Dell Inspiron M301Z User Manual

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

™

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

Regulatory model: P11S series Regulatory type: P11S001; P11S002

™

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: trademarks of Dell Inc.; trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; a registered trademark of Canonical Ltd.; trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; 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.

March 2010 P/N HYD06 Rev. A00

Dell

, the

DELL

Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista,

logo, YOURS IS HERE,

AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Radeon, AMD Turion

Bluetooth

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

Inspiron

and the

, Solution Station, and

Windows Vista

start button logo are either

DellConnect

, and

ATI Mobility Radeon

are

Ubuntu

are

Contents

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 the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Create System Recovery Media

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

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

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

Connect the External Optical

Drive (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Set Up the TV Tuner (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . 17

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

Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . . 38

Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Dell DataSafe Online Backup . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Dell Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Contents

Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 47

Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .58

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Technical Support and Customer

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Automated Order-Status Service. . . . . . . . . 68

Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Returning Items for Repair Under

Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Finding More Information and

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Information for NOM, or Official Mexican

Standard (Only for Mexico). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

INSPIRON

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

Connect the AC Adapter

Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into an electrical 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.

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 the Operating System

Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system you selected at the time of purchase.

Set Up Microsoft Windows

To set up Microsoft® 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.

Set Up Ubuntu

To set up Ubuntu® for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. See the Ubuntu documentation for more operating system specific information.

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

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.

™

Operating

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 62.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Install the SIM Card (Optional)

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

Internet.

Installing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card on your computer allows you to connect to the Internet. To access the Internet 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. 38).

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. 38).

Turn on your computer.5.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

SIM card slot

SIM card

battery bay

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 76.

To enable or disable wireless:

Ensure that your computer is turned on.1.

Press the wireless key 2. on the keyboard. The current wireless status is displayed on the screen.

Wireless enabled

Wireless disabled

Press the wireless key 3. again to toggle between wireless enable or disable modes.

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

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the External Optical Drive (Optional)

NOTE: Your computer does not have an internal optical drive. Use an external optical drive for

procedures that involve discs.

Connect the external optical drive to the USB connectors on your computer.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Set Up the TV Tuner (Optional)

NOTE: Availability of the TV tuner may vary

by region.

To set up the TV tuner for the first time:

Click 1. Start → All Programs→ Windows

Media Center.

Follow the instructions on the screen.2.

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 at www.dell.com.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Setting Up a Wired Connection

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.

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

instructions. To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 19.

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.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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 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.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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.

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.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1 2 3 4 5

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

INSPIRON

Right View Features

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

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.

(such as external hard drives or optical drives) or USB devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player).

speaker or sound system.

with audio programs.

you are using a wired network.

7-in-1 media card reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and

eSATA/USB combo connector — Connects to eSATA compatible storage devices

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

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

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

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1 2

Left View Features

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

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.

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