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PP05L
User Manual 2
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Dell PP05L User Manual 2

Dell™ Inspiron™ 600m

Owner’s Manual

Model PP05L
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
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
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. © 2003–2005 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, Inspiron, Dell TravelLite, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, PowerConnect, PowerEdge,
PowerVault, PowerApp, DellNet, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and is used
by Dell Inc. under license; EMC is a registered trademark of the EMC Corporation.
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 PP05L
April 2005 P/N T8109 Rev. A02
Contents
1 A Tour of Your Computer
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2 Setting Up Your Computer
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
Modem and Internet Connection Problems
E-Mail Problems
Setting Up a Printer
Printer Cable
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connecting a Parallel Printer Connecting a USB Printer
Printer Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network
Power Protection Devices
Surge Protectors Line Conditioners
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Turning Off Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Contents 3
3 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices
Using a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Battery Performance Checking the Battery Charge Charging the Battery Removing a Battery Installing a Battery Removing and Installing a Reserve Battery Storing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Problems
About the Module Bay
Checking the Charge on the Second Battery
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off
Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . 38
4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Keyboard Shortcuts
System Functions Battery CD or DVD Tray Display Functions Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth
Wireless Technology) Power Management Speaker Functions Microsoft
Touch Pad
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
®
4 Contents
Customizing the Touch Pad
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia
Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
CD and DVD Problems
If you cannot play a CD or DVD If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound If the CD-RW drive stops writing
Sound and Speaker Problems
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 Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips
Connecting a Television to the Computer
S-Video Connection Composite Video Connection Enabling the Display Settings for a Television
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
6 Setting Up a Home and Office Network
Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Network Setup Wizard
Network Problems
Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network
Determining Your Network Type Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
®
Windows® XP . . . . . 59
7 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Accessing Help
Error Messages
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Contents 5
Video and Display Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
If the display is blank If the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Scanner Problems
Drive Problems
If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive If you have problems with a hard drive
PC Card Problems
General Program Problems
A program crashes A program stops responding Error messages appear
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Drivers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP
Restoring Your Operating System
Using Microsoft Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
8 Adding and Replacing Parts
6 Contents
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Adding a Mini PCI Card
Replacing the Hard Drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
9 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Standard Settings
Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens Commonly Used Options
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)
Macrovision Product Notice
Contacting Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Contents 7
8 Contents

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

keyboard status lights
mute button
volume control buttons
touch pad buttons
speaker
DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see the Dell Inspiron help file. To access the help
file, see "Accessing Help" on page 65.
POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode.
For more information about power management, see the Dell Inspiron help file. To access the help file, see "Accessing Help" on page 65.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft
system shutdown (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 27) rather than by pressing the power button.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).
display latch
speaker
®
display
power button
device status lights
keyboard
touch pad
Windows® operating
A Tour of Your Computer 9
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
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Turns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
10 A Tour of Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the
light is flashing.
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.
®
Turns on when Bluetooth
NOTE: Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature, so the
wireless technology is enabled.
light turns on only if you ordered the internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your card.
To turn off only the functionality of the Bluetooth wireless technology, right-click the icon in the system tray and select Disable Bluetooth Radio.
To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>.
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.
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: Solid orange:
–
KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For information
The battery charge is low.
The battery charge is critically low.
on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 41.
TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 41
for more information.
SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume control buttons, mute
button, or volume-control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" on page 41.
DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.
TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Provide the functionality of a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad"
on page 41 for more information.
VOLUME CONTROL BUTTONS — Press these buttons to adjust the volume.
MUTE BUTTON — Press this button to turn off the volume.
KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS
A Tour of Your Computer 11
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Left Side View

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Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
9
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
A
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
PC Card slot
smart card slot
air vents (2)
AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
NOTE: 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: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store
your Dell™ 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.
ARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with
PC C
a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron help file. To access the help file, see"Accessing Help" on page 65.
12 A Tour of Your Computer
security cable slot
infrared sensor
hard drive
audio connectors (2)
SMART CARD SLOT — Supports one smart card. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron help file. To
access the help file, see "Accessing Help" on page 65.
NOTE: Depending on your computer’s configuration, the smart card slot may not be available.
INFRARED SENSOR — Lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-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 Help and Support Center or the documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device.
AUDIO CONNECTORS
Attach a microphone to the connector.
Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
A Tour of Your Computer 13
HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — 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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Right Side View

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — 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.
14 A Tour of Your Computer
security cable slot module bay
device latch release
MODULE BAY — You can install devices such as an optical drive or a Dell TravelLite™ module in the
module bay. For more information, see "About the Module Bay" on page 36.
DEVICE LATCH RELEASE — Releases the module bay device. See "About the Module Bay" on page 36
for instructions.

Back View

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you
disconnect an external device.
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.
modem connector (RJ-11) (optional)
network connector (RJ-45)
S-video TV-out connector
USB connectors (2)
parallel connector
video connector
serial connector
air vents
AC adapter connector
A Tour of Your Computer 15
USB CONNECTORS
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Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector using the optional floppy drive cable.
S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR
MODEM
CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
16 A Tour of Your Computer
Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting a Television to the Computer" on page 50.
If you ordered the internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer. See "Accessing Help" on page 65.
NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
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 green and yellow lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the device user’s guide supplied with your computer. See "Accessing Help" on page 65.
PARALLEL CONNECTOR
Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.
CONNECTOR
VIDEO
Connects an external monitor. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron help file. To access the help file, see "Accessing Help" on page 65.
SERIAL
CONNECTOR
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.
A Tour of Your Computer 17
AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach an AC adapter to the computer.
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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.
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.
AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
NOTE: 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: 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.
18 A Tour of Your Computer

Bottom View

memory module cover
battery charge gauge
battery
hard drive
Mini PCI card cover
fan
docking device slot
battery-bay latch release
MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s). See "Adding
Memory" on page 81.
BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See "Using a Battery" on page 29 for instructions.
BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge. See "Using a Battery" on page 29.
BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to
an electrical outlet. See "Using a Battery" on page 29.
DOCKING DEVICE SLOT — Lets you attach your computer to a docking device. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for additional information.
FAN — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
NOTE: 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: 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.
INI PCI CARD COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card. See "Adding a Mini
M
PCI Card" on page 83.
HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.
A Tour of Your Computer 19
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20 A Tour of Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:
• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a phone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.
• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing phone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your phone on the same line simultaneously.
• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an AOL or MSN connection:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Double-click the
3
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Click the
The
Start
New Connection Wizard
MSN Explorer
button and click
appears.
or
AOL
icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
Internet Explorer
.
3
Click
Connect to the Internet
.
Setting Up Your Computer 21
4
In the next window, click the appropriate option:
• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click
service providers (ISPs)
.
Choose from a list of Internet
• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD, click
• If you have a CD, click
5
Click
Next
.
If you selected
Set up my connection manually
Use the CD I got from an ISP
Set up my connection manually
.
.
, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the
instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
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NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
6
Click the appropriate option under click
Next
7
Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
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.

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting the modem to a digital
telephone network damages the modem.
NOTICE: Modem and network connectors look similar. Do not plug a telephone line into the
network connector.
NOTE: If you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), your modem is functioning properly. If
you are sure that your modem is working properly and you still experience problems, contact your ISP.
HECK THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to
C
a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that you have touchtone telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a different telephone wall jack.
Slow connection speeds can be caused by telephone noise as well as by telephone line or network conditions. Contact your telephone company or network administrator for more information.
ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — If you have other telephone devices
C
sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone line to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.
HECK THE CONNECTION — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the modem.
C
HECK THE TELEPHONE LINE — Try using a different telephone line. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft)
C
or more in length, try a shorter one.
I
RREGULAR DIAL TONE — If you have voice mail service, you might hear an irregular dial tone when you
have messages. Contact your telephone company for instructions on restoring a dial tone.
How do you want to connect to the Internet?
, and then
.
22 Setting Up Your Computer
TURN OFF CALL WAITING (CATCH-PHONE)— See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties.
1
Click the
2
Click then click
3
In the proper code as listed in your telephone directory.
4
Click
5
Close the
6
Close the
VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —
1
Click the
2
Click
3
Click the
4
Click the COM port for your modem.
5
Click communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
Start
button and click
Printers and Other Hardware
Edit...
.
Edit Location
Apply
and click OK.
Phone and Modems Options Control Panel
Start
Printers and Other Hardware
Modems
Properties
window, ensure that
button and click
tab.
, click the
Control Panel
window.
Control Panel
Diagnostics
.
, click
Phone and Modem Options
To disable call waiting, dial:
window.
.
and click
Phone and Modem Options
tab, and then click
, click the
is checked, and then select the
Query Modem
Dialing Rules
.
to verify that the modem is
tab, and

E-Mail Problems

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — With the Microsoft Outlook® Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check mark next to it, click the check mark to remove it and connect to the Internet.

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.
See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:
• Obtain and install updated drivers.
• Connect the printer to the computer.
• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.
• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.
Setting Up Your Computer 23

Connecting a Parallel Printer

1
Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.
2
Shut down the computer (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 27).
NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable.
3
Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.
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4
Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the window appears, click
5
Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.
screws (2)
parallel printer cable
Cancel
.
parallel connector on computer
connector on printer
notches (2)
Add New Hardware Wizard
clips (2)
24 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.
1
Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.
2
Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.
3
Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
USB connector on computer
USB connector
USB printer cable
on printer

Printer Problems

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the printer cable is properly connected to the computer.
T
EST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
NSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON — See the documentation supplied with the printer.
E
V
ERIFY THAT WINDOWS
1
Click the
2
Click
3
Click
4
Click
5
Click
LPT1 (Printer Port)
REINSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 74.
Start Control Panel Printers and Other Hardware View installed printers or fax printers Properties,
®
RECOGNIZES THE PRINTER
button.
.
and then click the
.
.
. If the printer model is listed, right-click the printer icon.
Ports
tab. Ensure that the
Print to the following port(s):
Setting Up Your Computer 25
setting is

Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network

NOTE: A network adapter is also referred to as a network interface controller (NIC).
NOTICE: Do not install a network adapter or a network adapter/modem combination PC Card until you
complete the docking device setup.
NOTICE: To prevent serious operating system problems, do not connect your computer to a docking
device until the Windows operating system setup on the computer is complete.
A docking device allows you to more fully integrate your portable computer into a desktop environment.
For instructions and details on setting up a docking device, refer to the documentation that
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came packaged with the device.

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:
• Surge protectors
• Line conditioners
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions
caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from
the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.
26 Setting Up Your Computer

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.
NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other
devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows® operating
system shutdown, as described next, rather than by pressing the power button.
NOTE: As an alternative to turning off your computer, you can set your computer to enter standby or
hibernate mode.
1
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the
Turn Off Computer
2
In the
Turn off computer
.
window, click
Turn o f f
.
The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
Start
button, and then click
Setting Up Your Computer 27
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28 Setting Up Your Computer

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
Use a battery to power the computer when the computer is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time it can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how
often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. With average usage, you may expect from 3 to 4 hours from a single, fully charged battery. You can install an optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more information about the second battery, see "About the Module Bay" on page 36.
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
• Using optical drives, especially DVD and CD-RW drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs, such as 3D games
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode
You can check the battery charge on the bottom of the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the
battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a
charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. Read the safety instructions for battery disposal in the Product Information Guide.
Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 29
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,
incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Checking the Battery Charge

The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.
For more information about checking the charge on the second battery, see "About the Module Bay" on page 36.
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Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
Press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter.
The Battery Meter screen displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the primary and secondary batteries in your computer.
NOTE: Dell recommends that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.
The following icons appear in the Battery Meter screen:
The computer or docking device is running on battery power.
The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is charging.
The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is fully charged.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information on the Power Meter tab, see the
Dell Inspiron help file. To access the help file, see page 65.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
Press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge.
30 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices
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