Dell Inspiron 530 User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 530 Series

Owner’s Manual

Model DCMF

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE 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.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary" on page 203.

____________________

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, YOURS IS HERE, and Inspiron are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; Microsoft, Windows, Internet Explorer, Windows Vista, and Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks, SpeedStep and Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

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

Model DCMF

September 2008 P/N KP338 Rev. A05

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1 Setting Up and Using Your Computer . . . 15

Front View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Inspiron 530/530a/530c

Inspiron 530b/530d

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

Back View of the Computer

Inspiron 530/530a/530c

Inspiron 530b/530d

Back Panel Connectors

Inspiron 530/530a/530c

Inspiron 530b/530d

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

Connecting a USB Printer

Playing CDs and DVDs

Adjusting the Volume

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Configuring the Audio Connectors for

5.1-Channel

Adjusting the Picture

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . 27

Contents 3

Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

How to Copy a CD or DVD

Using Blank CDs and DVDs

Helpful Tips

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

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

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

Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)

Connecting Two Monitors

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

. . . . . . . . . 36

Connecting Two Monitors With VGA Connectors

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

Connecting One Monitor With a VGA Connector and One Monitor With a DVI Connector

Connecting a TV

Changing the Display Settings

Power Management

Power Management Options in Microsoft

Standby Mode

Hibernate Mode

Power Options Properties

Power Management Options in Windows Vista

Standby Mode

Hibernate Mode

Power Plan Properties

Enabling SpeedStep™ Technology

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

. . . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . 39

4 Contents

About RAID Configurations

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

RAID Level 1 Configuration

Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel Option ROM Utility

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

Configuring for RAID Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . 48

Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . 54

Microsoft

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows

XP Operating System. . . . . . . . . . 59

Setting Up a Network in the Windows Vista Operating System

Connecting to the Internet

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

. . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . 60

2 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Troubleshooting Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems

Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . 65

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

. . . . . . . . . 66

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Keyboard Problems

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

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up

The computer stops responding

A program stops responding

A program crashes repeatedly

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft

Windows® operating system . . . . . 71

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

. . . . . . . . . . 70

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

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

Contents 5

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

Other software problems

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

Media Card Reader Problems

Memory Problems

Mouse Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from speakers

No sound from headphones

Video and Monitor Problems

If the screen is blank

If the screen is difficult to read

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

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

3 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

6 Contents

Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Beep Codes

System Messages

Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

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

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

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . 90

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

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

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Drivers

What is a Driver?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . . . . . . 92

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

. . . . . . . . . . 95

Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Microsoft Windows Windows Vista

Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft

Windows® System Restore . . . 98

XP and

. . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore

Using the Operating System CD

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . 103

4 Removing and Installing Parts . . . . . . . 105

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Inside View of Your Computer

System Board Components

Inspiron 530

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Inspiron 530a

Inspiron 530b

Inspiron 530c

Inspiron 530d

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

. . . . . . . 106

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Contents 7

Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments . . . . 120

Memory

Cards

Bezel

Drives

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Memory Installation Guidelines

Installing Memory

Removing Memory

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

PCI and PCI Express Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Removing the Bezel

Replacing the Bezel

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Recommended Drive Cable Connections

Connecting Drive Cables

Drive Interface Connectors

. . . . . . . . . 124

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

. . . . . 139

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

. . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Connecting and Disconnecting Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Cables

Hard Drives

Floppy Drive (Optional)

Media Card Reader

CD/DVD Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

8 Contents

Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Replacing the Battery

Power Supply

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Replacing the Power Supply

I/O Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Removing the I/O Panel

Installing the I/O Panel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

. . . . . . . . . . . 162

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Processor Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Removing the Processor Fan/Heat Sink Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Installing the Processor Fan/Heat Sink Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Processor

Chassis Fan

System Board

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Removing the Processor

Installing the Processor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Removing the Chassis Fan

Replacing the Chassis Fan

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Removing the System Board

Installing the System Board

Replacing the Computer Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

. . . . . . . . . . . . 174

. . . . . . . . . . . . 176

. . . . . . . . . . . 176

A Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Inspiron 530/530a/530c

Inspiron 530b/530d

Inspiron 530/530a/530b/530c/530d

System Setup

Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Entering System Setup

System Setup Options

Boot Sequence

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

. . . . . . . . . 185

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Contents 9

Clearing Forgotten Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Inspiron 530

Inspiron 530a

Inspiron 530b

Inspiron 530c

Inspiron 530d

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Clearing CMOS Settings

Flashing the BIOS

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Mouse

Floppy Drive (Optional)

CDs and DVDs

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

. . . . . . . . 198

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

. . . . . . . 199

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

FCC Notice (U.S. Only)

FCC Class B

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Index

10 Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your

computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

• Model Number

Setup Diagram

See the back of your computer for the model number.

NOTE: If there is no label present, the model

number is Inspiron 530.

Finding Information 11

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License

These labels are located on your computer.

•Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use or contact support.

•Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting support.

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the

appropriate support site.

NOTE: Corporate, government, and

education customers can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com.

support.dell.com

12 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find it Here

• Desktop System Software (DSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

To download

Go to

support.dell.com

and Downloads

Click

Select Model

Select your product model and click

Confirm Go

Click

System Utilities

Click

Desktop System Software

Dell - Utility

Click

Run

save the driver to your computer.

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface

may vary depending on your selections.

NOTE: DSS may or may not be available for

your desktop model.

• How to use your Windows® operating system

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support

To access Windows Help and Support:

• In Windows XP, click

Help and Support

• In Windows Vista Vista Start button

and Support

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

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Desktop

System Software:

and click

Drivers

, or enter a service tag and click

under

, and click

to run the driver, or

Download Now

Save

Start and click

, click the Windows

and click

Help

Finding Information 13

14 Finding Information

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Front View of the Computer

Inspiron 530/530a/530c

13 12

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 15

1 Service Tag (located on

top of the chassis towards the back)

2 CD/DVD drive Use the CD/DVD drive for playing a CD/DVD.

3 CD/DVD eject button Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.

4 optional CD/DVD drive

bay

5 optional CD/DVD eject

button

6 USB 2.0 connectors (4) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you

7 IEEE 1394 connector

(optional)

8 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach

9 power button,

power light

Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support.

Can contain an optional CD/DVD drive.

Press to eject a disk from the optional CD or DVD drive.

connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System Setup Options" on page 189 for more information on booting to a USB device). It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.

headphones and most kinds of speakers.

Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in the center of this button indicates power state. See "Controls and Lights" on page 185 for more information.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the

power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

10 drive activity light The drive activity light is on when the computer

reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating.

11 front panel door grip Slide up the front panel door grip to cover the

FlexBay drive, four Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, one headphone connector, and one microphone connector.

16 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

12 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal

computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

13 FlexBay drive Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional

Media Card Reader.

14 CD/DVD drive panel This panel covers the CD/DVD drive.

(Shown in open position)

Inspiron 530b/530d

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 17

1 Service Tag (located on

top of the chassis towards the back)

2 CD/DVD drive Use the CD/DVD drive for playing a CD/DVD.

3 CD/DVD eject button Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.

4 optional CD/DVD drive

bay

5 optional CD/DVD eject

button

6 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Use the front USB connectors for devices that you

7 IEEE 1394 connector

(optional)

8 headphone connector Use the headphone connector to attach

9 power button,

power light

Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support.

Can contain an optional CD/DVD drive.

Press to eject a disk from the optional CD or DVD drive.

Attach high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.

headphones and most kinds of speakers.

Press the power button to turn on the computer. The light in the center of this button indicates power state. See "Controls and Lights" on page 185 for more information.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the

power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

10 drive activity light The drive activity light is on when the computer

reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating.

11 front panel door grip Slide up the front panel door grip to cover the

FlexBay drive, four Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, one headphone connector, and one microphone connector.

18 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

12 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal

computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

13 FlexBay drive Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional

Media Card Reader.

14 CD/DVD drive panel This panel covers the CD/DVD drive.

(Shown in open position)

Back View of the Computer

Inspiron 530/530a/530c

1 2

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 19

1 power connector Insert the power cable.

2 voltage selector switch For selecting voltage rating.

3 power supply light Indicates power availability for power supply.

4 back panel connectors Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the

appropriate connector. See "Back Panel Connectors" on page 22for more information.

5 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI

Express cards.

6 padlock rings Padlock rings are for attaching a commercially

available theft-deterrent device. The padlock rings allow you to secure the computer cover to the chassis with a padlock to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock rings, insert a commercially available padlock through the rings, and then lock the padlock.

7 security cable slot Security cable slot lets you attach a commercially

available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

CAUTION: Ensure that none of the system air vents are blocked. Blocking them

can cause serious thermal problems.

20 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Inspiron 530b/530d

2 3

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 21

1 power connector Insert the power cable.

2 voltage selector

switch

3 power supply light Indicates power availability for power supply.

4 back panel

connectors

5 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI and PCI Express

6 padlock rings Padlock rings are for attaching a commercially available

7 security cable slot Security cable slot lets you attach a commercially available

For selecting voltage rating.

Plug USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connector. See "Back Panel Connectors" on page 22for more information.

cards.

theft-deterrent device. The padlock rings allow you to secure the computer cover to the chassis with a padlock to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock rings, insert a commercially available padlock through the rings, and then lock the padlock.

antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

Back Panel Connectors

Inspiron 530/530a/530c

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

1 network activity

light

2 network adapter

connector

Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

To attach your computer to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network port or your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of your computer. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network

connector.

On computers with a network connector card, use the connector on the card. It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.

3 link integrity light

4 center/subwoofer

connector

5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback

• Green — A good connection exists between a 10/100-Mbps network and the computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

Use the orange connector to attach a speaker to a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) audio channel. LFE audio channel is found in digital surround sound audio schemes that carries only low frequency information of 80 Hz and below. The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely low bass extension. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround sound set-up.

device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 23

6 front L/R line-out

connector

7 microphone Use the pink connector to attach a personal computer

8 side L/R surround

connector

9 rear L/R surround

connector

10 USB 2.0

connectors (4)

11 VGA video

connector

Use the green line-out connector (available on computers with integrated sound) to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

Use the gray connector to provide enhanced surround audio for computers with 7.1 speakers. On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

Use the black surround connector to attach multichannelcapable speakers.

Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras.

Connect the monitor’s VGA cable to the VGA connector on the computer.

On computers with a video card, use the connector on the card.

24 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Inspiron 530b/530d

1 network activity

light

2 network adapter

connector

3 link integrity light

Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network

connector.

• Green — A good connection exists between a 10/100-Mbps network and the computer.

• Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 25

4 line-in connector /

surround out

5 front L/R line-out

connector

6 microphone

connector / center / sub woofer speaker out

7 USB 2.0

connectors (4)

8 VGA video

connector

Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR. On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.

NOTE: To configure this connector to 5.1 - Channel, see

"Configuring the Audio Connectors for 5.1-Channel" on page 33.

Use the pink connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. On computers with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.

NOTE: To configure this connector to 5.1 - Channel, see

"Configuring the Audio Connectors for 5.1-Channel" on page 33.

Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.

It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras.

Connect the monitor’s VGA cable to the VGA connector on the computer.

On computers with a video card, use the connector on the card.

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure

Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat. Follow the guidelines below when installing your computer in an enclosure:

NOTICE: The operating temperature specifications indicated in this Owner’s

Manual reflects the maximum ambient operating temperature. The room ambient temperature needs to be a consideration when installing your computer in an enclosure. For example, if the ambient room temperature is at 25° C (77° F), depending on your computer’s specifications, you only have 5° to 10° C (9° to 18° F) temperature margin before you reach your computer’s maximum operating temperature. For details about your computer’s specifications, see "Specifications" on page 179.

• Leave a 10.2 cm (4 inches) minimum clearance on all vented sides of the computer to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.

• If your enclosure has doors, they need to be of a type that allows at least 30% airflow through the enclosure (front and back).

• If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at least 5.1 cm (2 inches) clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit the airflow required for proper ventilation.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 27

• Do not install your computer in an enclosure that does not allow airflow.

Restricting the airflow impacts your computer’s performance, possibly causing it to overheat.

28 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

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

the computer.

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

• Obtain and install updated drivers.

• Connect the printer to the computer.

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.

Printer Cable

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

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

Setting Up and Using Your Computer 29

1 USB connector on

computer

Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer.

Depending on your computer’s operating system, a printer wizard may be

2 USB connector on

printer

3 USB printer

cable

available to help you install the printer driver:

If your computer is running the Microsoft system and the

Add New Hardware Wizard

If your computer is running the Windows Vista the Windows Vista Start button , and click start the

Install the printer driver if necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and

Add Printer Wizard

Windows®

XP operating

window appears, click

operating system, click

Network→ Add a printer

Utilities" on page 95 and the documentation that came with your printer.

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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