Dell Inspiron 4150 User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Owner’s Manual

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Hints, Notices, and Cautions

HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better

use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of

data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,

personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

F or a co mplete list of abbr eviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

____________________

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, Inspiron, Dell TrueMobile, Dell Pr ecision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, DellNet, Dell T ravelLite, AccessDirect, DellPlus, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims an y proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

November 2002 P/N 1R408 Rev. A02

CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

General Power

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Air Travel EMC Instructions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

When Using Your Computer

Ergonomic Computing Habits When Working Inside Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Battery Disposal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

A Tour of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Front View Left Side View Right Side View

Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bottom View

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable Connecting a Parallel Printer Connecting a USB Printer

Transferring Information to a New Computer With Windows

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Setting Up a Home and Office Network With Windows XP

. . . . 33

Contents 3

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Copying CDs

Using Easy CD Creator Basic Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

How to Copy a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

About the Module Bay Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

. . . . . . 38

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Running . . . . . . . 39

Using the Floppy Drive as an External Device Enabling the Infrared Sensor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . 40

Connecting a Television to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

S-Video Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Composite Video Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Enabling the Display Settings for a Television

Setting Up the Dolby Headphone

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . 47

Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network . . . . 49

Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors Line Conditioners

Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

2 Solving Problems

Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Accessing Help

4 Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Error Messages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

If the display is blank

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

If only part of the display is readable

Sound and Speaker Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

If you have a problem with integrated speakers If you have a problem with external speakers

Printer Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

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Modem and Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Scanner Problems Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

External Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Unexpected Characters Drive Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk drive If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

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If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . . . . . . 68

If the CD-RW drive stops writing If you have problems with a hard drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

PC Card Problems Network Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

A program crashes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Contents 5

A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Error messages appear

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

E-Mail Problems If Your Computer Gets Wet

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Resolving Other Technical Problems Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP. . . . . . . . . 76

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . 77

Using Microsoft

Creating a Restore Point Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

Windows® System Restore . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . 80

Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Before You Reinstall

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Reinstalling Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Reinstalling Drivers and Software

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

3 Adding and Replacing Parts

Palm Rests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Display Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Hard Drive

6 Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Memory, Mini PCI Card, and Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Adding Memory Adding a Mini PCI Card

Adding a Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

4 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Definition of “Dell-Installed” Software and Peripherals Definition of “Third-Party” Software and Peripherals

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

. . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . 107

. . . . . 108

. . . . . . . . . 108

Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

Limited Warranties and Return Policy

Limited Warranty for the U.S. "Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

. . . . . . . . . 132

Limited Warranty Terms for Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (Canada Only) Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only)

. . . . . . . . 136

. . . . . . . . . 137

One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only)

Intel

Warranty Statement for Pentium® and

Celeron

Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only). . . . . . . 139

. . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Contents 7

8 Contents

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help ensur e your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage.

General

• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.

• If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.

• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on. Restricting airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.

• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such a s a desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.

• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.

• Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact with exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement

• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an electrical stor m is approaching to avoid the remote risk of elec t r ic shock from lightning via the telephone line.

CAUTION: Safety Instructions 9

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.

• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum wir e si ze of 26 A merican wir e gauge (AWG) and an FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.

• Before you open the memory module/Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of your

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computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone cable.

• If your computer has a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector, insert the telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not the R-45 connector.

•PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.

• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

Power

• Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.

(continued)

• Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.

• To remove the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.

• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-prong plugs to provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the appropriate type, 2-prong or 3-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.

• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and that the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.

10 CAUTION: Safety Instructions

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

• If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use caution when plugging the AC adapter’s power cable into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you to insert the plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage to your computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the ground prong of the power plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of the power strip.

(continued)

Battery

• Use only Dell™ battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of other types may increase the risk of fire or e xplosion.

• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.

• The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.

• Keep the battery away from children.

• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator , fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60ºC (140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.

• Do not dispose of your computer’s battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged battery promptly.

CAUTION: Safety Instructions 11

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Air Travel

• Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are on board an aircraft. For example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.

– In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is

equipped with Dell TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication device,

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EMC Instructions

Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classificati on for the intended environment. F or parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell at its worldwide website at www.dell.com.

please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.

– Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable computer, may be prohibited in

aircraft during certain critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing. Some airlines may further define the critical flight phase as any time the aircraft is below 3050 m (10,000 ft). Please follow the airline’s specific instructions as to when the use of a PED is allowed.

(continued)

Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer’s input/output panel.

12 CAUTION: Safety Instructions

When Using Your Computer

Observe the following safe-handling guidelines to prevent damage to your computer:

• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.

• When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.

• When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the computer. You can put the hard drive through an X-ray security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.

• When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.

• Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexpo sure to sunlight.

• When you move your computer between environments with very different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the computer.

NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a warmer environment

or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before turning on power.

• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

• Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by its edges, not its pins.

• When preparing to remove a memory module from the system board or disconnect a device from the computer, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and then wait 5 seconds before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.

When Using Your Computer 13

When Using Your Computer

• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and water. Apply the water to the cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. Remove moisture from the display quickly and keep the display dry. Longterm exposure to moisture can damage the display. Do not use a commercial window cleaner to clean your display.

• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in "Solving Problems" on page72 or 73. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 108 for the appropriate contact information).

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Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAU TION: Improper or prolonge d keyboard use may result in injur y. CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of

time may result in eye strain.

F or comfort an d efficiency, observe the ergonomi c guidelines in the Tell Me How help file when setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 56.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before removing or installing memory modules, Mini PCI cards, or modems, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

(continued)

NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is when you are

installing memory modules, a Mini PCI card, or a modem.

NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing

a memory module, Mini PCI card, or modem to help prevent possible damage to the system board.

Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.

1 2 Disconnect your computer and devices from electrical outlets to reduce the potential for

personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3 Remove the main battery from the battery bay and, if necessary, the secondary battery

from the module bay.

14 When Using Your Computer

When Using Your Computer

4 Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel on the back of

the computer. While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any static electricity that

might harm internal components.

(continued)

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):

• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.

• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.

• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.

Battery Disposal

Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) reserve battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion battery in your computer, refer to the section about replacing the battery in your Dell computer documentation. The NiMH battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, the procedure must be performed by an authorized service technician.

Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.

When Using Your Computer 15

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16 When Using Your Computer

SECTION 1

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

A Tour of Your Computer Setting Up a Printer Transferring Information to a New Computer With

Windows

Setting Up a Home and Office Network With

Windows XP Connecting to the Internet Copying CDs Turning Off the Computer About the Module Bay Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Running Using the Floppy Drive as an External Device Enabling the Infrared Sensor Connecting a Television to the Computer Setting Up the Dolby Headphone Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network Power Protection Devices

Dell AccessDirect button

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power button

keyboard

touch pad/track stick buttons

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

display latch

keyboard status lights

air vent

microphone

device status lights

battery bay

display latch button module bay

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

touch pad

DISPLAY L ATCH — Keeps the display closed.

EYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS — The green lights located above the keyboard

indicate the following:

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled

Turns on when the caps lock function is enabled

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled

IR VENT — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the

vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to

accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a lowairflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

ICROPHONE — Allows you to record audio.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

HINT: The computer

turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

Turns on when you turn on the computer.

Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while

the light is flashing.

Turns on steadily or blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. It also blinks to indicate battery charge status.

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If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:

• Solid green: The battery is charging.

• Flashing green: The battery is fully charged.

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:

•Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).

•Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.

•Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

TOUCH PAD — Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a

mouse. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

ODULE BAY — You can install devices such as an optical drive or the Dell

TravelLite™ module in the module bay.

ISPLAY LATCH BUTTON — Press this button to release the display latch and

open the display.

ATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without

connecting it to an electrical outlet. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

EYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft

Windows® logo key . F or information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

OWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter

or exit a power management mode. If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the

computer turns off completely (which may take about 4 seconds).

NOTICE: Turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown (see

page 38). Otherwise, you may lose data.

ELL™ ACCESSDIRECT™ BUTTON — Press this button to launch various

resources, such as support and educational tools. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

Left Side View

PC Card slot

hard drive

security cable slot

speaker

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

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PC CARD SLOT — Has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including modems and network adapters. For mor e information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

ARD DRIVE —Reads and writes data on a hard disk.

ECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft

device to the computer. Instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.

NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the

security cable slot.

PEAKERS — Press the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume

of the integrated speakers. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Right Side View

modem connector

infrared sensor

speaker

audio connectors network connector

SPEAKERS — Press the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of the integrated speakers. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

NFRARED SENSOR — The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your

computer to another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections.

S-video TV-out connector

air vent

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

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AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach a microphone to the connector. Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

ODEM CONNECTOR

Connect the telephone line to the optional modem connector.

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer. To access device user’s guides, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

NETWORK CONNECTOR

Connects the computer to a network. The lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network communications.

For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer. To access device user’s guides, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector.

Do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.

IDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

S-V

Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see page 42.

AIR VENT — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to

accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a lowairflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

Back View

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off

the computer before you disconnect an external device.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

HINT: The computer

turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to

accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a lowairflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

AC adapter connector

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serial connector

fan

docking connector fan

PS/2 connector

video connector

parallel connector

USB connector

AN — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents,

which prevents the computer from overheating.

ERIAL CONNECTOR

Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.

PARALLEL CONNECTOR

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to the parallel connector using the optional floppy drive cable.

DOCKING CONNECTOR

Connects the optional docking device. A docking device allows you to easily use external devices with your computer, such as an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional information.

HINT: Docking devices

may not be available in all countries.

PS/2 C

USB C

ONNECTOR

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects PS/2-compatible devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.

Shut down the computer before attaching or r emoving a PS/2-compatible device. If the device does not work, install the device drivers from the floppy disk or CD that came with the device, and restart the computer.

Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

Connects an external monitor. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 56.

HINT: You can use the

integrated keyboard and an external keyboard at the same time. When you attach a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 numeric keypad, the integrated keypad is disabled.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

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AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach the AC adapter to the computer.

The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power requir e d by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with e lectrical outlets

worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outle t may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the

adapter cable connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Bottom View

fan

docking device latch

device latch releases

memory module, Mini PCI card, and modem cover

FAN — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

EVICE LATCH RELEASES — Press a latch release to remove a device in the

module bay or battery bay. See page 38.

EMORY MODULE, MINI PCI CARD, AND MODEM COVER — Protects

the memory module(s) and the optional modem. See page 93.

OCKING DEVICE LATCH — Latches onto the docking device.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to

the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers

• Connect the printer to the computer

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge

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• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a Parallel Printer

1 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so. 2 Turn off the computer (see page 38).

NOTICE: For best results, use a 3 m (10 ft) or shorter parallel cable.

Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the

computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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