Dell PP14L User Manual

0 (0)

Dell™ XPS Portable Computers

Owner’s Manual

Model PP14L

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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 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, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, PowerConnect, DellNet, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, MS-DOS, and Outlook are registered trademarks of 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 PP14L

July 2005

P/N TD984

Rev. A00

Contents

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

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	17
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Customizable Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Connecting a USB Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28

3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Dell QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Microsoft Windows Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32

Contents 3

Charge Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Installing a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34

4 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Using CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Using Dell MediaDirect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38
S-Video and Standard Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Composite Video and Standard Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Changing Your Audio Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Enabling the Display Settings for a TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45

5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth®
Wireless Technology) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48

4 Contents

	Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
	Customizing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
6	Using PC Cards
	PC Card Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
	PC Card Blanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
	Extended PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
	Installing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
	Removing a PC Card or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
7 Setting Up a Home and Office Network
	Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
	Network Setup Wizard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
	Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
	Determining Your Network Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
	Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . .	57
8	Solving Problems
	Dell™ Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
	When to Use the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
	Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
	DVD drive problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
	Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
	E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
	Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
	IEEE 1394 Device Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66

Contents 5

Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66
External keyboard problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67
Unexpected characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67
The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
A program crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system . . . . .	68
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	70
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	70
PC Card Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
No sound from integrated speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
No sound from external speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81

6 Contents

9 Adding and Replacing Parts
Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	83
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	83
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	83
Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	85
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	90
Mini PCI Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	91
Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	94
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	95
Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	96
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	97
Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . .	100

10 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Viewing the System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	111
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . .	111
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . .	112
FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Class A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
FCC Identification Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113

Contents 7

Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	131

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 Help.
• How to clean my computer

Finding Information		9

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here

• How to remove and replace parts in my computer	Service Manual at support.dell.com

•Service Tag and Express Service Code

•Microsoft Windows License Label

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		11

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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 (5)	power button
	device status
	lights (3)
keyboard	air vents (2)
keyboard
	touch pad
touch pad
buttons (2)
	media control
	buttons (7)
	speakers (2) and customizable lights

DISPLAY LATCHES — Keeps the display closed.

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

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see the Dell™ Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.

A Tour of Your Computer		13

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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.

14 A Tour of Your Computer

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.

AIR VENTS (2) — 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.

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 37.

Plays the previous track.

Plays the next track.

Stop.

A Tour of Your Computer		15

KEYBOARD

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

SPEAKERS (2) AND CUSTOMIZABLE LIGHTS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons or speaker-volume keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Speaker Functions" on page 49. Lights in several different colors emit light through the speaker grilles, allowing you to color-customize your computer as often as you like. You can change the color and color intensity through the system setup program and Dell QuickSet.

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the same functionality as mouse buttons.

— 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 47.

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

16 A Tour of Your Computer

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.

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

	Turns on when an internal card with Bluetooth® wireless
	technology is enabled.
	NOTE: The internal 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 Windows

notification area (in the lower-right corner of your screen) and click Disable Bluetooth Radio.

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

Left Side View

air vent and customizable

lights

optical drive

security cable slot	USB connectors (2)	optical drive-tray
		eject button

OPTICAL DRIVE — 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 99.

A Tour of Your Computer		17

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

OPTICAL-DRIVE-TRAY EJECT BUTTON — Press this button to eject a CD or DVD from the optical drive. This button only works when the computer is turned on.

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

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

Lights in several different colors emit light through the air vents, allowing you to color-customize your computer as often as you like. You can change the color and color intensity through the system setup program and Dell QuickSet.

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.

18 A Tour of Your Computer

Right Side View

Secure Digital I/O slot

air vent and customizable lights

PC Card slot	audio connectors
hard drive	IEEE 1394 connector

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.

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

A Tour of Your Computer		19

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

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

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and 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 Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.

Back View

modem connector (RJ-11)		DVI-D connector
network connector (RJ-45)		video connector
air vents (2)
S-video TV-out connector	USB connectors (4)	AC adapter connector
S-video TV-out connector

20 A Tour of Your Computer

DIGITAL-VIDEO INTERFACE (DVI) CONNECTOR

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

VIDEO CONNECTOR

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

AIR VENTS (2) — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

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.

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.

A Tour of Your Computer		21

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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.

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.

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, orange, and yellow lights next to the connector indicate both link status and activity for wired network communications. Solid green indicates a 10-Mb/sec link, solid orange indicates a 100-Mb/sec link, and solid yellow indicates a 1000-Mb/sec link. Blinking yellow indicates activity on the wired network connection.

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.

22 A Tour of Your Computer

Bottom View

subwoofer	battery charge gauge
optical-drive locking screw	battery-bay latch release
	battery
	cover for
	internal card
	with
	Bluetooth®
	wireless
	technology
	hard drive

air vent

(CPU fan)

air vent (VGA fan)

memory module cover

Mini PCI card/modem cover

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge. For more information, see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 32.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. For more information, see "Removing a Battery" on page 33.

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 31.

COVER FOR OPTIONAL INTERNAL CARD WITH BLUETOOTH® WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY — For more information, see the documentation that came with your card. To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 85.

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

A Tour of Your Computer		23

SUBWOOFER

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

MINI PCI CARD/MODEM COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card and the modem. For more information, see "Modem" on page 90.

MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory modules. For more information, see page 88.

OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 99.

— Produces a broader bass output than is provided by the speakers.

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:

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.

Setting Up Your Computer		25

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

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 63. 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.

Customizable Lights

You can color-customize your computer with lights visible in three zones: the speaker grilles, the side air vents, and the back of the display. Using Dell™ QuickSet or the system setup program, you can select from a variety of colors and color intensities, and the color for each zone can be set independently of the other, allowing you to choose a different color for each of the three zones. For information on using the system setup program, see page 109. For more information about Dell QuickSet, see the Dell Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.

side air vents (2)

display back cover

speaker grilles (2)

26 Setting Up Your Computer

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.

•See your printer Owner’s Manual for technical assistance, or call the printer manufacturer.

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.

2Attach 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 cable

Setting Up Your Computer		27

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

3Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

4Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Power Protection Devices

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

•Surge protectors

•Line conditioners

•Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

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

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

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

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

Line Conditioners

NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.

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

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.

28 Setting Up Your Computer

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).

Setting Up Your Computer		29

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Computer Your Up Setting 30

+ 104 hidden pages