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").

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/index.htm (1 of 2) [2/28/2004 7:27:53 AM]

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (1 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (2 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (3 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (4 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (5 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (6 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (7 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (8 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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").

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (9 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (10 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (11 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (12 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (13 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/tour.htm (14 of 14) [2/28/2004 7:28:05 AM]

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (1 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (2 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (3 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (4 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (5 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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."

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (6 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (7 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (8 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (9 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (10 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (11 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (12 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (13 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (14 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]

Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 4150

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.

file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/4150/solving.htm (15 of 23) [2/28/2004 7:28:07 AM]