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Dell™ Inspiron™ 5100 and 5150
Owner’s Manual
Model PP07L and PP08L
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m
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 Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 80.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2003 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, AccessDirect, UltraSharp, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension,
OptiPlex, Latitude, Dell TrueMobile, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows 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 Computer Corporation 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP07L and PP08L
July 2003 |
P/N M1708 |
Rev. A02 |
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
11 |
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
11 |
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
12 |
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
13 |
Air Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
14 |
EMC Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
14 |
When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
15 |
Ergonomic Computing Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
16 |
When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
16 |
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . |
17 |
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
17 |
1 |
A Tour of Your Computer |
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Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
20 |
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Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
23 |
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Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
24 |
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Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
26 |
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Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
29 |
2 |
Setting Up Your Computer |
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Adjusting Font Sizes
Adjusting Icon Sizes
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32 |
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32 |
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32 |
Contents 3
Dell™ QuickSet Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
32 |
Clicking the QuickSet Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
32 |
Double-Clicking the QuickSet Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
33 |
Right-Clicking the QuickSet Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
33 |
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
33 |
Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
34 |
Modem and Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . |
35 |
E-Mail Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
36 |
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . |
36 |
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
37 |
Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
37 |
Connecting a USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
38 |
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
38 |
Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
39 |
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
39 |
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
39 |
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
40 |
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
40 |
3 Using a Battery
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
42 |
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
43 |
Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
43 |
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
43 |
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
43 |
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
44 |
Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
45 |
4 Contents
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
45 |
Battery and Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
45 |
If the battery is not charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
46 |
If battery life is short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
46 |
4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reprogramming the Button . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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External Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unexpected Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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48 |
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48 |
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48 |
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49 |
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49 |
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49 |
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50 |
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50 |
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50 |
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51 |
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52 |
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52 |
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53 |
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53 |
5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia
Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
56 |
CD or DVD Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
56 |
If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW . . . . . . |
56 |
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray 56 |
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If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . . . . . . |
56 |
If the CD-RW or DVD+RW drive stops writing . . . . . . . . . |
56 |
Contents 5
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
57 |
If you have a problem with integrated speakers . . . . . . . . . |
57 |
If you have a problem with external speakers . . . . . . . . . . |
57 |
Connecting a Television to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
58 |
S-Video Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
58 |
Composite Video Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
60 |
Enabling the Display Settings for a Television . . . . . . . . . |
62 |
6 Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
66 |
Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
66 |
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
67 |
Connecting to Wireless Local Area Networks . . . . . . . . . . . |
67 |
Determining Your Network Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
68 |
Connecting to a Network in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . |
68 |
Finalizing Your Network Connection (Security Settings) . . . . |
71 |
7 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Accessing Help
Error Messages
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80 |
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80 |
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
81 |
If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
81 |
If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
82 |
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
83 |
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
83 |
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
84 |
If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive . . . . . . . . . . . . |
84 |
6 Contents
If you have problems with a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
85 |
PC Card Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
85 |
General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A program crashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Error messages appear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resolving Other Technical Problems . . . . . . . . . .
If Your Computer Gets Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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85 |
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86 |
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87 |
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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88 |
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88 |
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89 |
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89 |
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91 |
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . |
92 |
Using System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
92 |
Creating a Restore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
93 |
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State . . . . . . 93 |
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Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
94 |
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
94 |
Before You Reinstall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
94 |
Reinstalling Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
95 |
8 Adding and Replacing Parts
Before You Add or Replace Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
100 |
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
100 |
Modem and Mini PCI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
102 |
Adding a Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
103 |
Contents 7
Adding a Mini PCI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
104 |
Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
106 |
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
108 |
CD or DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
108 |
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
109 |
9 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
114 |
Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
121 |
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
121 |
Viewing the System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
122 |
System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
122 |
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
122 |
System and Battery Performance Optimization . . . . . . . . . |
124 |
System Performance Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
124 |
Optimizing Power Consumption and Battery Charge Time . . . |
124 |
Variable Speed Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
125 |
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . |
125 |
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . |
125 |
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . |
126 |
Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
126 |
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
143 |
NOM Information (Mexico Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
144 |
Limited Warranties and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
145 |
Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (U.S. Only) |
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145 |
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"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . |
148 |
Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (Canada
Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
8 Contents
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . |
151 |
Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . |
152 |
1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the |
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Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
153 |
Intel® Warranty Statement for Pentium® and Celeron® Processors |
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Only |
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(U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
155 |
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
157 |
Contents 9
10 Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage.
General
•Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.
•If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
•Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
•Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on. Restricting airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.
•Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
•Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.
•The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
•Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact with exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.
•Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement.
•If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.
CAUTION: Safety Instr uctions |
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CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)
•To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.
•If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
•Before you open the memory module cover or Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of your computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone cable.
•If your computer has both a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector, which look alike, make sure you insert the telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not the RJ-45 connector.
•PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.
•Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
Power
•Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.
•Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.
•To remove the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet, and remove any battery installed in the battery bay or module bay.
•To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-prong plugs to provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the appropriate type, 2-prong or 3-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.
12 CAUTION: Safety Instr uctions
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)
•Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and that the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.
•If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use caution when plugging the AC adapter’s power cable into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you to insert the plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage to your computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the ground prong of the power plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of the power strip.
Battery
•Use only Dell™ battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of other types may increase the risk of fire or explosion.
•Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.
•The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.
•Keep the battery away from children.
•Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60ºC (140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.
•Do not dispose of your computer’s battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged battery promptly.
CAUTION: Safety Instr uctions |
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CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)
Air Travel
•Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are on board an aircraft. For example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.
–In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is equipped with Dell TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication device, please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.
–Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable computer, may be prohibited in aircraft during certain critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing. Some airlines may further define the critical flight phase as any time the aircraft is below 3050 m (10,000 ft). Please follow the airline’s specific instructions as to when the use of a PED is allowed.
EMC Instructions
Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell at its worldwide website at www.dell.com.
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer’s input/output panel.
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product, or cords associated with accessories sold with this product, will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash your hands after handling the cord.
14 CAUTION: Safety Instr uctions
When Using Your Computer
Observe the following safe-handling guidelines to prevent damage to your computer:
•When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
•When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.
•When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the computer. You can put the hard drive through an X-ray security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.
•When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.
•Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexposure to sunlight.
•When you move your computer between environments with very different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the computer.
NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before turning on power.
•When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
•Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by its edges, not its pins.
•When preparing to remove a memory module from the system board or disconnect a device from the computer, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, remove any battery installed in the battery bay or module bay, and then wait 5 seconds before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
When Using Your Computer |
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When Using Your Computer (continued)
•Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and water. Apply the water to the cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. Remove moisture from the display quickly and keep the display dry. Longterm exposure to moisture can damage the display. Do not use a commercial window cleaner to clean your display.
•If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in “If Your Computer Gets Wet” on page 87 or "If You Drop or Damage Your Computer" on page 88. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell (see page 126 for the appropriate contact information).
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Tell Me How help file when setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 80.
This portable computer is not designed for continuous operation as office equipment. For extended use in an office, it is recommended that you connect an external keyboard.
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before removing or installing memory modules, Mini PCI cards, or modems, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is when you are installing memory modules, a Mini PCI card, or a modem.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing a memory module, Mini PCI card, or modem to help prevent possible damage to the system board.
1Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.
2Disconnect your computer and devices from electrical outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3Remove the main battery from the battery bay and, if necessary, the second battery from the module bay.
16 When Using Your Computer
When Using Your Computer (continued)
4Ground yourself by touching any unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching any unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch any unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
•When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.
•When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.
•Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a reserve battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion battery in your computer, see "Removing a Battery" on page 44. The reserve battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it, the procedure must be performed by an authorized service technician.
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
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Computer Your Using When 18
1
S E C T I O N 1
A Tour of Your
Computer
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
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Front View
display latch
Dell™ AccessDirect™ button 
power button 
touch pad 
touch pad buttons 
speaker 
device status lights
DIS P LA Y L A T CH — Keeps the display closed.
display
keyboard status lights
keyboard
speaker
DIS P LA Y — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 80. For information about adjusting font and icon sizes, see page 32.
20 A Tour of Your Computer
KE Y BO A R D ST A T U S LIG H T S
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
9 Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
A
Turns on when Caps Lock is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
KE Y BO A R D — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key 
. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see page 49.
SP E A KE R S — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see page 50.
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DE VI C E ST A T U S LI G HT S
Turns on when you turn on the computer. Blinks or turns off in power management mode.
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.
Blinks to indicate battery charge status.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the |
light operates as follows: |
– Solid green: The battery is charging. |
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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 orange: The battery charge is low.
–Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.
TO UC H PA D BUT TO NS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See page 51 for more information.
TO UC H PA D — The touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse. See page 51 for more information.
PO W E R BUT TO N — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management mode. For more information, see "Power Management" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 80.
22 A Tour of Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown rather than by pressing the power button (see page 40).
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).
DEL L™ AC C E S SDI R EC T ™ BUT TON — Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as support and educational tools. You can reprogram the button to launch a program of your choice. For more information, see page 48.
Left Side View
PC Card slot
audio connectors (2) CD or DVD drive
PC CAR D SL O T — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. For more information, see "Using PC Cards" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 80.
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AUD I O CO N NE C T O RS
Attach headphones or speakers to the 
connector.
Attach a microphone to the |
connector. |
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CD O R DVD DR IV E — Accommodates a CD drive, DVD drive, CD-RW drive, a DVD+RW drive, or CD-RW/DVD combo drive.
Right Side View
security cable slot
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air vents |
battery/battery bay |
modem connector |
BAT T ER Y /BA T T E R Y BA Y — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 41.
24 A Tour of Your Computer
MO D E M CO NN EC T O R
Connect the telephone line to the modem connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer.
AIR VE NT S — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
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.
NOTE: The fan runs constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
SE C U RI T Y CA B L E SLO T — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
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Back View
NOTE: The connector for your AC adapter on your computer may look different than the connector in the following graphic.
AC adapter connector |
S-video TV-out connector |
air vents |
USB connectors (2) |
video connector |
network connector |
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IEEE 1394 connector |
AIR VE NT S — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
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.
NOTE: The fan runs constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
AC AD A PT ER CO NN EC T O R — Attach an AC adapter to the computer.
NOTE: The AC adapter in the following graphic may not look exactly like the AC adapter that shipped with your computer.
26 A Tour of Your Computer
AC adapter 
AC adapter connector
NOTICE: Use only the AC adapter that came with 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.
CAUTION: Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.
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.
S-VID E O TV-OU T CO N NE C T O R
Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see page 58.
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USB CO NN E CT O R S
Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
VID E O CO N NE C T O R
Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using the Display" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 80.
IEEE 1394 CO NN EC T O R — Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.
NE T W O R K CO NN E CTO R
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.
Connects the computer to a network. The 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.
28 A Tour of Your Computer
Bottom View
modem/Mini PCI |
battery/battery bay |
card cover |
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air vent |
hard drive |
battery latch release |
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memory module cover |
MO D E M/MI NI PCI CA R D CO V E R — Covers the compartment that contains the modem and Mini PCI card. See page 102.
BAT T ER Y /BA T T E R Y BA Y — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 41.
AIR VE NT S — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
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.
NOTE: The fan runs constantly, and fan speed may vary depending on usage. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
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BAT T ER Y L A T C H REL E AS E — Releases the battery. See page 44 for instructions.
ME MO R Y MO D U L E CO V E R — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s) and the CD or DVD drive latch release. See page 100.
HA R D DR I VE — Stores software and data.
30 A Tour of Your Computer
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