Dell SmartPC 200N, SmartPC 250N, SmartStep 250N, SmartStep 200N Owner's Manual

7T097bk1.book Page 1 Thursday, September 26, 2002 6:47 AM

Dell™ SmartPC™ 200N and 250N

Owner’s Manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

7T097bk1.book Page 2 Thursday, September 26, 2002 6:47 AM

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 Te l l M e Ho w help file (click the Start button on the Microsoft

Help and Support

Windows® desktop, point to

→ User’s Guides, and then click Tell Me How).

____________________

Reproduction in any mann er whatsoever without the written permission of D ell Computer Corporation is s tr ictly forbidden.

Tradema rks u sed in this te xt : Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Pr ec isi on, Dimension, OptiPlex,

Latitude, DellNet, TrueMobile, and SmartStep are tr ademarks of Del l Compute r Corpor ation; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; 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. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade name s oth er than its own.

Model PP06L

September 2002 P/N 7T097 Rev. A01

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Contents

CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

General

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Battery

Air Travel

EMC Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Ergonomic Computing Habits

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

. . . . . . . . . . . 13

Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1 Information Resources

Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

A Tour of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Front View

Left View

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Back View

Bottom View

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

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

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

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

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Cable

Connecting a Parallel Printer

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

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

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

Contents 3

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Connecting a USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Installing the Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Transferring Information to a New Computer With Microsoft

Setting Up a Home and Office Network With Windows XP. . . . 30

Connecting to the Internet

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using Easy CD Creator Basic

Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs . . . . . . . . 33

Helpful Tips

How to Copy a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3 How Do I?

Turning On Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Turning Off Your Computer

Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Windows®XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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

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

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

4 Contents

Installing and Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Installing a Battery

Removing a Battery

Storing a Battery

Swapping Modules in the Module Bay

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Playing a CD or Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Connecting a Television to the Computer

S-Video Connection

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

Enabling the Display Settings for a Television

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . 44

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Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Numeric Keypad

Easy-Launch Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Keyboard Shortcuts

4 Maintaining Your Computer

Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Creating a Restore Point

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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

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

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

. . . . . . 51

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

What Is a Driver?

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

Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Before You Reinstall

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Reinstalling Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Reinstalling Drivers and Software

5 Adding and Replacing Parts

Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Replacing the Hard Drive

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

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

. . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . 56

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

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

Contents 5

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6 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

BIOS and Standard Settings

Viewing the System Setup Screens

System Setup Screens

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Before You Call

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

. . . . . . . . . . 78

Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Limited Warranties and Return Policy

Limited Warranty Terms for Canada

"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Dell Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Intel® Warranty Statement for Pentium® and Celeron

Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . 103

6 Contents

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CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer and working environment from potential damage.

General

• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained 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.

• Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on. Restricting airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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CAUTION: Safety Instructions

• 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 FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.

• Before you open the memory module/Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of your computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone cable.

• If your computer has a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector, insert the telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not the R-45 connector.

• PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.

• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

(continued)

Power

• 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 the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.

• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-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, 2-prong or 3-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.

8 CAUTION: Safety Instructions

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CAUTION: Safety Instructions

• 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.

(continued)

Battery

• 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.

• 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.

CAUTION: Safety Instructions 9

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CAUTION: Safety Instructions

(continued)

Air Travel

• 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.

EMC Instructions

Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell at its worldwide website at www.dell.com.

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 input/output panel.

10 CAUTION: Safety Instructions

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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.

• 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 strain-relief 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.

• 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 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.

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When Using Your Computer

• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and water. Apply the water to the cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. Remove moisture from the display quickly and keep the display dry. Longterm exposure to moisture can damage the display. Do not use a commercial window cleaner to clean your display.

• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 17. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 79 for the appropriate contact information).

(continued)

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 Tell Me How help file when setting up and using your computer. To access the help file, see page 17.

This portable computer is not designed for continuous operation as office equipment. For extended use in an office, Dell recommends that you connect an external monitor and an external keyboard.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before removing or installing memory modules, Mini PCI cards, or modems, 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, a Mini PCI card, or a modem.

NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing

a memory module, Mini PCI card, or modem to help prevent possible damage to the system board.

Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.

2 Disconnect your computer and devices 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 bay and, if necessary, the secondary battery

from the module bay.

12 When Using Your Computer

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When Using Your Computer

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.

(continued)

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

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.

Battery Disposal

Your computer uses lithium ion battery and a NiMH 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 NiMH 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.

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.

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14 When Using Your Computer

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SECTION 1

Information Resources

Finding Information and Assistance

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Finding Information and Assistance

The following table lists the resources that Dell provides as support tools. Additional resources may be shipped with your computer.

Resource Contents Using the Resource

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Drivers and Utilities CD

• Dell Diagnostics

• Drivers

• Utilities

• Computer and device documentation

Service and Registration Labels

• Express Service Code and Service Tag S eq u en c e

• Product Key (also called the Product ID or Certificate of Authenticity [COA])

Operating System CD To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating

See the main menu on the Drivers and Utilities CD that came with your computer. Use the pull-down menu to make selections appropriate for your computer.

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer when shipped from Dell. You can use this CD to access documentation or reinstall drivers. You can also use the CD to run diagnostic tools if you are unable to run the diagnostics located on your hard drive.

The Express Service Code and Service Tag Sequence are unique identifiers for your Dell™ computer.

You will need the Product Key (or Product ID) number to complete the operating system setup.

System CD that came with your computer.

NOTE: The Operating System CD may not include all the latest drivers for your computer. If you reinstall your operating system, use the

Utilities

shipped with your computer. Alternatively, you can go to support.dell.com to obtain the latest drivers.

CD to reinstall drivers for the devices

Drivers and

16 Information Resources

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Resource Contents Using the Resource

Dell Tell Me How See the Tell Me How help file on your hard drive for

additional information about your computer.

NOTE: To access the

Tell Me How

help file, click the Start button, click Help and Support, click User’s Guides, and then click Tell Me How.

Dell Support website

• Frequently asked questions

• Downloads for your computer

• Documentation

• Online discussions about your computer

• Searchable database

Go to support.dell.com and complete the one-time registration:

• Get help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions (Ask Dudley, Dell Knowledge Base)

• Access documentation about your computer and devices (Dell Documents)

• Get the latest versions of the drivers for your computer (Downloads for Your Dell)

• Join online discussions with other Dell customers and Dell technical professionals (Dell Talk)

• Explore a list of online links to Dell's primary vendors

GO TO THE DELL SUPPORT WEBSITE — Go to support.dell.com for help with general usage, installation, and troubleshooting questions. See "Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit" on page 78 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

E-

MAIL DELL — Go to support.dell.com and then click E-Mail Dell in the Communicate list. Send an e-mail

message to Dell about your problem; you can expect to receive an e-mail message from Dell within hours. See "Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit" on page 78 for a description of the hardware and software support provided by Dell.

ONTACT DELL — If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell™ support website or e-mail service, call Dell for

technical assistance. See "Contacting Dell" on page 79 for a list of phone numbers and addresses.

Information Resources 17

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18 Information Resources

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SECTION 2

Setting Up and Using Your Computer

A Tour of Your Computer

Setting Up a Printer

Printer Problems

Transferring Information to a New Computer With

Microsoft

Setting Up a Home and Office Network With

Windows XP

Connecting to the Internet

Copying CDs

Windows®XP

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A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

display latch

easy-launch keys

power button

touch pad

four-directional scroll pad

module bay

status lights

keyboard

touch pad buttons

battery bay

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.

TATUS LIGHTS — LEDs that show the status of the computer and its functions

and components.

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power

media activity

standby

battery

caps lock

num lock

Turns on when you turn on the computer.

Turns on when the computer enters standby mode.

Flashes when the computer reads or writes data.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never shut down

the computer when the light is flashing.

Turns on when the battery is being charged.

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see the Tel l M e How help file.

OUCH PAD BUTTONS — Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard

mouse.

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BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 17.

ODULE BAY —Holds optical devices such as a DVD drive or a DVD/CD-RW

drive.

CROLL PAD — Four-directional button that allows you to scroll through

documents.

OUCH PAD — Use the touch pad as you would use a mouse.

OWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer.

ASY-LAUNCH KEYS — Launch frequently used programs.

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Left View

security cable slot

IEEE 1394 port

audio connectors

floppy drive

volume wheel

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

IEEE 1394 P

ORT — Connects to an IEEE 1394-compatible device, such as a

digital camcorder.

UDIO CONNECTORS — You can attach audio devices, such as speakers,

headphones, or a microphone.

OLUME WHEEL — Adjusts the volume level.

LOPPY DRIVE — Accepts a 3.5-inch floppy disk for data storage.

speaker

22 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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SPEAKER — Use the volume wheel or press the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of the integrated speakers. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 17.

Right View

speaker air ventsPC Card slot

ARD SLOT — Accepts one Type III or two Type II/I PC Card(s).

PC C

IR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the

vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

NOTICE: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the

air vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

HINT: The computer

turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

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Back View

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AC adapter connector

parallel connector

AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attach the AC adapter to the computer.

IDEO CONNECTOR — Connect your computer to an external monitor.

ERIAL CONNECTOR — Connect serial devices, such as a serial mouse.

ODEM CONNECTOR — Connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector.

serial connector

modem connector

video connector

S-video TV-out connector

USB connector

PS/2 connector

Do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.

network connector

NETWORK CONNECTOR — Connect the computer to a network.

PS/2 C

ONNECTOR — Connect a PS/2-compatible device, such as a PS/2

keyboard.

USB C

S-V

ONNECTOR — Connect USB devices, such as a USB digital camera.

IDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR — Connect a display device with S-video

input, such as a TV.

ARALLEL CONNECTOR — Connect a parallel device, such as a parallel printer.

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Bottom View

battery latch releases

memory module cover

device latch release

modem cover

battery bay

module bay

battery lock

BATTERY LATCH RELEASES — Release the battery. For more information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 17.

EMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the memory module compartment.

EVICE LATCH RELEASE — Releases the module bay device. For more

information, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 17.

ODEM COVER — Protects the modem.

ATTERY LOCK — Locks the battery in the battery bay.

ODULE BAY — Holds optical devices, such as a DVD drive or a DVD/CD-RW

drive.

BATTERY BAY — When a battery is installed and charged, you can use the computer without connecting it to an electrical outlet.

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Setting Up a Printer

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

the computer.

See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

• Obtain and install updated drivers

• Connect the printer to the computer

• Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge

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• Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with either a USB cable or a parallel cable. Your printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box.

Connecting a Parallel Printer

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

2 Turn off the computer (see page 38).

NOTICE: For best results, use a 3 m (10 ft) or shorter parallel cable.

3 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the

computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.

26 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

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parallel connector on computer

connector on printer

screws (2)

parallel printer cable

notches (2)

4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New

clips (2)

Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

5 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that

came with your printer.

Connecting a USB Printer

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

2 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that

came with your printer.

HINT: You can connect

USB devices while the computer is turned on.

3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer

and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

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USB connector on the computer

USB printer cable

USB connector on printer

HINT: For complete

printer driver installation instructions, see your printer documentation.

Installing the Printer Driver

To check if your printer driver is installed on a computer running the Windows

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.

If you need to install a printer driver, insert the installation CD. Then follow the prompts on the screen, using the instructions that came with the printer.

If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start button, click Run, and then type x:\setup.exe (where x is the letter of your DVD drive [usually drive D]). 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.

XP operating system, click the Start button, click Control

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Printer Problems

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS — Ensure that the printer

cable is properly connected to the computer.

TEST THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON — See the documentation supplied with the printer.

VERIFY THAT WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE PRINTER

1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer model is listed,

right-click the printer icon.

5 Click Properties, and then click the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the

following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port).

Transferring Information to a New Computer With Microsoft® Windows®XP

The Windows XP operating system 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 the computer that is running Windows XP. You can

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transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a floppy disk, a Zip disk, or a writable CD.

1 On the computer running Windows XP, click the Start button, point

to All Programs 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.

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→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click Files

HINT: Selecting the This

computer connects directly to the Internet

connection method enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP.

Setting Up a Home and Office Network With Windows XP

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 Programs→ Accessories→

Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.

2 On the welcome screen, click Next.

3 Click checklist for creating a network.

Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to

the Network Setup Wizard.

5 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Connecting to the Internet

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP), such as America Online or DellNet™ by MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a phone line.

30 Setting Up and Using Your Computer

Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

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Dell SmartPC 200N, SmartPC 250N, SmartStep 250N, SmartStep 200N Owner's Manual

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Frequently Asked Questions

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