Dell PP21L, Inspiron 1300, Inspiron B120, Inspiron B130 Owner's Manual

Dell™ Inspiron™ 1300/B120/B130

Owner’s Manual

Model PP21L

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the “Glossary” on page 129.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft operating systems are not applicable.

Windows®

____________________

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, XPS, Dell Precision, Dimension, DellNet, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge,

PowerConnect, PowerV ault, P owerApp, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP21L

December 2005 P/N WD660 Rev. A02

Contents

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

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Transferring Information to a New Computer

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable Connecting a USB Printer

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Power Protection Devices

Surge Protectors Line Conditioners Uninterruptible Power Supplies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Contents 3

3 Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Switching the Video Image

Setting Display Resolution

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

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

4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Key Combinations

System Functions CD or DVD Tray Display Functions Radios (Including Wireless Networking) Power Management Speaker Functions Microsoft

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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

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

5 Using a Battery

4 Contents

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Checking the Battery Charge

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

Microsoft

Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Low-Battery Warning

Conserving Battery Power

Power Management Modes Configuring Power Management Settings

Charging the Battery

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

Replacing the Battery

Storing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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

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

6 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Playing a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Adjusting the Volume

Adjusting the Picture

Copying CDs and DVDs

How to Copy a CD or DVD Using Blank CDs and DVDs Helpful Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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

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

7 Using ExpressCards

ExpressCard Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

ExpressCard Blanks

Installing an ExpressCard

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank

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

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

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

8 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Network Setup Wizard

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

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network

Overview

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

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection Checking Your Wireless Network Card Setting Up a New WLAN

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

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card

9 Dell™ QuickSet Features

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

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

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

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

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

Contents 5

10 Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Drive Problems

CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

Keyboard Problems

External Keyboard problems Unexpected characters

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft

operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

Memory Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Windows®

6 Contents

Network Problems

ExpressCard Problems

Power Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

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

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

No sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakers No sound from headphones

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

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

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

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

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

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

Video and Display Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

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

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

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

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

Drivers

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

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

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

Using Microsoft Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec Using the Operating System CD

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

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

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

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

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

Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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

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

11 Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer

Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

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

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

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

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

CD/DVD Drive

Memory

Wireless Mini PCI Card

Hinge Cover

Keyboard

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

12 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Using the System Setup Program

Overview

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

Viewing the System Setup Screen

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

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

Contents 7

System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Commonly Used Options

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

Travelling With Your Computer

Identifying Your Computer Packing the Computer Travel Tips Travelling by Air

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

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

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Display Touch Pad CDs and DVDs

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

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

FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

FCC Class B

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

Macrovision Product Notice

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Contacting Dell

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

. . . . . . . . . 111

. . . . . . . . . . . 111

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Index

8 Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

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

• How to set up my computer

• Basic troubleshooting information

• How to run the Dell Diagnostics

• How to set up a printer

• Additional information about setting up my computer

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

• How to remove and install parts

• Specifications

• How to contact Dell

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Owner’s Manual

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• 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

contact technical support.

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

the bottom of

Finding Information 9

your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

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

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

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

• 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.

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers

can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com.

To download Notebook System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

Enter your Service Tag or product model.

In the

Download Category

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

Under

Select a Device Configuration Utilities Software

and click

Downloads

drop-down menu, click

Submit.

, scroll to

, and click

System and

Dell Notebook System

All

• How to use Windows XP

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

10 Finding Information

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and

Start

button and click

Help and Support

click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

1 display latch release 5 touch pad 9 keyboard

2 display latches (2) 6 touch pad buttons 10 power button

3 display 7 speakers

4 keyboard status lights 8 device status lights

A Tour of Your Computer 11

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

DISPLAY LATCHES — Keeps the display closed.

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see “Using the Display” on page 25.

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

TOUCH PAD/ TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Provides the functionality of a mouse.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the speaker-volume keyboard shortcuts. For

more information, see “Speaker Functions” on page 29.

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.

12 A Tour of Your Computer

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.

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

NOTE: Wireless networking is optional and may not be available on your computer.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:

• Solid green: The battery is charging.

• Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:

• Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).

• Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.

• Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key. For information

on supported keyboard shortcuts, see “Key Combinations” on page 28.

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.

A Tour of Your Computer 13

Left Side View

453 7 81 2 6

1 modem connector 4 USB connectors (3) 7 ExpressCard slot

2 network connector 5 microphone connector 8 ExpressCard slot release

button

3 video connector 6 headphone connector

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

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

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

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.

14 A Tour of Your Computer

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.

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.

USB CONNECTORS

Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive USB connector using the optional floppy-drive

CONNECTORS

AUDIO

directly to a

cable.

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

EXPRESSC ARD SLOT — Supports one ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see “Using ExpressCards” on page 47.

A Tour of Your Computer 15

Right Side View

1 optical drive bay 2 optical drive-tray eject button 3 security cable slot

OPTICAL DRIVE — You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive

bay. For more information, see “CD/DVD Drive” on page 87.

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

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.

16 A Tour of Your Computer

Back View

1 AC adapter connector 2 air vent

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.

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.

CAUTION: Do not block or push objects into 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 VENT — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from

overheating.

A Tour of Your Computer 17

Bottom View

1 memory module/Mini PCI

4 battery 7 thermal module cover

cover

2 optical drive locking screw 5 battery-bay latch lock 8 fan

3 hard drive cover 6 battery-bay latch release

MEMORY MODULE/MINI PCI COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s) and Mini

PCI card. For more information on replacing memory, see “Memory” on page 88 For more information on replacing the Mini PCI card, see “Wireless Mini PCI Card” on page 92.

OPTICAL DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see

“CD/DVD Drive” on page 87.

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

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.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH LOCK — Unlocks the battery so that it can be released from the battery bay.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. See “Replacing the Battery” on

page 38.

PROCESSOR AND THERMAL MODULE COVER — Covers the processor and thermal module.

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

18 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). 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:

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

Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

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:

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

Click the

The

Click

In the next window, click the appropriate option:

• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click

Start

button and click

New Connection Wizard

Connect to the Internet

providers (ISPs)

Internet Explorer

appears.

Choose from a list of Internet service

Setting Up Your Computer 19

• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD,

Set up my connection manually

click

• If you have a CD, click

Click

If you selected

Set up my connection manually

Use the CD I got from an ISP

, 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.

Click the appropriate option under

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

How do you want to connect to the Internet?

, and then click

If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see “E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems” on page 61. 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.

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 or USB connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD or floppy, for transfer to the new computer.

NOTE: You can transfer information from the old computer to the new computer by directly connecting the two

computers with a USB cable. To transfer data over a USB connection, you must access the Network Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer. For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers 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.

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.

20 Setting Up Your Computer

To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:

Start the

When the

On the

On the and click

When the click

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

Now go to your old computer

at this time.

screen, click

screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do

To copy data from the old computer:

welcome screen appears, click

New Computer

and click

I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD

not

On the old computer, insert the Windows XP

On the

Under

On the

After the information has been copied, the

Click

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

What do you want to do?

, click

Transfer files and settings

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

What do you want to transfer?

Finish

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

screen, select the items you want to transfer and click

screen, click

welcome screen, click

Completing the Collection Phase

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

On the settings and files and click

The

Now go to your old computer

screen on the new computer, click

Where are the files and settings?

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

screen, select the method you chose for transferring your

reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your

new computer.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Click

Finished

and restart the new computer.

Operating System

Perform additional tasks

Old Computer

and click

Finished

CD.

screen appears.

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 will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.

To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and perform the following steps:

Click the

Click

When the

Start

button.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

welcome screen appears, click

Setting Up Your Computer 21

On the

drive:

Insert the removable media, such as a floppy disk or CD, and click OK.

When the disk creation completes and the

Go to the old computer.

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

and click

Next.

New Computer

screen, click

I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following

Now go to your old computer

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

Click the

In the media) and click

On the

Start

Open

button and click

field on the

Run

window, browse to the path for

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

What do you want to transfer?

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

screen, select the items you want to transfer and click

welcome screen, click

Old Computer

and click

fastwiz

(on the appropriate removable

and click

message appears,

do not

click

After the information has been copied, the

Click

Finish

Completing the Collection Phase

screen appears.

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

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?

. Follow the instructions on the screen.

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

Click

Finished

NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search dell.support.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I

Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in some countries.

and restart the new computer.

Finished

screen appears.

Windows® XP Operating

Setting Up a Printer

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

22 Setting Up Your 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 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 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.

Connecting a USB Printer

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

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

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

1 USB connector on computer 2 USB printer cable 3 connector on printer

Setting Up Your Computer 23

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

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

Cancel

Add New Hardware Wizard

window

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 prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. 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.

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).

24 Setting Up Your Computer

Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness

When a Dell™ computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the brightness to the lowest comfortable setting by pressing <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key on the keyboard.

The Dell QuickSet Brightness Meter shows the current brightness setting for the display. Right-click the icon in the taskbar to enable or disable the Brightness Meter on the screen.

NOTE: By default, the Brightness Meter appears in the lower-right

corner of the display. You can click and drag the meter to a preferred location.

NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your

portable computer, not monitors that you attach to your portable computer or docking device. If your computer is connected to an external monitor and you try to change the brightness level, the Brightness Meter appears, but the brightness level on the monitor does not change.

You can enable or disable the Brightness Meter from the QuickSet taskbar menu. When the meter is enabled, press the following keys to adjust brightness:

• Press <Fn> and the up-arrow key to increase brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

• Press <Fn> and the down-arrow key to decrease brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

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

Switching the Video Image

When you start the computer with an external device (such as an external monitor or projector) attached and turned on, the image may appear on either the computer display or the external device.

Press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image between the display only, the external device only, or the display and the external device simultaneously.

Using the Display 25

Setting Display Resolution

To display a program at a specific resolution, both the graphics card and the display must support the program, and the necessary video drivers must be installed.

Before you change any of the default display settings, make a note of the default settings for future reference.

If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.

Click the

Under

Display

Try different settings for

NOTE: As the resolution increases, icons and text appear smaller on the screen.

Start

button and click

Pick a category

Pick a task...

, click the area you want to change, or under

Control Panel

, click

Appearance and Themes

Color quality

and

Screen resolution

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

26 Using the Display

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad

The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, press <Fn> and the desired key after enabling the keypad.

• To enable the keypad, press <Num Lk>. The light indicates that the keypad is active.

• To disable the keypad, press <Num Lk> again.

1 numeric keypad

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 27

Key Combinations

System Functions

<Ctrl><Shift><Esc> Opens the Task Manager window.

CD or DVD Tray

<Fn><F10> Ejects the tray out of the drive (if Dell QuickSet is

installed). For more information on QuickSet, see "Dell™ QuickSet Features" on page 55.

Display Functions

<Fn><F8> Switches the video image to the next display option. The

options include the integrated display, an external monitor, and both displays simultaneously.

<Fn> and up-arrow key Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not

on an external monitor).

<Fn> and down-arrow key

Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

Radios (Including Wireless Networking)

<Fn><F2> Enables and disables radios, including wireless

networking.

NOTE: Wireless networking is optional and may not be

available on your computer.

Power Management

<Fn><Esc> Activates a power management mode. You can

reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different power management mode using the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window. See "Power Management Modes" on page 33.

28 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Speaker Functions

<Fn><Page Up> Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and

external speakers, if attached.

<Fn><Page Dn> Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and

external speakers, if attached.

<Fn><End> Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external

speakers, if attached.

Microsoft

Windows logo key and <m>

Windows logo key and <Shift><m>

Windows logo key and <e> Runs Windows Explorer.

Windows logo key and <r> Opens the Run dialog box.

Windows logo key and <f> Opens the Search Results dialog box.

Windows logo key and <Ctrl><f>

Windows logo key and <Pause>

Windows® Logo Key Functions

Minimizes all open windows.

Maximizes all windows.

Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the computer is connected to a network).

Opens the System Properties dialog box.

To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and click Keyboard. For information about the Control Panel, see "Windows Help

and Support Center" on page 10.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 29

Touch Pad

The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the display. Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse.

1 touch pad

• To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.

• To select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button.

• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad. On the second tap, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger over the surface.

• To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button twice.

Customizing the Touch Pad

You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad or adjust their settings.

Open the Control Panel, click about the Control Panel, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 10.

In the

Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

Mouse Properties

Printers and Other Hardware

window, click the

Touch Pad

, and then click

tab to adjust touch pad settings.

Mouse

. For information

30 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

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