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Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . .5
Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5
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, 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
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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.
Microsoft® Windows®
To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are
mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through
several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an
Internet connection.
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your
computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.
NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.
NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see
support.dell.com/MyNewDell.
®
Ubuntu
To set up Ubuntu for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen.
9
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.
™
10
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 60.
11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)
12
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Press the key on the function key row on the keyboard to enable or disable wireless.
The wireless on or off icons appear on the screen to indicate the status.
Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
NOTE: The wireless key allows you to quickly turn off all wireless radios (Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth®)
on your computer, such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane
flight.
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 at www.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.
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 16.
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® 7
Ensure that wireless is enabled on your 1.
computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless”
on page 12).
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.
Windows Vista
®
Ensure that wireless is enabled on your 1.
computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless”
on page 12).
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.
15
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.
16
To set up your Internet connection:
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.
Windows Vista
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1.
open programs.
Click 2. Start → Control Panel.
In the search box, type 3. network, and then
click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up
a connection or Network→ Connect to the
Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of
connection to select, click Help me choose
or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and 4.
use the setup information provided by your
ISP to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
17
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
4321
This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron™ laptop.
INSPIRON
Right View Features
18
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1
Optical drive — Plays or records CDs and DVDs. For more information, see “Using the Optical
Drive” on page 32.
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 — Ejects the optical drive tray when pressed.
4
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.
19
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
32
4
1
Left View Features
20
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1
AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the computer and charge
the battery.
2
USB 2.0 connectors (3) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer,
external drive, or MP3 player.
3
Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if
you are using a wired network.
4
VGA connector — Connects to a monitor or projector.
21
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
246
5
31
7
Front View Features
22
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
1
Power status light — Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate the power status.
For more information on the power status light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page 24.
2
Hard drive activity light — Blinks to indicate hard drive activity when the computer reads
or writes data.
3
Battery status light — Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate the battery charge status.
For more information on the battery status light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page 24.
NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.
4
3-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and
share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on the memory card.
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.
5
Analog microphone — Provides quality sound for video conferencing and voice recording.
6
Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a powered
speaker or sound system.
7
Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with