Dell PP10L User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 510m

Owner’s Manual

Model PP10L

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 9.

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, Latitude, Inspiron, Dimension, OptiPlex, Dell Precision, Dell TravelLite,

PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, and TrueMobile are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Centrino is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a registered 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 PP10L

April 2005 P/N D7898 Rev. A02

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Left View

Right View

Back View

Bottom View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

E-Mail Problems

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Connecting a Parallel Printer Connecting a USB Printer

Printer Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors Line Conditioners

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Turning Off Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Contents 3

3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Checking the Battery Charge

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter Microsoft Charge Gauge

Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Low-Battery Warning

Charging the Battery

Removing a Battery

Installing a Battery

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

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

Removing and Installing a Reserve Battery

Storing a Battery

Power Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4 Using the Module Bay

About the Module Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running

. . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . 42

5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

4 Contents

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Keyboard Shortcuts

System Functions Battery CD or DVD Tray Display Functions Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth

Wireless Technology) Power Management Speaker Functions Microsoft

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Customizing the Touch Pad

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

External Keyboard Problems

Unexpected Characters

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

6 Using CDs, DVDs, and other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Drive Problems

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk drive If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, 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 If you have problems with a hard drive

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Connecting a Television to the Computer

S-Video Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Composite Video Connection Enabling the Display Settings for a Television

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

7 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Network Setup Wizard

Network Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Contents 5

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Determining Your Network Type Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Windows® XP . . . . . 65

8 Solving Problems

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Video and Display Problems

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

Modem and Internet Connection Problems

Scanner Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk drive If you have problems with a hard drive

PC Card Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

General Program Problems

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

Resolving Other Technical Problems

If Your Dell™ Computer Gets Wet

If You Drop or Damage Your Computer

Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

6 Contents

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

9 Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Recommended Tools Shutting Down Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Adding Memory

Adding a Mini PCI Card

Replacing the Hard Drive

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

Keyboard

Internal Card With Bluetooth

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Wireless Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

10 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Viewing the System Setup Screens

System Setup Screens

Commonly Used Options

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Changing the Boot Sequence Changing Printer Modes Changing COM Ports

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Enabling the Infrared Sensor

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Contents 7

8 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• How to set up my computer

• 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

Setup Diagram

Help File

Click the

Click

User and system guides

Click

Dell Inspiron Help

Start

button and click

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

the bottom of

your computer.

identify your computer when you

support.dell.com

use or contact technical support.

contacting technical support.

Click the

Start

button and click

Help and Support

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.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers

can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available in all regions.

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

Pentium®M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

To download Notebook System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

Enter your Service Tag or product model.

In the

Download Category

Select the operating system and operating system language for your computer, and click

Under

Select a Device Configuration Utilities System Software

and click

Downloads

drop-down menu, click

Submit.

, scroll to

, and click

System and

Dell Notebook

All

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A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

display

keyboard status light

touch pad

touch pad button

speakers

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

see page 9.

POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft

system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.

power button

device status light

keyboard

display latch

Windows® operating

A Tour of Your Computer 13

If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).

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.

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 light

turns on only if you ordered Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth wireless technology.

To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology functionality, right-click the icon in the notification area and select Disable Bluetooth Radio.

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

14 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 Windows logo key. For information

on supported keyboard shortcuts, see page 43.

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.

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 page 43.

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Provide the functionality of a mouse. For more information, see page 43.

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. For more information, see page 43.

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

A Tour of Your Computer 15

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Left View

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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.

IEEE 1394 connector

PC Card slot

infrared sensor audio connectors (2)

security cable slot

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 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.

PC C

ARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. For more information,

see the Dell Inspiron

INFRARED SENSOR — Lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device

Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.

without using cable connections.

IEEE 1394

CONNECTOR — Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as

some digital video cameras.

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.

16 A Tour of Your Computer

AUDIO CONNECTORS

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.

A Tour of Your Computer 17

Right View

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security cable slot

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.

MODULE BAY — You can install devices such as an optical drive or a Dell TravelLite™ module in the

module bay. For more information, see page 41.

DEVICE LATCH RELEASE — Releases the module bay device. See page 41 for instructions.

module bay

device latch release

18 A Tour of Your Computer

Back View

CAUTION: 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)

USB connectors (2)

parallel connector

serial connector

S-video TV-out connector

network connector (RJ-45)

video connector

AC adapter connector

A Tour of Your Computer 19

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)

20 A Tour of Your Computer

Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see page 56.

Connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer. See page 10.

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 in to 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 page 10.

PARALLEL CONNECTOR

Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.

VIDEO

CONNECTOR

Connects an external monitor. For more information, see the

Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.

SERIAL

Dell Inspiron

CONNECTOR

Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.

A Tour of Your Computer 21

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.

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 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.

22 A Tour of Your Computer

Bottom View

memory module cover

battery-bay latch release

battery charge gauge

hard drive

battery

Mini PCI card cover

fan

docking device slot

MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s). See page 89.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See page 36 for instructions.

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge. See page 35.

BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to

an electrical outlet. See page 36.

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 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 page 91.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

A Tour of Your Computer 23

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

24 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 telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone 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:

Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

Double-click the

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:

Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

Click the

The

Start

New Connection Wizard

MSN Explorer

button and click

appears.

AOL

icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

Internet Explorer

Click

Connect to the Internet

Setting Up Your Computer 25

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

Click

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.

Click the appropriate option under click

Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "Internet, Modem, and E-Mail Problems." 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.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to 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.

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then

26 Setting Up Your Computer

CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK — If you have other telephone devices 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.

CHECK THE CONNECTION — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the modem.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE — Try using a different telephone line. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

IRREGULAR 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.

TURN OFF CALL WAITING (CATCH- PHONE)— See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties.

Click the

Click

Dialing Rules

In the

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Printers and Other Hardware

tab, and then click

Edit Location

window, ensure that

Edit...

, click

Phone and Modem Options

To disable call waiting, dial:

, click the

checked, and then select the proper code as listed in your telephone directory.

Click

Apply

and click OK.

Close the

Phone and Modems Options Control Panel

window.

VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS

Click the

Click

Click the

Click the COM port for your modem.

Click

Start

button and click

Control Panel

Printers and Other Hardware

Modems

Properties

tab.

, click the

Diagnostics

and click

Phone and Modem Options

tab, and then click

Query Modem

verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

Setting Up Your Computer 27

E-Mail Problems

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — With the 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:

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• 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.

Connecting a Parallel Printer

Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so.

Turn off the computer.

NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable.

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.

28 Setting Up Your Computer

parallel connector on computer

connector on printer

screws (2)

notches (2)

parallel printer cable

Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the window appears, click

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Cancel

Add New Hardware Wizard

clips (2)

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Setting Up Your Computer 29

Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

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Printer Problems

USB connector on computer

USB connector on printer

USB printer cable

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the printer cable is properly connected to the computer (see page 28).

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON — See the documentation supplied with the printer.

30 Setting Up Your Computer

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