Dell PP09L User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ XPS

Owner’s Manual

Model PP09L

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 property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the

Dell™ Inspiron™ Help

file. To access the

help file, see page 18.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, TrueMobile, Dell T ravelLite, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex,

Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerConnect, PowerApp, DellNet, Axim, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG and is used by Dell Inc. under license; EMC is a registered trademark of 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 PP09L

May 2004 P/N M3551 Rev. A02

CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SAFETY: General SAFETY: Power SAFETY: Battery SAFETY: Air Travel

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SAFETY: EMC Instructions

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When Using Your Computer

SAFETY: Ergonomic Computing Habits SAFETY: When Working Inside Your Computer SAFETY: Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge SAFETY: Battery Disposal

Finding Information

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1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

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2 Using Your Computer

Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Configuring Graphics Cards

Settings and Functions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

S-Video and Standard Audio S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio Composite Video and Standard Audio Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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Contents 3

Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Setting Up the Dolby Headphone Enabling the Display Settings for a TV

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Connecting Monitors

Using CDs and DVDs

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs Helpful Tips

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3 Optimizing Performance

DDR Memory and Processor Front-Side Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Hyper-Threading

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

4 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Checking the Battery Charge

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

Microsoft Charge Gauge

Windows® Power Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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Low-Battery Warning

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5 Using the Module Bay

4 Contents

Charging the Battery

Removing a Battery

Installing a Battery

Storing a Battery

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About the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running

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6 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Key Combinations

System Functions Battery CD or DVD Tray Display Functions Radios (Including Wireless Networking and PC Cards With

Bluetooth Power Management Speaker Functions Microsoft

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick

Changing the Track Stick Cap

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Wireless Technology) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

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Windows® Logo Key Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

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7 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Network Setup Wizard

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network

Determining Your Network Type Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft Configuring Security Settings (Optional)

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Windows® XP. . . . . 67

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8 Solving Problems

Using the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Error Messages

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

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If the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable

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Contents 5

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Hard Drive Problems

If you have problems with a hard drive

PC Card Problems

External Keyboard Problems

Power Problems

Unexpected Characters

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

Printer Problems

E-Mail Problems

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

Network Problems

General Program Problems

A program crashes A program stops responding A solid blue screen appears Error messages appear

CD or DVD Problems

If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD

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If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound

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6 Contents

Sound and Speaker Problems

If you have a problem with integrated speakers If you have a problem with external speakers

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Resolving Other Technical Problems

Drivers

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What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

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Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Creating a Restore Point Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Undoing the Last System Restore

Reinstalling Microsoft

Before You Begin Reinstalling Windows XP

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Windows® XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

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9 Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Recommended Tools Shutting Down Your Computer

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Memory

Mini PCI Card

Hard Drive

Subwoofer

Keyboard

PC Card With Bluetooth

Modem

Keyboard Bracket

Fans

Hinge Covers

Display

Display Latch

Video Card

Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

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Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

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Wireless Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

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Removing the Modem Installing the Modem

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Removing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly Installing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly

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Contents 7

Palm Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Processor Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Removing the Processor Module Installing the Processor Module

Flashing the BIOS

Reserve Battery

System Board

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Removing the System Board Installing the System Board

Speakers

Display Latch Release

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Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors

USB Connector Video Connector

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S-Video TV-Out Connector IEEE 1394 Connector DVI-I Connector

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10 Appendix

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8 Contents

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Using the System Setup Program

Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens Commonly Used Options

Enabling the Infrared Sensor

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

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

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Limited Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (U.S. Only)

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Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (Canada Only)

Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only)

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only)

Warranty Statement for Pentium® and Celeron®

Intel Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Contents 9

10 Contents

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage.

SAFETY: General

• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.

• If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.

• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on. Restricting airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.

• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.

• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.

• Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact with exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement.

• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.

• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.

• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.

• Before you open the memory module cover, fan covers, or Mini PCI card cover on the bottom of your computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone cable.

• If your computer has both a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector, which look alike, make sure you insert the telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not the RJ-45 connector.

• PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.

• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

Safety Instructions 11

SAFETY: Power

• Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.

• Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.

• To remove the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet, and remove any battery installed in the battery bay.

• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-prong plugs to provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the appropriate type, 2-prong or 3-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.

• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and that the cable is not located where it can be

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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.

SAFETY: Battery

• Use only Dell™ battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of other types may increase the risk of fire or explosion.

• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.

• The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.

• Keep the battery away from children.

• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60ºC (140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.

• Do not dispose of your computer’s battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged battery promptly.

SAFETY: Air Travel

• Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are on board an aircraft. For example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.

– In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is equipped with Dell

TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication device, please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.

12 Safety Instructions

– 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.

SAFETY: EMC Instructions

Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell at its worldwide website at www.dell.com.

Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching a connector on the back panel.

WARNING: Handling the cord on this product, or cords associated with accessories sold with this product, will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash your hands after handling the cord.

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, and then wait 5 seconds before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.

Safety Instructions 13

• 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. Long-term 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 your Product Information Guide. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell (see page 152 for the appropriate contact information).

SAFETY: Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.

CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Dell™ Inspiron™ Help file when setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 18.

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.

SAFETY: When Working Inside Your Computer

Before removing or installing a memory module, Mini PCI card, fan, keyboard, display, reserve battery, or PC Card with Bluetooth

wireless technology, 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 a memory

module, Mini PCI card, fan, keyboard, display, reserve battery, or PC Card with Bluetooth wireless technology.

NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing a memory

module, Mini PCI card, fan, keyboard, display, reserve battery, or PC Card with Bluetooth wireless technology to help prevent possible damage to the system board.

Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.

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.

Remove the main battery from the battery bay.

Ground yourself by touching any connector on the back panel.

While you work, periodically touch a connector on the back panel to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

SAFETY: Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch any 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.

14 Safety Instructions

connector on the back panel

of the computer.

connector on the back panel

of the computer to

• 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.

SAFETY: Battery Disposal

Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a coin-cell reserve battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion battery in your computer, see "Removing a Battery" on page 52 and "Installing a Battery" on page 53. 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, see "Reserve Battery" on page 134 for instructions.

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.

Safety Instructions 15

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

16 Safety Instructions

Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to access tutorials and other how-to information

• How to get a copy of my invoice

• How to extend my warranty

• How to access Dell Support on my Microsoft Windows

• Additional documentation, tools, troubleshooting information, and links to online support resources

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

desktop (U.S. only)

Dell Solution Center

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see page 94 for instructions), run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 75 for instructions), or access your documentation.

On your Windows desktop

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 technicians or experienced users.

• How to set up a printer

• Additional information about setting up my computer

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• How to remove and install parts

• Technical specifications

• How to contact Dell

Owner’s Manual

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Finding Information 17

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to set up my computer

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Setup Diagram

• Tips on using Microsoft® Windows

• How to play CDs and DVDs

• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode

• How to change my display resolution

• How to clean my computer

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Dell Inspiron Help File

Click the

Click

Start

button and click

User and system guides Dell Inspiron Help

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you

support.dell.com

use or contact technical support.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when you contact technical support. The Express Service Code may not be available in certain countries.

• Use the number on the Microsoft Windows License Label if you reinstall your operating system.

18 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Latest drivers for my computer

• Answers to technical service and support questions

• 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 — 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

Click the

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System CD

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System CD. For instructions, see "Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP" on page 98.

After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. For instructions, see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 94.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

Finding Information 19

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

20 Finding Information

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

keyboard status lights

display latch

display

power button

mute button

volume control button

track stick

track stick/touch pad buttons

speakers

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help

file, see page 18.

device status lights

keyboard

media control buttons

touch pad

display latch release

A Tour of Your Computer 21

POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power

management mode.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data when you turn off your computer, shut down your computer through the

Start menu instead of pressing the power button.

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

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Turns on when you turn on the computer.

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.

Turns on steadily or flashes when the computer is in a power management mode. It also flashes to indicate battery charge status.

Turns on when a PC Card with Bluetooth

NOTE: The PC Card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature, so the

light turns on only if you ordered the card with your computer. For more information, see the Windows Help and Support Center online documentation on PC Cards with Bluetooth wireless technology, or any documentation that came with your device. (To access the Help and Support Center, see page 19.)

To turn off only the functionality of the PC Card with Bluetooth wireless technology, rightclick the icon in the notification area and select Disable Bluetooth Radio.

To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>.

22 A Tour of Your Computer

wireless technology is enabled.

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: The battery charge is low.

• Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft

information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key Combinations" on page 59.

MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Control CD and DVD playback.

TOUCH PAD — Touch pad and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse.

DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE — Press this to release the display latch and open the display.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume control button or speaker-

volume key combinations. For more information, see page 60.

TRACK STICK/TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Track stick and touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a

mouse.

TRACK STICK — Track stick and track stick buttons provide the functionality of a mouse.

VOLUME CONTROL BUTTON — Press to adjust the speaker volume.

MUTE BUTTON — Press this button to turn off the speaker sound.

Windows® logo key. For

A Tour of Your Computer 23

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

24 A Tour of Your Computer

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.

Left Side View

module bay device latch

release

audio connectors

IEEE 1394 connector PC Card slot

MODULE BAY —

You can install devices such as a CD, DVD, or other optical drive in the module

hard drive

bay. For more information, see page 55.

DEVICE LATCH RELEASE —

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

PC C

ARD 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 the help file, see page 18.

IEEE 1394

some digital video cameras.

CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as

Press to release the device latch.

A Tour of Your Computer 25

AUDIO CONNECTORS

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Right Side View

Attach a microphone to the connector.

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

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.

26 A Tour of Your Computer

security cable slot

Back View

S-video TV-out connector

AC adapter connector

D/Bay (powered USB) connector

S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

video connector

Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital audio capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter cable.

USB connectors (3)

digital-video interface connector

modem connector (RJ-11)

network connector (RJ-45)

A Tour of Your Computer 27

VIDEO CONNECTOR

USB CONNECTORS (3)

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 18.

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, as shown below.

DIGITAL-VIDEO INTERFACE (DVI) CONNECTOR

28 A Tour of Your Computer

Connects an external DVI-compatible monitor.With an adapter cable, you can also connect an external VGA-compatible monitor to the DVI connector.

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

To use the internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

For additional information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer.

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 online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer.

D/B

AY (POWERED USB) CONNECTOR

Connects powered USB devices such as a Dell™ D/Bay, which is an external module bay that accommodates an optical drive, floppy drive, or second hard drive; also connects standard USB devices.

A Tour of Your Computer 29

AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR —Attaches an AC adapter to the computer.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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: Do not use an AC adapter rated at less than 150 W with this computer.

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.

30 A Tour of Your Computer

+ 156 hidden pages