Card controller 03E8-03EF Fast IR 03F0-03F7 Diskette controller 03F8-03FF COM1 0530-0537 Audio controller 0778-077B

Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) registers ECE0-ECFF USB controller FFA0-FFAF

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)-IDE bus registers

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Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

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Using the Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference

Storage Devices Dell DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device

CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives PC Cards

Audio Devices Display

Embedded Numeric Keypad Extended Desktop

Key Combinations

Storage Devices

Using the Media Bay

Your computer comes with a diskette drive installed in the media bay. You can also install a battery, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, a SuperDisk LS-120 drive module, or second hard-disk drive in the media bay. To make the computer as light as possible, use the travel module in the media bay in place of any of the available drives.

NOTICE: When the CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, LS-120, and diskette drives are not inside the computer, they are fragile and must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Do not press down on the drives or place heavy objects on top of them. Place the drives in a travel case to keep them free of dust and liquids. Store the drives in a safe place.

If your system is running Microsoft® Windows NT® with Softex Docking Services installed or if your system is running Microsoft Windows® 98 with Softex BayManager installed, see "Installing Devices in the Media Bay With

Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager Software

If your system does not have Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager, see "

Installing Devices in the Media

Bay Without Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager Software

Installing Devices in the Media Bay With Softex Docking Services or BayManager Software

Your computer may be using Windows 98 with Softex BayManager software or Windows NT with Softex Docking

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Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

Services software. This software allows you to hot-swap devices such as diskette drives, hard-disk drives, SuperDisk LS-120 drives, CD-ROM drives, and DVD-ROM drives to and from your computer’s media bay. Hot-swapping capability allows you to remove and replace a device while the computer is on. You do not have to shut down or restart the computer for the device to be recognized.

To install a device in the media bay, perform the following steps:

1. Verify that the Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program is set to Any Time.

2. Save your work and close all open files and application programs.

3. If the computer is docked, undock it.

4. Double-click the Docking Services or BayManager icon in the Windows system tray on the taskbar. The

Softex BayManager window appears for Windows 98, and the Docking Services window appears for Windows NT.

5. Click Remove/Swap.

6. If the media bay contains a device, remove the device as follows: a. Close the computer display and turn the computer over.

b. Slide the media bay latch toward the Unlock icon.

Keep holding the media bay latch with one hand while pulling the device out of the bay with the other hand.

c. After you remove the device, release the media bay latch.

7. Slide the new device firmly into the media bay.

You should hear a click when the device is fully seated.

NOTE: Softex BayManager and Softex Docking Services do not report a second battery installed in the media bay on the Storage Devices tab.

8. Click OK. Then click OK again to close the Softex window.

For the latest information on these services and their use, and to view the Softex software user’s guides, see the Web site at

http://www.dell.com/us/en/bsd/topics/products_latit_softex.htm.

Installing Devices in the Media Bay Without Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager

To install a device in the media bay, perform the following steps:

1. Verify that the Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program is set to Any Time.

2. Save your work and close all open files and application programs.

3. Turn your computer off.

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Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference

4. If the computer is docked, undock it.

5. If the media bay contains a device, remove the device as follows: a. Close the computer display and turn the computer over.

b. Slide the media bay latch toward the Unlock icon.

Keep holding the media bay latch with one hand while pulling the device out of the bay with the other hand.

c. After you remove the device, release the media bay latch.

6. Slide the new device firmly into the media bay.

You should hear a click when the device is fully seated.

7. Dock the computer if necessary.

8. Turn on the computer.

Using the Diskette Drive

Your computer was shipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive (see Figure 1) in the media bay. To use another device in the media bay, first remove the diskette drive. For detailed instructions on installing devices in the media bay, see

"Using the Media Bay" in Chapter 2 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

NOTE: If the computer is docked to the advanced port replicator (APR), turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a diskette drive.

The diskette drive lets you install programs and transfer data using 3.5-inch diskettes.

Figure 1. Diskette Drive Installed in Computer

To use the diskette drive, insert a 3.5-inch diskette into the drive (label side up and metal end first). Push the diskette into the drive until the eject button extends outside the drive casing.

NOTICE: Do not travel with a diskette in the diskette drive. Doing so could break the eject button and damage the drive.

To remove a diskette from the drive, press the eject button to release the diskette, and then pull the diskette out of

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the drive.

When data is being accessed from the diskette drive in the media bay, the drive access indicator blinks.

NOTE: You can use the diskette drive externally by connecting it to the parallel port connector on the back of the computer. If you are running the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system on your computer and the Diskette Reconfig option is enabled in the System Setup program, you do not have to reboot the computer when you connect the diskette drive to the parallel port connector. If you are running the Microsoft Windows NT operating system on your computer, you do need to reboot the computer after you connect the diskette drive.

Setting up a Second Hard-Disk Drive

The first time you install a second hard-disk drive in the media bay, you must format that drive. For instructions, see the documentation that came with the device.

CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives

Using the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives

The DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives are read-only devices that let you play most commercially available 8- or 12centimeter (cm) sound and video CDs on the computer. In addition to playing most CDs, the DVD-ROM drive can also play DVDs. Dell installed the appropriate CD-ROM drive device drivers on your hard-disk drive.

Use the DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive in the computer’s media bay. Neither the DVD-ROM nor CD-ROM drive can be used externally. You must turn the computer off before installing the DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive in the media bay. For detailed instructions on installing devices in the media bay, see "Using the Media Bay" in Chapter 2 of the

Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

Figure 2. DVD-ROM or CD-ROM Drive Installed in Computer

NOTICE: Protect the DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives when they are not in the media bay. Do not squeeze the drive or place objects on top of it; doing so could damage the drive motor. Keep the drive as clean as possible.

NOTICE: If the CD or DVD is not seated correctly, the drive can be damaged.

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To play a CD, press the eject button on the face of the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive or press <Fn><F10>. When the tray slides out, place the CD into the tray label side up. Make sure that the CD is seated correctly on the spindle by pressing down on the disc until it clicks in place. Then gently push in the tray.

To play a DVD, press the eject button on the face of the DVD-ROM drive or press <Fn><F10>. When the tray slides out, place the DVD into the tray label side up. Make sure that the DVD is seated correctly on the spindle by pressing down on the disc until it clicks in place. Then gently push in the tray.

NOTICE: Do not use the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive while the computer is in motion. Doing so could interrupt the flow of data between the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM and the hard-disk drive or diskette drive.

When the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive is in use, the drive access indicator blinks on the computer’s front panel.

Caring for CDs and DVDs

When handling and using CDs and DVDs, follow these precautions:

● Never use a damaged or warped CD or DVD.

● Always hold the CD or DVD by its edges. Do not touch the surface of the disc.

● Use a clean, dry cloth to remove dust, smudges, or fingerprints from the surface of the CD or DVD. When

cleaning, wipe from the center of the CD or DVD to the edge.

● Never use solvents, such as benzene, record cleaners, or antistatic sprays, to clean the CD or DVD.

● Do not write on the surface of the CD or DVD.

● Store CD or DVDs in their containers, placing them in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures may damage

CDs or DVDs.

● Do not bend or drop a CD or DVD.

● Do not place objects on top of a CD or DVD.

Types of Supported Discs

Your computer's CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives are able to play the following types of disc formats:

● CD-ROM red-book compact disc-digital audio (CD-DA)

● CD-ROM yellow-book mode-1 and mode-2 data discs

● CD-ROM Extended Architecture (CD-ROM/XA) (mode-2 form 1 and form 2; without Adaptive Differential Pulse

Code Modulation [ADPCM])

● CD-Interactive (CD-I) (mode-2 form 1 and form 2)

● CD-I Ready

● CD-Bridge

● Photo CD, CD-recordable (CD-R) (single and multisession)

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● Video CD

● CD-rewritable (CD-RW) (the 24x CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives support reading CD-RW discs—this format is

supported as read-only; neither the CD-ROM nor the DVD-ROM drive can write to this type of disc)

● DVD-5 (DVD-ROM drive supports DVD-5 format)

Audio Devices

You can connect speakers, a microphone, headphones, and record/playback devices such as cassette players, CD players, and VCRs to the audio connectors on the computer. The connectors are located on the right side of the computer. Dell recommends using amplified speakers for the best sound.

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

You can control the sound coming from the external speakers and the computer's integrated speakers with the volume control dial. You can also use the keyboard to adjust the volumes. Press <Fn><Page Dn> to lower the volume. Press <Fn><Page Up> to increase the volume. Press <Fn><End> to enable or disable both the integrated and external speakers.

NOTE: If no sound comes from the speakers, make sure that the sound is not disabled. Press <Fn><End> and check the volume control dial.

See "Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98" and "Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT® " for information about reinstalling the audio drivers. The drivers are located on the System Software CD.

Embedded Numeric Keypad

As you work, you may want to use the embedded numeric keypad (see Figure 3) to enter numbers in spreadsheet or financial programs. The embedded numeric keypad shares some of the keys on your computer's keyboard. The

number and symbol characters are marked to the right on these keys; the cursor-control functions are marked on the front of these keys. To activate the embedded numeric keypad, press <Num Lk>. (The Num Lock indicator lights up).

Figure 3. Embedded Numeric Keypad

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Some key combinations can be used whether the keypad is off or on.

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 1). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press

<Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the numeric keypad combinations in Table 1 to enable and disable several numeric keypad functions.

Table 1. Embedded Numeric Keypad Key Combinations

When Keypad Is On Function

<Num Lk> Toggles the embedded numeric keypad off <Fn><key> Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables the

lowercase characters/functions of the keyboard

<Fn><Shift><key> Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables the

uppercase characters/functions of the keyboard

<Shift><cursor key> Temporarily enables a cursor-control key in the embedded numeric

keypad

When Keypad Is Off Function

<Num Lk> Toggles the embedded numeric keypad on <Fn><cursor key> Temporarily enables a cursor-control key in the embedded numeric

keypad

Key Combinations

Display Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 2). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press

<Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 2 to adjust the computer's display.

NOTE: The display key combinations function for super-twist nematic (STN) displays only.

Table 2. Display Key Combinations

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Key Combinations

Function

<Fn> + down arrow

Incrementally decreases brightness.

<Fn> + up arrow

Incrementally increases brightness.

<Fn> + right arrow

Decreases contrast, which has no effect on an active-matrix display.

<Fn> + left arrow

Increases contrast, which has no effect on an active-matrix display.

<Fn><F5> Toggles the computer's display between regular video mode and reverse video mode (white on

black). This key combination works only if the computer is in text mode; it has no effect if the

computer is running a graphical operating system or application program. <Fn><F7> Toggles the computer’s display between expanded mode and regular video mode. <Fn><F8> Switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the display, an external

monitor, or both the display and the monitor simultaneously. This key combination may not be

supported under certain conditions.

<Fn><d>

Turns off the display. This key combination may not be supported under certain conditions.

The extended desktop feature (the ability to simultaneously display video of the same content and resolution on both the computer display screen and the external monitor) is not supported if the computer is booted to MS-DOS®, using a full-screen MS-DOS session under a Microsoft Windows operating system, or the ATI Mobility M1 video driver is not loaded. This limitation may also be noted in operating systems other than Microsoft Windows.

Certain key combinations may not function with the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) or may require configuration with the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel. See

"Power Conservation."

Power Conservation Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 3). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press

<Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 3 to activate or turn off the computer's power conservation features.

Table 3. Power Conservation Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<Fn><d> Turns off the display*

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<Fn><h> Turns off the hard-disk drive* <Fn><Esc> Activates sleep or standby mode <Fn><a> or

<Fn><q> on French keyboards

Activates save-to-disk suspend (S2D) mode or hibernate mode(ACPI only)*

* This key combination does not function with ACPI if the settings have not been configured with the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel. See

Power Conservation.

Processing Speed Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see

Table 4). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press

<Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 4 to change the computer's processing speed.

Table 4. Processing Speed Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<Fn><\> Switches between the microprocessor's maximum speed and a slower compatibility speed <Ctrl><\> In full MS-DOS mode or in a full-screen DOS box, switches between the microprocessor’s

maximum speed and a slower compatibility speed

Speaker Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 5). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press

<Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 5 to adjust the computer's speaker volume and to enable and disable the speakers.

Table 5. Speaker Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<Fn><Page Up> Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and the external speakers, if attached <Fn><Page Dn> Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and the external speakers, if attached <Fn><End> Enables and disables the integrated speakers and the external speakers, if attached

System Function Key Combinations

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NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 6). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press

<Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 6 to access MS-DOS, open the System Setup program, and open the Battery Status screen of the System Setup program.

Table 6. System Function Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<Ctrl><Alt><Del> Restarts (reboots) the computer in MS-DOS mode. In the Microsoft Windows 98 and

Windows NT operating systems, click the Start button and click Shut Down. <Fn><F1>* Opens the System Setup program. <Fn><F3>* Opens the Battery Status screen of the System Setup program.

* This key combination does not function with ACPI.

CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drive Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions. To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

To eject the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM tray, press <Fn><F10>.

Dell™ DualPoint™ Integrated Pointing Device

Cursor Pointing Devices

Your computer is equipped with the unique Dell DualPoint integrated pointing device. The DualPoint integrated pointing device supports two types of cursor pointing devices (see Figure 4 and Figure 5) that perform traditional

mouse functions: the touch pad and the track stick. You can choose to use the touch pad only, the track stick only, or both at the same time.

Two sets of buttons located above and below the touch pad enable you to perform standard mouse functions with your thumb without removing your hands from the keyboard. You can also take advantage of the option to use "buttonless" selection features by clicking or double-clicking on either the touch pad or the track stick.

DualPoint integrated pointing device software allows you to set the default for the type of cursor pointing device you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag-and-drop features of both the touch pad and the track stick.

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NOTES: When enabled, the DualPoint integrated pointing device (whether touch pad only, track stick only, or both) uses interrupt request (IRQ) 12. No other device can use IRQ12 while the DualPoint integrated pointing device is enabled.

When you attach an external Personal System/2 (PS/2)-mouse to the computer, the DualPoint integrated pointing device is automatically disabled.

Using the Dell DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device

The PS/2 touch pad (see Figure 4) detects the position of your finger over a touch-sensitive area to position the cursor within the display screen. The touch pad provides the computer with full mouse functionality. The touch pad’s two buttons, located directly below the touch pad, correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

Figure 4. PS/2 Touch Pad

To best use the touch pad, use the following techniques:

● To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the smooth sensor area.

● To select an object, gently tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch

pad button. The touch pad buttons perform standard mouse functions.

● To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and double-tap on the touch pad. On

the second tap, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger across the surface.

● To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap the touch pad or the left touch pad

button twice.

Using the Track Stick

The track stick (see Figure 5) detects the pressure and direction that you move your finger when touching the track stick cap located near the center of the keyboard. The two buttons located between the touch pad and the space bar on the keyboard correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

Figure 5. Track Stick

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To best use the track stick, use the following techniques:

● To move the cursor, apply pressure to the track stick with your right or left index finger. Press up or down to

move the cursor to the top or bottom of the display screen. Press left or right to move the cursor to the left or right of the display screen.

● To select an object, tap once on the track stick or use your thumb to press the left track stick button. The track

stick buttons perform standard mouse functions.

● To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object. Then press and hold the left track

stick button. Leave your thumb on the button and move the selected object by pressing the track stick in the desired direction.

● To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap the left track stick button twice or tap

the track stick itself twice. The track stick functions much like the touch pad in that it allows you to use buttons for mouse functions or the pointing device itself.

Customizing the DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device

The DualPoint integrated pointing device software allows you to set the default for the type of cursor pointing device you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag-and-drop features of both the touch pad and track stick. To customize the DualPoint integrated pointing device, perform the following steps:

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

2. Double-click the Mouse icon to open the Mouse Properties window and click the Touch tab.

3. Select the settings that work best for you and click Apply.

4. Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

You can also click the touch pad icon on the taskbar and click Touch Pad Properties to open the Mouse Properties control panel.

Changing the Track Stick Cap

Your computer came with four additional track stick caps in assorted colors. You may need to change the track stick cap if it wears down from prolonged use.

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To change the track stick cap, perform the following steps:

1. Pull the cap off the track stick (see Figure 6).

Figure 6. Removing the Track Stick Cap

2. Align a new cap over the square track stick post and gently press the cap down onto the post.

3. Test the track stick to ensure that the cap is seated properly.

PC Cards

About PC Cards

The computer has a slot into which you can install up to two PC Cards if the PC Cards comply with Release 2.01 of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard and Release 4.2 of the Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA) standard.

The computer supports type I, type II, and type III PC Cards (including memory cards) and advanced technology attachment (ATA) cards that emulate integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard-disk drives. Also supported are input/ output (I/O) cards such as modems, local area network (LAN) cards, wireless LAN cards, and small computer system interface (SCSI) cards.

If you are using the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, you can use a zoomed video (ZV) PC Card only in the lower PC Card connector. (The Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system does not support ZV.)

NOTES: A PC Card is not a boot device. The "type" of a card refers to its thickness, not its functionality.

Your computer recognizes most I/O cards and automatically loads the device driver associated with that card.

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NOTICE: Take extra precautions if you use extended PC Cards in your computer. Extended cards are longer versions of standard PC Cards. They fit into, and operate correctly with, your computer. However, they extend beyond the edge of the computer when installed. If something strikes the exposed end of an installed card, your system board can be damaged. Because of space considerations, you may have trouble using two PC Cards in your computer if one of them is an extended card. It may be easier to use an extended card if you install it in the upper PC Card connector. Always remove an extended PC Card before you pack the computer in its carrying case.

Installing PC Cards

You can use the following PC Card combinations in the PC Card slots:

● A single type I or type II card (using either the upper or lower PC Card connector)

● A single type III card (using the lower PC Card connector only)

● One type I card and one type II card (using either connector)

● Two type I cards or two type II cards

NOTE: Use a ZV PC Card in the lower connector only.

PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol, such as a triangle or an arrow, to indicate which end should be inserted into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

You do not need to turn off your computer or exit standby mode before you install a PC Card. To install a PC Card (see Figure 7), perform the following steps:

1. If necessary, remove the blank from the PC Card connector you intend to use by pressing the eject button and pulling the blank out.

2. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up.

3. Insert the card into the slot, and press in firmly until the card is completely seated in the internal PC Card

connector.

4. If you encounter too much resistance when inserting it, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation and try again.

Figure 7. Installing a PC Card

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