Dell SmartPC 100N Owner's Manual
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Dell™ SmartPC™ 100N
Owner’s Manual
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550tp0.fm
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550tp0.fm
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT: A HINT 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 Tell Me How help
file. To access the help file, see page 26.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002 Dell Computer Corporation.All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, DellNet, TrueMobile, DellPlus, Inspiron, Dell
Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, and SmartPC are trademarks of D ell Computer
Corporation; Intel is a registered trademark and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corp or atio n;
Microsoft and Windows are regist ered trademar ks of Mi cro soft Corporat ion; EMC is the 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. D ell Computer Corporati on disclai ms any prop rietary interest
in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
March 2002 P/N 8P550 Rev. A00
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
Contents
Safety and Use Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Caution: Safety Instructions
When Using Your Computer
Ergonomic Computing Habits
When Removing or Installing Memory Modules
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Battery Disposal
1 Setting Up
Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Parallel Printer
USB Printer
Installing the Printer Driver
Transferring Information to a New Computer (Windows
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
®
XP Only) 19
Setting Up a Home and Office Network (Windows XP Only)
Turning Off the Computer
Power Protection Devices
Surge Protectors
Line Conditioners
Uninterruptible Power Supply Devices
2 Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Accessing Help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . 19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Contents 3
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
If the display is difficult to read
If only part of the display is readable
Sound and Speaker Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
If you have a problem with integrated speakers
Printer Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Modem and Internet Connection Problems
Scanner Problems
PC Card Problems
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
If you cannot play a CD
If you cannot eject the CD drive tray
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
If you have problems with a hard drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . 37
4 Contents
General Program Problems
A program crashes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
A program stops responding
A solid blue screen appears
Error messages appear
E-Mail Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
If Your Computer Gets Wet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using System Restore
Creating a Restore Point
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
Undoing the Last System Restore
Reinstalling Windows
Enabling Hibernate Mode
3 Replacing Parts
Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Replacing the Hard Drive
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell
Removing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . 43
. . . . . . . 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
®
XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Installing a Battery
Replacing a Daughter Card Modem
4 Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Standard Settings
Viewing the System Setup Screens
System Setup Screens
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Contents 5
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . 69
Contacting Dell
Regulatory Notices
CE Notice (European Union)
CE Mark Notice
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6 Contents
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Safety and Use Instructions
Caution: Safety Instructions
The following information defines the meaning of additional symbols used
only in "Safety and Use Instructions."
Risk of explosion Aircraft
Risk of fire Use of this feature may be prohibited
on aircraft
Risk of electric shock
Caution: General (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless
you are an authorized service technician. Always follow
installation instructions closely.
• If you use an extension power cable with your AC
adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the
products plugged in to the extension power cable does
not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your
computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by
shorting out interior components.
• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk
top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer
or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter
with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also,
do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.
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• The AC adapter may become hot during normal
operation of your computer. Use care when handling
the adapter during or immediately after operation.
• Do not allow your portable computer to operate with
the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended
periods of time. The surface temperature of the base
will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC
power is present). Allowing sustained contact with
exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a
burn.
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• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for
example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a
wet basement.
• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC
Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an
electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk
of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do
not connect or disconnect any cables or perform
maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during
an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during
an electrical storm unless all cables have been
disconnected and the computer is operating on battery
power.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used
with the modem should be manufactured with a
minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG)
and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• PC Cards may become very warm during normal
operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their
continuous operation.
• Before you clean your computer, remove power. Clean
your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may
contain flammable substances.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
8
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Caution: Power (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for
use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet,
check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the
required voltage and frequency match the available
power source.
• To remove power from the computer, turn it off,
remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and
peripheral power cables into properly grounded power
sources. These power cables may be equipped with
three-prong plugs to provide an earth grounding
connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a
power extension cable, use the appropriate type, twoprong or three-prong, to mate with the AC adapter
power cable.
• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power
cable and that the cable is not located where it can be
tripped over or stepped on.
• If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use
caution when plugging the AC adapter’s power cable
into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you
to insert the plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the
power plug could result in permanent damage to your
computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire.
Ensure that the ground prong of the power plug is
inserted into the mating ground contact of the power
strip.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
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FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550si.fm
Caution: Battery (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Use only Dell battery modules that are approved for use
with this computer. Use of other types may increase the
risk of fire or explosion.
• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or
other container where metal objects (such as car keys or
paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals.
The resulting excessive current flow can cause
extremely high temperatures and may result in damage
to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.
• The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it
improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged
or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery
is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may
cause personal injury.
• Keep the battery away from children.
• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack
near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove,
electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or
otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60ºC
(140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures,
battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.
10
• Do not dispose of your computer’s battery in a fire or
with normal household waste. Battery cells may
explode. Discard a used battery according to the
manufacturer’s instructions or contact your local waste
disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a
spent or damaged battery promptly.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
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Caution: Air Travel (Safety Instructions, continued)
• Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or
airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your
Dell™ computer while you are on board an aircraft. For
example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of
any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for
intentional transmission of radio frequency or other
electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.
– In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your
Dell portable computer is equipped with Dell
TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication
device, please disable this device before you board the
aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline
personnel with regard to such device.
– Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable
computer, may be prohibited in aircraft during certain
critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing.
Some airlines may further define the critical flight phase as
any time the aircraft is below 3050 m (10,000 ft). Please
follow the airline’s specific instructions as to when the use
of a PED is allowed.
When Using Your Computer
Observe the following safe-handling guidelines to prevent damage to your
computer:
• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
• When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put
your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your
computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked
by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are
asked to turn on the computer.
• When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap
the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you
have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the
computer. You can put the hard drive through an X-ray security
machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
11
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FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550si.fm
• When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage
compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your
computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.
• Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental
hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and
overexposure to sunlight.
• When you move your computer between environments with very
different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form
on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow
sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the
computer.
NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a
warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler
environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before
turning on power.
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strainrelief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep
it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you
connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
12
• Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory
module by its edges, not its pins.
• When preparing to remove a memory module from the system board
or disconnect a peripheral device from the computer, turn off the
computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and then wait 5 seconds
before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window
cleaner that does not contain wax or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the
cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving
from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains
grease or some other contaminant, use isopropyl alcohol instead of
commercial window cleaner.
• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures
described in "If Your Computer Gets Wet" on page 39 If, after
following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not
operating properly, contact Dell ("Contacting Dell" on page 69 for the
appropriate contact information).
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550si.fm
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in
injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for
extended periods of time may result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Te ll Me
How help file when setting up and using your computer:
When Removing or Installing Memory Modules
Before removing or installing memory modules, perform the following steps
in the sequence indicated.
NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is
when you are installing memory modules.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting
a peripheral device or removing a memory module to help prevent possible
damage to the system board.
1
Turn off your computer and any attached peripherals.
2 Disconnect your computer and peripherals from electrical outlets to
reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any
telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3 Remove the main battery from the battery compartment and, if
necessary, the secondary battery from the module bay.
4 Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O
panel on the back of the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any
static electricity that might harm internal components.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To
prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you
touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory
module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the
computer’s I/O panel.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O
connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
13
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FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550si.fm
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic
discharge (ESD):
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping
carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing
material until you are ready to install the component. Just before
unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static
electricity from your body.
• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.
• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you
of these precautions:
NOTICE: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the safety
instructions at the front of this guide.
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a nickel-metal hydride
(NiMH) coin-cell battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion
battery in your computer, refer to the section about replacing the battery in
your Dell computer documentation. The coin-cell battery is a long-life
battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to replace it.
However, should you need to replace it, the procedure must be performed
by an authorized service technician.
14
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your
local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit
site.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
1
SECTION 1
Setting Up
Connecting a Printer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
(Windows® XP Only)
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)
Turning Off the Computer
Power Protection Devices
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DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550c10.fm
Connecting a Printer
See the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended
preparation procedures, such as:
• Removing the packaging
• Installing the toner or ink cartridge
• Loading paper
Then follow the instructions that came with the printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, see the following sections.
HINT: For complete
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printer driver installation
instructions, refer to your
printer documentation.
Parallel Printer
1 Turn off the computer (see page 20).
NOTICE: Use only a standard parallel cable measuring 3 m (10 ft) or less to
connect the printer to the computer. Use of a nonstandard cable may prevent
the printer from working.
2
Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the
computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the parallel
connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
16 Setting Up
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screws (2)
parallel printer
cable
3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New
parallel connector on
computer
parallel
connector on
printer
clips (2)
notches (2)
Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
4 Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 18).
USB Printer
1
Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 18).
2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer
and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
HINT: You can connect
USB devices while the
computer is turned on.
Setting Up 17
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USB connector on
back of computer
USB connector on
printer
USB printer
cable
Installing the Printer Driver
If you need to install a printer driver, insert the installation CD into the CD
drive. Then follow the prompts on the screen and use the instructions that
came with the printer.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
18 Setting Up
If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start
button, click Run, and type x:\setup.exe (where x is the letter of your
CD drive [usually drive D]). Then click OK and follow the prompts on your
screen. If your printer installation CD still does not run, check the
documentation that came with your printer for instructions on how to start
the printer installation CD.
To determine whether your printer driver is installed on a computer running
®
the Microsoft
Windows XP operating system, click the Start button, click
Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click View
installed printers or fax printers. If your printer model is listed in the
Printers window, the printer is ready to use.
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Transferring Information to a New
Computer (Windows®XP Only)
Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data
such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks,
from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source
computer, and then you import the data to the new computer.
If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, you can
launch the wizard from the Windows XP Operating System CD or from a
floppy disk created on a computer that is running Windows XP. You can
transfer the data to the new computer over a network or you can store it on
a removable medium, such as a floppy disk or a writable CD.
1 On the computer running Windows XP, click the Start button, point
to All Programs Accessories System Tools, and then click Files
and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and
then click Next.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only)
Windows XP provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the
process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between
computers in a home or small office.
1 Click the Start button, point to All ProgramsAccessories
Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 Click checklist for creating a network.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
Setting Up 19
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HINT: Selecting the This
computer connects
directly to the Internet
connection method
enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.
HINT: If you are having
difficulties turning off
your computer, see
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"General Program
Problems" on page 38.
4
Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to
the Network Setup Wizard.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Turning Off the Computer
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the
Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.
1
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.
3 Click Turn off.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
Power Protection Devices
Several devices are available that protect against power fluctuations and
failures:
• Surge protectors
• Line conditioners
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
20 Setting Up
• 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. Dell recommends that you carefully read the device warranty when
choosing a surge protector. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative
effectiveness of different devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes. Dell
recommends that you disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet when
lightning occurs in your area.
NOTICE: Surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power
interruptions.
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Power surges on telephone lines can damage modems. Dell recommends
that you disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack during
electrical storms. Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem
protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection
instructions.
NOTICE: Network adapter protection is not available on surge protectors.
Dell recommends that you 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. Line conditioners can cost up to several hundred dollars more than
surge protectors.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Devices
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result
in data loss or file damage.
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).
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
HINT: 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.
Setting Up 21
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550c10.fm
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
22 Setting Up
2
SECTION 2
Solving Problems
Finding Solutions
Accessing Help
Power Problems
Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Printer Problems
Modem and Internet Connection Problems
Scanner Problems
PC Card Problems
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
General Program Problems
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your Computer
Resolving Other Technical Problems
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Using System Restore
Reinstalling Windows® XP
Enabling Hibernate Mode
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550c20.fm
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
HINT: If you have a
problem with an external
device, see the device
documentation or contact
the manufacturer.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550c20.fm
Finding Solutions
Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart
to quickly find the answers to your questions.
See page 26.
Press the power button to
resume from standby mode.
See the Tell Me How help file
for more information on
standby mode.
Get technical assistance from
Dell. See page 69.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
24 Solving Problems
®
See page 39.
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550c20.fm
See page 29.
See page 31.
See page 31.
See page 32.
See page 34.
See page 35.
See page 35.
See page 36.
See page 36.
See page 39.
See page 38.
See page 39.
See page 39.
See page 38.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
Solving Problems 25
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
HINT: See the Tell Me
How help file for
information on standby
mode. To access the help
file, see page 26.
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550c20.fm
Accessing Help
TO ACCESS THE Tell Me How HE LP FILE
Microsoft® Windows® XP
1 Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.
2 Click User and system guides and then click User’s guides.
3 Click Tell Me How.
TO ACCESS HELP IN W INDOWS® XP
1 Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click the arrow
icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
4 Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Power Problems
CHECK THE POW ER LIGHT — When the power light is lit or blinking
orange, the battery charge is low or depleted. Charge the battery.
If the power light is off, the computer is turned off or the battery is too hot to
charge. Turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter, and then let the
computer and battery cool before attempting to charge the battery.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
26 Solving Problems
CHARG E THE BATTERY — The battery charge may be depleted.
1 Reinstall the battery.
2 Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3 Turn on the computer.
FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Tang\owner\EMF\A00\8P550c20.fm
CHECK THE BATTERY STATUS LIGHT — If the battery status light flashes
orange or is a steady orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the
computer to an electrical outlet.
If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to
charge. Turn off the computer (see page 20), disconnect the computer from the
electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room
temperature.
If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be defective.
Contact Dell (see page 69).
TEST THE ELECTR ICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is
working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
CHECK THE AC ADAPTER — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If
the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET —
Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify
that the computer turns on.
ELIMIN ATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent
lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
ADJUS T THE POWER PROPERTIES — See the Te ll Me Ho w help file or
search for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center. To access help,
see page 26.
RESEAT THE MEMORY MODULES — If the computer power light turns on
but the display remains blank, reseat the memory modules (see page 52).
Error Messages
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system
or the application program that was running at the time the message
appeared.
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/11/02
Solving Problems 27
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