Dell P17F User Manual

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INSPIRON™

SETUP GUIDE

INSPIRON™

SETUP GUIDE

Regulatory model: P17F Regulatory type: P17F001

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 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.

__________________

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 Dell Inc. Intel®, Pentium®, and Core™ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. 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 - 03 P/N HXN3V Rev. A01

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)	17

Using Your Inspiron Laptop 20

Right View Features 20 Left View Features 22 Back View Features 26

Front View Features 28 Status Lights and Indicators 30 Disabling Battery Charging 31 Computer Base and Keyboard Features 32 Touch Pad Gestures 36 Multimedia Control Keys 38 Using the Optical Drive 40 Display Features 42

Removing and Replacing the Top Cover (Optional) 44

Removing and Replacing the Battery 48 Software Features 50 Dell DataSafe Online Backup 51 Dell Stage 52

Solving Problems 54

Beep Codes 54 Network Problems 55

Contents

Power Problems 56 Memory Problems 58 Lockups and Software Problems 58

Using Support Tools 62

Dell Support Center 62 My Dell Downloads 63 Hardware Troubleshooter 64 Dell Diagnostics 64

Restoring Your Operating System 66

System Restore 67 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 68 System Recovery Media 71 Dell Factory Image Restore 72

Getting Help 74

Technical Support and Customer Service

75 DellConnect 75 Online Services 76

Automated Order-Status Service 77 Product Information 77

Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit 78

Before You Call 80 Contacting Dell 82

Finding More Information and Resources 84

Specifications 86 Appendix 93

Information for NOM, or Official Mexican Standard

(Only for Mexico) 93

Index 94

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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 10.2 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.

INSPIRON

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.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

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, 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.

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.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

To create system recovery media:

1.Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page 6).

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 page 71.

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.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Install the SIM Card (Optional)

NOTE: The SIM card slot is available in your computer only if you ordered a WWAN card at the time of purchase.

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 in 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:

1.Turn off your computer.

2.Remove the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 48).

3.In the battery bay, slide the SIM card into the SIM card slot.

4.Replace the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page 48).

5.Turn on your computer.

To remove the SIM card, press and eject the SIM card.

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

1SIM card slot

2SIM card

3battery bay

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

To enable or disable wireless:

1.Ensure that your computer is turned on.

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.

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:

1.Turn on your computer.

2.Press <Fn> along with the < > key on the function key row on the keyboard to enable wireless.

3.Connect the wireless display adapter to the TV.

4.Turn on the TV.

5.Select the appropriate video source for your TV, such as HDMI1, HDMI2, or S-Video.

6.Click the Intel Wireless Display icon on the desktop.

The Intel Wireless Display window appears.

7.Select Scan for available displays.

8.Select your wireless display adapter from the Detected wireless displays list.

9.Enter the security code that appears on your TV.

To enable wireless display:

1.Click the Intel Wireless Display icon on the desktop.

The Intel Wireless Display window appears.

2.Select Connect to Existing Adapter.

NOTE: You can download and install the latest driver for “Intel Wireless Display Connection Manager” from support.dell.com.

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 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:

1.Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)” on page 14).

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.

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.

INSPIRON

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

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

Right View Features

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs (optional). For more information, see “Using the Optical Drive” on page 40.

2Optical drive light — Blinks when you press the optical drive eject button or when you insert a disc and it is being read.

3Optical drive eject button — Press to open the optical-drive tray.

4Emergency 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 page 40.

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.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Left View Features

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1 USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.

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 eSATA/USB combo connector with USB PowerShare — 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). 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.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

4 8-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. For the supported memory cards, see “Specifications” on page 86.

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.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Back View Features

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

1Security 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.

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Front View Features

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