Dell PP29L User Manual

Dell™ 500 Owner’s Manual

Model PP29L

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.

___________________

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.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Wi-Fi Catcher are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademark and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation in United States and other countries.; Microsoft and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.

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

Model PP29L

July 2008

P/N U739D

Rev. A03

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

1 About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28

2 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . .	30
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . .	31
Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Connecting a USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . .	37
Contents			3

3	Using the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
	Adjusting Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
	Switching the Video Image From Your
	Computer Display To a Projector . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
	Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate . . . . . .	40
4	Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad . . . .	41
	Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
	Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
	System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
	Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
	Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
	Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
	Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . .	43
	Dell™ QuickSet Key Combinations . . . . . . . . .	43
	Adjusting Keyboard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
	Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
	Customizing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
5	Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
	Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
	Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
	Dell QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
	Microsoft® Windows® Battery Meter . . . . . . .	49
	Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49

4 Contents

Power Management Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
Hibernate Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
Configuring Power Management Settings . . . . . . .	51
Accessing Power Options Properties . . . . . . .	51
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53

6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
Playing Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
Copying CD and DVD Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
How to Copy a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
Using Blank CD and DVD Media . . . . . . . . . .	58
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	58
Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
Adjusting the Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60

7 Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
ExpressCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
ExpressCard Blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Installing an ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . . . . . . . . . .	63

Contents 5

	Memory Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
	Memory Card Blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
	Installing a Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64
	Removing a Memory Card or Blank . . . . . . . . . . .	65
8	Setting Up and Using Networks . . . . . . .	67
	Connecting a Network or Broadband
	Modem Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67
	Setting Up a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
	Wireless Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
	What You Need to Establish a WLAN
	Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
	Checking Your Wireless Network Card . . . . . .	68
	Setting Up a New WLAN Using
	a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem . . .	69
	Connecting to a WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
9 Securing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .		73
	Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
	Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
	If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
10	Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
	Dell Technical Update Service . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
	Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75

6 Contents

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Optical drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . .	81
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82
ExpressCard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	87
IEEE 1394 Device Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88
External Keyboard problems . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Unexpected characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	90
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . .	90
The computer does not start . . . . . . . . . . . .	90
The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . .	90
A program stops responding or
crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	90
A program is designed for an earlier
Microsoft® Windows® operating system . . . . .	91
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . .	91
Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .	91
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	92
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	94
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	95

Contents 7

Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	96
No sound from integrated speakers . . . . . . . .	96
No sound from external speakers . . . . . . . . .	96
No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . .	97
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .	97
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	98
If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	98
If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . .	99
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . .	99
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . .	100
Troubleshooting Software and Hardware
Problems in the Microsoft® Windows® XP
Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore . . . .	103
Starting System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104
Using the Operating System Media . . . . . . . .	105

11 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . 107

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . .	108

8 Contents

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Removing the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Replacing the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . .	111
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . .	111
Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Removing the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Replacing the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Removing the Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Replacing the Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .	114
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	114
Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	114
Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	115
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	116
Removing Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . .	116
Replacing Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . .	118
Wireless Mini-Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	120
Removing Mini-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	120
Replacing Mini-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	122
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	122
Removing the Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	122
Replacing the Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	123

Contents 9

12	Traveling With Your Computer . . . . . . . .	125
	Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	125
	Packing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	125
	Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
	Traveling by Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
13	Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	127
	Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	127
	Technical Support and Customer Service . . . . .	128
	DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	128
	Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	128
	AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129
	Automated Order-Status Service . . . . . . . . .	129
	Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129
	Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129
	Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . .	130
	Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	130
	Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	132
14	Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	133

10 Contents

A Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
Viewing the System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . .	142
System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	144
Computer, Keyboard, and Display . . . . . . . . .	144
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . .	146
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software
and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
Definition of "Third-Party" Software
and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
FCC Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
Macrovision Product Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	148
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	165

Contents 11

12 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer	Drivers and Utilities Media
• Drivers for my computer	Documentation and drivers are already
• Device documentation	installed on your computer. You can use
• Notebook System Software (NSS)	the Drivers and Utilities media to
	reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers
	and Utilities" on page 100) or run the
	Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics"
	on page 75).
	Readme files may be included on your
	Drivers and Utilities media to provide
	last-minute updates about technical
	changes to your computer or advanced
	technical-reference material for
	technicians or experienced users.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.

Finding Information		13

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
	See the setup diagram that came with
	your computer.

•Service Tag and Express Service Code

•Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows®

License

These labels are located on your computer.

•Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact support.

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

NOTE: As an increased security measure, the newly designed Microsoft Windows license label has a missing portion or "hole" to discourage removal of the label.

14	Finding Information

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
	tips, articles from technicians, online	NOTE: Select your region or business
	courses, and frequently asked questions	segment to view the appropriate support site.
	• Community — Online discussion with	To obtain documentation and software
	other Dell customers	downloads for your computer, go to
	• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
		support.dell.com and select Vostro™
	components such as, the memory, hard	from the Notebooks category.
	drive, and operating system
	• Customer Care — Contact information,
	service call and order status, and
	warranty and repair information
	• Service and support — Service call
	status, support history, service contract,
	and online discussions with support
	• Dell Technical Update Service —
	Proactive e-mail notification of software
	and hardware updates for your computer
	• Reference — Computer
	documentation, details on your
	computer configuration, product
	specifications, and white papers
	• Downloads — Certified drivers,
	patches, and software updates
	• Notebook System Software (NSS) — If	To download Notebook System Software:
	you reinstall the operating system on	1 Go to support.dell.com, select your
	your computer, you should also reinstall
		country/region, and then click
	the NSS utility. NSS automatically
		Drivers & Downloads.
	detects your computer and operating
		2 Enter your Service Tag or product
	system, and installs the updates
		model, and then click Go.
	appropriate for your configuration,
	providing critical updates for your	3 Select your operating system and
	operating system and support for Dell	language, and then click Find Downloads,
	3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel®	or under Downloads Search, search for
	processors, optical drives, and USB	the keyword Notebook System Software.
	devices. NSS is necessary for correct	NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
	operation of your Dell computer.	may vary depending on your selections.

Finding Information		15

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• Software upgrades and troubleshooting	Dell Support Utility
	hints — Frequently asked questions,	The Dell Support Utility is an automated
	hot topics, and general health of your
		upgrade and notification system installed
	computing environment
		on your computer. This support provides
		real-time health scans of your computing
		environment, software updates, and
		relevant self-support information. Access
		the Dell Support Utility from the
		icon on the taskbar. For more information,
		see "Drive Problems" on page 79.
	• How to use Windows XP	Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support
	• How to work with programs and files	Center
	• How to personalize your desktop	1 Click Start→Help and Support.
		2 Type a word or phrase that describes
		your problem and click the arrow icon.
		3 Select the topic that describes your
		problem.
		4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
	• Information on network activity, the	Dell QuickSet Help
	Power Management Wizard, hotkeys,	To view Dell QuickSet Help, right-click
	and other items controlled by Dell
		the QuickSet icon in the Microsoft®
	QuickSet	Windows® taskbar, and select Help. The
		taskbar is located in the lower-right
		corner of your screen.

16	Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• How to reinstall my operating system	Operating System Media
	The operating system is already installed
	on your computer. To reinstall your
	operating system, use one of the
	following methods:
	• Microsoft Windows System Restore —
	Microsoft Windows System Restore
	returns your computer to an earlier
	operating state without affecting
	data files.
	• Operating System Installation Media —
	If you received operating system media
	with your computer, you can use it to
	restore your operating system.
	For more information, see "Restoring
	Your Operating System" on page 103.
	After you reinstall your operating system,
	use the Drivers and Utilities media to
	reinstall drivers for the devices that came
	with your computer.

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your operating system installation media varies according to the operating system you ordered.

Finding Information		17

18	Finding Information

About Your Computer

Front View

1

12	2

3

4

5

11

10

9

8

7

6

About Your Computer		19

1	display	2	power button
3	media control buttons (7)	4	keyboard
5	touch pad	6	8-in-1 media card reader
7	analog microphone	8	microphone connector
9	headphone connectors (2)	10	touch pad buttons (2)
11	device status lights	12	keyboard status lights

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 39.

POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 50).

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows® operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.

If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (may take several seconds).

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

Mute the sound		Play the previous track
Turn the volume down		Play the next track
Turn the volume up		Stop
Play or pause

KEYBOARD — For more information about the keyboard, see "Using the Keyboard and Touchpad" on page 41.

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse (see "Touch Pad" on page 43).

20	About Your Computer

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS

8-IN-1 MEDIA CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. The 8-in-1 memory card reader reads the following digital media memory cards:

•Secure Digital (SD) memory card

•Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) card

•MultiMediaCard (MMC)

•Memory Stick

•Memory Stick PRO

•xD-Picture Card

•Hi Speed-SD

•Hi Density-SD

ANALOG MICROPHONE — Integrated single microphone for conferencing and chat.

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones to the connector

Attach a microphone to the	connector

— Use these buttons like the buttons on a mouse when you use the touch pad to move the cursor on the display (see "Touch Pad" on page 43).

About Your Computer		21

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

The lights located on the palm rest towards the front of the computer indicate the following:

Power light – Turns on when you turn on the computer, and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.

Hard drive activity light – 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.

Battery status light – Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.

WLAN status light – Turns on when wireless networking is enabled and hotspot is located.

Bluetooth® status light – Turns on when a card with Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled.

NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature. The light turns on only if you ordered the card with your computer. For more

information, see the documentation that came with your card.

To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology functionality, right-click the icon in the notification area, and then click Disable Bluetooth Radio.

22	About Your Computer

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

•Solid blue: The battery is charging.

•Flashing blue: The battery is almost fully charged.

•Off: The battery is adequately 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 STATUS LIGHTS

The blue lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

9	Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

A

Turns on when the uppercase letter (caps lock) function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

About Your Computer		23

Left Side View

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
1	security cable slot					2	AC power adapter
3	USB connectors (2)					4	video connector (VGA)
5	network connector (RJ-45)					6	modem connector (RJ-11)
7	IEEE	1394a connector				8	hard drive

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer (see "Security Cable Lock" on page 73).

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 on or off.

24	About Your Computer

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly, but gently to help prevent damage to the cable.

NOTE: Plug the power cord and the adapter firmly in, and ensure that the green light is on.

USB CONNECTORS

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

VIDEO CONNECTOR

Connects video devices, such as a monitor.

NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

Connects the computer to a network. The two lights next to the connector indicate status and activity of wired network connections.

For information on using the network adapter, see the device user guide supplied with your computer.

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

Connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

For information on using the modem, see the modem documentation available online.

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

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

About Your Computer		25

Right Side View

	1	2	3	4	5	6
1	wireless switch			2	Wi-Fi catcher light
3	ExpressCard slot			4	optical drive
5	eject button			6	USB connector

WIRELESS SWITCH — When enabled through Dell QuickSet, this switch can scan for a wireless local area network (WLAN) in your vicinity. You can also use it to rapidly turn off or on any wireless devices such as WLAN cards and internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology.

WI-FI CATCHER LIGHT — The Wi-Fi catcher light operates as follows:

•Flashing blue: Searching for networks

•Solid blue: Strong network found

•Solid yellow: Weak network found

•Off: No signal found

EXPRESSCARD SLOT — Supports one ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see "Using Cards" on page 85.

OPTICAL DRIVE — For more information about the optical drive, see "Using Multimedia" on page 55.

EJECT BUTTON — Press the eject button to open the optical drive.

USB CONNECTOR

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

26	About Your Computer

AIR VENTS

Back View

1			2
1	battery	2	air vents

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.

— The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. The computer turns the fan on when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

About Your Computer		27

Bottom View

1

2

3

4

5

1	optical drive	2	battery
3	battery release latch	4	processor/memory module/mini-card compartment
5	hard drive

BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet (see "Using a Battery" on page 47).

BATTERY RELEASE LATCH — Releases the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 52 for instructions).

PROCESSOR/MEMORY MODULE/MINI-CARD COMPARTMENT — Compartment that contains the memory modules and WLAN. (see "Wireless Mini-Cards" on page 120).

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

OPTICAL DRIVE — For more information about the optical drive, see "Using Multimedia" on page 55.

28	About Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet

NOTE: Internet Service Providers (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:

•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.

•Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL, cable, and satellite modem connections.

•Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connections use high-frequency radio waves to communicate. Typically, a wireless router is connected to the broadband cable or DSL modem that broadcasts the Internet signal to your computer.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL, cable, or satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.

NOTE: Your computer may not ship with a modem unless you have ordered one.

Setting Up Your Computer		29

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:

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

2Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.

3Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

NOTE: If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 81. If you cannot connect to the Internet, but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP may have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you obtain one.

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:

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

2Click Start→Internet Explorer.

The New Connection Wizard appears.

3Click Connect to the Internet.

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.

30	Setting Up Your Computer