Dell Inspiron M511R User Manual
INSPIRON
SETUP GUIDE
™
INSPIRON
Regulatory model: P17F Regulatory type: P17F002
™
SETUP GUIDE
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
yourcomputer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data
andtells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury,
ordeath.
If you purchased a Dell n Series computer, any references in this document to the 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.
© 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
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™, and DellConnect™ are trademarks of DellInc. AMD® and Radeon™
are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft®, Windows®, and the Windows start
button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. Blu-ray Disc™ is
a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
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.
2011 - 11 P/N VNPX5 Rev. A02
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
Enable or Disable Wireless
(Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connect to the Internet (Optional). . . . . 14
Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . .18
Right View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Left View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Back View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Front View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Status Lights and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . .28
Disabling Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . .29
Computer Base and Keyboard
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Touch Pad Gestures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Multimedia Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Using the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Removing and Replacing the
Top Cover (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Removing and Replacing the Battery . . .46
Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Dell DataSafe Online Backup. . . . . . . . . .49
Dell Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3
Contents
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Lockups and Software Problems. . . . . . .56
Using Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Restoring Your Operating
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
System Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . . 65
System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . .69
Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Technical Support and Customer
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
4
Online Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Automated Order-Status Service . . . . . .74
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Returning Items for Repair
Under Warranty or for Credit. . . . . . . . . . 75
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Finding More Information and
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico). . . .89
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
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 laptop may
cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating
ensure that you leave at least 10.2cm
(4inches) 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.
5
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.
6
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.
7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Press the Power Button
8
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, go to
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.
9
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)
NOTE: It is recommended that you create 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 (optional)
NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.
10
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To create system recovery media:
1. Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page6).
2. Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.
3. Click Start → All Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup.
4. Click Create Recovery Media.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: For information on restoring your operating system using the system recovery
media, see “System Recovery Media” on page68.
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a password reset disk as soon as you set up
Microsoft Windows. For more information, see the Windows 7 support at
support.dell.com/MyNewDell.
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To enable or disable wireless:
1. Ensure that your computer is turnedon.
2. Press <Fn> along with the < > key on the function key row on the keyboard.
The current status of the wireless radios appears on the screen.
Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
3. Press <Fn> along with the < > key again to switch between the wireless enabled or
disabled states.
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.
13
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 dell.com.
14
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.
•Ifyou 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 page15.
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 awireless
router:
1. Ensure that wireless is enabled on your
computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless
(Optional)” on page12).
2. Save and close any open files, and exit any
open programs.
3. Click Start → Control Panel.
4. In the search box, type network, and
then click Network and Sharing Center→
Connect to a network.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to
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.
15
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
To set up your Internet connection:
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any
open programs.
2. Click Start → Control Panel.
3. In the search box, type 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.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen and
use the setup information provided by your
ISP to complete the setup.
16
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
17
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron laptop.
INSPIRON
Right View Features
18
1
2 3 4 5 6 7
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs (optional). For more
information, see “Using the Optical Drive” on page38.
2 Optical-drive light — Blinks when you press the optical-drive eject button or when you
insert a disc and it is being read.
3 Optical-drive eject button — Press to open the optical-drive tray.
4 Emergency eject hole — Use to open the optical-drive tray if it does not open when you
press the eject button. For more information, see “Using the Emergency Eject Hole” on
page38.
5
Audio-out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a
powered speaker or sound system.
6
Audio-in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for
use with audio programs.
7
USB 3.0 connector — Provides faster data transmission between your computer
and USB devices.
19
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Left View Features
20
1
2 3
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1
USB 3.0 connector — Provides faster data transmission between your computer and
USB devices.
2
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.
3
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). The USB PowerShare
feature allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is powered on/off or in
sleep state.
NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is powered off or in
sleep state. In such cases, turn on the computer to charge the device.
NOTE: If you turn off your computer while charging a USB device, the device stops
charging. To continue charging, disconnect the USB device and connect it again.
NOTE: The USB PowerShare feature is automatically shut off when only 10% of the total
battery life remains.
eSATA/USB combo connector with USB PowerShare — Connects to eSATA
21
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
22
4
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
4
and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on memory cards. For the
supported memory cards, see “Specifications” on page82.
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.
8-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view
23
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Back View Features
1 2 3 4 5
24
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1 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.
2
Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device
if you are using a wired network.
3
USB 3.0 connector — Provides faster data transmission between your computer and
USB devices.
4
VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.
5
AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and
charge the battery.
25
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Front View Features
1 2 3 4
26
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1
Power indicator light — Indicates the power states. For more information on the
power indicator light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page28.
2
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 when the hard drive
activity light is on.
3
Battery status light — Indicates the battery charge status. For more information on
the battery status light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page28.
NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.
4
Wireless status light — Turns on when wireless is enabled. A solid white light
indicates that wireless is enabled.
NOTE: To enable or disable wireless, see “Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)” on
page12.
27
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Status Lights and Indicators
Battery Status Light
Indicator Light Status
AC adapter
Battery
NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.
28
solid white on/standby/off/
off on/standby/off/
solid amber on/standby low battery (<= 10%)
off on/standby/off/
Computer State(s) Battery Charge Status
charging
hibernate
fully charged
hibernate
not charging
hibernate
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