Dell PP04S User Manual
Dell™ Inspiron™ 300m
Owner’s Manual
Model PP04S
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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 pr operty damage, p ersonal
injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Dell™ Inspiron™ Help File" on
page 17.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer , any references in this document to Microsoft
Windows
®
operating systems are not applicable.
®
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2003 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, AccessDirect, Latitude, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Dimension, Dell
Precision, TrueMobile, ExpressCharge, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation;
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. 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.
Model PP04S
August 2003 P/N P2373 Rev. A00
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
General
Power
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Air Travel
EMC Instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
When Using Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Ergonomic Computing Habits
When Working Inside Your Computer
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Battery Disposal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Finding Information for Your Computer
1 A Tour of Your Computer
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2 Setting Up Your Computer
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Contents 3
Modem and Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
E-Mail Problems
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . 36
Setting Up a Printer
Printer Cable
Connecting a USB Printer
Printer Problems
Power Protection Devices
Surge Protectors
Line Conditioners
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Turning Off Your Computer
3 Using a Battery
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Charge Gauge
Low-Battery Warning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4 Contents
Charging the Battery
Removing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Installing the Optional Extended Battery
Storing a Battery
Power Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4 Using the Dell™ D/Bay
About the Dell D/Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Removing and Installing Devices When the Computer
Is Turned Off
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer
Is Running
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Keyboard Shortcuts
System Functions
Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Radios (Including Wireless Networking and the
Bluetooth™ Card)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Speaker Functions
Microsoft
Touch Pad
®
Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Customizing the Touch Pad
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
6 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia
Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Contents 5
CD or DVD Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray
. . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . 65
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . . . . . . 65
If the CD-RW drive stops writing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Sound and Speaker Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
If you have a problem with integrated speakers
If you have a problem with external speakers
Copying CDs and DVDs
How to Copy a CD or DVD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs
Helpful Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . 65
7 Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Network Setup Wizard
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network
Determining Your Network Type
Connecting to a Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP
Finalizing Your Network Connection (Security Settings) . . . . 76
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
. . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . 72
8 Solving Problems
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
If the display is difficult to read
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
6 Contents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . 86
PC Card Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A program crashes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A solid blue screen appears
Error messages appear
Resolving Other Technical Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Drivers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
What Is a Driver?
Identifying Drivers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . 94
®
Using Microsoft
Windows® XP
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Creating a Restore Point
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State . . . . . . 95
Undoing the Last System Restore
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
®
Reinstalling Microsoft
Before You Begin
Reinstalling Windows XP
Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
9 Adding and Replacing Parts
Before You Add or Replace Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Contents 7
Adding a Mini PCI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Adding a Modem
10 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Using the System Setup Program
Overview
Viewing the System Setup Screens
System Setup Screens
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Enabling the Infrared Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
Contacting Dell
Regulatory Notices
NOM Information (Mexico Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
. . . . . . . . . . . . 126
. . . . . 126
. . . . . . 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Limited Warranties and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products
(U.S. Only)
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
. . . . . . . . . . 149
Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware
Products (Canada Only)
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (Canada Only)
Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
. . . . . . . . 153
. . . . . . . . . . 153
1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only)
®
Intel
Warranty Statement for Pentium® and
®
Celeron
Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . 156
. . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
8 Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensur e 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 ar e a, s uch 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 stor m is approaching to avoid the remote risk of electric
shock from lightning via the telephone line.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions 9
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
• 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 wir e si ze of 26 A merican wir e gauge (AWG) and an FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• Before you open the memory module/Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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
(continued)
• 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 instal led in the battery bay
or module bay.
• To help preve nt electric shock, plug the A C 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.
10 CAUTION: Safety Instructions
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
• 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.
(continued)
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 e xplosion.
• 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-gene rating 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 Instructions 11
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
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,
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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 De ll at its worldwide website at
www.dell.com.
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.
(continued)
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.
12 CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Wash your hands after handling the cord.
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 13
When Using Your Computer
• 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 W e t" on page89 or "If You Drop or Damage Your Computer" on page 90.
If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating
properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 127 for the appropriate contact
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
information).
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAU TION: Improper or prolonge d keyboard use may result in injur y.
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 Dell Inspiron Help file
when setting up and using your computer. To access help, see "Finding Information for Your
Computer" on page 17.
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.
(continued)
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.
14 When Using Your Computer
When Using Your Computer
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.
Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.
1
2 Disconnect 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.
3 Remove the main battery from the battery bay and, if necessary, the second battery from
the module bay.
4 Ground yourself by touching any unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
5 While you work, periodically touch the unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static
electricity that might harm internal components.
(continued)
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.
When Using Your Computer 15
When Using Your Computer
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a reserve battery . For instructions about replacing
the lithium-ion battery in your computer, refer to "Using a Battery" on page43. 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.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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.
(continued)
16 When Using Your Computer
Finding Information for Your Computer
What are you looking for? Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my
computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
• How to set up my computer Setup Diagram
Drivers and Utilities CD
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer when shipped
from Dell. You can use the CD to reinstall
drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics.
Readme files may be included on your CD
to provide last-minute updates about
technical changes to your computer or
advanced technical-reference material for
experienced users or technicians.
See the setup diagram that was shipped with your computer.
®
• Tips on using the Microsoft
Windows® operating system
• How to clean my computer
• How to use my mouse and keyboard
Dell™ Inspiron™ Help File
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Click User and system guides and click User’s guides.
3 Click Dell Inspiron Help.
Finding Information for Your Computer 17
What are you looking for? Find It Here
• Express Service Code and Service Tag
®
•Microsoft
Windows® License Label
Express Service Code and Product Key Label
These labels are located on your
computer.
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and
support questions
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
• Online discussions with other users
and technical support
• Documentation for my computer
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from
technicians, and online courses
• Community Forum — Online discussion with other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory ,
the hard drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, order status, warranty, and
repair information
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and
white papers
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a
modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the
arrow icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD
After you reinstall your operating system using the Operating System
CD, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices
that came with your computer.
The product key for your operating system is located on your computer.
18 Finding Information for Your Computer
1
SECTION 1
A Tour of Your Computer
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
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power button
display latch
display
keyboard
touch pad
DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.
DISPLAY — For more information on using your color display, see "Using the Display" in the Dell
Inspiron Help file. T o access help, see "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 17.
KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft
key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Keyboard Shortcuts" on page56.
20 A Tour of Your Computer
speaker (2)
keyboard status lights
touch pad button (2)
device status lights
®
Windows® logo
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
Device Status Lights
Turns on when you turn on the computer or blinks steadily when the
computer is in standby 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.
Indicates battery charge status.
Turns on only if the Bluetooth™ module is already installed and the
wireless antenna is enabled. To enable or disable the antenna, press
<Fn><F2>.
NOTE: The wireless features on your computer, including Bluetooth
and Mini PCI card are optional. For more information, see the
documentation that came with your wireless technology.
A Tour of Your Computer 21
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
– Solid green: The battery is charging.
– Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.
– Off: The battery is fully charged
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.
EYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS
K
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Keyboard Status Lights
9
A
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
22 A Tour of Your Computer
TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
touch pad
touch pad button (2)
SPEAKER — The computer speakers are located inside the front center edge of the computer. Press
the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of the integrated speakers. For more
information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page55.
TOUCH PAD — Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the
Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 55 for more information.
POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter standby mode.
NOTICE: Turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown rather than by pressing
the power button. Otherwise, you may lose data.
A Tour of Your Computer 23
Left Side View
AC adapter connector 1394 connector
network
connector
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MODEM CONNECTOR (OPTIONAL)
modem connector
(optional)
PC Card slot
D/Bay
connector
If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the
telephone line to the modem connector.
F or information on using the modem, see the online modem
documentation supplied with your computer. See "Finding
Information for Your Computer" on page 17.
audio
connector
Secure Digital
memory card slot
24 A Tour of Your Computer
NETWORK CONNECTOR
NOTE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a
telephone line into the network connector.
RJ-45
NETWORK CONNECTOR — Connects the
computer to a network.
The network connector has status lights on both sides.
If the light on the right is off, the media base is not detecting
a network connection. Try replacing the network cable. The
light on the right blinks yellow when the network is active.
The light on the left indicates the link speed:
SOLID GREEN —Connection speed is 10 Mbps.
AMBER — Connection speed is 100 Mbps.
YELLOW — Connection speed is 1 Gbps.
For information on using the network adapter, see the
documentation that came with your computer.
NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network
connector.
A Tour of Your Computer 25
AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach an AC adapter to the computer and to AC power to convert
AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your
computer either turned on or off.
The power cable manager can be removed from the AC adapter. For details, see the label that came
with your AC adapter.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
CAUTION: 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.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, hold the adapter cable
connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
26 A Tour of Your Computer
D/BAY CONNECTOR
1394 CONNECTOR
AUDIO CONNECTORS
Connects powered USB devices such as a Dell™ D/Bay,
which is an external media bay that accommodates an
optical drive, floppy drive, or second hard drive; also
connects standard USB devices.
Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer
rates, such as some digital video cameras.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
The connector is a stereo output connector.
A Tour of Your Computer 27
PC CARD SLOT — The PC Card slot supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter.
The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see the Dell
Inspiron Help file. To access help, see "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 17.
ECURE DIGITAL MEMORY CARD SLOT — The Secure Digital memory card slot supports one
S
Secure D igital memor y card. Use Secu re Digital memory cards to save or back up data. For more
information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access help, see "Finding Information for Your
Computer" on page 17.
Right Side View
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INFRARED SENSOR — Lets you transfer files from your computer to another IrDA-compatible
device without using cable connections.
When you receive your computer, the sensor is disabled. You can use the system setup program to
enable the sensor. For information on transferring data , see the Windows Help and Support Center or
the documentation that came with your IrDA-compatible device. To access help, see "Finding
Information for Your Computer" on page 17.
AIR VENT — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which pr events
the computer from overheating.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise,
which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
video connector
air vent
infrared sensor USB connector
28 A Tour of Your Computer
USB CONNECTOR
VIDEO
CONNECTOR
Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or
printer.
Connects an external monitor or projector. See "Using the
Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access help, see
"Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 17.
A Tour of Your Computer 29
Back View
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the
computer. Instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
security cable slot
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security
cable slot.
30 A Tour of Your Computer
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