Dell PP12L User Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 6000

Owner’s Manual

Model PP12L

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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 "Finding Information" on 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, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, DellNet, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerConnect,

PowerVault, PowerApp, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, 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.

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 PP12L

April 2005

P/N D5181

Rev. A04

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

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	17
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Connecting a USB Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26

3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Dell QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Microsoft Windows Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Charge Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28

Contents 3

Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Installing a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30

4 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Using Dell MediaDirect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
S-Video Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Composite Video Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Enabling the Display Settings for a TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37

5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Radios (Including Wireless Networking and an Internal Card With
Bluetooth® Wireless Technology) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Customizing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42

4 Contents

6 Using PC Cards
PC Card Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
PC Card Blanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Extended PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Installing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Removing a PC Card or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44

7	Setting Up a Home and Office Network
	Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
	Network Setup Wizard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
	Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
	Determining Your Network Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
	Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . .	48
8	Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . .

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DVD drive problems. . . . . . . .

Hard drive problems . . . . . . .

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .

IEEE 1394 Device Problems . . . . . .

Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . .

External keyboard problems . . .

Unexpected characters. . . . . .

Lockups and Software Problems . . .

The computer does not start up .

The computer stops responding .

A program stops responding . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60

Contents 5

A program crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system . . . . .	60
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
PC Card Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66
No sound from integrated speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66
No sound from external speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66
No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	70
Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	70
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74

9 Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76

6 Contents

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82
Wireless Mini PCI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	85
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	86
Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88
Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	91

10 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
Viewing the System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . .	101
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . .	101
FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
Class A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
FCC Identification Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	123

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	Dell™ Product Information Guide

•Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

•Safety instructions

•Regulatory information

•Ergonomics information

•End User License Agreement

• How to set up my computer

Setup Diagram

• Tips on using Microsoft® Windows®	Help File
• How to play CDs and DVDs	1	Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode	2	Click User and system guides and click User’s guides.
• How to change my display resolution	3	Click Dell Inspiron Help.
• How to clean my computer

Finding Information

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What Are You Looking For?

•Service Tag and Express Service Code

•Microsoft Windows License Label

Find It Here

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 use support.dell.com or contact technical support.

•Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support.

10 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
from technicians, online courses, frequently asked	NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
questions	site.
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell	NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers
customers	can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such	at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system	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:
1 Go to support.dell.com and click Downloads.
2 Enter your Service Tag or product model.
3 In the Download Category drop-down menu, click All.
4 Select the operating system and operating system
language for your computer, and click Submit.
5 Under Select a Device, scroll to System and
Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Notebook
System Software.

Finding Information

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What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here

• How to use Windows XP	Windows Help and Support Center
• Documentation for my computer	1	Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)	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.

12 Finding Information

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

display latches (2)	display latch release
	display
keyboard status
lights	power button
	power button
	device status
	lights
keyboard
	touch pad
touch pad
buttons
	media control
	buttons

speakers

DISPLAY LATCHES — Keeps the display closed.

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

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

A Tour of Your Computer

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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

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.

14 A Tour of Your Computer

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse.

MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Control CD, DVD, and Media Player playback.

Mutes the sound.

Turns the volume down.

Turns the volume up.

Play or pause. This button also launches Dell Media

Experience or Microsoft® Windows® Media Center

Edition. See "Using Dell MediaDirect" on page 33.

Plays the previous track.

Plays the next track.

Stop.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons or speakervolume keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see page 41.

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

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 40.

A Tour of Your Computer

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KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

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.

Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, press <Fn><F2>.

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

16 A Tour of Your Computer

Left Side View

air vent	optical-drive-tray
	optical-drive-tray
	eject button
security cable slot	optical drive

AIR VENT — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

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.

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

OPTICAL DRIVE

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OPTICAL-DRIVE-TRAY EJECT BUTTON — Press this button to eject a CD and DVD from the optical drive.

— You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Using CDs and DVDs" on page 31.

Right Side View

audio connectors

USB connectors (2)

hard drive	IEEE 1394 connector
PC Card slot	Secure Digital I/O slot

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the	connector.

USB CONNECTORS — 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.

IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.

18 A Tour of Your Computer

SECURE DIGITAL I/O SLOT — The Secure Digital I/O slot supports one Secure Digital memory card or other SDI/O device. Use Secure Digital memory cards to save or back up data.

PC CARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see the Dell™ Inspiron™ Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

Back View

network connector (RJ-45)	video connector
modem connector (RJ-11)	AC adapter connector

S-video TV-out connector

USB connectors (2)

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 wired network communications.

For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer.

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.

A Tour of Your Computer

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USB CONNECTORS

Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

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

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

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

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.

20 A Tour of 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 avoid damaging the cable.

Bottom View

	optical drive locking screw
battery charge gauge	battery-bay latch release
optical drive	battery
bay

hard drive

fan

memory/modem cover

OPTICAL DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 88.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. See "Removing a Battery" on page 30.

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 27.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 77 and "Hard drive problems" on page 55.

MEMORY/MODEM COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory and modem. For more information, see page 79.

A Tour of Your Computer

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FAN — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

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 88.

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge. For more information, see "Using a Battery" on page 27.

22 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:

1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

3Follow 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:

1Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer. The New Connection Wizard appears.

3Click Connect to the Internet.

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4In the next window, click the appropriate option:

•If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service 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 Use the CD I got from an ISP.

5Click Next.

If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.

6Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.

7Use 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 55. 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.

Setting Up a Printer

NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

•Obtain and install updated drivers.

•Connect the printer to the computer.

•Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

•Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance.

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with a USB 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 USB Printer

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

1Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

2Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

24 Setting Up Your Computer

3Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

USB connector on computer

	USB connector
USB printer	on printer
USB printer
cable

Power Protection Devices

Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

•Surge protectors

•Line conditioners

•Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.

NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.

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Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.

NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.

NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.

A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

26 Setting Up Your Computer

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this chapter, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. Use a battery to run the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

•Using DVD+RW/DVD+R drives

•Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices

•Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games

•Running the computer in maximum performance mode. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Using a Battery

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Checking the Battery Charge

The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter

If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. For more information about Dell QuickSet, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

The Battery Meter window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.

The following icons appear in the Battery Meter window:

The computer or docking device is running on battery power.

The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is charging.

The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is fully charged.

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.

Microsoft Windows Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information about the Power Meter tab, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

Charge Gauge

Press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge.

Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

28 Using a Battery

A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For more information about low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.

Charging the Battery

NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 2 hours with the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.

When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.

If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.

For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on page 63.

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Removing a Battery

CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.

1Ensure that the computer is turned off.

2Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.

battery charge gauge

battery-bay latch release

battery

Installing a Battery

1Slide the battery into the bay at a 45-degree angle.

2Press the other side down until the latch release clicks.

Storing a Battery

Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it.

30 Using a Battery

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