Dell Inspiron 7HR9P, Inspiron N7010, Inspiron P08E series, Inspiron P08E001, Inspiron 17 Setup Manual

SETUP GUIDE

INSPIRON

™

SETUP GUIDE

Regulatory model: P08E series Regulatory type: P08E001

INSPIRON

™

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your

computer.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING 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. __________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

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,

Inspiron, YOURS IS HERE, Solution Station

, and

DellConnect

are

trademarks of Dell Inc.;

Intel, Pentium

, and

Celeron

are registered trademarks and

Core

is a trademark of Intel

Corporation in the U.S. and other countries;

Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista

, and the

Windows Vista

start button logo

are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries;

AMD

and

ATI Mobility Radeon

are trademarks or registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.;

Blu-ray Disc

is a

trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association;

Bluetooth

is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used

by Dell 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.

November 2010 P/N 7HR9P Rev. A03

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . .5

Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . . 7

Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Set Up Microsoft Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Create System Recovery Media

(Recommended). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Install the SIM Card (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . 12

Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional). . . . . 14

Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) . . . . . . . 16

Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . 18

Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Right View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Left View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Back View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Front View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Status Lights and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Computer Base and Keyboard

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Touch Pad Gestures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Multimedia Control Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . . 40

Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Dell DataSafe Online Backup . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Dell Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Contents

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 48

Using Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .60

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Technical Support and Customer

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Automated Order-Status Service. . . . . . . . . 70

Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Returning Items for Repair Under

Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Finding More Information and

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Information for NOM, or Official Mexican

Standard (Only for Mexico). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

This section provides information about setting up your Dell™ Inspiron™ laptop.

Before Setting Up Your Computer

When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.

Restricting airflow around your Inspiron laptop may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least

10.2 cm (4 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other sides. You should never place your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.

WARNING: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not place your Dell™ computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, or on fabric surfaces, such as carpets or rugs, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer, deteriorate the computer performance, or cause a fire. The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

CAUTION: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

INSPIRON

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the AC Adapter

Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into a wall outlet or surge protector.

WARNING: 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 a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or permanent damage to your computer.

NOTE: Connect the power cable to the adapter firmly and ensure that the light on the adapter is

on when you turn on power.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Press the Power Button

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Set Up Microsoft Windows

Your Dell computer is preconfigured with the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection.

CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.

NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.

NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see support.dell.com/MyNewDell.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)

NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set up

Microsoft Windows.

The system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data files (without the need of the

Operating

System

disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware, software, drivers,

or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state.

You will require the following to create the system recovery media:

Dell DataSafe Local Backup•

USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD-R/DVD+R/Blu-ray Disc•

™

NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

To create a system recovery media:

Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page 1. 6).

Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.2.

Click 3. Start → Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup.

Click 4. Create Recovery Media.

Follow the instructions on the screen.5.

NOTE: For information on using the system recovery media, see “System Recovery Media” on page 64.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Install the SIM Card (Optional)

CAUTION: Do not insert a SIM card into the SIM card slot if you have not purchased a computer with a Mobile Broadband card. Doing so may render your computer unusable and you will need a service technician to fix the computer. Check your purchase invoice to see if you have purchased a Mobile Broadband card.

NOTE: Installing a SIM is not required if you are using an EVDO card to access the Internet.

Installing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card allows you to browse the Internet, check e-mail, and connect to a Virtual Private Network. To access these features, you must be within the network of your cellular service provider.

To install the SIM card:

Turn off your computer.1.

Remove the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 2. 40).

In the battery bay, slide the SIM card into the SIM card slot.3.

Replace the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 4. 40).

Turn on your computer.5.

To remove the SIM card, press and eject the SIM card.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

battery bay

SIM card slot

SIM card

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

NOTE: The wireless feature is available on your computer only if you ordered a WLAN card at the time of purchase. For more information on the cards supported by your computer, see “Specifications” on page 78.

To enable wireless:

Ensure that your computer is turned on.1.

Press the wireless key 2. on the function key row on the keyboard.

A confirmation of your selection appears on the screen.

Wireless enabled

Wireless disabled

To disable wireless:

Press the wireless key on the function key row on the keyboard again to turn off all radios.

NOTE: The wireless key allows you to quickly turn off all wireless radios (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®) on your computer, such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Set Up Wireless Display (Optional)

NOTE: The wireless display feature may

not be supported on all computers. For information about the hardware and software requirements for setting up wireless display, see www.intel.com.

The Intel wireless display feature allows you to share your computer display to a TV without the use of cables. You must connect a wireless display adapter to your TV before setting up wireless display.

NOTE: The wireless display adapter does not ship with your computer and must be purchased separately.

If your computer supports the wireless display feature, the Intel Wireless Display icon will be available on the Windows desktop.

To set up wireless display:

Turn on your computer.1.

Press <Fn> along with the 2. key on the function key row on the keyboard to enable wireless.

Connect the wireless display adapter to 3. the TV.

Turn on the TV.4.

Select the appropriate video source for your 5. TV, such as HDMI1, HDMI2, or S-Video.

Click the Intel Wireless Display icon 6. on the desktop. The Intel Wireless Display window appears.

Select 7. Scan for available displays.

Select your wireless display adapter from 8. the Detected wireless displays list.

Enter the security code that appears on 9. your TV.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

To enable wireless display:

Click the Intel Wireless Display icon 1. on the desktop. The Intel Wireless Display window appears.

Select 2. Connect to Existing Adapter.

NOTE: You can download and install the latest driver for “Intel Wireless Display Connection Manager” from

support.dell.com.

NOTE: For more information about wireless

display, see the wireless display adapter documentation.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not a part of your original order, you can purchase one from www.dell.com.

Setting Up a Wired Connection

If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite • modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.

If you are using a dial-up connection, • connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your

Internet connection. To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 20.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Setting Up a Wireless Connection

NOTE: To set up your wireless router,

see the documentation that shipped with your router.

Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.

To set up your connection to a wireless router:

Windows Vista

Ensure that wireless is enabled on your 1. computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 14).

Save and close any open files, and exit any 2. open programs.

Click 3. Start → Connect To.

Follow the instructions on the screen to 4. complete the setup.

Windows® 7

Ensure that wireless is enabled on your 1. computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 14).

Save and close any open files, and exit any 2. open programs.

Click 3. Start → Control Panel.

In the search box, type 4. network and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.

Follow the instructions on the screen to 5. complete the setup.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.

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.

Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.

To set up your Internet connection:

Windows Vista

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

open programs.

Click 2. Start → Control Panel.

In the search box, type 3. network, and then

click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up

a connection or network→ Connect to the

Internet.

The Connect to the Internet window appears.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of

connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.

Follow the instructions on the screen and 4.

use the setup information provided by your

ISP to complete the setup.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Windows 7

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

Click 2. Start → Control Panel.

In the search box, type 3. network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up

a new connection or network→ Connect to the Internet. The Connect to the Internet window appears.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of

connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.

Follow the instructions on the screen and 4. use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron laptop.

Right View Features

1 3

5 6

INSPIRON

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs.

For more information, see “Using the Optical Drive” on page 36.

Optical drive light — Blinks when you press the optical drive eject button or when you insert a

disc and it is being read.

Optical drive eject button — Opens the optical drive tray when pressed.

eSATA/USB combo connector — Connects to eSATA compatible storage devices (such as external hard drives or optical drives) or USB devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player).

Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if

you are using a wired network.

Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer.

NOTE: Before you buy a security cable, ensure that it fits into the security cable slot on your

computer.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Left View Features

1 2 3 4 5

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer,

external drive, or MP3 player.

Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use

with audio programs.

Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered

speaker or sound system.

HDMI connector — Connects to a TV for both 5.1 audio and video signals.

NOTE: When used with a monitor, only the video signal is read.

7-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and

share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on memory cards.

NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the media card slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no media card is installed in the slot. Blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Back View Features

AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge

the battery.

USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer,

external drive, or MP3 player.

VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.

1 2 3

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

132

Front View Features

Power indicator light — Indicates the power states. For more information on the power

indicator light, see “Status Lights and Indiactors” on page 28.

Hard drive activity light — Turns on when the computer reads or writes data. A solid

white light indicates hard drive activity.

CAUTION: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the hard drive activity light is flashing.

Battery status light — Indicates the battery charge status. For more information on the

battery status light, see “Status Lights and Indicators”on page 28.

NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.

+ 65 hidden pages

Dell Inspiron 7HR9P, Inspiron N7010, Inspiron P08E series, Inspiron P08E001, Inspiron 17 Setup Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual