Dell inspiron 4150 schematic

Dell Inspiron 4150

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

A Tour of Your Computer
Solving Problems
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Reinstalling the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System
Using the System Setup Program
Power Management
Using the Dell Diagnostics
Specifications
Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors
Removing and Replacing Parts
Documentation

CAUTION: Follow the safety instructions in the Owners Manual to help

protect your computer from damage and ensure your own personal
safety.

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

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file (see
"Accessing Help").

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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

A Tour of Your Computer

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View

Front View

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Display Latch — Keeps the display closed.

Keyboard 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

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Air Vent — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which

prevents the computer from overheating.

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 low-airflow environment, such as a
closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the
computer or cause a fire.

Microphone — Allows you to record audio.

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.

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

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.

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 (see "

Accessing Help").

Module Bay — You can install devices such as an optical drive or the Dell TravelLite™

module in the module bay.

Display Latch Button — Press this button to release the display latch and open the display.

Battery Bay — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting it

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to an electrical outlet. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file (see "Accessing

Help").

Touch Pad/Track Stick Buttons — Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard

mouse.

Keyboard — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows®

logo key,

. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see the Tell Me How help

file (see "

Accessing Help").

Power 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. Otherwise, you

may lose data.

Dell™ 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 (see
"

Accessing Help").

Left Side View

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PC Card Slot — Has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including

modems and network adapters. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file (see
"

Accessing Help").

Hard Drive — Stores software and data.

Security 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.

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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 (see "

Accessing

Help").

Right Side View

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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 (see "

Accessing

Help").

Infrared Sensor — The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your computer to

another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections.

Audio Connectors

Attach a microphone to the connector.

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Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Modem 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 "Need Additional Help?" in the Tell Me How help
file (see "

Accessing Help").

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 "Need Additional Help?" in the Tell
Me How help file (see "

Accessing Help").

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NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not

plug a telephone line into the network connector.

S-Video TV-Out Connector

Connects your computer to a TV.

Air Vent — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which

prevents the computer from overheating.

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 low-airflow 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.

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

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

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Fan — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents

the computer from overheating.

Serial Connector

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

Parallel Connector

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

HINT: Docking devices may not be available in some countries.

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.

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PS/2 Connector

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.

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

Shut down the computer before attaching or removing a PS/2­compatible 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.

USB Connector

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

Video Connector

Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using
the Display" in the Tell Me How help file (see "

Accessing Help").

AC Adapter Connector — Attach the AC adapter to the computer.

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

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However,

power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an
incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or
electrical outlet 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.

Bottom View

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Fan — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents

the computer from overheating.

Device Latch Releases — Press a latch release to remove a device in the module or battery

bay.

Memory Module Cover — Protects the memory module(s), the optional Mini PCI card, and

the optional modem (see "

Memory Modules, Mini PCI Card, and Modem").

Docking Device Latch — Latches onto the docking device.

Back to Contents Page

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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Solving Problems

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Accessing Help
Power Problems
Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
Sound and Speaker

Problems

Printer Problems
Modem and Internet

Connection Problems

Scanner Problems
Touch Pad or Mouse

Problems

External Keyboard Problems

Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
PC Card Problems
Network Problems
General Program Problems
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your

Computer

Resolving Other Technical

Problems

Accessing Help

To access the Tell Me How help file —

1. Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.

2. Click User and system guides and then click User's guides.

3. Click Tell Me How.

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To access help in Microsoft® Windows® XP —

1. Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.

2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click the
arrow icon.

3. Click the topic that describes your problem.

4. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.

Power Problems

HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on power management

modes (see "

Accessing Help").

Check the power light — When the power light is lit or blinking, the

computer has power. If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby
mode—press the power button to exit a standby mode. If the light is off,
the computer is either in a power management mode or off—press the
power button to exit a power management mode or to turn on the
computer.

Charge the battery — The battery charge may be depleted.

1. Reinstall the battery.

2. Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

3. Turn on the computer.

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Check the battery status light — If the battery status light flashes

orange or is a steady orange, the battery charge is low or depleted.
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot
to charge. Shut down the computer, disconnect the computer from the
electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room
temperature.

If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be
defective. Contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact information.

Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by

testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the

AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.

Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power

protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the
computer turns on.

Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

Adjust the power properties — Your computer may be in standby or

hibernate mode. For information on power management modes, see the Tell
Me How help file, or search for the keyword standby or hibernate in the

Windows XP Help and Support Center (see "

Accessing Help").

Reseat the memory modules — If the computer power light turns on but

the display remains blank,

reseat the memory modules.

Error Messages

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If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the
program that was running at the time the message appeared.

The file being copied is too large for the destination drive — The file

that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too
full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.

A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ?
" < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames.

Insert bootable media — The operating system is trying to boot to a

nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

Non-system disk or disk error — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive.

Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.

Not enough memory or resources. Exit some programs and try again
— You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the

program that you want to use.

Operating system not found — Contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual

for contact information.

A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to

open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program.

1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.

2. Click Add or Remove Programs.

3. Select the program you want to remove.

4. Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the
screen.

5. See the program documentation for installation instructions.

x:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — Insert a disk into the

drive and try again.

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Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

HINT: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your

computer supports, Dell recommends that you attach an external monitor to
your computer.

Check the

light — When the light is blinking, the computer has

power.

● If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press

the power button to exit standby mode.

● If the light is off, press the power button.

● If the light is on, your power management settings may have

caused the display to turn off. Try pressing the power button.

Check the battery — If you are using a battery to power your computer,

the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical
outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.

Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by

testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the

AC adapter has a light, ensure that it is on.

Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power

protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the
computer turns on.

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Adjust the Power Properties — Your computer may be in standby or

hibernate mode. For information on power management modes, see the Tell
Me How help file, or search for the keyword standby or hibernate in the

Windows XP Help and Support Center (see "

Accessing Help").

Switch the video image — If your computer is attached to an external

monitor, press

to switch the video image to the display.

If the display is difficult to read

Adjust the brightness — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on

adjusting the brightness (see "

Accessing Help").

Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor — If your

external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is
at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

Rotate the computer to face a different direction — Eliminate sunlight

glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

Adjust the Windows display settings —

1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.

2. Click Appearance and Themes.

3. Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.

4. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.

See "Error Messages" — If an error message appears, see "

Error

Messages."

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If only part of the display is readable

Connect an external monitor —

1. Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the
computer.

2. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor
brightness and contrast controls.

If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may
be defective. Contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact
information.

Sound and Speaker Problems

If you have a problem with integrated speakers

Adjust the Windows® volume control — Double-click the speaker icon

in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned
up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble
controls to eliminate distortion.

Adjust the volume using keyboard shortcuts — Press

to

disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.

Reinstall the sound (audio) driver — See "

Reinstalling Drivers and

Utilities."

If you have a problem with external speakers

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HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume

setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, make sure that you did not
turn the player volume down or off.

Check the speaker cable connections — See the setup diagram supplied

with the speakers.

Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by

testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Ensure that the speakers are turned on — See the setup diagram

supplied with the speakers.

Adjust the Windows volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in

the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up
and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls
to eliminate distortion.

Test the speakers — Plug the speaker audio cable into the line-out

connector on the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is
turned up. Play a music CD.

Run the speaker self-test — Some speaker systems have a self-test

button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test
instructions.

Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent

lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

Reinstall the sound (audio) driver — See "

Reinstalling Drivers and

Utilities."

Printer Problems

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Check the printer cable connections — Ensure that the printer cable is

properly connected to the computer.

Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by

testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Ensure that the printer is turned on — See the documentation supplied

with the printer.

Verify that Windows® recognizes the printer —

1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.

2. Click Printers and Other Hardware.

3. Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer model is
listed, right-click the printer icon.

4. Click Properties, and then click the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print

to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).

Reinstall the printer driver — See "

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting

the modem to a digital telephone network damages the modem.

NOTICE: Modem and network connectors look similar. Do not plug a telephone

line into the network connector.

HINT: If you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), your modem

is functioning properly. If you are sure that your modem is working properly and
you still experience problems, contact your ISP.

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Check the telephone wall jack — Disconnect the telephone line from the

modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that
you have touch tone telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a
different telephone wall jack.

Slow connection speeds can be caused by telephone noise as well as by
telephone line or network conditions. Contact your telephone company or
network administrator for more information.

Connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack — If you have

other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine,
fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the
telephone line to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.

Check the connection — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the

modem.

Check the telephone line — Try using a different telephone line. If you

are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

Irregular dial tone — If you have voice mail service, you might hear an

irregular dial tone when you have messages. Contact your telephone
company for instructions on restoring a dial tone.

Turn off call waiting (catch-phone) — See your telephone directory for

instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking
connection properties.

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2. Click Printers and Other Hardware, click Phone and Modem

Options, click the Dialing Rules tab, and then click Edit....

3. In the Edit Location window, ensure that To disable call waiting,
dial: is checked, and then select the proper code as listed in your
telephone directory.

4. Click Apply and click OK.

5. Close the Phone and Modems Options window.

6. Close the Control Panel window.

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Verify that the modem is communicating with Windows —

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2. Click Printers and Other Hardware and click Phone and Modem
Options.

3. Click the Modems tab.

4. Click the COM port for your modem.

5. Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query
Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

Scanner Problems

Check the power cable connection — Ensure that the scanner power

cable is firmly connected to a working electrical outlet and that the scanner
is turned on.

Check the scanner cable connection — Ensure that the scanner cable is

firmly connected to the computer and to the scanner.

Unlock the scanner — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a

locking tab or button.

Reinstall the scanner driver — See the scanner documentation for

instructions.

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

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Check the touch pad settings —

1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers
and Other Hardware.

2. Click Mouse.

3. Try adjusting the settings.

Check the mouse cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the

mouse cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check the cable
connector for bent or broken pins. Firmly reconnect the cable.

If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the
mouse directly to the computer.

To verify that the problem is with the mouse, check the touch pad —

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Disconnect the mouse.

3. Turn on the computer.

4. At the Windows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor
around, select an icon, and open it.

If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.

Reinstall the touch pad driver — See "

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities."

External Keyboard Problems

HINT: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains

fully functional.

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Check the keyboard cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the

keyboard cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check the cable
connector for bent or broken pins. Firmly reconnect the cable.

If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the
keyboard directly to the computer.

Check the external keyboard —

1. Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.

2. Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the
keyboard blink during the boot routine.

3. From the Windows® desktop, click the Start button, point to
Programs, point to Accessories, and click Notepad.

4. Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they
appear on the display.

If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external
keyboard.

To verify that the problem is with the external keyboard, check the
integrated keyboard —

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Disconnect the external keyboard.

3. Turn on the computer.

4. From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to
Programs, point to Accessories, and click Notepad.

5. Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they
appear on the display.

If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you
may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell. See your Owner's
Manual for contact information.

Unexpected Characters

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Disable the numeric keypad — Press to disable the numeric

keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers
lock light is not lit.

Drive Problems

HINT: For information on saving files to a floppy disk, see the Tell Me How help

file (see "

Accessing Help").

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk drive

Ensure that Windows® recognizes the drive — Click the Start button

and click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with
your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can
sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable

disk and restart the computer. Verify that the

light is blinking,

indicating normal operation.

Ensure that the disk is not write-protected — You cannot save data to

a write-protected disk.

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Try another floppy disk — Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility

that the original disk is defective.

Reinstall the drive —

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut
down the computer.

2. Remove the drive from the module bay.

3. Reinstall the drive.

4. Turn on the computer.

Clean the drive — See "Cleaning Your Computer" in the Tell Me How help

file for instructions (see "

Accessing Help").

If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD

HINT: Because of different worldwide file types, not all DVD titles work in all

DVD drives.

High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This noise does not
indicate a defect with the drive or the CD.

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Ensure that Windows® recognizes the drive — Click the Start button

and click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with
your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can
sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable

disk and restart the computer. Verify that the

light is blinking,

indicating normal operation.

Try another disc — Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the

original disc is defective.

Adjust the Windows volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in

the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up
and that the sound is not muted.

Reinstall the drive —

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut
down the computer.

2. Remove the drive.

3. Reinstall the drive.

4. Turn on the computer.

Clean the drive or disc — See "Cleaning Your Computer" in the Tell Me

How help file for instructions (see "

Accessing Help").

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive
tray

1. Ensure that the computer is turned off.

2. Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the
front of the drive; push firmly until the tray is partially ejected.

3. Gently pull out the tray until it stops.

If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding

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sound

● Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.

● Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.

If the CD-RW drive stops writing

Disable standby or hibernate mode in Windows before writing to a
CD-RW — For more information on disabling power management modes,

search for the keyword standby or hibernate in the Windows XP Help and
Support Center (see "

Accessing Help").

Change the write speed to a slower rate — See the help files for your

CD creation software.

Exit all other open programs — Exiting all other open programs before

writing to the CD-RW may alleviate the problem.

If you have problems with a hard drive

Allow the computer to cool before turning it on — A hot hard drive

may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer
to return to room temperature before turning it on.

Check the drive for errors —

1. Click the Start button and click My Computer.

2. Right-click the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for
errors, and then click Properties.

3. Click the Tools tab.

4. Under Error-checking, click Check Now.

5. Click Start.

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PC Card Problems

Check the PC Card — Ensure that the PC Card is properly inserted into the

connector. See the Tell Me How help file for more information (see
"

Accessing Help").

Ensure that the card is recognized by Windows® — Double-click the

Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the

card is listed.

If you have problems with a Dell-provided PC Card — Contact Dell.

See your Owner's Manual for contact information.

If you have problems with a PC Card not provided by Dell — Contact

the PC Card manufacturer.

Network Problems

Check the network cable connector — Ensure that the network cable

connector is firmly connected to the connector on the computer and the
network wall jack.

Check the network lights on the network connector — Green indicates

that the network connection is active. If the status light is not green, try
replacing the network cable. Amber indicates that the network adapter
driver is loaded and the adapter is detecting activity.

Restart the computer — Try to log on to the network again.

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Contact your network administrator — Verify that your network settings

are correct and that the network is functioning.

General Program Problems

A program crashes

HINT: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or

on a floppy disk or CD.

See the software documentation — Many software manufacturers

maintain websites with information that may help you solve the problem.
Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. Reinstall the
program if necessary.

A program stops responding

End the program —

1. Simultaneously press

.

2. Click the Applications tab, and then select the program that is no
longer responding.

3. Click End Task.

If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a proper shutdown,
press the power button until the computer turns off. Press the power button
again to restart the computer.

Error messages appear

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Review "Error Messages" — Look up the message and take the

appropriate action. See the software documentation.

E-Mail Problems

Ensure that you are connected to the Internet — With the Outlook

Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check mark
next to it, click the check mark to remove it and connect to the Internet.

If Your Computer Gets Wet

CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain that it is

safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, Dell
recommends that you turn off AC power at the circuit breaker before
attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical outlet. Use
the utmost caution when removing wet cables from a live power source.

1. Shut down the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, and
then disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.

2. Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from their power
sources and then from the computer.

3. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the
computer.

4. Remove the module bay device and any installed PC Cards, and put them in a
safe place to dry.

5. Remove the battery.

6. Wipe off the battery and put it in a safe place to dry.

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7. Remove the hard drive.

8.

Remove the memory module(s).

9. Open the display and place the computer right-side up across two books or
similar props to let air circulate all around it. Let the computer dry for at least
24 hours in a dry area at room temperature.

NOTICE: Do not use artificial means, such as a hair dryer or a fan, to speed the

drying process.

CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shock, verify that the computer is

thoroughly dry before continuing with the rest of this procedure.

10. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the
computer.

11.

Replace the memory module(s), the memory module cover, and the screw(s).

12.

Replace the hard drive.

13. Replace the module bay device and any PC Cards you removed.

14. Replace the battery.

15. Turn on the computer and verify that it is working properly.

HINT: See "Limited Warranties and Return Policy" in your Owner's Manual for

information on your warranty coverage.

If the computer does not start, or if you cannot identify the damaged components,
contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact instructions.

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the
computer.

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2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the computer and from the electrical outlet.

3. Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from their power
sources and then from the computer.

4. Remove and reinstall the battery.

5. Turn on the computer.

HINT: See "Limited Warranties and Return Policy" in your Owner's Manual for

information on your warranty coverage.

If the computer does not start, or if you cannot identify the damaged components,
contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact instructions.

Resolving Other Technical Problems

Go to the Dell | Support website — Go to support.dell.com for help

with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. See "Dell
Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" in your Owner's Manual for a
description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

E-mail Dell — Go to support.dell.com and then click E-Mail Dell in the

Communicate list. Send an e-mail message to Dell about your problem;

you can expect to receive an e-mail message from Dell within hours. See
"Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" in your Owner's Manual for a
description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

Contact Dell — If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell support

website or e-mail service, call Dell for technical assistance. See your
Owner's Manual for contact information. See "Dell Technical Support Policy
(U.S. Only)" in your Owner's Manual for a description of the hardware and
software support provided by Dell.

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Back to Contents Page

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Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Overview
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

Overview

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers and utilities already
installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems

that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software
appropriate for your operating system.

To reinstall drivers for optional devices such as wireless communications, DVD drives,
and ZIP drives, you may need the CD and documentation that came with those
devices.

NOTICE: The Dell | Support website, support.dell.com, and the Drivers and

Utilities CD provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers

from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

To reinstall a driver or utility from your Drivers and Utilities CD:

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

2. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

In most cases, the CD starts running automatically. If it does not, start
Microsoft® Windows® Explorer, click your CD drive directory to display the CD
contents, and then double-click the autocd.exe file. The first time that you run

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the CD, it might prompt you to install setup files. Click OK, and follow the
instructions on the screen to continue.

3. From the Language drop-down menu in the toolbar, select your preferred
language for the driver or utility (if available).

A welcome screen appears.

4. Click Next. The CD automatically scans your hardware to detect drivers and
utilities used by your computer.

After the CD completes the hardware scan, you can also detect other drivers and
utilities. Under Search Criteria, select the appropriate categories from the
System Model, Operating System, and Topic drop-down menus.

A link or links appear(s) for the specific drivers and utilities used by your
computer.

5. Click the link of a specific driver or utility to display information about the driver
or utility that you want to install.

6. Click the Install button (if present) to begin installing the driver or utility. At
the welcome screen, follow the screen prompts to complete the installation.

If no Install button is present, automatic installation is not an option. For
installation instructions, either see the appropriate instructions in the following
subsections, or click Extract, follow the extracting instructions, and read the
readme file.

If instructed to navigate to the driver files, click the CD directory on the driver
information window to display the files associated with that driver.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP

HINT: If you are reinstalling an infrared sensor driver, you must first enable the

infrared sensor in the system setup program (see "

Using the System Setup

Program") before continuing with the driver installation.

1. After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous

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

2. Click the Start button and right-click My Computer.

3. Click Properties.

4. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

5. Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver (for
example, Modems or Infrared devices).

6. Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

7. Click the Driver tab and then click Update Driver.

8. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced), and then click
Next.

9. Click Browse, and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the
driver files.

10. When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.

11. Click Finish and restart your computer.

Using Microsoft Windows XP Device Driver
Rollback

If you install a new device driver that causes system instability, you can use the
Windows XP Device Driver Rollback utility to replace the new device driver with the
previously installed version of the device driver. If you cannot reinstall your previous
driver by using the Device Driver Rollback utility, then use System Restore to return

your operating system to its previous operating state before you installed the new
device driver. To use Device Driver Rollback:

1. Click the Start button and right-click My Computer.

2. Click Properties.

3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

4. In the Device Manager window, right-click the device for which the new driver
was installed and then click Properties.

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5. Click the Drivers tab.

6. Click Roll Back Driver.

Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities

In the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system, IRQ conflicts occur if a device
either is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly
configured. To check for IRQ conflicts on your computer:

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2. Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.

3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

4. In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting
device or a red X if the device has been disabled.

5. Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties window so
that you can determine what needs to be reconfigured or removed from the
Device Manager.

6. Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.

7. Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.

8. Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.

The Properties window appears.

If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window
reports what other devices are sharing the device's IRQ.

9. Resolve any IRQ conflicts.

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You can also use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter. To use the
troubleshooter, click the Start button and click Help and Support. Type hardware

troubleshooter in the Search field, and then click the arrow to start the search.
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list. In the Hardware

Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
computer, and then click Next.

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System
Restore

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a System Restore utility that
allows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state if changes to the
computer's hardware, software (including new hardware or program installations), or
system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. You can also
undo the last system restore.

System Restore automatically creates system checkpoints. You can also manually
create your own checkpoints by creating restore points. To limit the amount of hard
disk space used, older restore points will be automatically purged.

To resolve an operating system problem, you can use System Restore from Safe Mode
or Normal Mode to return your computer to an earlier operating state.

System Restore does not cause you to lose personal files stored in the My
Documents folder, data files, or e-mail messages after restoring the computer to an
earlier time. If you restore the computer to an operating state that existed before you
installed a program, the program's data files are not lost, but you must reinstall the
actual program again.

NOTICE: It is important to make regular backups of your data files. System

Restore does not monitor changes to or recover your data files. If the original
data on the hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten, or if it becomes
inaccessible because of a hard disk malfunction, use your backup files to
recover the lost or damaged data.

System Restore is enabled on your new computer. However, if you reinstall Windows

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XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is
automatically disabled. Before you use System Restore, confirm that it is enabled.

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2. Click the Performance and Maintenance.

3. Click System.

4. Click the System Restore tab.

5. Ensure that Turn off System Restore is not checked.

Creating a Restore Point

In Windows XP, you can either use the System Restore Wizard or manually create a
restore point.

Using the System Restore Wizard

To use the System Restore Wizard, click the Start button, click Help and Support,
click System Restore, and then follow the instructions in the System Restore
Wizard window. You can also create and name a restore point if you are logged on as
the computer administrator or a user with administrator rights.

Manually Creating a Restore Point

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools,
and then click System Restore.

2. Click Create a restore point.

3. Click Next.

4. Type a name for the new restore point in the Restore point description field.

The present date and time are automatically added to the description of the new
restore point.

5. Click Create.

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6. Click OK.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating
State

If problems occur after installing a device driver, first try using Device Driver Rollback.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before restoring the computer to an earlier operating state, save and

close all open files and exit all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any
files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools,
and then click System Restore.

2. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click
Next.

3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see
and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear
in bold.

4. Select a restore point and click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is
automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the
restore point that you want to use.

5. Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes
collecting data, and then the computer automatically restarts.

6. After the computer restarts, click OK.

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To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different
restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Save and close all open files and exit all open programs. Do not alter,

open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools,
and then click System Restore.

2. Select Undo my last restoration and click Next.

3. Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears, and then the computer automatically
restarts.

4. After the computer restarts, click OK.

Back to Contents Page

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Reinstalling the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Reinstalling the Microsoft® Windows®
XP Operating System

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Before reinstalling the Microsoft Windows XP operating system to correct a problem,
try correcting the problem by using Windows System Restore.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling the

Windows XP operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files
installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive.
Therefore, do not reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a
Dell technical support representative.

1. Insert the Operating System CD.

2. Shut down the computer, and then turn on the computer.

3. Press any key when the Press any key to boot from CD message appears on
the screen.

4. When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press

to select To

set up Windows now.

5. Read the information in the License Agreement window, and then press
on your keyboard to agree with the license information.

6. If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover
your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and then go to

step 15.

If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press

to select the fresh

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copy option and then press on the next screen to select the highlighted
partition (recommended). Then follow the instructions on the screen.

7. The Windows XP Setup screen appears and Windows XP begins to copy files
and install the device drivers. The computer automatically restarts multiple
times before it requires additional input.

8. When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click the green arrow icon at
the bottom of the screen to continue. Then follow the instructions on the screen
to finish the installation.

9. When the Regional Settings screen appears, select the settings for your locale,
and then click Next.

10. Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software screen,
and then click Next.

11. If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, enter a name for your
computer when the Computer Name window appears, and then click Next.

If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, enter a name for your computer
and a password when the Computer Name and Administrator Password
window appears, and then click Next.

12. If you have a modem installed, the Modem Dialing Information screen
appears. Enter the requested information and click Next.

13. Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window
and click Next.

14. If your computer has a network adapter, select the appropriate network
settings. If your computer does not have a network adapter, you do not see this
option.

Windows XP begins to install its components and configure the computer. The
computer automatically restarts.

15. When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click the green arrow icon at
the bottom of the screen to continue. Then follow the instructions on the screen
to complete the installation.

16. Remove the CD from the drive.

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17. Reinstall the appropriate drivers.

18. Reinstall your virus protection software.

Back to Contents Page

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Using the System Setup Program: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Using the System Setup Program

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Overview
Viewing the System Setup Screens
System Setup Screens
Commonly Used Options

Overview

The system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer.

NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by

Dell technical support, do not change the settings for this program. Certain
changes might make your computer work incorrectly.

Viewing the System Setup Screens

1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2. When the Dell™ logo appears, press

immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see
the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

System Setup Screens

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HINT: To see information about a specific item on a system setup screen,

highlight the item and refer to the Help area on the screen.

The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your
computer. On each screen, the system setup options are listed at the left. To the right
of each option is a field that displays the setting or value for that option. You can
change settings that appear as white type on the screen. Options or values that you
cannot change (because they are determined by the computer) appear less bright.

A box in the upper-right corner of the screen displays help information for the
currently highlighted option; a box in the lower-right corner displays information
about the computer. System setup key functions are listed across the bottom of the
screen.

The screens display such information as:

● System configuration

● Boot Order

● Boot (start-up) configuration and docking-device configuration settings

● Basic device configuration settings

● Battery charge status

● Power management settings

● System security and hard-drive password settings

Commonly Used Options

HINT: Certain options require that you reboot the computer for new settings to

take effect.

Changing the Boot Sequence

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The boot sequence, or boot order, tells the computer where to look to find the
software needed to start the operating system. You can control the boot sequence
using the Boot Order page of the system setup program.

The Boot Order page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be
installed in your computer, including but not limited to the following:

● Diskette Drive

● Modular bay HDD

● Internal HDD

● CD/DVD/CD-RW drive

During the boot routine, the computer starts at the top of the list and scans each
enabled device for the operating system start-up files. When the computer finds the
files, it stops searching and starts the operating system.

To control the boot sequence, you can select (highlight) devices (by pressing the

and keys) and then enable or disable the device or change their order in

the list.

● To enable or disable a device, highlight the item and press .

Enabled items appear as white and display a small triangle to the left; disabled
items appear blue or dimmed without a triangle.

● To reorder a device in the list, highlight the device and then press or

(not case-sensitive) to move the highlighted device up or down.

Boot sequence changes take effect as soon as you save the changes and exit the
system setup program.

Performing a One-Time Boot

You can set a one-time-only boot sequence without going into the system setup
program. (You can also use this procedure to boot to the Dell Diagnostics on the
Diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.)

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1. Turn off the computer.

2. If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the
documentation that came with the docking device for instructions.

3. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

4. Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press

immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you
see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

5. When the boot device list appears, highlight the device from which you want to
boot and press

.

The computer boots to the selected device.

The next time you reboot the computer, the normal boot order is restored.

HINT: You can only boot (start up) your computer from a CD, CD-RW, or DVD

drive installed as a fixed optical drive. You cannot boot from one of these
modules installed in the module bay.

Changing Printer Modes

Set the Parallel Mode option according to the type of printer or device connected to
the parallel connector. To determine the correct mode to use, see the documentation
that came with the device.

Setting Parallel Mode to Disabled disables the parallel port and the port's LPT
address, freeing its interrupt for another device to use.

Changing COM Ports

Serial Port allows you to map the serial port COM address or disable the serial port

and its address, freeing that interrupt for another device to use.

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Using the System Setup Program: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

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Power Management: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Power Management

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Power Management Tips
Power Management Modes
Power Options Properties

Power Management Tips

HINT: See "Using a Battery" in the Tell Me How help file for more information

on conserving battery power (see "

Accessing Help").

● Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because the battery

life expectancy is largely determined by the number of times the battery is
charged.

● Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the

computer unattended for long periods of time.

● To exit a power management mode, press the power button.

Power Management Modes

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a
predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby
mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby mode.

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NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode,

it may lose data.

To enter standby mode:

● Click the Start button, click Turn off computer, and then click Stand by.

or

● Depending on how you set the power management options on the Advanced

tab in the Power Options Properties window, use one of the following

methods:

❍ Press the power button.
❍ Close the display.

❍ Press .

To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display depending on how
you set the options on the

Advanced tab. You cannot make the computer exit

standby mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad or track stick.

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the
hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits
hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering
hibernate mode.

NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your

computer is in hibernate mode.

Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically
low.

Depending on how you set the power management options on the

Advanced tab in

the Power Options Properties window, use one of the following methods to enter

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Power Management: Dell Inspiron 4150

hibernate mode:

● Press the power button.

● Close the display.

● Press .

HINT: Some PC Cards may not operate correctly after the computer exits

hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the card, or simply restart (reboot) your
computer.

To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time
to exit hibernate mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate mode by
pressing a key or touching the touch pad or track stick. For more information on
hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your operating system.

Power Options Properties

To access the Microsoft® Windows® Power Options Properties window:

1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2. Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3. Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Power Options.

Power Schemes Tab

The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the selected preset power scheme.
Depending on your operating system, typical power schemes are:

● Portable/Laptop

● Home/Office

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Power Management: Dell Inspiron 4150

● Always On

● Presentation

● Minimal Power Management

● Max Battery

HINT: Use the Portable/Laptop power scheme to maximize battery power.

Windows XP controls the performance level of the processor depending on the power
scheme you select. You do not need to make any further adjustments to set the
performance level.

Each preset power scheme has different time-out settings for entering standby mode,
turning off the display, and turning off the hard drive. For more information on power
management options, see the Windows XP Help and Support Center (see "

Accessing

Help").

Alarms Tab

HINT: To enable audible alarms, click each Alarm Action button and select

Sound alarm.

The Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm settings alert you with a
message when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive
your computer, the Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes are
selected. Dell recommends that you continue to use these settings.

Power Meter Tab

The Power Meter tab displays the current power source and amount of battery
charge remaining.

Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab allows you to:

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Power Management: Dell Inspiron 4150

● Set power icon and standby mode password options.

● Program the following functions (depending on your operating system):
❍ Prompt a user for an action (Ask me what to do).
❍ Enter standby mode.
❍ Enter hibernate mode.
❍ Shut down Windows and turn off the computer.
❍ Choose no action (None or Do nothing).

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down menu
and then click OK.

Hibernate Tab

The Hibernate tab lets you enable hibernate mode by clicking the Enable hibernate
support check box.

Back to Contents Page

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Using the Dell Diagnostics

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Features of the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
Advanced Testing
Confirming the System Configuration Information

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Whenever a major component or device in your computer does not function properly,
you may have a component failure. If you are experiencing a problem with your
computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" and run the Dell Diagnostics

before you call Dell for technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help
you to resolve the problem yourself quickly without having to contact Dell for
assistance.

If you are experienced with computers and know what component(s) you need to test,
simply select the appropriate diagnostic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure
about how to begin diagnosing a problem, see "

Starting the Dell Diagnostics" and

"

Advanced Testing."

Features of the Dell Diagnostics

The Dell Diagnostics helps you check your computer's hardware without any additional
equipment and without destroying any data. By using the diagnostics, you can have
confidence in your computer's operation. And if you find a problem you cannot solve
by yourself, the diagnostic tests can provide you with important information you will
need when talking to Dell's service and support personnel.

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

NOTICE: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only your Dell™ computer. Using this

program with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or
result in error messages.

The diagnostic test groups or subtests also have these helpful features:

● Options that let you perform quick checks or extensive tests on one or all

devices

● An option that allows you to choose the number of times a test group or subtest

is repeated

● The ability to display test results or to save them in a file

● Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected, or to terminate

testing when an adjustable error limit is reached

● Extensive online Help screens that describe the tests and how to run them

● Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were

completed successfully

● Error messages that appear if any problems are detected

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

The Dell Diagnostics are located on a hidden Diagnostic utility partition on your hard
drive.

HINT: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell. See your

Owner's Manual for contact information.

1. Turn off the computer.

2. If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the
documentation that came with the docking device for instructions.

3. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

4. Press and hold down the Dell AccessDirect™ button while you turn on the
computer.

HINT: An alternate way of starting the Dell Diagnostics is to select Diagnostics

from the

one-time boot menu.

The computer begins to run the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of
embedded diagnostics that perform initial testing on your system board,
keyboard, hard drive, and display.

● During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.

● If a component failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop

the assessment and reboot to the operating system, press

; to

continue to the next test, press

; to retest the component that

failed, press

.

● If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write

down the error code(s) and then contact Dell before continuing on to the
Dell Diagnostics. See your Owner's Manual for contact information.

● If you receive a message stating that no Diagnostics utility partition has

been found, follow the instructions on the screen to run the Dell
Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the
message Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to

continue.

5. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the Diagnostics utility partition
on your hard drive.

6. After the Dell Diagnostics loads, the Diagnostics Menu appears. To select an
option, highlight the option and press

, or press the key that

corresponds to the highlighted letter in the option you choose.

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

7. When you have finished running the Dell Diagnostics, press until you
return to the Diagnostics Menu. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and reboot the

computer, either type

, or highlight Exit and press .

Diagnostics Menu

Option Function

Test All Devices Performs extensive diagnostic tests or quick diagnostic

tests on all devices.

Test One Device Performs extensive diagnostic tests or quick diagnostic

tests on one device after you select it from a list of device
groups. After you select Test One Device, press

for

more information about a test.

Advanced Testing Allows you to modify the parameters of a test and select a

group of tests to perform. You can access online Help for
more information about Advanced Testing.

Information and Results Provides test results, test errors, version numbers of the

subtests used by the Dell Diagnostics, and additional help

on the Dell Diagnostics.
Program Options Allows you to change the settings of the Dell Diagnostics.
Exit If the Dell Diagnostics are being run from the Diagnostics

utility partition on the hard drive, reboots the computer.

If the Dell Diagnostics are being run from a CD or floppy

disk, exits to the MS-DOS® prompt.

For a quick check of your computer, select Quick Tests from the Test All Devices or
Test One Device option. Quick Tests runs only the subtests that do not require user
interaction and that do not take a long time to run. Dell recommends that you choose
Quick Tests first to increase the odds of tracing the source of the problem quickly.

For a thorough check of your computer, select Extended Tests from the Test All
Devices option.

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

To check a particular area of your computer, select Extended Tests from the Test
One Device option, or select the Advanced Testing option to customize your

test(s).

Advanced Testing

When you select Advanced Testing from the Diagnostics Menu, the following
screen appears, listing the diagnostic test groups and devices of the selected device
group, and the screen allows you to select categories from a menu. Press the arrow

keys or

to navigate the screen.

Advanced Testing Main Screen

HINT: The test groups reflect the configuration of your computer.

Information in the Advanced Testing screen is presented as follows:

● On the left side of the screen, the Device Groups area lists the diagnostic test

groups in the order they will run if you select All from the Run tests menu
category. Press

or to highlight a test group.

● On the right side of the screen, the Devices for Highlighted Group area lists

the computer's currently detected hardware and some of the relevant settings.

● Two lines at the bottom of the screen make up the menu area (see "Advanced

Testing Help Menu"). The first line lists the categories you can select; press

or to highlight a menu category. The second line gives information

about the category currently highlighted.

Advanced Testing Help Menu

For more information on using the Advanced Testing option:

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

1. Press .

2. Highlight the Help category and press

, or press the key that

corresponds to the highlighted letter in the category you choose.

Advanced Testing Help Categories

Help Category Description

Menu Provides descriptions of the main menu screen area, the device

groups, and the different diagnostic menus and commands and
instructions on how to use them.

Keys Explains the functions of the keystrokes that you can use in the

Dell Diagnostics.

Device Group Describes the test group that is presently highlighted in the Device

Groups area on the main menu screen. It also provides reasoning
for using some tests.

Device Describes the function and purpose of the highlighted device in the

Device Groups area. For example, the following information
appears when you select the Device Help category for Diskette in
the Device Groups area:

Diskette

Drive A

The diskette disk drive device reads and writes data to
and from diskettes. Diskettes are flexible recording
media, sometimes contained in hard shells. Diskette
recording capacities are small and access times are slow
relative to hard disk drives, but they provide a
convenient means of storing and transferring data.

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

Test Provides a thorough explanation of the test procedure of each

highlighted test group subtest. An example of the Diskette subtest
floppy drive Seek Test is as follows:

Diskette

Drive A - floppy drive Seek Test

This test verifies the drive's ability to position its
read/write heads. The test operates in two passes: first,
seeking from the beginning to ending cylinders
inclusively, and second, seeking alternately from the
beginning to ending cylinders with convergence towards
the middle.

Versions Lists the version numbers of the subtests that are used by the Dell

Diagnostics.

Confirming the System Configuration
Information

When you boot your computer from your Drivers and Utilities CD, the diagnostics
checks your system configuration information and displays it in the Device Groups
area on the main screen.

The following sources supply this configuration information for the diagnostics:

● The system configuration information settings (stored in NVRAM) that you

selected while using the system setup program

● Identification tests of the microprocessor, the video controller, the keyboard

controller, and other key components

● BIOS configuration information temporarily saved in RAM

Do not be concerned if the Device Groups area does not list the names of all the
components or devices you know are part of your computer. For example, you may
not see a printer listed, although you know one is attached to your computer. Instead,

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Using the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron 4150

the printer is listed as a parallel port. The computer recognizes the parallel port as
LPT1, which is an address that tells the computer where to send outgoing information
and where to look for incoming information. Because your printer is a parallel
communications device, the computer recognizes the printer by its LPT1 address and
identifies it as a parallel port. You can test your printer connection in the Parallel
Ports tests.

Back to Contents Page

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Specifications

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Microprocessor
System Information
PC Card
Memory
Ports and Connectors
Communications
Video
Audio

Display
Keyboard
Touch Pad
Track Stick
Battery
AC Adapter
Physical
Environmental

Microprocessor

Microprocessor type Intel® Mobile Pentium® 4M

microprocessor that runs at

1.6, 1.7, 1.9, or 2.0 GHz
L1 cache 8KB (internal)
L2 cache 512 KB (on die)
External bus frequency 400 MHz

System Information

System chip set Intel 845MP
Data bus width 64 bits
DRAM bus width 64 bits
Microprocessor address bus

width

32 bits

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

PC Card

CardBus controller Texas Instruments PCI 1420

CardBus controller

PC Card connector two (supports two Type I or

Type II cards or one

Type III card)
Cards supported 3.3 V and 5 V
PC Card connector size 68 pins
Data width (maximum) PCMCIA 16 bits

CardBus 32 bits

Memory

Memory module connector two user-accessible

SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities 128, 256, and 512 MB
Memory type 266-MHz DDR SDRAM
Standard memory 128 MB
Maximum memory 1 GB

Ports and Connectors

Serial 9-pin connector; 16550C-

compatible,

16-byte buffer connector
Parallel 25-hole connector;

unidirectional, bidirectional,

or ECP
Video 15-hole connector

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Audio microphone connector,

stereo headphone/speakers

connector
PS/2 keyboard/mouse 6-pin mini-DIN connector
USB 4-pin USB-compliant

connector
Infrared sensor compatible with IrDA

Standard 1.1 (Fast IR) and

IrDA Standard 1.0 (Slow IR)
Docking 200-pin connector for a

Dell™ docking device
S-video TV-out 7-pin mini-DIN connector

(optional S-video to

composite video adapter

cable)
Mini PCI Type IIIA Mini PCI card slot

with Wi-Fi (802.11b)

wireless support
Modem RJ-11 port
Network adapter RJ-45 port

Communications

Modem:

Type v.92 56K MDC
Controller softmodem
Interface internal AC 97 bus

Network adapter 10/100 Ethernet LOM

Video

Video type 64-bit hardware accelerated
Data bus 4X AGP

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Video controller ATI Mobility RADEON 7500C
Video memory 16 MB or 32 MB
LCD interface LVDS
TV support NTSC or PAL in S-video and

composite modes

Audio

Audio type AC97 (Soft Audio)
Audio controller Cirrus Logic CS4205
Stereo conversion 18-bit (analog-to-digital and

digital-to-analog)
Interfaces:

Internal PCI bus/AC 97
External microphone-in connector,

stereo headphones/speakers

connector
Speaker two 4-ohm speakers
Internal speaker amplifier 1.0-W channel into 4 ohms
Volume controls keyboard shortcuts,

program menus

Display

Type (active-matrix TFT) XGA; SXGA+; UXGA
Dimensions:

Height 214.3 mm (8.4 inches)
Width 285.7 mm (11.3 inches)
Diagonal 357.1 mm (14.1 inches)

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Maximum resolutions 1024 x 768 at 16.8 million

colors (XGA)

1400 x 1050 at 16.8 million

colors (SXGA+)

1600 x 1200 at 16.8 million

colors (UXGA)
Response time (typical) 20-ms rise (maximum),

30-ms fall (maximum)
Refresh rate 60 Hz
Operating angle 0º (closed) to 180°
Viewing angles:

Horizontal ±40°
Vertical +10°/–30°

Pixel pitch 0.28 x 0.28 mm (XGA)

0.20 x 0.20 mm (SXGA+)

0.18 x 0.18 mm (UXGA)

Power Consumption:

Panel with backlight
(typical)

6.5 W (XGA)

7.0 W (SXGA+)

7.5 W (UXGA)

Controls brightness can be controlled

through keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard

Number of keys 87 (U.S. and Canada); 88

(Europe); 91 (Japan)
Key travel 2.7 mm ± 0.3 (0.11 inch ±

0.016 inch)

Key spacing 19.05 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.75

inch ± 0.012 inch)
Layout QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Touch Pad

X/Y position resolution
(graphics table mode)

240 cpi
Size:

Width 64.8-mm (2.55-inch) sensor-

active area

Height 48.88-mm (1.92-inch)

rectangle

Track Stick

X/Y position resolution
(graphics table mode)

250 count/sec @ 100 gf
Size protrudes 0.5 mm higher

than surrounding keycaps

Battery

Type 8-cell "smart" lithium ion

(4460 mAh)
Dimensions:

Depth 88.5 mm (3.48 inches)
Height 21.5 mm (0.83 inch)

Width 139.0 mm (5.47 inches)
Weight 0.43 kg (0.95 lb)
Voltage 14.8 VDC
Charge time (approximate):

Computer on 2.5 hours

Computer off 1 hour

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Operating time 3 to 4 hours with average

usage; can be significantly
reduced under certain power­intensive conditions

See the Tell Me How help
file for more information on
battery life. See "

Accessing

Help."

Life span (approximate) 400 discharge/charge cycles
Temperature range:

Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)

Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to

149°F)

AC Adapter

Input voltage 90–264 VAC
Input current (maximum) 1.5 A
Input frequency 47–63 Hz
Output current 3.5 A
Output power 70 W
Rated output voltage 20 VDC
Dimensions:

Height 27.94 mm (1.1 inches)

Width 58.42 mm (2.3 inches)

Depth 130.80 mm (5.15 inches)
Weight (with cables) 0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
Temperature range:

Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to

149°F)

Physical

Height 36.8 mm (1.4 inches)
Width 319.5 mm (12.5 inches)
Depth 253.6 mm (9.9 inches)
Weight (with 8-cell battery):

With travel module 2.4 kg (5.3 lb)

With floppy disk drive 2.6 kg (5.7 lb)

With CD drive 2.6 kg (5.8 lb)

Environmental

Temperature range:

Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)

Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to

149°F)

Relative humidity
(maximum):

Operating 10% to 90%

(noncondensing)

Storage 5% to 95%

(noncondensing)

Maximum vibration (using a
random-vibration spectrum
that simulates user
environment):

Operating 0.9 GRMS

Storage 1.3 GRMS

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Specifications: Dell Inspiron 4150

Maximum shock (measured
with the hard drive in head­parked position and a 2-ms
half-sine pulse):

Operating 122 G

Storage 163 G
Altitude (maximum):

Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to

10,000 ft)

Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to

35,000 ft)

Back to Contents Page

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Port Locations
Serial Connector
Parallel Connector
Docking Connector

PS/2 Connector
USB Connector
Video Connector
S-Video TV-Out Connector

Port Locations

1 air intake 6 PS/2 connector
2 serial connector 7 USB connector
3 parallel connector 8 video connector
4 docking connector 9 AC adapter connector
5 air vent

Serial Connector

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Use the 9-pin serial connector to attach a serial device to the computer. The serial
connector passes data in serial format (1 bit at a time over one line). This connector
supports a variety of devices, including a serial mouse, that require serial data
transmission. If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal
information for the serial connector.

Pin Signal I/O Definition

1 DCD I Data carrier detect
2 RXDA I Receive data
3 TXDA O Transmit data
4 DTR O Data terminal ready
5 GND N/A Signal ground
6 DSR I Data set ready
7 RTS O Request to send
8 CTS I Clear to send
9 RI I Ring indicator
Shell N/A N/A Frame ground

Parallel Connector

Use the 25-hole parallel connector to attach a parallel device to the computer. The

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

parallel connector is used primarily for printers. The parallel connector transmits data
in parallel format, where 8 data bits (one byte) are sent simultaneously over eight
separate lines.

The parallel connector can also be configured for compatibility with the PS/2 standard.
Support for the EPP feature improves network adapter performance (adapters connect
to the computer's parallel connector and require the appropriate software drivers from
the adapter's manufacturer).

If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information
for the parallel connector.

Pin Signal I/O Definition

1 STB# I/O Strobe
2 D0 I/O Printer data bit 0
3 PD1 I/O Printer data bit 1
4 PD2 I/O Printer data bit 2
5 PD3 I/O Printer data bit 3
6 PD4 I/O Printer data bit 4
7 PD5 I/O Printer data bit 5
8 PD6 I/O Printer data bit 6
9 PD7 I/O Printer data bit 7
10 ACK# I Acknowledge
11 BUSY I Busy

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

12 PE I Paper end
13 SLCT I Select
14 AFD# O Automatic feed
15 ERR# I Error
16 INIT# O Initialize printer
17 SLIN# O Select in
18-25 N/A N/A Ground signal
Shell N/A N/A Frame ground

Docking Connector

Use this connector to attach your computer to the optional docking device.

Pin Signal Pin Signal Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 STRB#/5V 51 HSYNC 101 VGA_GRN 151 GND
2 PD0 52 VSYNC 102 GND 152 CLK_SPCI
3 PD1 53 GND 103 VGA_RED 153 GND
4 PD2 54 DOCKED 104 GND 154 SAD0
5 PD3 55 USB_VD1+ 105 VGA_BLU 155 SAD1

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

6 PD4 56 USB_VD1- 106 DOCK_SD/MODE 156 SAD2
7 PD5 57 GND 107 D_IRTX 157 SAD3
8 PD6 58 USB_VD2+ 108 D_IRRX 158 SAD4
9 PD7 59 USB_VD2- 109 GND 159 SAD5
10 GND 60 DOCKOC1# 110 SPIRQB# 160 SAD6
11 DOC_SPKR 61 RUN_ON# 111 SPIRQC# 161 GND
12 DOCK_MIC 62 GND 112 DAT_DDC2 162 SAD7
13 DOCK_LINE 63 NC 113 CLK_DDC2 163 SAD8
14 DOCK_CDROM 64 DOCK_SCLK 114 SPAR 164 SC/BE0#
15 GND 65 DOCK_LRCK 115 SPME# 165 SAD9
16 M_SEN# 66 DOCK_MCLK 116 GND 166 SAD10
17 POWER_SW# 67 GND 117 SSERR# 167 SAD11
18 QPCIEN# 68 +12V 118 SPERR# 168 SAD12
19 S1.6M_EN# 69 AFD# 119 SLOCK# 169 GND
20 DFDD/LPT# 70 ERROR# 120 SSTOP# 170 SAD13
21 GND 71 ACK# 121 GND 171 SAD14
22 NC 72 GND 122 SDEVSEL# 172 SAD15
23 NC 73 INIT# 123 STRDY# 173 SAD16
24 D_ATCTLED 74 SLCT_IN# 124 SIRDY# 174 SC/BE1#
25 D_PWRLED 75 BUSY 125 SFRAME# 175 SC/BE2#
26 DOCK_PWR_SRC 76 PE 126 SCLKRUN# 176 GND
27 DOCK_PWR_SRC 77 SLCT 127 GND 177 SAD17
28 DOCK_PWR_SRC 78 GND 128 SGNTA# 178 SAD18
29 GND 79 DAT_SMB 129 SREQA# 179 SAD19
30 +5VDOCK 80 DCLK_SMB 130 SGNT0# 180 SAD20
31 +5VDOCK 81 SMB_INIT# 131 SREQ0# 181 SAD21
32 +5VDOCK 82 GND 132 SPCIRST# 182 GND

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

33 +5VDOCK 83 DAT_DOCSM1 133 SH1SEL# 183 SAD22
34 +5VDOCK 84 CLK_DOCKSM1 134 GND 184 SAD23
35 GND 85 DAT_DOCKBD 135 SWRPRT# 185 SAD24
36 DOCK_PWR_SRC 86 CLK_DOCKBD 136 SDSKCHG#/DRQ 186 SC/BE3#
37 DOCK_PWR_SRC 87 GND 137 SDIR# 187 SAD25
38 DOCK_PWR_SRC 88 R10 138 STRK0# 188 GND
39 DOCK_PWR_SRC 89 CTS0 139 SSTEP# 189 SAD26
40 GND 90 RTS0 140 SDRV1# 190 SAD27
41 DOCK_+DC_IN 91 DSR0 141 GND 191 SAD28
42 DOCK_+DC_IN 92 GND 142 SMRT1# 192 SAD29
43 DOCK_+DC_IN 93 DTR0 143 SWRDATA# 193 SAD30
44 DOCK_+DC_IN 94 TXD0# 144 SWGATE# 194 SAD31
45 DOCK_+DC_IN 95 RXD0# 145 SRDATA# 195 GND
46 DOCK_+DC_IN 96 DCD0 146 SINDEX# 196 NC
47 DOCK_+DC_IN 97 NC 147 GND 197 NC
48 DOCK_+DC_IN 98 +5VSUS 148 NC 198 NC
49 GND 99 NC 149 +5VALW 199 NC
50 LOW_PWR 100 NC 150 NC 200 GND

PS/2 Connector

Use the 6-hole, miniature DIN PS/2 connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such
as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad. If you reconfigure your hardware,
you may need pin number and signal information for the PS/2 connector.

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

Pin Signal I/O Definition

1 EXK_MSDATA I/O External keyboard/keypad/mouse data
2 KBD_DATA I Keyboard data
3 GND N/A Signal ground
4 EXK_MSPWR N/A External keyboard/keypad/mouse supply voltage
5 EXK_MSCLK I/O External keyboard/keypad/mouse clock
6 KBD_CLK I Keyboard clock
Shell N/A N/A Chassis ground

USB Connector

Use the USB connector to attach one or more USB devices, such as a mouse, to the
computer. USB is a peripheral standard that enables automatic detection of USB­compliant peripheral devices.

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

Pin Signal Definition

1 VCC Cable power
2 – Data N/A
3 +Data N/A
4 Ground Cable ground

Video Connector

Use the 15-pin video connector to attach an external monitor to the computer. If the

image does not appear on the monitor immediately, press

.

Pin Signal I/O Definition

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

1 RED O Red video
2 GREEN O Green video
3 BLUE O Blue video
4 DDC2_MONID2 I Monitor detect ID2
5 GND N/A Signal ground
6 GND N/A Signal ground
7 GND N/A Signal ground
8 GND N/A Signal ground
9 CRTVCC O 5-V power source for CRT
10 GND N/A Signal ground
11 M-SEN# I Digital monitor sense/monitor detect ID1
12 DDC_DATA I Monitor detect serial data
13 HSYNC O Horizontal synchronization
14 VSYNC O Vertical synchronization
15 DDC_CLK 1 Monitor Detect serial clock
Shell N/A N/A Frame ground

S-Video TV-Out Connector

Use this connector to connect your computer to a television.

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors: Dell Inspiron 4150

S-Video

Pin Signal

1 GND
2 GND
3 DLUMA-L
4 DCRMA-L

Composite Video

Pin Signal

5 NC
6 DCMPS-L
7 GND

Back to Contents Page

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Removing and Replacing Parts: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Removing and Replacing Parts

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Before You Remove or

Replace Parts

System Components
Palm Rest and Display

Cover Inserts

Hard Drive
Memory Modules, Mini

PCI Card, and Modem

Keyboard

Display, Display

Assembly, Display Latch,
and Hinge Covers

Palm Rest

Microprocessor Thermal Cooling

Assembly

Microprocessor
Hybrid Cooling Fan
Reserve Battery
Speakers
System Board
Battery and Module Bay Latches

Back to Contents Page

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Documentation: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Documentation

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Printed Documentation
Online Documentation

Printed Documentation

You must right-click the link for a portable document format
(PDF) file and save the file to your hard drive. Attempting to
open large PDF files through your browser causes your
computer to stop responding.

To save PDF files (files with an extension of .pdf) to your hard 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 drive.

Right-click only the following link:

Getting Started sheet (.pdf) (2.75 MB)
Dell Inspiron 4150 Owner's Manual (.pdf) (2.34 MB)
Dell Inspiron 4150 Removing and Installing Parts (.pdf) (657 KB)

HINT: PDF files require Adobe™ Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from

the Adobe website at: www.adobe.com. To view a PDF file, launch Acrobat
Reader. Click File→ Open and select the PDF file.

Online Documentation

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Documentation: Dell Inspiron 4150

Compiled HTML Help files (files with an extension of .chm)
require Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.

Downloading the Inspiron 4150 Tell Me How Help
File

1. Click the appropriate button to download the zipped file and save it to your hard
drive.

806 KB

701 KB

666 KB

659 KB

651 KB

783 KB

645 KB

2. Go to the directory location you specified when you saved the file.

3. Double-click the .exe file you downloaded. The WinZip Self-Extractor dialog
box appears.

4. Specify the location to save the unzipped files to and click Unzip. A message
appears, stating that the files unzipped successfully.

5. Click OK.

6. Click Close.

Viewing Tell Me How

1. Open the folder in which you saved the file.

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Documentation: Dell Inspiron 4150

2. Double-click the filename.

Back to Contents Page

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System Board: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

System Board

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Removing the System Board

The system board's BIOS chip contains the service tag sequence, which is also visible
on a barcode label on the bottom of the computer. The replacement kit for the system
board includes a CD that provides a utility for transferring the service tag sequence to
the replacement system board.

NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical

outlets, and remove any installed batteries.

NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by

touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer.

NOTICE: Read "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer" before performing the

following procedure.

1. Remove the

hard drive.

2. Remove the

keyboard.

3. Remove the

display.

4. Remove the

palm rest.

5. Remove the

microprocessor thermal cooling assembly.

6. Remove the

microprocessor.

7. Remove the

modem, memory modules, and Mini PCI card.

8. From the bottom of the computer, remove the six M2.5 x 5-mm screws labeled
"circle B" that secure the system board to the bottom case.

9. Remove the three M2.5 x 5-mm screws labeled "circle B" that secure the fan

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System Board: Dell Inspiron 4150

guard to the bottom case.

1 fan guard
2 M2.5 x 5-mm screws (9)

10. Turn the computer over and remove the M2.5 x 5-mm screw, which is labeled
"circle B" with an arrow, by the battery connector on the front center of the
system board.

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System Board: Dell Inspiron 4150

1 M2.5 x. 5-mm screw (1)

11. Remove the

speaker assemblies from the bottom case.

12. Pull the right side of the bottom case, next to the external headphone and
microphone connectors, away from the system board as you simultaneously lift
the front of the system board out and away from the bottom case.

Replacing the System Board

1. Install the microprocessor on the replacement system board.

2. Install the replacement system board:
a. Insert the external microphone and headphone connectors through the

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System Board: Dell Inspiron 4150

bottom case.

b. Replace the six M2.5 x 5-mm screws, starting on the right side of the

bottom case.

c. Replace the fan guard, inserting the tab into the bottom case, and replace

the three M2.5 x 5-mm screws. Replacing the screw opposite the tab first
makes it easier to insert and replace the other two screws.

3. Install the modem and the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly that you

removed from the old system board.

HINT: Route cables so that they are not crimped or pinched when the complete

assembly is put back together.

4. Connect the right and left

speaker assemblies that came with the new system

board in the bottom case.

5. Replace the palm rest, the keyboard, the display, and the hard drive.

6. Replace the module bay devices and any PC Cards or plastic blanks in the PC

Card slot.

7. Insert the CD that accompanied the replacement system board into the drive,

and turn on the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.

HINT: After installing the system board, enter the computer service tag

sequence into the BIOS of the replacement system board.

Back to Contents Page

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Before You Remove or Replace Parts: Dell Inspiron 4150

Back to Contents Page

Before You Remove or Replace Parts

Dell™ Inspiron™ 4150

Preparing to Work Inside the Computer
Recommended Tools
Screw Identification

Preparing to Work Inside the Computer

CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on

your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell
is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow applicable safety
instructions in the Owner's Manual that came with the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before

you begin working inside the computer.

1. Ensure that the work surface is clean to prevent scratching the computer cover.

2. Save any work in progress and exit all open programs.

3. Turn off the computer and all attached devices.

HINT: Ensure that the computer is turned off and not in suspend mode or

hibernate mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using the computer
operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

4. Ensure that the computer is undocked.

5. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.

6. To avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 10 to 20 seconds and then

disconnect any attached devices.

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Before You Remove or Replace Parts: Dell Inspiron 4150

7. Disconnect all other external cables from the computer.

8. Remove any installed PC Cards or plastic blanks from the PC Card slot.

9. Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main

battery and secondary battery (if present) before you service the computer.

10. Remove the primary battery from the battery bay and the secondary battery
from the module bay, if a secondary battery is in use.

11. Remove any device installed in the module bay.

12. To dissipate any static electricity while you work, use a wrist grounding strap or
periodically touch an unpainted metal surface.

13. Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or
contacts on a card. Hold a card by it edges or by its metal mounting bracket.
Hold a component such as a microprocessor by its edges, not by its pins.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this manual require the following tools:

● #1 magnetized Phillips screwdriver

● ¼-inch flat-blade screwdriver

● Small plastic scribe

● Microprocessor extractor

● Flash BIOS update program CD

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Before You Remove or Replace Parts: Dell Inspiron 4150

1 back
2 right
3 front
4 left

Screw Identification

When you are removing and replacing components, photocopy the place mat as a tool
to lay out and keep track of the screws. The place mat provides the number of screws
and their sizes.

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Before You Remove or Replace Parts: Dell Inspiron 4150

NOTICE: When reinstalling a screw, you must use a screw of the correct

diameter and length. Make sure that the screw is properly aligned with its
corresponding hole, and avoid over tightening.

Hard Drive Door:

(1 each)

Keyboard to
Bottom Case:

(5 each)

Display Bezel:

(6 each)

Rubber Screw Covers (6
each)

Hinge Bracket to Bottom
Case:

(5 each)

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Before You Remove or Replace Parts: Dell Inspiron 4150

Display Assembly to Top
Cover:

(5 each)

Display-Feed Flex Cable:

(4 each)

Palm Rest to
Bottom Case:

(5 each) (3 each)

Hybrid Cooling Fan:

(2 each) (1 each)

System Board to Bottom
Case:

(10 each)

Modem to
System Board:

(2 each)

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Before You Remove or Replace Parts: Dell Inspiron 4150

Display Latch:

(2 each) (2 each)

Memory Module Cover:

(2 captive screws)

(1 each)

The single screw is one of
the five keyboard screws.

Back to Contents Page

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