Dell M1210, PP11S User Manual

Dell™ XPS™ M1210

Owner’s Manual

Model PP11S
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.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" on page 177.
®
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft operating systems are not applicable.
Windows®
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2006 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 Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerConnect,
PowerVault, PowerApp, Dell TravelLite, ExpressChar g e , Wi-Fi Catcher, Dell MediaDirect, Strike Zone , and XPS are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Core is a trademark and Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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 PP11S
August 2006 P/N PF362 Rev. A03
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1 About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Determining Your Computer’s Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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2 Setting Up Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD
Setting Up a Printer
Printer Cable Connecting a USB Printer
Power Protection Devices
Surge Protectors Line Conditioners
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Uninterruptible Power Supplies
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Contents 3
3 Using the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adjusting Brightness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Switching the Video Image
Setting Display Resolution
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4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Key Combinations
System Functions Display Functions Power Management Microsoft QuickSet Key Combinations Adjusting Keyboard Settings
Touch Pad
Customizing the Touch Pad
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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®
Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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5 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Checking the Battery Charge
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter Microsoft Charge Gauge
®
Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Low-Battery Warning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
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4 Contents
Conserving Battery Power
Power Management Modes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Configuring Power Management Settings
Charging the Battery
Replacing the Battery
Storing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
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6 Using the Optional Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Accessing the Camera’s Help File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Manually Adjusting the Camera Settings
Creating a Picture or a Video
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
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7 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Playing a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Adjusting the Volume
Adjusting the Picture
Copying CDs and DVDs
How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CDs and DVDs Helpful Tips
Using Dell Media Experience and Dell MediaDirect™
If the Computer Is Turned On or in Standby Mode If the Computer Is Turned Off or in Hibernate Mode Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience Help
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 Component Video and Standard Audio Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio Setting Up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones Enabling the Display Settings for a TV in Microsoft
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
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®
Windows® XP . . . 68
Sound Modes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Stereo Sound Mode
5.1 Surround Sound Mode
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Contents 5
8Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
ExpressCards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
ExpressCard Blanks Installing an ExpressCard Removing an ExpressCard or Blank
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
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Media Memory Cards
Installing a Media Memory Card Removing a Media Memory Card
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
9 Using Networks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem . . . . . . . . . . 75
Network Setup Wizard
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection Checking Your Wireless Network Card Setting Up a New WLAN
Connecting to a WLAN
Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager Completing the Connection to the WLAN Monitoring the Status of the Wireless Network Card Through
Dell™ QuickSet
Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network)
What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection
Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Enabling/Disabling the Dell Mobile Broadband Card
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
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10 Securing Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6 Contents
Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator
®
Microsoft
Windows® Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Passwords
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Computer Tracking Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
11 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Dell Support Utility
Accessing the Dell Support Utility Clicking the Dell Support Icon Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Drive Problems
CD and DVD drive problems If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound Hard drive problems
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Error Messages
ExpressCard Problems
IEEE 1394 Device Problems
Keyboard Problems
External Keyboard problems Unexpected characters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
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Lockups and Software Problems
The computer does not start up The computer stops responding
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
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A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft
operating system A solid blue screen appears Dell MediaDirect™ problems Other software problems
Memory Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
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®
Windows®
Contents 7
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
. . . . . . . . . . . 100
Power Problems
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer
Printer Problems
Scanner Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
No sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakers No sound from headphones
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank If the display is difficult to read If only part of the display is readable
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Drivers
What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Restoring Your Operating System
Using Microsoft Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec Using the Operating System CD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
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Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
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12 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
8 Contents
Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer
Optical Drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
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Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Memory
Hinge Cover
Keyboard
WLAN Card
Mobile Broadband Card
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card
Internal Card With Bluetooth
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
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®
Wireless Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
13 Dell™ QuickSet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
14 Traveling With Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Packing the Computer
Travel Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Traveling by Air
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
15 Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
16 Specifications
17 Appendix
Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Viewing the System Setup Screen System Setup Screen Commonly Used Options
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
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Contents 9
Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Computer, Keyboard, and Display Touch Pad Floppy Drive CDs and DVDs Camera
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
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Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
Macrovision Product Notice
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
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Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
10 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may
not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My device documentation
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may
not ship with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 106) or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 85).
Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical­reference material for technicians or experienced users.
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
Dell™ Product Information Guide
Finding Information 11
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to set up my computer
Setup Diagram
• 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 identify your computer when you use
support.dell.com
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support.
the bottom of
or contact technical support.
your computer.
12 Finding Information
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips; articles from technicians; online courses; and frequently asked questions
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
site.
• 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, 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
®
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.
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints
• Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general health of your computing environment
To download Notebook System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
2
Enter your Service Tag or product model.
3
In the
4
Select the operating system and operating system language for your computer, and click
5
Under
Configuration Utilities Software
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and notification system installed on your computer. This support provides real-time health scans of your computing environment, software updates, and relevant self-support information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support Utility" on page 88.
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click the
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
and click
Download Category
Select a Device
, scroll to
, and click
.
Start
button and click
Downloads
.
drop-down menu, click
Submit.
System and
Dell Notebook System
Help and Support
.
All
.
Finding Information 13
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Information on network activity, the Power Management Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell QuickSet
Dell QuickSet Help
To v i ew
Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the icon
in the Microsoft
For more information on Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™ QuickSet" on page 137.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship
with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use one of the following methods:
• Microsoft Windows Windows earlier operating state without affecting data files.
PC Restore
•Dell to its original operating state. Dell ship with your computer.
Operating System System
your operating system.
For more information, see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 108.
®
Windows® taskbar.
System Restore
System Restore
— Dell
CD with your computer, you can use it to restore
returns your computer to an
PC Restore
CD — If you received an
— Microsoft
returns your computer
PC Restore
After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 106) to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.
may not
Operating
14 Finding Information
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.

About Your Computer

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration

Based on selections that you made when purchasing your computer, your computer has one of several different video controller configurations. To determine your computer’s video controller configuration:
1
Access the Microsoft® Windows® Help and Support Center. For instructions, see
and Support Center" on page 13
2
Under
Pick a Task
3
Under
My Computer Information
From the My Computer Information - Hardware screen, you can view the type of video controller installed in your computer, as well as the other hardware components.
, click
Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.
.
, select
Hardware
.
"Windows Help
About Your Computer 15

Front View

1
2
3
4
5
6
14
13
12 11
10
98
1 camera 6 device status lights 11 touch pad buttons
2 display 7 keyboard and wireless status
lights
3 power button 8 media control buttons 13 keyboard
4 shutter button 9 microphone/line-in connector 14 Dell MediaDirect™ button
5 speakers (2) 10 headphone connectors (2)
CAMERA For more information about the camera, see "Using the Optional Camera" on page 45.
DISPLAY For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 33.
POWER BUTTON Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management mode.
See "Power Management Modes" on page 41.
SHUTTER BUTTON — Press the shutter button to take a picture. The shutter button is only available with the
optional camera.
12 touch pad
7
16 About Your Computer
SPEAKERS (2) — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons.
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
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.
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 AND WIRELESS STATUS LIGHTS —
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
9
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
A
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
About Your Computer 17
Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, use the wireless switch. For information on using the wireless switch, see "Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator" on page 82.
®
Turns on when a card with Bluetooth
wireless
technology is enabled.
NOTE: The 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 documentation that came with your card.
To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology functionality, right-click the icon in the notification area and click Disable Bluetooth Radio.
To enable or disable wireless networking, use the wireless switch. For information on using the wireless switch, see "Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator" on page 82.
MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Control CD, DVD, and Media Player playback.
18 About Your Computer
Mute the sound.
Turn the volume down.
Turn the volume up.
Play or pause.
Play the previous track.
Play the next track.
Stop.
MICROPHONE/LINE-IN CONNECTOR — Attach a microphone or other sound input device
to the connector. For information about how to use the headphone connectors and the microphone/line-in connector for 5.1 surround sound mode, see
HEADPHONE CONNECTORS (2) —
to use the headphone connectors and the microphone/line-in connector for 5.1 surround sound mode, see
Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device" on page 56
TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse.
TOUCH PAD Provides the functionality of a mouse.
"Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device" on page 56
Attach headphones or speakers to the connectors. For information about how
.
.
"Connecting
KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key. For information
on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key Combinations" on page 36.
D
ELL MEDIADIRECTBUTTON Press the button to launch either Dell Media Experience or Dell MediaDirect.
About Your Computer 19

Left Side View

1 2 3 5 7 8
1 modem connector (RJ-11) 4 air vents 7 ExpressCard slot
2 USB connectors (2) 5 wireless switch 8 hard drive
3 S-video TV-out connector 6 Wi-Fi Catcher light
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.
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To help prevent damage to the
computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.
USB
CONNECTORS
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive
cable.
drive
S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR
Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital audio-capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter cable.
4
6
directly to a USB connector using the optional floppy-
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.
AIR VENTS — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from
overheating.
WIRELESS SWITCH — Turns on/off wireless devices such as Wi-Fi and internal cards with Bluetooth technology and
scans for wireless networks. For more information about scanning for wireless networks, see "Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator" on page 82.
20 About Your Computer
WI -FI CATCHERLIGHT The light operates as follows:
• Flashing green: Searching for networks
• Solid green: Strong network found
• Solid yellow: Weak network found
• Flashing amber: No signal found or error
• Off: No signal found
EXPRESSCARD SLOT Supports one ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. You can add an ExpressCard to make WWAN connectivity available on your computer. For more information, see "Using Cards" on page 71.
HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 116 and "Hard drive
problems" on page 90.

Right Side View

1 2 3 4 5
1 optical drive bay 3 IEEE 1394 connector 5 video connector
2 5-in-1 media memory card
reader
OPTICAL DRIVE BAY — You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive bay.
For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 115.
5-
IN-1 MEDIA MEMORY CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos,
music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The 5-in-1 media memory card reader reads the following digital
media memory cards:
• Secure Digital (SD) card/SDIO
• MultiMediaCard (MMC)
•Memory Stick
• Memory Stick PRO
• xD-Picture Card
IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.
4 USB connectors (2)
About Your Computer 21
VIDEO CONNECTOR
Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.

Back View

1 2 3 4
1 network connector 3 AC adapter connector
2 battery 4 security cable slot
NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow lights next to the connector indicate activity for wired network communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer.
BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an
electrical outlet. For more information about the battery, see "Using a Battery" on page 39.
ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer. The AC adapter converts AC power to the
AC
DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.
22 About Your Computer
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 help prevent damage to the cable.
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device. For more information about
the security cable slot, see "Security Cable Lock" on page 83.

Bottom View

1
2
3 4
5
6 7
8
1 hard drive 4 air vents 7 battery charge gauge
2 optical-drive locking screw 5 communications card cover 8 battery
3 memory module cover 6 battery-bay latch release
HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 116 and "Hard drive
problems" on page 90.
OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Holds the optical drive in place. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on
page 115.
MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the modem and the memory modules. For
more information, see "Memory" on page 119.
About Your Computer 23
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.
AIR VENTS — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from
overheating.
COMMUNICATIONS CARD COVER — Covers the WLAN card slot and the Mobile Broadband card slot. For more
information, see "Using Networks" on page 75.
BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 43.
BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge status. See "Checking the Battery Charge"
on page 40.
BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an
electrical outlet. For more information, see "Using a Battery" on page 39.
24 About 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). 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 Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP 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
button and click
New Connection Wizard
Internet Explorer
appears.
.
3
Click
Connect to the Internet
.
Setting Up Your Computer 25
4
In the next window, click the appropriate option:
If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click
providers (ISPs)
If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD,
click
Set up my connection manually
If you have a CD, click
5
Click
Next
.
If you selected on the screen to complete the setup.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
6
Click the appropriate option under
7
Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 90. 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.
.
.
Use the CD I got from an ISP
Set up my connection manually
How do you want to connect to the Internet?
, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions
Choose from a list of Internet service
.
, and then click
Next

Transferring Information to a New Computer

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as:
E-mail messages
Toolbar settings
Window sizes
Internet bookmarks
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer.
.
NOTE: For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, go to
support.microsoft.com and search for Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #293118, titled How to Use Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP. This information may not be available in some countries.
For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System CD for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard utility.
26 Setting Up Your Computer

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD

NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System CD. This CD is optional and may not be included with all
computers.
Prepare the New Computer for the File Transfer
1
Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard by clicking
Tools
→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
2
When the
3
On the
4
On the and click
5
When the click
Copy Data From the Old Computer
1
On the old computer, insert the Windows XP
2
On the
3
Under
4
On the
5
On the
6
On the
7
On the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
screen, click
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
Next
.
Now go to your old computer
Next
at this time.
Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP
What do you want to do?
, click
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
screen, click
screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
What do you want to transfer?
screen, click
screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do
Transfer files and settings
welcome screen, click
screen, select the items you want to transfer and click
After the information has been copied, the
.
welcome screen appears, click
New Computer
Operating System
screen, click
Old Computer
Completing the Collection Phase
Start→
All Programs→
and click
Next
Accessories→
Next
.
.
I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD
CD.
Perform additional tasks
.
.
Next
.
and click
Next
.
screen appears.
System
not
Next
.
8
Click
Finish
.
Transfer Data to the New Computer
1
On the
2
On the settings and files and click
Now go to your old computer
screen on the new computer, click
Where are the files and settings?
Next
.
Next
screen, select the method you chose for transferring your
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the
3
Click
Finished
and restart the new computer.
Finished
screen appears.
Setting Up Your Computer 27
.

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the optional Operating System CD, you must create a wizard disk that lets you create a backup of your data files. Create the wizard disk on removable media so that you can move it from your new computer to your old computer.
Create a Wizard Disk
1
Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard by clicking
Tools
→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
2
When the
3
On the
4
On the
drive:
5
Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.
6
When the disk creation completes and the
Next
7
Go to the old computer.
Copy Data From the Old Computer
1
On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.
2
Click the
3
In the media) and click
4
On the
5
On the
6
On the
7
On the
After the information has been copied, the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
and click
.
Open
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
What do you want to transfer?
Next.
Start
button and click
field on the
OK
.
screen, click
Run
Run
window, browse to the path for
screen, click
screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
.
welcome screen appears, click
New Computer
screen, click
Now go to your old computer
.
welcome screen, click
Old Computer
screen, select the items you want to transfer and click
Completing the Collection Phase
Start→
I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following
All Programs→
and click
fastwiz
and click
Next
(on the appropriate removable
Next
.
Next
Accessories→
Next
.
.
message appears,
.
screen appears.
System
do not
Next
click
.
8
Click
Finish
.
28 Setting Up Your Computer
Transfer Data to the New Computer
1
On the
2
On the settings and files and click
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.
Now go to your old computer
Where are the files and settings?
Next
screen on the new computer, click
. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Next
screen, select the method you chose for transferring your
.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the
3
Click
Finished
NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I
Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell System CD?).
NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in certain countries.
and restart the new computer.
Computer Using the Microsoft Windows XP Operating
Finished
screen appears.

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.
For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.

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 and computer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the box in which your computer was shipped.
Setting Up Your Computer 29

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
Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
1
3
2
1 USB connector on
computer
3
Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the appears, click
4
Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.
Cancel
.
2 USB printer cable 3 connector on printer
Add New Hardware Wizard

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:
Surge protectors
Line conditioners
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
30 Setting Up Your Computer
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