Dell PP25L User Manual

INSPIRON
SETUP GUIDE
Model PP25L
INSPIRON
SETUP GUIDE
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your
computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Dell
, the
DELL
logo,
Trademarks used in this text:
Intel, Pentium
and other countries.;
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.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
, and
Windows Vista
Celeron
are registered trademarks and
are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
Bluetooth
is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.
Inspiron, YOURS IS HERE,
Core
is a trademark of Intel Corporation;
May 2008 P/N N073F Rev. A00
and
DellConnect
are trademarks of Dell Inc.;
Microsoft, Windows
,
Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . .5
Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5
Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Check the Wireless Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connect the Network Cable (optional) . . . . .7
Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
®
Windows Vista
Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . .8
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Device Status Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Right Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Left Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Front Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Computer Base and Keyboard Features . . . 18
Media Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . . 21
Using the Optical Disc Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 28
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .36
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
3
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . . 39
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Technical Support and Customer Service . . 42
DellConnect
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
AutoTech Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty
or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Finding More Information and Resources 48
Basic Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
4

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

INSPIRON
This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1318 laptop and connecting peripherals.

Before Setting Up Your Computer

When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.
Restricting airflow around your Inspiron computer may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least
10.2 cm (4 in) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 in) on all other sides. You should never put your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.
NOTICE: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.
5
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the AC Adapter

Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into a wall outlet or surge protector.
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 a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.
6

Check the Wireless Switch

If you plan to use wireless connections, make sure the wireless switch is in the “On” position.
Using The Wireless Switch
To turn on the wireless switch, slide it from the rear to the front of the computer until it clicks into place.
- Off - On
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Connect the Network Cable (optional)

If you plan to use a wired network connection, plug in the network cable.

Press the Power Button

7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

Windows Vista® Setup

Your Dell computer is preconfigured with Windows Vista. To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences and setting up an Internet connection.
NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable.
8

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by
country.
To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:
DSL connections that provide high-speed • Internet access through your existing telephone line or cellular telephone service. 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.
Satellite modem connections that provide • high-speed Internet access through a satellite television system.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Dial-• up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial­up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable (or satellite) modem connections. Your computer does not have an integrated modem. An optional USB modem must be used for dialup service with this computer.
Wireless LAN • connections that provide Internet access using WiFi 802.11 technology. Wireless LAN support requires optional internal components that may or may not be installed in your computer based on decisions made at the time of purchase.
NOTE: If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not part of your original order you can purchase one from the Dell website at dell.com.
Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router. To set up your connection to a wireless router:
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.
Click 2. Start
Follow the instructions on the screen to 3. complete the setup.
Connect To.
9
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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 1. open programs.
Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft2. Windows
®
desktop.
®
Follow the instructions on the screen to 3. 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, perform the steps in the following section.
NOTE: 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.
10
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
Save and close any open files, and exit any 1. open programs.
Click 2. Start
Control Panel.
Under 3. Network and Internet, click Connect
to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.
Click either 4. Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect:
Choose a. Broadband if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem, or Bluetooth
®
wireless technology
connection.
Chose b. Dial-up if you will use an optional USB dial-up modem or ISDN.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and 5. use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
11
A
9
9
A

Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Your Inspiron 1318 has several indicators,
INSPIRON
buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks.

Device Status Lights

The device status lights located to the left of the power button provide information for wireless communication and keyboard input options.
12
1 2 3 4 5
1
Num Lock light – Turns on when
the numeric keypad (Num Lock key) is enabled.
2
Caps Lock light – Turns on when
the uppercase letter (Caps Lock key) is enabled.
3
Scroll Lock light – Turns on when
the scroll lock function is enabled.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
4
WiFi status light – Turns on when
wireless networking is enabled.
Use the wireless switch located at the front, right side of the computer to quickly turn all wireless communication On and Off.
Using The Wireless Switch
To turn on the wireless switch, slide it away from the front of the computer until it clicks into place.
- Off - On
5
Bluetooth® status light (optional)
Turns on when a card with Bluetooth
wireless technology is enabled.
NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature.
To turn off Bluetooth wireless, right-click the bluetooth icon in the notification area of your desktop, and click Disable Bluetooth Radio or use the wireless switch.
13
Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Right Side Features

2
1
14
1
Wireless On/Off switch – Use this
switch to rapidly turn all wireless devices Off or On such as WLAN cards and internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology.
The wireless switch may be in the Off position when your computer is shipped to you. To turn the switch On, slide the switch away from the front of the computer until it clicks into place.
- Off - On
5
4
3
NOTE: This switch can be deactivated
through Dell QuickSet or the BIOS (system setup program).
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
12 cm
2
ExpressCard slot – Supports one
ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot.
3
Optical Drive – Plays or burns only
standard-size and shape (12 cm) CDs, and DVDs. Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing upward when inserting discs.
NOTE: Do not use non-standard-size or shape discs (including mini-CDs and mini-DVDs) or you will damage the drive.
4
USB 2.0 connector – Connects a
USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
5
Security cable slot – Used to attach a
commercially available antitheft device to the computer.
NOTE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer.
15
Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Left Side Features

1
16
1
AC adapter connector – Connects to
the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery when the computer is not in use.
2
VGA connector – Connects to a
monitor or projector.
3
Network connector – If you are
using a cabled network signal, this connects your computer to a network or broadband device.
4
5
4
3
2
USB connector – Connects to a
USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
5
IEEE 1394 connector – Connects to
high-speed serial multimedia devices, such as digital video cameras.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
SD/MMC - MS/Pro - xD

Front Side Features

1
Audio Out/ Headphone connector
Connects one pair of headphones, or
sends audio to a powered speaker or sound system.
2
Audio In/ Microphone connector –
Connects to a microphone or input signal for use with audio programs.
3
8-in-1 Media card reader – Provides a
fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on the following digital
1
2
3
memory cards:
Secure digital (SD) memory card• SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) •
card Multi Media Card (MMC)• Memory Stick• Memory Stick PRO• xD-Picture Card (type - M and type - H)•
17
Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Computer Base and Keyboard Features

1
2
4
3
1
Touch pad – Provides the functionality of
a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface.
2
Touch pad buttons – Provide left- and
right-click functions those on like a mouse.
18
3 Keyboard –
The settings for this keyboard can be personalized by using Dell QuickSet. For more information, see the Dell Technology Guide.
4
Media Controls – Controls CD, DVD, and
media playback.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop

Media Controls

To use the media controls, lightly touch the symbol and then release. The control’s symbol will shine for 2 seconds to confirm your selection then fade away.
Eject the disc
Play the previous track or chapter
Stop
Play or pause
Play the next track or chapter
Mute the sound
Turn down the volume
Turn up the volume
19
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