Dell XPS 15z, XPS L511z, XPS15Z-72ELS Setup Manual

SETUP GUIDE

Regulatory model: P12F Regulatory type: P12F001

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

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

computer.

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

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

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

__________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell™, the DELL logo, XPS™, and DellConnect™ are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel® is a registered trademarks and Core™ is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft®, Windows®, and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Blu‑ray Disc™ is a trademark of the Blu‑ray Disc Association; 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.

January 2011 Rev. A00

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop . . . . . . . .5

Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . 5

Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Connect the Network Cable

(Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Set Up Microsoft Windows . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Create System Recovery Media

(Recommended). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional). . . 12

Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) . . . . . 14

Set Up 3D TV (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connect to the Internet (Optional). . . . . 18

Using Your XPS Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . 20

Right View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Left View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Back View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Computer Base and Keyboard

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Touch Pad Gestures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Multimedia Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Status Lights and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . .40

Disabling Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . .42

Using the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

NVIDIA 3DTV Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

NVIDIA Optimus Technology. . . . . . . . . .48

Dell DataSafe Online Backup. . . . . . . . . .50

Dell Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Free Fall Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Contents

Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . 57

Using Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Restoring Your Operating

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

System Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . . 65

System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . .68

Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Technical Support and Customer

Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Online Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Automated Order‑Status Service . . . . . . 73

Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Returning Items for Repair Under

Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Finding More Information and

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Information for NOM, or Official

Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico). . . . 87

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

This section provides information about setting up your Dell XPS laptop.

Before Setting Up Your Computer

When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.

Restricting airflow around your laptop may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on the right and left sides. You should never place your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer while it is powered on.

WARNING: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not place your Dell computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, or on fabric surfaces, such as carpets or rugs, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer, deteriorate the computer performance, or cause a fire. The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

CAUTION: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Connect the AC Adapter

Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into an electrical outlet or surge protector.

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

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Press the Power Button

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Set Up Microsoft Windows

Your Dell computer is preconfigured with the Microsoft Windows operating system. To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection.

CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.

NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.

NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, go to support.dell.com/MyNewDell.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)

NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set up

Microsoft Windows.

The system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data files (without the need of the Operating System disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware, software, drivers, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state.

You will require the following to create the system recovery media:

Dell DataSafe Local Backup•

USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD‑R/DVD+R/Blu‑ray Disc•

NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

To create a system recovery media:

Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page 1. 6).

Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.2.

Click 3. Start → All Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup.

Click 4. Create Recovery Media.

Follow the instructions on the screen.5.

NOTE: For information on restoring your operating system using the system recovery media, see “System Recovery Media” on page 67.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

To enable or disable wireless:

Ensure that your computer is turned on.1.

Press the <Fn><F2> keys on the keyboard. 2. The current status of the wireless radios appears on the screen.

Wireless enabled

Wireless disabled

Press the <Fn><F2> keys again to switch between the wireless enabled or disabled states.3.

NOTE: Pressing the <Fn><F2> keys allows you to quickly turn off wireless radios (Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth), such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Set Up Wireless Display (Optional)

NOTE: The wireless display feature may

not be supported on all computers. For information about the hardware and software requirements for setting up wireless display, go to www.intel.com.

The Intel wireless display feature allows you to share your computer display to a TV without the use of cables. You must connect a wireless display adapter to your TV before setting up wireless display.

NOTE: The wireless display adapter does not ship with your computer and must be purchased separately.

If your computer supports the wireless display feature, the Intel Wireless Display icon will be available on the Windows desktop.

To set up wireless display:

Turn on your computer.1.

Ensure that wireless is enabled (see “Enable 2. or Disable Wireless” on page 12).

Connect the wireless display adapter to 3. the TV.

Turn on the TV.4.

Select the appropriate video source 5. for your TV, such as HDMI1, HDMI2, or S‑Video.

Double‑click the Intel Wireless Display 6. icon on the desktop. The Intel Wireless Display window appears.

Select 7. Scan for available displays.

Select your wireless display adapter from 8. the Detected wireless displays list.

Enter the security code that appears on 9. your TV.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

To enable wireless display:

Double‑click the Intel Wireless Display 1. icon on the desktop. The Intel Wireless Display window appears.

Select 2. Connect to Existing Adapter.

NOTE: You can download and install the latest driver for “Intel Wireless Display Connection Manager” from

support.dell.com.

NOTE: For more information about

wireless display, see the wireless display adapter documentation.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Set Up 3D TV (Optional)

NOTE: To know if your TV supports the

3D features available on your computer, see System Requirements at

www.nvidia.com/3dtv.

Connect your computer to the 3D TV 1. using a HDMI cable.

NOTE: The HDMI cable transmits both audio and video signals.

Set up the HDMI 1.4 3D TV:2.

Browse to the 3D settings menu on a. your TV.

Set the 3D mode to b. Automatic.

Set the eye order for the glasses to c.

default or normal.

NOTE: Do not change the eye order

settings when using NVIDIA 3DTV Play as the application controls the timing of the glasses.

NOTE: If you are unable to view the entire Windows desktop on your TV, use the 3D TV’s settings to reduce the display resolution.

NOTE: For more information about configuring the 3D settings, see the documentation that shipped with your TV.

Set your TV as the primary display:3.

Right‑click the desktop and select a.

NVIDIA Control Panel.

In the b. NVIDIA Control Panel window, click Display to expand the selection (if not already expanded) and then click

Set up multiple display.

In the c. Verify the display configuration section, right‑click the 3D TV and select Make this the Windows primary

display.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Set up the NVIDIA 3DTV Play application:4.

In the a. NVIDIA Control Panel window, click Stereoscopic 3D to expand the selection (if not already expanded) and then click Set up stereoscopic 3D.

Select the b. Enable stereoscopic 3D check box. The 3DTV Play setup wizard appears.

Ensure that the 3DTV Play logo appears c. in the control panel.

Change the desktop resolution to match 5. the resolution of the 3D content type:

In the NVIDIA Control Panel window, click Display to expand the selection (if not already expanded) and then click

Change resolution.

For 3D gaming, set the resolution to •

720p, 1280x720 and refresh rate to 60/59 Hz in HD 3D mode.

For Blu‑ray 3D playback, set the • resolution to 1080p, 1920x1080 and refresh rate to 24/23 Hz in HD 3D mode.

NOTE: For TVs using PAL system with refresh rates of 50 Hz or 100 Hz or NTSC system with refresh rates of 60 Hz or 120 Hz, set the resolution to 720p and refresh rate to 60/59 Hz.

NOTE: The performance of games may reduce in HD 3D mode even if 3DTV Play is disabled. To maximize performance, select HD or SD mode when 3DTV Play is disabled.

Check the HDMI audio on the TV by 6. playing a video, game, or music and adjusting the volume on the TV.

NOTE: For more information on 3D TV, see “NVIDIA 3DTV Play” on page 45.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter is not a part of your original order, you can purchase one from dell.com.

Setting Up a Wired Connection

If you are using a dial‑up connection, • connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection.

If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite • modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup

instructions. To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 19.

Setting Up a Wireless Connection

NOTE: To set up your wireless router,

see the documentation that shipped with your router.

Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.

To set up your connection to a wireless router:

Ensure that wireless is enabled on your 1. computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless” on page 12).

Save and close any open files, and exit any 2. open programs.

Click 3. Start → Control Panel.

In the search box, type 4. network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.

Follow the instructions on the screen to 5. complete the setup.

Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.

If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

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

To set up your Internet connection:

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

Click 2. Start → Control Panel.

In the search box, type 3. network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→

Set up a new connection or network→ Connect to the Internet.

The Connect to the Internet window appears.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.

Follow the instructions on the screen and 4. use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

Using Your XPS Laptop

This section provides information about the features available on your Dell XPS laptop.

Right View Features

1 2 3

Using Your XPS Laptop

Audio-out/Headphone connector — Connects to a pair of headphones or to a

powered speaker or sound system.

Audio-in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for

use with audio programs.

3 Optical drive — Plays or records CDs and DVDs. For more information, see “Using the

Optical Drive” on page 43.

CAUTION: Do not use non-standard-size or shape discs (including mini-CDs and mini-DVDs) or you will damage the drive.

Using Your XPS Laptop

Left View Features

2 3

Using Your XPS Laptop

HDMI connector — Connects to a TV for both 5.1 audio and video signals.

NOTE: When used with a monitor, only the video signal is read.

Mini-DisplayPort connector — Digital interface standard connector that connects to

external DisplayPort monitors and projectors.

NOTE: The mini‑DisplayPort connector also connects to a VGA/DVI connector through an optional mini‑DisplayPort adapter. You can purchase the VGA/DVI cable and the mini‑ DsiplayPort adapter at www.dell.com.

eSATA/USB combo connector with USB PowerShare — Connects to eSATA

compatible storage devices (such as external hard drives or optical drives) or USB devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player). The USB PowerShare feature allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is powered on/off or in sleep state.

NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is powered off or in sleep state. In such cases, turn on the computer to charge the device.

NOTE: If you turn off your computer while charging a USB device, the device stops

charging. To continue charging, disconnect the USB device and connect it again.

NOTE: The USB PowerShare feature is automatically shut off when only 10% of the total battery life remains.

Using Your XPS Laptop

5 6 7

Using Your XPS Laptop

USB 3.0 connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard,

printer, external drive, or MP3 player; provide faster data transmission between your computer and USB devices.

5 9-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital

photos, music, videos, and documents stored on memory cards. For the supported memory cards, see “Specifications” on page 80.

NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the media card slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no media card is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

6 Battery status indicator lights (5) — Each light indicates approximately 20% of the total

battery charge.

7 Battery status indicator button — Turns on the battery status indicator lights when

pressed.

Using Your XPS Laptop

Back View Features

Using Your XPS Laptop

AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and

charge the battery.

Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device

if you are using a wired network.

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Dell XPS 15z, XPS L511z, XPS15Z-72ELS Setup Manual

Specifications and Main Features

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User Manual