Dell Inspiron M501R User Manual

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

™

INSPIRON

SETUP GUIDE

Regulatory model: P10F series Regulatory type: P10F001; P10F002

™

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.

This item incorporates copy protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights of Rovi CorporatIon. Reverse engineering and disassembly are prohibited.

__________________

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.; Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Devices, Inc.; 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.

AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, AMD Phenom

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October 2010 P/N 9N1F7 Rev. A04

Dell

, the

DELL

Intel, Pentium,

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logo, YOURS IS HERE,

and

Centrino

are registered trademarks and

Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista,

Inspiron

, and

ATI Mobility Radeon

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and the

are trademarks of Advanced Micro

Bluetooth

is a registered trademark owned by

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is a trademark of Intel

Windows Vista

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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

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

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

Install Software Using Dell Digital

Delivery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Right View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Left View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Back View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Front View Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Status Lights and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Computer Base and Keyboard Features . . . 32

Touch Pad Gestures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Multimedia Control Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Using the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . . 42

Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Dell DataSafe Online Backup . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Dell Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Contents

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 50

Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .62

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Technical Support and Customer

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

DellConnect™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Automated Order‑Status Service. . . . . . . . . 72

Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Returning Items for Repair Under

Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Finding More Information and

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Information for NOM, or Official Mexican

Standard (Only for Mexico). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

INSPIRON

This section provides information about setting up your 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, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer 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 Dell 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 66.

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 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. 42).

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. 42).

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

SIM card slot

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 80.

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 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

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:

Ensure that your computer is turned on.1.

Ensure that wireless is enabled (see “Enable 2. or Disable Wireless” on page 14).

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 6. icon 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.

To enable wireless display:

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

Select 2. Connect to Existing Adapter.

NOTE: The wireless display may get disconnected when you pair your computer with a Bluetooth device. To restore the wireless display, reconnect to the wireless display after the Bluetooth device is paired.

NOTE: To download and install the latest driver for “Intel Wireless Display Connection Manager,” go to

support.dell.com/support/downloads.

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 the Dell website at www.dell.com.

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 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.

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

Install Software Using Dell Digital Delivery

NOTE: Dell Digital Delivery may not be

available in all regions.

NOTE: Dell Digital Delivery is supported only on Windows 7 operating systems.

Some of the software you purchased may not be pre‑installed on your new computer. The Dell Digital Delivery application installed on your computer downloads and installs the software you purchased and completes the setup process.

NOTE: If the Dell Digital Delivery application is not installed on your computer, you can download and install the application from support.dell.com/support/downloads.

The Dell Digital Delivery application launches automatically when you connect to the Internet after restarting your computer the first time. The application automatically identifies your hardware configuration, and then downloads and installs the software you have purchased.

You can also postpone downloads to a more convenient time or reinstall your software. You do not need to create a backup media of the software as the software can be downloaded at any time using the Dell Digital Delivery application.

To launch the Dell Digital Delivery application, click Start → All Programs→ Dell→ Dell Digital Delivery or double‑click the Dell Digital Delivery icon in the notification area of your desktop.

To use Dell Digital Delivery:

Ensure that you are connected to the 1. Internet (see “Connect to the Internet (Optional)” on page 18).

In the Dell Digital Delivery window, click 2. Download Now.

Follow the instructions on the screen.3.

In most cases, the software download is completed in a few minutes. The duration of the download varies depending on the number of applications you purchased.

After the software installation is complete, the Dell Digital Delivery application notifies and prompts you to close the application window. The newly installed software can be accessed through the Start menu.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1 4

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

INSPIRON

Right View Features

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

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.

Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs, and Blu‑ray Discs. For more information, see “Using the Optical Drive” on page 38.

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

1 2

Left View Features

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.

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