Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerV ault, PowerApp,
PowerConnect, Dell T ravelLite, Dell Media Experience, Dell MediaDirect, and XPS are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Core are registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a registered
trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has determined that
this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
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 PP03X
February 2007P/N RC676Rev. A04
book.book Page 3 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
If the computer is turned on or in standby mode
If the computer is turned off or in hibernate mode
Dell MediaDirect and Dell Media Experience Help
Using Your Computer With a TV or Audio Device
Connecting a Composite Video Adapter
Connecting a Component Video Adapter
Connecting Audio/IR Blaster Adapter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in Cyberlink PowerDVD
Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in the Windows Audio Driver
Setting Up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones
Enabling the Display Settings for a TV
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem . . . . . . . . . . 73
Network Setup Wizard
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection
Checking Your Wireless Network Card
Setting Up a New WLAN
Connecting to a WLAN
Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager
Completing the Connection to the WLAN
Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card
Monitoring the Status of the Wireless Network Card Through Dell QuickSet
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
Dell Support Utility
Accessing the Dell Support Utility
Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Drive Problems
DVD drive problems
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
Hard drive problems
A program crashes repeatedly
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows operating system
A solid blue screen appears
Dell MediaDirect problems
Other software problems
RAID Level 1 Configuration
Configuring Your Computer for RAID
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel RAID Option ROM Utility
Configuring for RAID Using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager
book.book Page 11 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media 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 for my computer
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Drivers and Utilities Media (CD/DVD)
The Drivers and Utilities disc contains drivers that were
installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities disc to load any required drivers, including
drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller
(see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 120). You
can also use this disc to run the Dell™ Diagnostics (see
"Dell Diagnostics" on page 87).
Readme files may be
included on your disc to
provide last-minute
updates about technical
changes to your computer
or advanced technicalreference material for
technicians or experienced
users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
Dell Product Information Guide
Finding Information11
book.book Page 12 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to set up my computer
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
• Model Name, electrical ratings, Agency approval marks
Setup Diagram
Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License
The service tag label is located inside the computer base
battery compartment of your computer.
12Finding Information
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting support.
The Microsoft Windows License Label in on the base of
your computer.
Model Name, electrical ratings, and Agency approval marks
located inside the computer base battery compartment
are
of your computer. See
"Removing the Battery" on page 57
.
book.book Page 13 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked
questions
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and
order status, warranty, and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and support
history, service contract, online discussions with
technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product specifications, and
white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software
updates
• Notebook System Software (NSS) — If you reinstall the
operating system for your computer, you should also
reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates
for your operating system and support for Dell 3.5-inch
USB floppy drives, Intel
®
processors, optical drives, and
USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of
your Dell computer. The software automatically detects
your computer and operating system and installs the
updates appropriate for your configuration.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the
appropriate support site.
To download Notebook System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
, select your region or business
segment, and enter your Service Tag.
2
Select
Drivers & Downloads
3
Click your operating system and search for the keyword
Notebook System Software
and click Go.
.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
depending on your selections.
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints —
Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general
health of your computing environment
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and
notification system installed 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 in the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support
Utility" on page 90.
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
Help and Support
.
click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Finding Information13
book.book Page 14 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Information on network activity, the Power Management
Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell
QuickSet.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Dell QuickSet Help
To view
Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the icon
in the Microsoft Windows taskbar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet, see "Dell
QuickSet" on page 135.
Operating System Installation Media (CD/DVD)
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use your Operating System installation media (see "Reinstalling Windows XP"
on page 124).
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities disc 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 installation media varies according
to the operating system you ordered.
• Information on Microsoft Windows XP Media Center
Edition
• Standard remote control instructions
• Premium remote control instructions
14Finding Information
Dell Media Center User’s Guide
Dell Premium Remote Control User’s Guide
This guide is available on support.dell.com.
book.book Page 15 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
About Your Computer
Front View
1
2
16
15
14
13
1
camera
4
speakers (8)
7
keyboard status lights (4)
10
touch pad
13
keyboard
16
infrared sensor
2
display latches (4)
5
MediaDirect button
8
mouse
11
touch pad buttons (2)
14
device status lights (5)
3
4
5
6
7
1012
911
3
display
6
power button
9keyboard
buttons
12base
15
optical drive
8
media control
media control buttons
About Your Computer15
book.book Page 16 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
CAMERA — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat.
DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 49.
DISPLAY LATCHES (4) — To keep the display closed.
SPEAKERS (8) — To adjust the volume of the integrated speaker, press the volume control buttons, mute button, or
volume-control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Key Combinations" on page 31.
M
EDIADIRECTBUTTON — Controls access to Dell MediaDirect™. For more information, see "Using Dell Media
Experience and Dell MediaDirect" on page 42.
POWERBUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft
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 (which
may take several seconds).
KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS (4)
power management mode.
®
Windows® operating system
The blue lights located at the top right of the keyboard indicate the following:
9
A
16About Your Computer
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate keyboard battery
charge status.
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
book.book Page 17 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
MOUSE — Wireless mouse. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Mouse" on page 27.
MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Control playback of media.
Press to open or close the optical drive. If media is present in the closed
drive, pressing this button will open the drive and eject the media.
Press once to go back to the start of the current playing track/chapter.
Press multiple times to skip back to previous track/chapters. Press and
hold to rewind within the current track/chapter.
Press to stop media playback.
Press once to skip forward one track/chapter. Press multiple times to skip
forward multiple tracks/chapters. Press and hold to fast-forward within the
current track/chapter.
Press to either play or pause the media.
Press to turn off the volume of audio output from internal or external
speakers.
About Your Computer17
book.book Page 18 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
Press to decrease the volume of audio output from internal or external
speakers.
Press to increase the volume of audio output from internal or external
speakers.
TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. See "Touch Pad" on page 33 for more information.
TOUCH PAD BUTTONS (2) — Provide the functionality of a mouse. See "Touch Pad" on page 33 for more
information.
KEYBOARD — The wireless keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For information on
supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Numeric Keypad" on page 31.
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS (5)
Turns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is
in a power management mode.
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.
Turns on when Bluetooth
Turns on when wireless devices are enabled.
18About Your Computer
light is flashing.
®
wireless technology is enabled.
book.book Page 19 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
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 (or external power is not available to charge the battery).
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.
OPTICALDRIVE — Plays CD, DVD and Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) media. The optical drive is controlled by the media
buttons. For more information, see "Using Multimedia" on page 37.
INFRAREDSENSOR — Used to control your Media Center PC from up to 20 feet away with the standard remote
control.
Left View
124
security cable slot
1
4
headphone connector
SECURITYCABLESLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more
information, see the instructions included with the device.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
35
2
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
5
wireless connection button
(Bluetooth wireless
technology)
6
3
microphone connector
6
display latch release
About Your Computer19
book.book Page 20 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
USB 2.0 CONNECTORS (2)
Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or
printer.
HEADPHONE CONNECTOR — Attach headphones to the connector.
MICROPHONE CONNECTOR — Attach a microphone to the connector for voice or musical input into a sound or
telephony program.
WIRELESSCONNECTIONBUTTON — Puts the computer into discover mode to connect the wireless keyboard and
mouse with the system using Bluetooth wireless technology if the pairing is lost. For more information, see "Pairing
the Keyboard" on page 27 and "Pairing the Mouse" on page 29.
DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE — Slide these latches forward to open your display.
Right View
12345
1
display latch release
4
compact flash card reader
20About Your Computer
2
IEEE 1394 connector
(firewire)
5
ExpressCard Slot
3
media memory card reader
book.book Page 21 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR (FIREWIRE)—Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as
some digital video cameras, hard drives, and optical drives.
MEDIAMEMORYCARDREADER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and
videos stored on a media memory card. The media memory card reader reads the following digital media memory
cards:
• Secure Digital (SD) card/SDIO
• MultiMediaCard (MMC)
• Memory Stick (MS)
• Memory Stick Pro
• xD-Picture Card
With a commonly available adapter, the memory card reader also reads the following digital media memory cards:
• MiniSD
•RSMMC
• Memory Stick Duo
• Memory Stick Pro Duo
COMPACTFLASHCARDREADER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and
videos stored on a media memory card. The media memory card reader reads the following digital media memory
cards:
• Compact Flash Type I
• Compact Flash Type II
• Microdrive
EXPRESSCARD SLOT —Supports 34- and 54-mm PCI ExpressCards or USB-based ExpressCards. See "Using
Cards" on page 81.
NOTE: PCMCIA cards will not work in the ExpressCard slot.
About Your Computer21
book.book Page 22 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
Back View
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.
8
1 234657
modem connector (RJ-11)
1
4
S-video TV-out connector
7
AC adapter connector
MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the telephone line to the
modem connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation
supplied with your computer (see "Finding Information" on page 11).
NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the computer,
do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.
Connects the computer to a network. The two lights next to the connector
indicate status and activity for wired network connections.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter
documentation supplied with your computer.
2
network connector (RJ-45)
5
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
8
air vents (3)
6
3
digital-video interface (DVI-I)
connector
audio/IR blaster adapter
connector
22About Your Computer
book.book Page 23 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
DIGITAL-VIDEO INTERFACE (DVI-I) CONNECTOR
Connects an external DVI-compatible monitor or a High Definition TV.
With an adapter cable, you can also connect an external VGA-compatible
monitor to the DVI connector.
S-VIDEO TV-OUTCONNECTOR
Connects your computer to a TV through this analog video out port. An
adapter can be used for composite and component video out. See "Using
Your Computer With a TV or Audio Device" on page 44.
/IR BLASTERADAPTERCONNECTOR
AUDIO
Connects the following devices:
• multi-channel analog audio I/O to connect 7.1 speakers or 5.1 speakers
with line input, microphones, MP3 players, tape decks, etc.
• digital S/PDIF output (TOSLINK optical connection) to connect home
theater receivers, minidisk players, or high-end digital decoding 5.1 speakers
• IR blaster outputs are used by Windows Media Center Edition to control
external consumer electronic devices, such as satellite/cable boxes,
VCRs, etc.
For details, see "Connecting Audio/IR Blaster Adapter" on page 45.
AC ADAPTERCONNECTOR — Connects 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 either on or off.
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.
About Your Computer23
book.book Page 24 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the cable itself,
and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable. When you wrap the AC adapter cable, ensure that you follow
the angle of the connector on the AC adapter to avoid damaging the cable.
AIRVENTS (3) — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating. There are three sets of air vents on the back of the computer.
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.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan to keep the computer within proper functioning temperature. Fan noise is
normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
Bottom View
1
6
2
5
4
3
1
memory module cover
4
battery latch release
24About Your Computer
2
battery
5
subwoofer cover
3
battery charge gauge
6
fan air vents
book.book Page 25 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
MEMORYMODULECOVER — Covers the compartment that contains the secondary memory module. See "Memory"
on page 129.
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 55.
BATTERYCHARGEGAUGE — Identifies the amount of charge remaining in the battery. See "Charge Gauge" on
page 60.
BATTERY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 55 for instructions.
SUBWOOFER COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the subwoofer.
FAN AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the fan air vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan to keep the computer within proper functioning temperature. Fan noise is
normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
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.
About Your Computer25
book.book Page 26 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
26About Your Computer
book.book Page 27 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
Using the Keyboard and Mouse
Your computer includes a detachable wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse with Bluetooth®
wireless technology. A wireless connection has been established (paired) between the computer and
keyboard. If the computer does not recognize the keyboard when you first power up the computer,
they may not be properly paired. See "Pairing the Keyboard" on page 27.
Also, after powering up your computer for the first time, you must pair the mouse with the
computer. See "Pairing the Mouse" on page 29.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to move the computer with the keyboard attached and the display open or the
keyboard will fall away from the computer base.
To detach the keyboard, grasp the sides of the keyboard and pull it straight out and away from the
computer base.
The keyboard must be awake to recognize keystrokes. Ensure the keyboard is awake by touching the
touchpad.
Pairing the Keyboard
If the computer fails to recognize the keyboard, the wireless connection may be broken. To
reestablish the connection, see "Keyboard Pairing Failed" on page 28.
Using the Keyboard and Mouse27
book.book Page 28 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
Keyboard Pairing Failed
If your computer fails to recognize the keyboard, follow these steps:
Press the power button to turn the computer off, and then press the power button again to restart the
1
computer; wait about three minutes for the operating system to load and the computer to initialize the
drivers.
2
Press the wireless connection button on the left side of the computer base and hold until the Bluetooth
light on the computer flashes.
1
1wireless connection button on computer base
3
Press the wireless connection button on the back of the keyboard and hold for about four seconds to
put the keyboard into "discover" mode. The Caps lock, Scroll, and Num lock wireless Bluetooth lights
on the keyboard will be solid blue. Release the wireless connection button on the keyboard and these
lights will all start flashing.
1
1wireless connection button on keyboard
The computer may go through a series of beeps before the pairing occurs.
4
Test the pairing by touching the touchpad to move the cursor to ensure that pairing was successful.
If pairing was unsuccessful, repeat these steps as necessary to pair your keyboard with your computer.
28Using the Keyboard and Mouse
book.book Page 29 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM
Pairing the Mouse
The Dell™ XPS™ M2010 Mouse Connection Wizard launches the first time you turn on your computer.
Follow the instructions on the wizard to pair your mouse with your computer.
Mouse Pairing With the Wizard
Follow the instructions on the Wizard:
Insert two AA batteries, which are shipped uninstalled, into the mouse and replace the battery cover.
1
12
1batteries2battery cover
Using the Keyboard and Mouse29
book.book Page 30 Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:50 PM