Dell Inspiron 710m, PP07S User guide

Dell™ Inspiron™ 710m

Owner’s Manual

Model PP07S

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.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the

Dell Inspiron Help

file. To access the help file,

see "Finding Information" on page 9.

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

Windows®

operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dell TravelLite, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, TrueMobile, DellNet, PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, and Axim are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. under license.

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 PP07S

July 2005 P/N PF603 Rev. A00

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Left Side View

Right Side View

Bottom View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

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

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

Connecting a USB Printer

Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors Line Conditioners

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Checking the Battery Charge

Microsoft Windows Power Meter Low-Battery Warning

Charging the Battery

Removing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Contents 3

Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Storing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4 Installing Module Bay Devices

About the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running

. . . . . 29

. . . . . . 30

5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

S-Video Connection Enabling the Display Settings for a TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

4 Contents

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Key Combinations

System Functions Display Functions Radios (Including Wireless Networking) Power Management Speaker Functions Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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

7 Using PC Cards

PC Card Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

PC Card Blanks

Extended PC Cards

Removing a PC Card or Blank

Installing a PC Card

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

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

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

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

8 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Network Setup Wizard

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network

Determining Your Network Type Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft

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

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

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

Windows® XP. . . . . 45

9 Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics

Drivers

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

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers

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

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

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

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

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

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

Drive Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

CD and DVD drive problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . 51

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound Hard drive problems

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

. . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . 56

Contents 5

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

External Keyboard Problems Unexpected Characters

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

Memory Problems

Network Problems

PC Card Problems

Power Problems

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

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

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

Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer

Printer Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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

. . . . . 61

6 Contents

Scanner Problems

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

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakers No sound from headphones

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

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

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

If the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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

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

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

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

10 Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

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

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

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

Memory

Modem

Mini PCI Card

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

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

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

11 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Using the System Setup Program

Overview

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

Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens Commonly Used Options

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Macrovision Product Notice

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

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

Class A

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

Class B

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

FCC Identification Information

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

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

. . . . . . . . . 89

. . . . . . . . . . 89

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

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

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or 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

• Tips on using Microsoft® Windows

• How to play CDs and DVDs

• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode

• How to change my display resolution

• How to clean my computer

Setup Diagram

Help File

Click the

Click

User and system guides

Click

Dell Inspiron Help

Start

button and click

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

Finding Information 9

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when

the bottom of

identify your computer when you

support.dell.com

use or contact technical support.

contacting technical support.

your computer.

10 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, 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

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. The website may not be available in all regions.

• 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

• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

Pentium®M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS 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 Notebook System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

Enter your Service Tag or product model.

In the

Download Category

Select the operating system and operating system language for your computer, and click

Under

Select a Device Configuration Utilities System Software

and click

Downloads

drop-down menu, click

Submit

, scroll to

, and click

System and

Dell Notebook

All

Finding Information 11

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

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

Click the topic that describes your problem. Follow the instructions on the screen.

12 Finding Information

A Tour of Your Computer

NOTE: The colors of your computer may be different than those pictured.

Front View

display latch release

display

device and keyboard status lights

keyboard

touch pad

touch pad buttons

IEEE 1394 connector microphone connector

headphone connector

DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE — Slide this display latch to release and open the display.

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help

To access help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

file.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers press the volume control keyboard

shortcuts. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 35.

POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power

management mode.

speakers (2)

power button

A Tour of Your Computer 13

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, shut down your computer instead of pressing the power button.

AUDIO CONNECTORS — Connect headphones and microphone.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

IEEE 1394

CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as

some digital video cameras.

TOUCH PAD — Touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See "Using the

Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 35 for more information.

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

For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 35.

14 A Tour of Your Computer

Windows® logo key.

DEVICE AND KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, press <Fn><F2>.

Turns on when you turn on the computer. Turns on steadily or blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.

Indicates battery charge status.

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

– Solid green: The battery is charging.

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 green: The battery charge is low.

Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

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

light is flashing.

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

NOTE: Device status lights are also visible when the display is closed.

A Tour of Your Computer 15

Left Side View

security cable slot

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exhaust vent

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.

For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

video connector USB connectors (2)

PC Card slot Secure Digital

memory card slot

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

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

the computer from overheating.

NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise 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.

16 A Tour of Your Computer

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using the Display" in the

Dell Inspiron Help

file. To access

help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

USB 2.0 CONNECTOR

Connects USB 2.0 compliant devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

PC CARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see "Using PC Cards" on page 39.

ECURE DIGITAL MEMORY CARD SLOT

The Secure Digital memory card slot supports one Secure Digital memory card. Use Secure Digital memory cards to save or back up data.

A Tour of Your Computer 17

Right Side View

S-video tv-out connector

module bay

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MODULE BAY — You can install devices such as an optical drive or Dell TravelLite™ module in the module

bay. For more information, see "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29.

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

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

computer, do not plug a telephone line in to the network connector.

ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Connects the AC adapter so that you can run the computer on AC power

instead of battery power.

modem connector AC adapter connector network connector

Connects the telephone line to the modem connector.

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer.

Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow 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.

18 A Tour of Your Computer

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 cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the

cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.

NOTICE: Ensure that the AC adapter cable is not in the path of chairs or other objects that could crush it.

S -VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device" on page 33.

A Tour of Your Computer 19

Bottom View

Mini PCI card and modem cover

memory module cover

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air vent

MODULE BAY — You can install devices such as an optical drive in the module bay. For more information,

see "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29.

MODULE BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases a device. See "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29

for instructions.

HARD DRIVE —

BATTERY LATCH RELEASE — Releases a device. See "Using a Battery" on page 25 for instructions.

BATTERY/BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the

computer to an electrical outlet. See "Using a Battery" on page 25.

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

computer from overheating.

battery* battery latch release

*optional 8-cell battery is shown

Stores software and data.

module bay

module bay latch release

hard drive cover

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.

MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module. See "Memory"

on page 73.

INI PCI CARD AND MODEM COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card and

modem. See "Mini PCI Card" on page 76 and "Modem" on page 75.

20 A Tour of Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously.

• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:

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

Double-click the

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an Internet connection with a different ISP:

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

Click the

The

Start

New Connection Wizard

MSN Explorer

button and click

appears.

AOL

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

AOL

icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an

Internet Explorer

Click

Connect to the Internet

Setting Up Your Computer 21

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

service providers (ISPs)

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the

Choose from a list of Internet

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

Click the appropriate option under click

Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 56. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

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.

• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

Printer Cable

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

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then

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.

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

22 Setting Up Your Computer

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

USB connector on computer

USB connector

USB printer cable

on printer

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

• Surge protectors

• Line conditioners

• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.

NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions

caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.

Setting Up Your Computer 23

Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.

NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from

the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

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NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.

NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other

devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.

A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

24 Setting Up Your Computer

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. Use a battery to run the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

NOTE: Battery capacity (the time it can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often the

battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

• Using DVD, DVD-R, and CD-RW drives

• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices

• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode (see "Power Management" in the

Dell Inspiron Help

file.)

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a

CD or DVD.

You can set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the

battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a

charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,

incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Using a Battery 25

Checking the Battery Charge

The Microsoft® Windows® provide information on the battery charge.

Microsoft Windows Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information about the see "Power Management" in the on page 9.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

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Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning.

Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For more information about low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the To access help, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

Charging the Battery

When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.

If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on page 64.

Power Meter

Dell Inspiron Help

window and icon and the low-battery warning

Power Meter

file. To access help, see "Finding Information"

Dell Inspiron Help

tab,

file.

26 Using a Battery

Removing a Battery

CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.

Ensure that the computer is turned off, set to the hibernate power management mode, or connected to an electrical outlet.

Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.

shown with optional 8-cell battery

Installing a Battery

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the

battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.

Storing a Battery

Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it.

Using a Battery 27

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28 Using a Battery

Installing Module Bay Devices

About the Module Bay

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

You can install devices such as a DVD drive, CD-RW/DVD drive, or DVD+RW in the module bay.

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, store them in a safe, dry place when they are not installed in the

computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

Slide and hold the device latch release.

Pull the device out of the module bay.

Push the new device into the bay until it clicks.

Installing Module Bay Devices 29

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running

Before ejecting the device, double-click the click the device you want to eject, and click

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, store them in a safe, dry place when they are not installed in the

computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

Slide and hold the device latch release.

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Safely Remove Hardware

Stop

icon on the taskbar,

Pull the device out of the module bay.

Push the new device into the bay until it clicks.

The operating system automatically recognizes the device.

30 Installing Module Bay Devices

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