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Dell™ Inspiron™ 1501
Model PP23LA
w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" on page 147.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerConnect,
PowerVault, PowerApp, XPS, and Strike Zone are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation; AMD, Sempron, Turion and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. IBM is a registered
trademark of IBM Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
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.
August 2006 P/N HN926 Rev. A00
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1 About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Determining Your Computer's Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2 Setting Up Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the
Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the
Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Connecting a USB Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3 Using the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adjusting Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Switching the Video Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Setting Display Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Adjusting Keyboard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Customizing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
® Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Management Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Configuring Power Management Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Playing a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Adjusting the Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using Blank CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7 Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ExpressCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ExpressCard Blanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Installing an ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Media Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Installing a Media Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Removing a Media Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
8 Setting Up a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem . . . . . . . . . . 53
Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Checking Your Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Setting Up a New WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
9 Securing Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Computer Tracking Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
10 Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
CD and DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray . . . . . 65
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
ExpressCard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
External Keyboard problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Unexpected characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows®
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
No sound from integrated speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
No sound from external speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
11 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Wireless Mini-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
12 Traveling With Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Packing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Traveling by Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
13 Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
14 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
15 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Entering System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Computer, Keyboard, and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . 143
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . . 144
FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
FCC Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
10 Contents
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 and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
• Drivers for my computer NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may
• My computer documentation not ship with your computer.
• My device documentation Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
• Notebook System Software (NSS) computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers or run
the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 61.)
Readme files may be
included on your CD to
provide last-minute
updates about technical
changes to your computer
or advanced technical-
reference material for
technicians or experienced
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
• Warranty information Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Finding Information 11
• How to set up my computer Setup Diagram
• Service Tag and Express Service Code Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License
• Microsoft Windows License Label These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you
use support.dell.com or contact technical support.
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting technical
12 Finding Information
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips; articles Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
from technicians; online courses; and frequently asked NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
questions site.
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
• 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
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product specifications, and
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software
• How to use the Windows operating system Windows Help and Support Center
• How to work with programs and files 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
• How to personalize my desktop 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
click the arrow icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may
not ship with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use one of the following
• Microsoft Windows System Restore — Microsoft
Windows System Restore returns your computer to an
earlier operating state without affecting data files.
• Dell PC Restore — Dell PC Restore returns your computer
to its original operating state. Dell PC Restore may not
ship with your computer.
• Operating System CD — If you received an Operating
System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore
your operating system.
For more information, see "Restoring Your Operating
System" on page 82.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD
(see page 80) 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 CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
• Service call status and support history Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com
• Top technical issues for my computer The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
• Frequently asked questions corporate, government, and education customers. This
• File downloads website may not be available in all regions.
• Details on my computer configuration
• Service contract for my computer
About Your Computer
Determining Your Computer's Configuration
Based on selections that you made when purchasing your computer, your computer has one of
several different video controller configurations. To determine your computer's video controller
1 Access the Microsoft®Windows® Help and Support Center. For instructions, see "Windows Help
and Support Center" on page 13.
2 Under Pick a Task, click Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.
3 Under My Computer Information, select Hardware.
From the My Computer Information - Hardware screen, you can view the type of video controller
installed in your computer, as well as the other hardware components.
About Your Computer 15
1 display latch release 2 display latches (2) 3 display
4 power button 5 device status lights 6 touch pad
7 speakers (2) 8 touch pad buttons 9 keyboard
10 keyboard and wireless
status lights
DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE — Press to release the display latches and open the display.
DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 33.
POWER BUTTON — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management mode.
See "Power Management Modes" on page 41.
16 About Your Computer
DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
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 light is flashing.
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
• Solid green: The battery is charging.
• Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.
If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
• Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).
• Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.
• Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.
TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. Silk screening on the touch pad indicates scrolling
SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons or speaker-volume
keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Speaker Functions" on page 37.
TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the functionality of a mouse.
K E Y B O A R D — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key. For information
on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key Combinations" on page 36.
KEYBOARD AND WIRELESS STATUS LIGHTS
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
9 Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
A Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable
or disable wireless networking, press <Fn><F2>.
DISPLAY LATCHES — Keep the display closed.
1 air vent 2 security cable slot 3 optical drive bay
4 optical-drive-tray eject
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.
A I R V E N T — The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from
overheating.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more
information, see the instructions included with the device.
OPTICAL DRIVE BAY — You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive bay.
For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 90.
OPTICAL-DRIVE-TRAY EJECT BUTTON — Press this button to eject a CD or DVD from the optical drive.
1 hard drive 2 ExpressCard slot 3 3-in-1 media memory card
4 audio connectors (2) 5 USB connectors (2)
H A R D D R I V E — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 90 and "Hard drive
problems" on page 65.
E X P R E S S C A R D S L O T — Supports one ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot.
You can add an ExpressCard to make WWAN connectivity available on your computer. For more information, see
"Using Cards" on page 49.
3 - I N -1 M E D I A M E M O R Y C A R D R E A D E R — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos,
music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The 3-in-1 media memory card reader reads Secure Digital (SD)
card/SDIO and MultiMediaCard (MMC) digital media memory cards.
Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect
the optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector using the optional floppy-
drive cable.
1 AC adapter connector 2 network connector (RJ-45) 3 modem connector (RJ-11)
4 USB connectors (2) 5 video connector
A C A D A P T E R C O N N E C T O R — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer. The AC adapter converts AC power to the
DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned 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.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the cable itself,
and pull firmly but gently to help prevent damage to the cable.
NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow lights next to the
connector indicate activity for wired network communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter
documentation supplied with your computer.
MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)
To use the internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem connector.
For additional information on using the modem, see the online modem
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To help prevent damage to the
computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.
VIDEO CONNECTOR
Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.
1 battery charge gauge 2 optical-drive locking screw 3 battery-bay latch release
4 battery 5 hard drive 6 modem/memory module
BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE — Provides information on the battery charge status. See "Checking the Battery Charge"
on page 40.
OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see
"Optical Drive" on page 90.
BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 43.
BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an
electrical outlet. For more information, see "Using a Battery" on page 39.
MODEM/MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the modem and the memory modules.
For more information, see "Modem" on page 95 and "Memory" on page 92.
FAN — The computer uses a fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from
Setting Up Your Computer
Connecting to the Internet
NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service
provider (ISP). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:
• Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections
are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.
• DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line.
With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line
simultaneously.
• Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your
computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using
a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:
1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2 Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with
a different ISP:
2 Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer.
The New Connection Wizard appears.
3 Click Connect to the Internet.
4 In the next window, click the appropriate option:
• If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service
providers (ISPs).
Setting Up Your Computer 25
• If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a setup CD,
click Set up my connection manually.
• If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP.
5 Click Next.
If you selected Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the instructions
on the screen to complete the setup.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
6 Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then click Next.
7 Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on
page 65. 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.
Transferring Information to a New Computer
The Microsoft® Windows® operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data
from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as:
• E-mail messages
• Toolbar settings
• Window sizes
• Internet bookmarks
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network connection, or you can store it on
removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer.
NOTE: For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, go to
support.microsoft.com and search for Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct
Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be available in some
countries.
For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
You can use the optional Operating System CD for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard utility.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD
NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System CD. This CD is optional and may not be included with all
computers.
26 Setting Up Your Computer
Prepare the New Computer for the File Transfer
1 Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.
3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and click Next.
4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD
and click Next.
5 When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not
click Next at this time.
Copy Data From the Old Computer
1 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD.
2 On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks.
3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings.
4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.
5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer and click Next.
6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next.
After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.
8 Click Finish.
Transfer Data to the New Computer
1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next.
2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your
settings and files and click Next.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears.
3 Click Finish and restart the new computer.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD
To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the optional Operating System CD, you must
create a wizard disk that lets you create a backup of your data files. Create the wizard disk on removable
media so that you can move it from your new computer to your old computer.
Create a Wizard Disk
1 Click the Start button and point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard.
4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following
drive: and click Next.
5 Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.
6 When the disk creation completes and the Now go to your old computer message appears, do not click
7 Go to the old computer.
1 On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.
2 Click the Start button and click Run.
3 In the Open field on the Run window, browse to the path for fastwiz (on the appropriate removable
media) and click OK.
settings and files and click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen.
3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.
NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search dell.support.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I
Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell Computer Using the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating
System?).
NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in certain countries.
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.
For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.
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 and computer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer,
the cable may arrive in the box in which your computer was shipped.
Connecting a USB Printer
NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.
1 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.
2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB
connectors fit only one way.
1 USB connector on 2 USB printer cable 3 connector on printer
3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window
appears, click Cancel.
4 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.
Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:
• Surge protectors
• Line conditioners
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent damage to your computer
from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. Some surge
protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device
warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection.
Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions caused by
nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall
jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector
documentation for modem connection instructions.
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from the
network wall jack during electrical storms.
NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.
NOTE: 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.
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).
Using the Display
Adjusting Brightness
When a Dell™ computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the
brightness to the lowest comfortable setting by pressing <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key on
the keyboard.
Switching the Video Image
When you start the computer with an external device (such as an external monitor or projector)
attached and turned on, the image may appear on either the computer display or the external device.
Press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image between the display only, the external device only, or
the display and the external device simultaneously.
Setting Display Resolution
To display a program at a specific resolution, both the graphics card and the display must support the
program, and the necessary video drivers must be installed.
Before you change any of the default display settings, make a note of the default settings for future
reference.
NOTE: Use only the Dell-installed video drivers, which are designed to offer the best performance with your
Dell-installed operating system.
If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust
automatically to the closest supported values.
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.
3 Under Pick a task..., click the area you want to change, or under or pick a Control Panel icon,
click Display.
4 Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
Using the Display 33
If the video resolution setting is higher than that supported by the display, the computer enters pan
mode. In pan mode, the entire screen cannot be displayed at one time. For example, the taskbar that
usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the rest of the screen, use
the touch pad or track stick to pan up, down, left, and right.
NOTICE: You can damage an external monitor by using an unsupported refresh rate. Before adjusting the refresh
rate on an external monitor, see the user's guide for the monitor.
34 Using the Display
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the
keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of
the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, press <Fn> and the desired key after enabling the
keypad.
• To enable the keypad, press <Fn><Num Lk>. The 9 light indicates that the keypad is active.
• To disable the keypad, press <Fn><Num Lk> again.
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 35
Key Combinations
<Ctrl><Shift><Esc> Opens the Task Manager window.
<Fn><F3> Displays the Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
CD or DVD Tray
<Fn><F10> Ejects the tray out of the drive (if Dell QuickSet is
installed).
<Fn><F8> Displays icons representing all currently available display
options (for example, display only, external monitor or
projector only, both display and projector, and so on).
Highlight the desired icon to switch the display to that
<Fn> and up-arrow key Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not
on an external monitor).
<Fn> and down-arrow Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not
key on an external monitor).
<Fn><Esc> Activates a power management mode. You can
reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different
power management mode using the Advanced tab in the
Power Options Properties window.
<Fn><F1> Puts the system into hibernate mode. Dell QuickSet is
36 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
Speaker Functions
<Fn><Page Up> Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and
external speakers, if attached.
<Fn><Page Dn> Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and
<Fn><End> Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external
speakers, if attached.
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions
Windows logo key and Minimizes all open windows.
Windows logo key and Restores all minimized windows. This command
<Shift><m> functions as a toggle to restore (maximize) all
windows previously minimized with the use of the
Windows logo key and <m> key combination.
Windows logo key and <e> Runs Windows Explorer.
Windows logo key and <r> Opens the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key and <f> Opens the Search Results dialog box.
Windows logo key and Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box
<Ctrl><f> (if the computer is connected to a network).
Windows logo key and Opens the System Properties dialog box.
Adjusting Keyboard Settings
To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel and click
Keyboard. For information about the Control Panel, see the Windows Help and Support Center. To
access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13.
Touch Pad
The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the
display. Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse.
1 touch pad 2 silk screen, depicting scrolling capabilities
• To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.
• To select an object, position the cursor on the object and lightly tap once on the surface of the touch
pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button.
• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch
pad. On the second tap, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding
your finger over the surface.
• To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad or use your
thumb to press the left touch-pad button twice.
The touch pad has silk screening on two sides to indicate scrolling capability in these scroll zones. Scrolling
is enabled by default. To disable this feature, modify the mouse properties through the Control Panel.
NOTE: The scroll zones may not work with all application programs. For the scroll zones to function properly, the
application program must be able to use the touch-pad scroll feature.
Customizing the Touch Pad
You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad or adjust its settings.
1 Open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Mouse. For information
about the Control Panel, see the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support
Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13.
2 In the Mouse Properties window, click the Pointer Options tab to adjust touch pad settings.
3 Click OK to save the settings and close the window.
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or
separate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.
For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable
computer with the battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to an
electrical outlet the first time you use the computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC
adapter until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, access the Control Panel, click Power
Options, and then click the Power Meter tab.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on
how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new
battery during the life of your computer.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly
reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
• Using optical drives
• Using wireless communications devices, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such
as complex 3D graphics applications
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode (See "Configuring Power Management
Settings" on page 42.)
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
You can check the battery charge (see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 40) before you insert
the battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the
battery charge is low. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 42 for information
about accessing the Power Options Properties window.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery
only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell
computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
Using a Battery 39
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call
your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery
Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate,
disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children.
Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury
or equipment damage.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge and health
gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-
click the icon on the taskbar. For instructions on accessing more information about the Power Meter,
see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 42.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you
can check:
• Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)
• Battery health (check by pressing and holding the status button)
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of
charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can
show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate
the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For
example, if four of the lights are on, the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining. If no lights
appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery
charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than
80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five
lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the
battery. See "Specifications" on page 131 for more information about the battery operating time.
40 Using a Battery
Low-Battery Warning
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning, and then
connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins
automatically.
By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on
page 42 for information about accessing the Power Options Properties window.
Conserving Battery Power
Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:
• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined
by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.
• Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for
long periods of time. See "Power Management Modes" on page 41 for more information about standby
and hibernate modes.
• Select options to optimize your computer's power usage. These options can also be set to change when
you press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>. See "Configuring Power
Management Settings" on page 42 for more information.
NOTE: See "Battery Performance" on page 39 for more information on conserving battery power.
Power Management Modes
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined
period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby mode, it returns to the same
operating state it was in before entering standby mode.
NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
To enter standby mode:
• Click the Start button, click Turn off computer, and then click Stand by.
• Depending on how you set the power management options on the Advanced tab (see "Configuring
Power Management Settings" on page 42) in the Power Options Properties window, use one of the
following methods:
– Press the power button.
– Close the display.
– Press <Fn><Esc>.
To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display depending on how you set the options
on the Advanced tab. You cannot make the computer exit standby mode by pressing a key or touching
the touch pad.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then
completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same
operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.
NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your computer is in hibernate mode.
Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low.
To manually enter hibernate mode:
• Click the Start button, click Turn off computer, press and hold <Shift>, and then click Hibernate.
• Depending on how you set the power management options on the Advanced tab in the Power Options
Properties window, use one of the following methods to enter hibernate mode:
NOTE: Some ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits hibernate mode. Remove and
reinsert the card (see "Removing an ExpressCard or Blank" on page 50), or simply restart (reboot) your computer.
To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate
mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad.
For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your operating system.
Configuring Power Management Settings
You can use Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your
To access the Power Options Properties window, click the Start button→ Control Panel→ Performance
and Maintenance→ Power Options. For information on any field in the Power Options Properties
window, click the question mark icon on the title bar and then click on the area corresponding to the
information that you need.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is
connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary,
the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may
not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect
the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room
temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on page 74.
Replacing the Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the
electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any
other external cables from the computer.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer; do not
use a battery from other computers.
NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have up to 1 minute to
complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved data.
To remove the battery:
1 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
2 Ensure that the computer is turned off.
3 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then lift the battery
from the bay.
1 battery-bay latch release 2 battery
To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges
during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully (see "Charging the
Battery" on page 43) before you use it.
Using Multimedia
Playing a CD or DVD
NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you
are not using the drive.
NOTE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs. Press the eject button on the front of
the drive.
1 Press the eject button on the front of the drive.
2 Pull out the tray.
1 CD/DVD tray
3 Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray and snap the disc onto the spindle.
NOTE: If you use a CD/DVD drive that shipped with another computer, you need to install the drivers and
software necessary to play CDs or DVDs or write data. For more information, see the Drivers and Utilities CD
(the Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not be available for your computer or in certain countries).
4 Push the tray back into the drive.
Using Multimedia 45
To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came
with your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.
Adjusting the Volume
NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.
1 Click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories→ Entertainment (or Multimedia), and then
click Volume Control.
2 In the Volume Control window, click and drag the bar in the Volume Control column and slide it up
or down to increase or decrease the volume.
For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window.
Adjust the volume with the volume control buttons or by pressing the following key combinations:
• Press <Fn><PageUp> to increase the volume.
• Press <Fn><PageDn> to decrease the volume.
• Press <Fn><End> to mute the volume.
Adjusting the Picture
If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory
and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties.
3 Under Pick a task..., click Change the screen resolution.
4 In the Display Properties window, click and drag the bar in Screen resolution to reduce the screen
resolution setting.
5 Click the drop-down menu under Color quality, and then click Medium (16 bit).
Copying CDs and DVDs
NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs.
This section applies only to computers that have a CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive.
NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country.
46 Using Multimedia
The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic
DigitalMedia for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or
backing up important data. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the question mark icon in
the upper-right corner of the window.
How to Copy a CD or DVD
NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you
experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support website at
www.sonic.com.
The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to and read DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and
DVD+R DL (dual layer) media, but cannot write to and may not read DVD-RAM or DVD-R DL media.
NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic DigitalMedia.
1 Click the Start button, point to Programs→ Sonic→ DigitalMedia Projects, and then click Copy.
2 Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy.
3 To copy the CD or DVD:
• If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click the Disc Copy
button. The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies the data to a temporary folder on
your computer hard drive.
When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive and click OK.
• If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or
DVD and click the Disc Copy button. The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD
to the blank CD or DVD.
Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created
automatically ejects.
Using Blank CDs and DVDs
CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW) while
DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.
Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot
write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to
write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs.
Blank DVD+/-Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a
DVD+/-R disc, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during
the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or
update information on that disc later.
CD-Writable Drives
Media Type Read Write Rewritable
CD-R Yes Yes No
CD-RW Yes Yes Yes
DVD-Writable Drives
DVD+R Yes Yes No
DVD-R Yes Yes No
DVD+RW Yes Yes Yes
DVD-RW Yes Yes Yes
DVD+R DL Yes Yes No
DVD-R DL Maybe No No
DVD-RAM Maybe No No
• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start
Sonic DigitalMedia and open a DigitalMedia project.
• Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most
home or car stereos.
• You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic DigitalMedia.
• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.
• Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may not support all available DVD
formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your
DVD player or contact the manufacturer.
• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB
file to a blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1–2 MB of the blank space to finalize the
recording.
• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If
you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank
CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R.
• See the Sonic website at www.sonic.com for additional information.
Using Cards
ExpressCards leverage PC Card technology to provide a fast and convenient way to add memory,
wired and wireless network communications (including wireless wide area network [WWAN]
communications), multimedia, and security features to your computer.
See "Specifications" on page 131 for information on supported ExpressCards.
NOTE: An ExpressCard is not a bootable device.
ExpressCard Blanks
Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused
slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the
slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.
To remove the blank, see "Removing an ExpressCard or Blank" on page 50.
Installing an ExpressCard
You can install an ExpressCard in the computer while the computer is running. The computer
automatically detects the card.
ExpressCards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to
indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card
orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
Using Cards 49
To install an ExpressCard:
1 Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up. The latch may need to be in the "in" position
before you insert the card.
2 Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.
If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.
1 ExpressCard
The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the
configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the floppy disk or CD that came
with the ExpressCard.
Removing an ExpressCard or Blank
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTICE: Use the ExpressCard configuration utility (click the icon in the taskbar) to select a card and stop it
from functioning before you remove it from the computer. If you do not stop the card in the configuration utility, you
could lose data.
Press the latch and remove the card or blank. For some latches, you must press the latch twice: once to
pop the latch out, and then a second time to pop the card out.
50 Using Cards
Save a blank to use when no ExpressCard is installed in a slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and
other particles.
1 release button 2 ExpressCard
Media Memory Cards
The 3-in-1 media memory card reader provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital
photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card.
NOTE: A media memory card is not a bootable device.
The 3-in-1 media memory card reader reads Secure Digital (SD) card/SDIO and MultiMediaCard
(MMC) media memory cards.
Installing a Media Memory Card
You can install a media memory card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer
Media memory cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to
To install a media memory card:
1 Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up.
1 media memory card slot 2 media memory card
The computer recognizes the media memory card and automatically loads the appropriate device driver.
If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the CD that came with the
media memory card, if applicable.
Removing a Media Memory Card
NOTICE: Use the media memory card configuration utility (click the icon in the taskbar) to select a card and
stop it from functioning before you remove it from the computer. If you do not stop the card in the configuration
utility, you could lose data.
Press the card in to release it from the card reader so that it is partially ejected, and remove the card.
Setting Up a Network
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem
Before you connect your computer to a network that is not wireless, the computer must have a
network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.
To connect a network cable:
1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.
NOTE: Insert the cable connector until it clicks into place, and then gently pull the cable to ensure that it is
securely attached.
2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device or a network wall
connector.
NOTICE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall connector.
Setting Up a Network 53
Network Setup Wizard
The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system 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
1 Click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories→ Communications, and then click Network
Setup Wizard.
2 On the welcome screen, click Next.
3 Click Checklist for creating a network.
NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the
integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).
4 Complete the checklist.
5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves
rather than through a network cable connected to each computer. In a WLAN, a radio communications
device called an access point or wireless router connects network computers and provides network access.
The access point or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer communicate by
broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection
Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
• High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
• A broadband modem that is connected and working
• A wireless router or access point
• A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN
• A network cable with the network (RJ-45) connector
Checking Your Wireless Network Card
Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of
configurations. To confirm that your computer has a wireless network card and to determine the type of
card, use one of the following:
• The Start button and the Connect To option
• Your order confirmation
54 Setting Up a Network
Start Button and Connect To Option
1 Click the Start button.
2 Point to Connect To, and then click Show all connections.
If Wireless Network Connection does not appear under LAN or High-Speed Internet, you may not have
a wireless network card.
If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. To view detailed information
about the wireless network card:
1 Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
2 Click Properties. The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears. The wireless network
card's name and model number are listed on the General tab.
NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, you can view network connections by clicking the
Start button, pointing to Settings, and then pointing to Network Connections. If Wireless Network Connection does
not appear, you may not have a wireless network card.
The order confirmation that you received when you ordered your computer lists the hardware and
software that shipped with your computer.
Setting Up a New WLAN
Connecting a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem
1 Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information about the connection
requirements for your broadband modem.
2 Ensure that you have wired Internet access through your broadband modem before you attempt to set
up a wireless Internet connection. See "Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem" on
3 Install any software required for your wireless router. Your wireless router may have been shipped with
an installation CD. Such CDs usually contain installation and troubleshooting information. Install the
required software according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4 Shut down your computer and any other wireless-enabled computers in the vicinity through the Start
5 Disconnect your broadband modem power cable from the electrical outlet.
6 Disconnect the network cable from the computer and the modem.
NOTE: Wait for a minimum of 5 minutes after disconnecting your broadband modem before you continue with the
network setup.
7 Disconnect the AC adapter cable from your wireless router to ensure that there is no power connected
to the router.
8 Insert a network cable into the network (RJ-45) connector on the unpowered broadband modem.
9 Connect the other end of the network cable into the Internet network (RJ-45) connector on the
unpowered wireless router.
10 Ensure that no network or USB cables, other than the network cable connecting the modem and the
wireless router, are connected to the broadband modem.
NOTE: Restart your wireless equipment in the order described below to prevent a potential connection failure.
11 Turn on only your broadband modem and wait for at least 2 minutes for the broadband modem to
stabilize. After 2 minutes, proceed to step 12.
12 Turn on your wireless router and wait for at least 2 minutes for the wireless router to stabilize. After
2 minutes, proceed to the step 13.
13 Start your computer and wait until the boot process completes.
14 See the documentation that came with your wireless router to do the following in order to set up the
wireless router:
• Establish communication between your computer and your wireless router.
• Configure your wireless router to communicate with your broadband router.
• Find out your wireless router's broadcast name. The technical term for the name of your router's
broadcast name is Service Set Identifier (SSID) or network name.
15 If necessary, configure your wireless network card to connect to the wireless network. See "Connecting
to a Wireless Local Area Network" on page 56.
Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network
NOTE: Before you connect to a WLAN, ensure that you have followed the instructions in "Wireless Local Area
Network (WLAN)" on page 54.
This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network via wireless technology. Specific
network names and configuration details vary. See "Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)" on page 54
for more information about how to prepare for connecting your computer to a WLAN.
Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers for connecting to a network. The
software is already installed.
NOTE: If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions in the user documentation for your wireless
network card. Verify the type of wireless network card installed in your computer and then search for that name on
the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. For information on the type of wireless network card that is installed
in your computer, see "Checking Your Wireless Network Card" on page 54.
Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager
Depending on the software installed on your computer, different wireless configuration utilities may
manage your network devices:
• Your wireless network card's configuration utility
• The Windows XP operating system
To determine which wireless configuration utility is managing your wireless network card:
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2 Double-click Network Connections.
3 Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.
If the Choose a wireless network window states Windows cannot configure this connection, the wireless
network card's configuration utility is managing the wireless network card.
If the Choose a wireless network window states Click an item in the list below to connect to a wireless
network in range or to get more information, the Windows XP operating system is managing the
wireless network card.
For specific information about the wireless configuration utility installed on your computer, see your
wireless network documentation in the Windows Help and Support Center.
To access the Help and Support Center:
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Under Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System Guides.
3 Under Device Guides, select the documentation for your wireless network card.
Completing the Connection to the WLAN
When you turn on your computer and a network (for which your computer is not configured) is detected
in the area, a pop-up appears near the icon in the notification area (in the lower-right corner of the
Windows desktop).
Follow the instructions provided in any utility prompts that appear on your screen.
Once you have configured your computer for the wireless network that you selected, another pop-up
notifies you that your computer is connected to that network.
Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer within the range of the wireless network that you
selected, the same pop-up notifies you of the wireless network connection.
NOTE: If you select a secure network, you must enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted. Network security
settings are unique to your network. Dell cannot provide this information.
NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network.
Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card
NOTE: If you are unable to connect to a wireless network, ensure that you have all the components for
establishing a WLAN (see "What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection" on page 54), and then verify that your
wireless network card is enabled by pressing <Fn><F2>.
You can turn your computer's wireless networking function on and off by pressing the <Fn><F2> key
combination. If the wireless networking function is turned on, press <Fn><F2> to disable it. If the
wireless networking function is turned off, press <Fn><F2> to enable it.
Securing Your Computer
NOTE: Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock.
A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. To use the lock, attach it to the
security cable slot on your computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot on your
Passwords prevent unauthorized access to your computer. When you first start your computer, you
must assign a primary password at the prompt. If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the
computer returns to its previous operating state.
When using passwords, observe the following guidelines:
• Choose a password that you can remember, but not one that is easy to guess. For example, do not
use the names of family members or pets for passwords.
Securing Your Computer 59
• It is recommended that you do not write down your password. If you do write it down, however, ensure
that the password is stored in a secure place.
• Do not share your password with other people.
• Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password.
NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not
foolproof. If you require more security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data
encryption programs, or ExpressCards (or Mini-Cards) with encryption features.
To add or change passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 109). For your
protection, Dell technical support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to ensure that only an
authorized person can use the computer.
Computer Tracking Software
Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is
optional and may be purchased when you order your computer, or you can contact your sales
representative for information about this security feature.
NOTE: Computer tracking software may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: If you have computer tracking software and your computer is lost or stolen, you must contact the company
that provides the tracking service to report the missing computer.
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
• Call a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the Service Tag in your
description of the computer. Ask that a case number be assigned and write down the number, along
with the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain the
name of the investigating officer.
NOTE: If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in that area. If you do not
know, call a law enforcement agency where you live.
• If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.
• Contact Dell customer service to report the missing computer. Provide the computer Service Tag, the
case number, and the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency to which you
reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.
The Dell customer service representative will log your report under the computer Service Tag and record
the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your Service
Tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The representative will attempt to get
the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which
you reported the missing computer.
60 Securing Your Computer
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Lockups and Software
Problems" on page 72 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 109.
1 Shut down the computer.
2 Connect the computer to an electrical outlet, if it is not already connected.
3 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
4 Diagnostics can be invoked one of two ways:
a Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
Diagnostics from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
b Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the system on.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
Solving Problems 61
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board,
keyboard, hard drive, and display.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the
computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that
failed, press <r>.
• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and
contact Dell.
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting Dell
Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue.
5 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
2 Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows
desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots
according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
3 When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM DeviceCD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and
press <Enter>.
4 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
5 Type 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select
the version appropriate for your computer.
7 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option
Option Function
Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes
10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of
tracing the problem quickly.
62 Solving Problems
Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically
takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer
questions periodically.
Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you
want to run.
Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and
allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the
problem you are having.
2 If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the
problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 109.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,
technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
3 If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in
the following table for more information.
Tab Function
Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions
encountered.
Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and
the problem description.
Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for
running the test.
Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information
for all devices from the system setup program, memory,
and various internal tests, and it displays the information
in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The
device list may not display the names of all the
components installed on your computer or all devices
attached to your computer.
Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test
4 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities
CD, remove the CD.
5 When the tests are completed, close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the
Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.
Drive Problems
E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T ® W I N D O W S ® R E C O G N I Z E S T H E D R I V E — Click the Start button and click My
Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software
to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.
TE S T T H E D R I V E —
• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
C L E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I S K — See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 142.
ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS
C H E C K F O R H A R D W A R E I N C O M P A T I B I L I T I E S — See "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" on
R U N T H E D E L L D I A G N O S T I C S — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 61.
CD and DVD drive problems
NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in
the drive or the CD or DVD.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
C L O S E O T H E R P R O G R A M S — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If
the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.
TU R N O F F S T A N D B Y M O D E I N W I N D O W S B E F O R E W R I T I N G T O A C D / D V D - R W D I S C — See "Power
Management Modes" on page 41 for information on standby mode.
C H A N G E T H E W R I T E S P E E D T O A S L O W E R R A T E — See the help files for your CD or DVD creation software.
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray
1 Ensure that the computer is shut down.
2 Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until
the tray is partially ejected.
3 Gently pull out the tray until it stops.
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.
• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.
A L L O W T H E C O M P U T E R T O C O O L B E F O R E T U R N I N G I T O N — A hot hard drive may prevent the operating
system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on.
RUN CHECK DISK —
1 Click the Start button and click My Computer.
2 Right-click Local Disk C:.
3 Click Properties.
4 Click the Tools tab.
5 Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
6 Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
7 Click Start.
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to
a digital telephone network.
C H E C K T H E M I C R O S O F T O U T L O O K ® E X P R E S S S E C U R I T Y S E T T I N G S — If you cannot open your e-mail
1 In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security.
2 Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark.
CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION
CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK
CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK
USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —
• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label
or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)
• Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.
• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge
protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.
If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.
R U N T H E M O D E M H E L P E R D I A G N O S T I C S — Click the Start button, point to Programs and then click Modem
Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is
not available on certain computers.)
VE R I F Y T H A T T H E M O D E M I S C O M M U N I C A T I N G W I T H W I N D O W S —
2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
3 Click Phone and Modem Options.
4 Click the Modems tab.
5 Click the COM port for your modem.
6 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is
communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T — Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet
provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next
to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service
provider.
S C A N T H E C O M P U T E R F O R S P Y W A R E — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently
receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might
be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program
may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to
support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running
when the message appeared.
A U X I L I A R Y D E V I C E F A I L U R E — The touch pad, track stick, or external mouse may be faulty. For an external
mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup program (see
"Using the System Setup Program" on page 139). If the problem persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting
Dell" on page 109.
B A D C O M M A N D O R F I L E N A M E — Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the
proper place, and used the correct pathname.
C A C H E D I S A B L E D D U E T O F A I L U R E — The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact
Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 109.
C D D R I V E C O N T R O L L E R F A I L U R E — The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer. See
"Drive Problems" on page 64.
D A T A E R R O R — The hard drive cannot read the data. See "Drive Problems" on page 64.
D E C R E A S I N G A V A I L A B L E M E M O R Y — One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See "Memory" on page 92.
D I S K C : F A I L E D I N I T I A L I Z A T I O N — The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell
Diagnostics. See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 61.
D R I V E N O T R E A D Y — The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard
drive in the hard drive bay. See "Hard Drive" on page 90.
E R R O R R E A D I N G P C M C I A C A R D — The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the card or
try another card. See "ExpressCards" on page 49.
E X T E N D E D M E M O R Y S I Z E H A S C H A N G E D — The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match
the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell. See
"Contacting Dell" on page 109.
T H E F I L E B E I N G C O P I E D I S T O O L A R G E F O R T H E D E S T I N A T I O N D R I V E — The file that you are trying to copy is
too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger
capacity disk.
A F I L E N A M E C A N N O T C O N T A I N A N Y O F T H E F O L L O W I N G C H A R A C T E R S : \ / : * ? " < > | — Do not use these
characters in filenames.
G A T E A 2 0 F A I L U R E — A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary,
replace them. See "Memory" on page 92.
G E N E R A L F A I L U R E — The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The message is usually
followed by specific information—for example, Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate
H A R D - D I S K D R I V E C O N F I G U R A T I O N E R R O R — The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the
computer, remove the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 90), and boot the computer from a CD.
Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard-Disk
Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
H A R D - D I S K D R I V E C O N T R O L L E R F A I L U R E 0 — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the
computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 90), and boot the
computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If
the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see
page 61).
H A R D - D I S K D R I V E F A I L U R E — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut
down the computer, remove the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 90), and boot the computer from a
CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem
persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
H A R D - D I S K D R I V E R E A D F A I L U R E — The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer, remove
the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 90), and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the
computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive.
Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
I N S E R T B O O T A B L E M E D I A — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable CD. Insert a
bootable CD.
I N V A L I D C O N F I G U R A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N - P L E A S E R U N S YS T E M S E T U P P R O G R A M — The system configuration
information does not match the hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur after a
memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program (see "Using
the System Setup Program" on page 139).
K E Y B O A R D C L O C K L I N E F A I L U R E — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard
Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
K E Y B O A R D C O N T R O L L E R F A I L U R E — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the
computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard
K E Y B O A R D D A T A L I N E F A I L U R E — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard
K E Y B O A R D S T U C K K E Y F A I L U R E — For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection. Restart
the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test
in the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
M E M O R Y A D D R E S S L I N E F A I L U R E A T A D D R E S S , R E A D V A L U E E X P E C T I N G V A L U E — A memory module may be
faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them (see "Memory"
on page 92).
M E M O R Y A L L O C A T I O N E R R O R — The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating
system, another program, or a utility. Shut down the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try
to run the program again. If the error message still appears, see the software documentation.
M E M O R Y D A T A L I N E F A I L U R E A T A D D R E S S , R E A D V A L U E E X P E C T I N G V A L U E — A memory module may be
M E M O R Y D O U B L E W O R D L O G I C F A I L U R E A T A D D R E S S , R E A D V A L U E E X P E C T I N G V A L U E — A memory module
may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them (see
"Memory" on page 92).
M E M O R Y O D D / E V E N L O G I C F A I L U R E A T A D D R E S S , R E A D V A L U E E X P E C T I N G V A L U E — A memory module may
be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them (see
M E M O R Y W R I T E / R E A D F A I L U R E A T A D D R E S S , R E A D V A L U E E X P E C T I N G V A L U E — A memory module may be
N O B O O T D E V I C E A V A I L A B L E — The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is your boot
device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated, and partitioned as a boot device.
N O B O O T S E C T O R O N H A R D D R I V E — The operating system may be corrupted. Contact Dell. See
N O T I M E R T I C K I N T E R R U P T — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set
tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . E X I T S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D T R Y A G A I N — You have too many
programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use.
O P E R A T I N G S YS T E M N O T F O U N D — Reinstall the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 90). If the problem
persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 109.
O P T I O N A L R O M B A D C H E C K S U M — The optional ROM apparently failed. Contact Dell. See "Contacting
A R E Q U I R E D . D L L F I L E W A S N O T F O U N D — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential
file. Remove and then reinstall the program.
2 Click Add or Remove Programs.
3 Select the program you want to remove.
4 Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen.
5 See the program documentation for installation instructions.
S E C T O R N O T F O U N D — The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive. You may have a
defective sector or corrupted FAT on the hard drive. Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the
file structure on the hard drive. See the Windows Help and Support Center for instructions. To access
the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13. If a large number of
sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the hard drive.
S E E K E R R O R — The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive.
S H U T D O W N F A I L U R E — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in
the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
T I M E - O F - D A Y C L O C K L O S T P O W E R — System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer
to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the
system setup program. Then immediately exit the program. See "Using the System Setup Program" on
page 139. If the message reappears, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 109.
T I M E - O F - D A Y C L O C K S T O P P E D — The reserve battery that supports the system configuration settings may
require recharging. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem
T I M E - O F - D A Y N O T S E T - P L E A S E R U N T H E S YS T E M S E T U P P R O G R A M — The time or date stored in the system
setup program does not match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and Time options. See
"Using the System Setup Program" on page 139.
T I M E R C H I P C O U N T E R 2 F A I L E D — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System
Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
U N E X P E C T E D I N T E R R U P T I N P R O T E C T E D M O D E — The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a
memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the Keyboard Controller test in the
Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. T H E D E V I C E I S N O T R E A D Y — Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
W A R N I N G : B A T T E R Y I S C R I T I C A L L Y L O W — The battery is running out of charge. Replace the battery, or
connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Otherwise, activate hibernate mode or shut down the
ExpressCard Problems
C H E C K T H E E X P R E S S C A R D — Ensure that the ExpressCard is properly inserted into the connector.
E N S U R E T H A T T H E C A R D I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y W I N D O W S — Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in
the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.
I F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A D E L L - P R O V I D E D E X P R E S S C A R D — Contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on
page 109.
I F Y O U H A V E P R O B L E M S W I T H A N E X P R E S S C A R D N O T P R O V I D E D B Y D E L L — Contact the ExpressCard
manufacturer.
Keyboard Problems
NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you
attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
External Keyboard problems
NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
C H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for
damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the
CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD —
1 Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.
2 Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.
3 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories, and then click
Notepad.
4 Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.
TO V E R I F Y T H A T T H E P R O B L E M I S W I T H T H E E X T E R N A L K E Y B O A R D , C H E C K T H E I N T E G R A T E D K E Y B O A R D —
2 Disconnect the external keyboard.
3 Turn on the computer.
4 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories, and click
5 Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external
keyboard. Contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 109.
R U N T H E K E Y B O A R D D I A G N O S T I C S T E S T S — Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell
Diagnostics (see page 61). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell. See "Contacting
Unexpected characters
D I S A B L E T H E N U M E R I C K E Y P A D — Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed
instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
Lockups and Software Problems
The computer does not start up
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer
turns off. Then restart your computer.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
END THE PROGRAM —
1 Press <Crtl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2 Click the Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding.
3 Click End Task.
NOTE: The chkdsk program may run when you restart the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.
C H E C K T H E S O F T W A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. Software
usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system
R U N T H E P R O G R A M C O M P A T I B I L I T Y W I Z A R D — The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so
it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.
1 Click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility
Wizard.
2 In the welcome screen, click Next.
A solid blue screen appears
TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving
your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then
Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.
See the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY
USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS
S A V E A N D C L O S E A N Y O P E N F I L E S O R P R O G R A M S A N D S H U T D O W N Y O U R C O M P U T E R T H R O U G H T H E Start M E N U
receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer
might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your
program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to
R U N T H E D E L L D I A G N O S T I C S — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software
problem. See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 61.
IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE —
• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional
memory (see "Memory" on page 92).
• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 61).
IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS —
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see "Memory" on page 92).
Network Problems
C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the
network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.
C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I G H T S O N T H E N E T W O R K C O N N E C T O R — No light indicates that no network
communication exists. Replace the network cable.
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN
C H E C K Y O U R N E T W O R K S E T T I N G S — Contact your network administrator or the person who set up your
network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.
Power Problems
C H E C K T H E P O W E R L I G H T — When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is
blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode. If the light is off, press the
power button to turn on the computer.
NOTE: For information on standby mode, see "Power Management Modes" on page 41.
C H A R G E T H E B A T T E R Y — The battery charge may be depleted.
1 Reinstall the battery.
2 Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how
often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during
the life of your computer.
C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y S T A T U S L I G H T — 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. Shut down the
computer, 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
C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y T E M P E R A T U R E — If the battery temperature is below 0°C (32°F), the computer will
not start up.
TE S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another
device, such as a lamp.
C H E C K T H E A C A D A P T E R — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light,
ensure that the light is on.
C O N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E C T L Y T O A N E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T — Bypass power protection devices, power
strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
E L I M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other
appliances.
A D J U S T T H E P O W E R P R O P E R T I E S — See "Power Management Modes" on page 41.
R E S E A T T H E M E M O R Y M O D U L E S — If the computer power light turns on but the display remains blank,
reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 92).
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer
Your computer is designed to use the 65-W AC adapter; you may choose to use the optional 90-W AC
adapter for optimum system performance. Use of the 90-W AC adapter may decrease the length of time
required to fully recharge your computer battery.
Printer Problems
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer.
ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON
CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECTIONS —
• See the printer documentation for cable connection information.
• Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer.
VE R I F Y T H A T T H E P R I N T E R I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y W I N D O W S —
1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
2 Click View installed printers or fax printers.
If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
3 Click Properties and click the Ports tab. For a parallel printer, ensure that the Print to the following
port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). For a USB printer, ensure that the Print to the following
port(s): setting is USB.
R E I N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I V E R — See the printer documentation for instructions.
Scanner Problems
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner's manufacturer.
C H E C K T H E P R I N T E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N — See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting
C H E C K T H E S C A N N E R D O C U M E N T A T I O N — See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting
U N L O C K T H E S C A N N E R — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN
CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS —
• See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.
• Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.
VE R I F Y T H A T T H E S C A N N E R I S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y M I C R O S O F T W I N D O W S —
2 Click Scanners and Cameras.
If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
R E I N S T A L L T H E S C A N N E R D R I V E R — See the scanner documentation for instructions.
Sound and Speaker Problems
No sound from integrated speakers
A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your
screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or
treble controls to eliminate distortion.
A D J U S T T H E V O L U M E U S I N G K E Y B O A R D S H O R T C U T S — Press <Fn><End> to disable (mute) or reenable the
integrated speakers.
R E I N S T A L L T H E S O U N D ( A U D I O ) D R I V E R — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 80.
No sound from external speakers
E N S U R E T H A T T H E S U B W O O F E R A N D T H E S P E A K E R S A R E T U R N E D O N — See the setup diagram supplied with
the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate
distortion.
A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S V O L U M E C O N T R O L — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner
of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
D I S C O N N E C T H E A D P H O N E S F R O M T H E H E A D P H O N E C O N N E C T O R — Sound from the speakers is automatically
disabled when headphones are connected to the computer's front-panel headphone connector.
E L I M I N A T E P O S S I B L E I N T E R F E R E N C E — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check
for interference.
R E I N S T A L L T H E A U D I O D R I V E R — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 80.
NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening
to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.
No sound from headphones
C H E C K T H E H E A D P H O N E C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into
the headphone connector (see page 22).
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
CHECK THE TOUCH PAD SETTINGS —
2 Click Mouse.
3 Try adjusting the settings.
C H E C K T H E M O U S E C A B L E — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable, check it for damage,
and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse directly to the computer.
TO V E R I F Y T H A T T H E P R O B L E M I S W I T H T H E M O U S E , C H E C K T H E T O U C H P A D —
2 Disconnect the mouse.
4 At the Windows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it.
If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.
R E I N S T A L L T H E T O U C H P A D D R I V E R — See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 80.
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is
recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y — If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be
depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
C H E C K T H E A C A D A P T E R — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure
that the light is on.
A D J U S T T H E P O W E R P R O P E R T I E S — Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support
Center. To access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 13.
S W I T C H T H E V I D E O I M A G E — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8> to
switch the video image to the display.
If the display is difficult to read
A D J U S T T H E B R I G H T N E S S — Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key.
M O V E T H E E X T E R N A L S U B W O O F E R A W A Y F R O M T H E C O M P U T E R O R M O N I T O R — If your external speaker
system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or
external monitor.
R O T A T E T H E C O M P U T E R T O F A C E A D I F F E R E N T D I R E C T I O N — Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor
picture quality.
ADJUST THE WINDOWS DISPLAY SETTINGS —
1 Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Appearance and Themes.
3 Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.
Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
If only part of the display is readable
CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR —
1 Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2 Turn on the computer and the monitor, and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell. See
What Is a Driver?
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a
driver program.
A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device
has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.
Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or
configuration is needed.
NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer.
Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You
may need to install drivers if you:
• Upgrade your operating system.
• Reinstall your operating system.
• Connect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem
and, if necessary, update the driver.
2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Click System.
4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
5 Click Device Manager.
6 Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the
device icon.
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new
driver. See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 80.
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities CD provide approved drivers
for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.
Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver
Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.
6 Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
7 Click the Drivers tab.
8 Click Roll Back Driver.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see "Using Microsoft
Windows XP System Restore" on page 82) to return your computer to the operating state that existed
before you installed the new driver.
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver
from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
In most cases, the CD starts running automatically. If it does not, start Windows Explorer, click your
CD drive directory to display the CD contents, and then double-click the autorcd.exe file. The first
time that you run the CD, it might prompt you to install setup files. Click OK, and follow the
instructions on the screen to continue.
3 From the Language drop-down menu in the toolbar, select your preferred language for the driver or
utility (if available). A welcome screen appears.
The CD automatically scans your hardware to detect drivers and utilities used by your computer.
5 After the CD completes the hardware scan, you can also detect other drivers and utilities. Under
Search Criteria, select the appropriate categories from the System Model, Operating System, and
Topic drop-down menus.
A link or links appear(s) for the specific drivers and utilities used by your computer.
6 Click the link of a specific driver or utility to display information about the driver or utility that you
want to install.
7 Click the Install button (if present) to begin installing the driver or utility. At the welcome screen,
follow the screen prompts to complete the installation.
If no Install button is present, automatic installation is not an option. For installation instructions,
either see the appropriate instructions in the following subsections, or click Extract, follow the
extracting instructions, and then read the readme file.
If instructed to navigate to the driver files, click the CD directory on the driver information window to
display the files associated with that driver.
Manually Reinstalling Drivers
1 After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section, click the Start
button and right-click My Computer.
3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
4 Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver (for example, Modems or
Infrared devices).
5 Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
6 Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
7 Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.
8 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files.
9 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
10 Click Finish and restart your computer.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly
configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
To start the Hardware Troubleshooter:
2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
4 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and
Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
• Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without
affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and
preserving data files. For instructions, see "Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore" on page 82.
• Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you
purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes
any applications installed after you received the computer. Use PC Restore only if System Restore did
not resolve your operating system problem. For instructions, see "Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec"
• If you received an Operating System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating
system. However, using the Operating System CD also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the CD
only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. For instructions, see "Using the
Operating System CD" on page 85.
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your
computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software,
or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help
and Support Center for additional information on using System Restore. To access help, see "Windows
Help and Support Center" on page 13.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you
set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
Creating a Restore Point
2 Click the task for System Restore.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 80) to resolve the
problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any
open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
1 Click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click System
Restore.
2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points.
All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
4 Select a restore point and click Next.
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or
more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the
computer restarts.
6 After the computer restarts, click OK.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can
undo the restoration.
Undoing the Last System Restore
NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not
alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
2 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is
automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:
2 Click Performance and Maintenance.
4 Click the System Restore tab.
5 Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec
NOTICE: Using Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any application
programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using
PC Restore. Use PC Restore only if System Restore (see "Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore" on page 82)
did not resolve your operating system problem.
NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec may not be available in certain countries nor on certain computers.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore
restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs
or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the
hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and
so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
During the boot process, a blue bar with www.dell.com appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.
If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish starting, and then restart the
computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that
appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the
computer was turned on.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
Removing Dell PC Restore
NOTICE: Removing Dell PC Restore from the hard drive permanently deletes the PC Restore utility from your
computer. After you have removed Dell PC Restore, you will not be able to use it to restore your computer's
operating system.
Dell PC Restore enables you to restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you
purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not remove PC Restore from your computer,
even to gain additional hard-drive space. If you remove PC Restore from the hard drive, you cannot ever
recall it, and you will never be able to use PC Restore to return your computer's operating system to its
original state.
To remove PC Restore:
1 Log on to the computer as a local administrator.
2 In Windows Explorer, go to c:\dell\utilities\DSR.
3 Double-click the filename DSRIRRemv2.exe.
NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears stating that you must log on as
administrator. Click Quit, and then log on as a local administrator.
NOTE: If the partition for PC Restore does not exist on your computer's hard drive, a message appears stating
that the partition was not found. Click Quit; there is no partition to delete.
4 Click OK to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.
5 Click Yes when a confirmation message appears.
The PC Restore partition is deleted and the newly available disk space is added to the free space
allocation on the hard drive.
6 Right-click Local Disk (C) in Windows Explorer, click Properties, and verify that the additional disk
space is available as indicated by the increased value for Free Space.
7 Click Finish to close the PC Restore Removal window.
8 Restart the computer.
Using the Operating System CD
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly
installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see page 80). If Device Driver
Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the
operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver. See "Using Microsoft Windows XP
System Restore" on page 82.
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard
drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
• Dell™ Operating System CD
• Dell Drivers and Utilities CD
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the
Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your
computer, or whether you requested the CDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and Operating System CD may not ship
Reinstalling Windows XP
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you
must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files
and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell
technical support representative instructs you to do so.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer
before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears.
4 Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the
computer and try again.
5 Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.
6 When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
7 When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter>.
8 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reinstallation.
9 When the operating system reinstallation completes, reinstall drivers and application programs as
necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 80.
Adding and Replacing Parts
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer.
Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
• You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" (see this page) and
"Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 88).
• You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.
• A component can be replaced—or if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal
procedure in reverse order.
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small plastic scribe
• Flash BIOS update (see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com)
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off
your computer.
1 Shut down the operating system:
a Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click
Turn Off Computer.
b In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
2 Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached
devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold
the power button for several seconds until the computer turns off.
Adding and Replacing Parts 87
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help
ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a
card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by
its pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing
that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.
Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking
tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside
the computer.
1 Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
2 Turn off your computer. See "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 87.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the
network wall jack.
3 Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before
you service the computer.
NOTE: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Dell computer. Do not
use other batteries designed for other Dell computers.
4 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, slide and hold the
battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then lift the battery from the bay.
88 Adding and Replacing Parts
5 Remove the optical drive, if installed, from the optical drive bay. See "Optical Drive" on page 90.
6 Press the power button to ground the system board.
7 Remove any installed cards from the ExpressCard slot (see page 50) and the 3-in-1 media memory card
reader (see page 52).
8 Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
9 Remove the hard drive (see page 90).
1 Turn the computer over.
2 Remove the optical-drive security screw.
3 Insert a scribe into the notch and push it to the side to release the drive from the bay.
4 Slide the drive out of the bay.
1 optical drive 2 optical-drive security screw 3 notch
CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing
of the hard drive.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer (see page 87) before removing the hard drive. Do not remove
the hard drive while the computer is on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode.
NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile; even a slight bump can damage the drive.
NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell.
NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system,
drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive. See "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 82 and "Reinstalling
Drivers and Utilities" on page 80.
To replace the hard drive in the hard drive bay:
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 87.
2 Turn the computer over, and remove the hard drive screws.
1 screws (2) 2 hard drive
NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. See "Protecting
Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the Product Information Guide.
3 Slide the hard drive out of the computer.
4 Remove the new drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.
NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage
the connector.
5 Slide the hard drive into the bay until it is fully seated.
6 Replace and tighten the screws.
7 Install the operating system for your computer. See "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 82.
8 Install the drivers and utilities for your computer. See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 80.
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell
Return your old hard drive to Dell in its original or comparable foam packaging. Otherwise, the hard
drive may be damaged in transit.
1 foam packaging 2 hard drive
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.
See "Specifications" on page 131 for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install
only memory modules that are intended for your computer.
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
2 Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the memory module cover, and then remove the
memory module cover.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module
securing clips.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically
touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
3 If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:
a Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module
connector until the module pops up.
b Remove the module from the connector.
1 securing clips 2 memory module
(2 per connector)
1 memory module 2 securing clips
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message
indicates this failure.
4 Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
a Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.
b Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it
clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.
1 notch 2 tab
5 Replace the memory module cover.
NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may
damage your computer.
6 Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an
electrical outlet.
7 Reinstall the hard drive. See page 90.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system
configuration information.
To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click the Start button, click Help and
Support, and then click Dell System Information.
If you ordered the optional modem at the same time that you ordered your computer, the modem is
already installed.
2 Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the modem cover, and then remove the
modem cover.
3 Remove the existing modem:
a Remove the screw securing the modem to the system board, and set it aside.
b Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to lift the modem out of its connector on the system
board, and disconnect the modem cable.
1 modem screw 2 modem pull-tab 3 modem connector on system
4 modem 5 modem cable
4 Install the replacement modem:
a Connect the modem cable to the modem.
NOTICE: The connector is keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connector and
realign the card.
b Align the modem with the screw holes and press the modem down into the connector on the
system board.
c Replace the screw that secures the modem to the system board.
5 Replace the modem cover.
Hinge Cover
you begin working inside the computer.
2 Remove the hinge cover.:
a Open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it lies flat against your work surface.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the hinge cover, do not lift the cover on both sides simultaneously.
b Insert a scribe into the indent to lift the hinge cover on the right side.
c Ease the hinge cover up, moving from right to left, and remove it.
NOTE: When replacing the hinge cover, first insert the left edge and then press from left to right until the cover
snaps into place.
1 hinge cover 2 scribe
2 Open the display.
3 Remove the hinge cover. See "Hinge Cover" on page 97.
4 Remove the keyboard:
a Remove the two screws at the top of the keyboard.
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful
when removing and handling the keyboard.
b Slightly slide the keyboard toward the back of the computer, and then lift the keyboard only
enough to hold it up and slightly forward to allow access to the keyboard connector.
c To release the keyboard cable from the keyboard connector on the system board, rotate the plastic
bar on the keyboard connector to the front of the computer.
1 screws (2) 2 keyboard cable 3 plastic bar on keyboard
4 tabs 5 keyboard
NOTICE: To avoid scratching the palm rest when replacing the keyboard, hook the tabs along the front edge of the
keyboard into the palm rest, and then press on the right edge near the top to snap the keyboard into place before
replacing the two screws.
Wireless Mini-Card
If you ordered a Mini-Card with your computer, the card is already installed.
3 Remove the keyboard. See "Keyboard" on page 98.
4 If a Mini-Card is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a Mini-Card, remove the
existing card:
a Disconnect the two antenna cables from the Mini-Card.
1 Mini-Card 2 antenna cables (2) 3 antenna cable connectors (2)
b Release the Mini-Card by pushing the metal securing tabs toward the back of the computer until
the card pops up slightly.
c Lift the Mini-Card out of its system board connector.
100 Adding and Replacing Parts
1 system board connector 2 Mini-Card 3 metal securing tabs (2)
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on
the card and on the system board, and realign the card.
5 Install the replacement Mini-Card:
a Insert the Mini-Card connector into the system board connector at a 45-degree angle, and then
press the other end of the Mini-Card down into the securing tabs until the card clicks into place.
Adding and Replacing Parts 101
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the Mini-Card, never place cables under the card.
b Connect the two antenna cables to the Mini-Card (black cable to the connector labeled "aux" and
the white cable to the connector labeled "main").
1 system board connector 2 antenna cables (2) 3 antenna cable connectors (2)
Coin-Cell Battery
4 Insert a plastic scribe into the guide on the side of the coin-cell battery compartment, and pop the
battery out.
When you replace the battery, insert it at a 30-degree angle under the clip with the positive (identified by
a plus [+] symbol) side up, and then push it into place.
3 Remove the six screws securing the display (two on the top, two on the bottom, and two on the back).
4 Disconnect the antenna cables from the Mini-Card.
5 Loosen the captive grounding-wire screw.
6 Disconnect the display cable, using the pull-tab.
7 Dislodge the display cable from the display cable channel.
1 screws (6) 2 display cable 3 display cable pull-tab
4 grounding-wire screw 5 antenna cables 6 standby switch
7 display cable connector on 8 display cable channel
8 Lift the display up and away from the computer.
NOTICE: The standby switch is fragile and easily broken. Avoid knocking the switch when removing and replacing
the display.
When you replace the display, ensure that the display cable is lying flat in the display cable channel and
securely tucked underneath the tabs.
Also, ensure that the antenna cables are not twisted and that they are lying flat in the antenna cable clip.
Traveling With Your Computer
Identifying Your Computer
• Attach a name tag or business card to the computer.
• Write down your Service Tag and store it in a safe place away from the computer or carrying case
• Use the Service Tag if you need to report a loss or theft to law enforcement officials and to Dell.
• Create a file on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop called if_found. Place information such as
your name, address, and phone number in this file.
• Contact your credit card company and ask if it offers coded identification tags.
Packing the Computer
• Remove any external devices attached to the computer and store them in a safe place. Remove any
cables attached to installed PC Cards, and remove any extended PC Cards. See "Using Cards" on
• Fully charge the main battery and any spare batteries that you plan to carry with you.
• Shut down the computer.
• Disconnect the AC adapter.
NOTICE: When the display is closed, extraneous items on the keyboard or palm rest could damage the
• Remove any extraneous items, such as paper clips, pens, and paper, from the keyboard and palm
rest and close the display.
• Use the optional Dell™ carrying case to pack the computer and its accessories together safely.
• Avoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food.
NOTICE: If the computer has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow it to acclimate to room
temperature for 1 hour before turning it on.
• Protect the computer, the batteries, and the hard drive from hazards such as extreme temperatures
and overexposure to sunlight, dirt, dust, or liquids.
• Pack the computer so that it does not slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead
storage compartment.
Traveling With Your Computer 107
NOTICE: Do not move the computer while using the optical drive to prevent loss of data.
NOTICE: Do not check the computer as baggage.
• Consider disabling wireless activity on your computer to maximize battery operating time. To disable
wireless activity, press<Fn><F2>.
• Consider changing your power management options (see "Configuring Power Management Settings"
on page 42) to maximize battery operating time.
• If you are traveling internationally, carry proof of ownership—or of your right to use the computer if it
is company-owned—to speed your passage through customs. Investigate the customs regulations of
the countries you plan to visit, and consider acquiring an international carnet (also known as a
merchandise passport) from your government.
• Find out what type of electrical outlets are used in the countries you will visit, and have appropriate
power adapters.
• Check with your credit card company for information about the kinds of emergency travel assistance it
offers to users of portable computers.
Traveling by Air
NOTICE: Do not walk the computer through a metal detector. Send the computer through an X-ray machine or
have it hand-inspected.
• Ensure that you have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.
• Prior to entering the airplane, verify that using a computer is permitted. Some airlines forbid the use of
electronic devices during flight. All airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during takeoff and
108 Traveling With Your Computer
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:
• www.dell.com
• support.dell.com (support)
For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.
NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.
NOTE: In certain countries, support specific to Dell™ XPS™ computers is available at a separate telephone
number listed for participating countries. If you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for XPS
computers, you may contact Dell through the support number listed and your call will be routed appropriately.
When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes
provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a
local or an international operator.
NOTE: The contact information provided was deemed correct at the time that this document went to print and
is subject to change.
Country (City) Department Name or Service Area, Area Codes,
International Access Code Website and E-Mail Address Local Numbers, and
Country Code Toll-Free Numbers
Anguilla Website: www.dell.com.ai
E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Technical Support toll-free: 800-335-0031
Antigua and Barbuda Website: www.dell.com.ag
Technical Support 1-800-805-5924
Aomen Technical Support (Dell™ Dimension™, Dell 0800-105
Inspiron™, Dell OptiPlex™, Dell Latitude™, and
Dell Precision™)
Technical Support (servers and storage) 0800-105
Contacting Dell 109
Argentina (Buenos Aires) Website: www.dell.com.ar
International Access Code: 00 E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Country Code: 54 E-mail for desktop and portable computers:
City Code: 11 la-techsupport@dell.com
E-mail for servers and EMC® storage products:
la_enterprise@dell.com
Customer Care toll-free: 0-800-444-0730
Technical Support Services toll-free: 0-800-444-0724
Sales 0-810-444-3355
Aruba Website: www.dell.com.aw
Technical Support toll-free: 800-1578
Australia (Sydney) Website: support.ap.dell.com
International Access Code: 0011 E-mail: support.ap.dell.com/contactus
Country Code: 61 General Support 13DELL-133355
City Code: 2
Austria Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 900 E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com
Home/Small Business Sales 0820 240 530 00
Home/Small Business Fax 0820 240 530 49
Home/Small Business Customer Care 0820 240 530 14
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care 0820 240 530 16
Support for XPS 0820 240 530 81
Home/Small Business Support for all other Dell 0820 240 530 17
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Support 0820 240 530 17
Switchboard 0820 240 530 00
Bahamas Website: www.dell.com.bs
Technical Support toll-free: 1-866-874-3038
110 Contacting Dell
Barbados Website: www.dell.com/bb
Belgium (Brussels) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Tech Support for XPS 02 481 92 96
Country Code: 32 Tech Support for all other Dell computers 02 481 92 88
City Code: 2 Tech Support Fax 02 481 92 95
Customer Care 02 713 15 65
Corporate Sales 02 481 91 00
Switchboard 02 481 91 00
Bermuda Website: www.dell.com/bm
Bolivia Website: www.dell.com/bo
General Support toll-free: 800-10-0238
Brazil Website: www.dell.com/br
International Access Code: 00 E-mail: BR-TechSupport@dell.com
Country Code: 55 Customer Care and Tech Support 0800 90 3355
City Code: 51 Technical Support Fax 51 2104 5470
Customer Care Fax 51 2104 5480
British Virgin Islands General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6820
Brunei Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4966
Country Code: 673 Customer Care (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4888
Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4955
Canada (North York, Ontario) Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus
International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (automated Hardware and Warranty toll-free: 1-800-247-9362
Support)
Customer Service (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-847-4096
Customer Service (med./large business, toll-free: 1-800-326-9463
government)
Customer Service (printers, projectors, televisions, toll-free: 1-800-847-4096
handhelds, digital jukebox, and wireless)
Hardware Warranty Support (Home Sales/Small toll-free: 1-800-906-3355
Business)
Hardware Warranty Support (med./large bus., toll-free: 1-800-387-5757
Hardware Warranty Support (printers, projectors, 1-877-335-5767
televisions, handhelds, digital jukebox, and wireless)
Sales (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-387-5752
Sales (med./large bus., government) toll-free: 1-800-387-5755
Spare Parts Sales & Extended Service Sales 1 866 440 3355
Cayman Islands E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Chile (Santiago) Website: www.dell.com/cl
Country Code: 56 E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
City Code: 2 Sales and Customer Support toll-free: 1230-020-4823
Technical Support (CTC) toll-free: 800730222
Technical Support (ENTEL) toll-free: 1230-020-3762
China (Xiamen) Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cn
Country Code: 86 Technical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com
City Code: 592 Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com
Technical Support Fax 592 818 1350
Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) toll-free: 800 858 2969
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell toll-free: 800 858 0950
Precision)
Technical Support (servers and storage) toll-free: 800 858 0960
Technical Support (projectors, PDAs, switches, toll-free: 800 858 2920
routers, and so on)
Technical Support (printers) toll-free: 800 858 2311
Customer Care toll-free: 800 858 2060
Customer Care Fax 592 818 1308
Home and Small Business toll-free: 800 858 2222
Preferred Accounts Division toll-free: 800 858 2557
Large Corporate Accounts GCP toll-free: 800 858 2055
Large Corporate Accounts Key Accounts toll-free: 800 858 2628
Large Corporate Accounts North toll-free: 800 858 2999
Large Corporate Accounts North Government and toll-free: 800 858 2955
Large Corporate Accounts East toll-free: 800 858 2020
Large Corporate Accounts East Government and toll-free: 800 858 2669
Large Corporate Accounts Queue Team toll-free: 800 858 2572
Large Corporate Accounts South toll-free: 800 858 2355
Large Corporate Accounts West toll-free: 800 858 2811
Large Corporate Accounts Spare Parts toll-free: 800 858 2621
Colombia Website: www.dell.com/cl
Costa Rica Website: www.dell.com/cr
Czech Republic (Prague) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com
Country Code: 420 Technical Support 22537 2727
Customer Care 22537 2707
Technical Fax 22537 2728
Switchboard 22537 2711
Denmark (Copenhagen) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support for XPS 7010 0074
Country Code: 45 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 7023 0182
Customer Care (Relational) 7023 0184
Home/Small Business Customer Care 3287 5505
Switchboard (Relational) 3287 1200
Switchboard Fax (Relational) 3287 1201
Switchboard (Home/Small Business) 3287 5000
Switchboard Fax (Home/Small Business) 3287 5001
Dominica Website: www.dell.com/dm
General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6821
Dominican Republic Website: www.dell.com/do
Technical Support toll-free: 1-888-156-1834 or
Ecuador Website: www.dell.com/ec
General Support (calling from Quito) toll-free: 999-119-877-655-3355
General Support (calling from Guayaquil) toll-free: 1800-999-119-877-655-
El Salvador Website: www.dell.com/ec
Technical Support (Telephonica) toll-free: 8006170
Finland (Helsinki) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 990 E-mail: fi_support@dell.com
Country Code: 358 Technical Support 0207 533 555
City Code: 9 Customer Care 0207 533 538
Switchboard 0207 533 533
Sales under 500 employees 0207 533 540
Fax 0207 533 530
Sales over 500 employees 0207 533 533
France (Paris) (Montpellier) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Home and Small Business
Country Code: 33 Technical Support for XPS 0825 387 129
City Codes: (1) (4) Technical Support for all other Dell computers 0825 387 270
Switchboard (calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 00
Fax (calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 01
Technical Support 0825 004 719
Switchboard 01 55 94 71 00
Sales 01 55 94 71 00
Germany (Frankfurt) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com
Country Code: 49 Technical Support for XPS 069 9792 7222
City Code: 69 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 069 9792-7200
Home/Small Business Customer Care 0180-5-224400
Global Segment Customer Care 069 9792-7320
Preferred Accounts Customer Care 069 9792-7320
Large Accounts Customer Care 069 9792-7320
Public Accounts Customer Care 069 9792-7320
Switchboard 069 9792-7000
Greece Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support 00800-44 14 95 18
Country Code: 30 Gold Service Technical Support 00800-44 14 00 83
Switchboard 2108129810
Gold Service Switchboard 2108129811
Sales 2108129800
Grenada E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Guatemala E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support 1-800-999-0136
Guyana E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Hong Kong Website: support.ap.dell.com
International Access Code: 001 Technical Support E-mail: HK_support@Dell.com
Country Code: 852 Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) 00852-2969 3188
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell 00852-2969 3191
Technical Support (servers and storage) 00852-2969 3196
Technical Support (projectors, PDAs, switches, 00852-3416 0906
Customer Care 00852-3416 0910
Large Corporate Accounts 00852-3416 0907
Global Customer Programs 00852-3416 0908
Medium Business Division 00852-3416 0912
Home and Small Business Division 00852-2969 3105
India E-mail: india_support_desktop@dell.com
india_support_notebook@dell.com
india_support_Server@dell.com
Technical Support 1600338045
and 1600448046
Sales (Large Corporate Accounts) 1600 33 8044
Sales (Home and Small Business) 1600 33 8046
Ireland (Cherrywood) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com
Country Code: 353 Sales
City Code: 1 Ireland Sales 01 204 4444
Dell Outlet 1850 200 778
Online Ordering HelpDesk 1850 200 778
Home User Customer Care 01 204 4014
Small Business Customer Care 01 204 4014
Corporate Customer Care 1850 200 982
Technical Support for XPS computers only 1850 200 722
Technical Support for all other Dell computers 1850 543 543
Fax/Sales Fax 01 204 0103
Switchboard 01 204 4444
U.K. Customer Care (dial within U.K. only) 0870 906 0010
Corporate Customer Care (dial within U.K. only) 0870 907 4499
U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only) 0870 907 4000
Italy (Milan) Website: support.euro.dell.com
Country Code: 39 Technical Support 02 577 826 90
City Code: 02 Customer Care 02 696 821 14
Fax 02 696 821 13
Switchboard 02 696 821 12
Technical Support 02 577 826 90
Customer Care 02 577 825 55
Switchboard 02 577 821
Jamaica E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Technical Support (dial from within Jamaica only) toll-free: 1-800-326-6061 or
Japan (Kawasaki) Website: support.jp.dell.com
International Access Code: 001 Technical Support (servers) toll-free: 0120-198-498
Country Code: 81 Technical Support outside of Japan (servers) 81-44-556-4162
City Code: 44 Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) toll-free: 0120-198-226
Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension and 81-44-520-1435
Inspiron)
Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and toll-free:0120-198-433
Latitude)
Technical Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision, 81-44-556-3894
OptiPlex, and Latitude)
Technical Support (PDAs, projectors, printers, toll-free: 0120-981-690
routers)
Technical Support outside of Japan (PDAs, 81-44-556-3468
projectors, printers, routers)
Faxbox Service 044-556-3490
24-Hour Automated Order Status Service 044-556-3801
Business Sales Division (up to 400 employees) 044-556-1465
Preferred Accounts Division Sales (over 400 044-556-3433
employees)
Public Sales (government agencies, educational 044-556-5963
institutions, and medical institutions)
Global Segment Japan 044-556-3469
Individual User 044-556-1760
Switchboard 044-556-4300
Korea (Seoul) E-mail: krsupport@dell.com
International Access Code: 001 Support toll-free: 080-200-3800
Country Code: 82 Support (Dimension, PDA, Electronics and toll-free: 080-200-3801
City Code: 2 Accessories)
Sales toll-free: 080-200-3600
Fax 2194-6202
Switchboard 2194-6000
Latin America Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, 512 728-4093
U.S.A.)
Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-3619
Fax (Technical Support and Customer Service) 512 728-3883
(Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4397
SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4600
or 512 728-3772
Luxembourg Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Support 342 08 08 075
Country Code: 352 Home/Small Business Sales +32 (0)2 713 15 96
Corporate Sales 26 25 77 81
Customer Care +32 (0)2 481 91 19
Fax 26 25 77 82
Macao Technical Support toll-free: 0800 105
Country Code: 853 Customer Service (Xiamen, China) 34 160 910
Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China) 29 693 115
Malaysia (Penang) Website: support.ap.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and toll-free: 1 800 880 193
Country Code: 60 Latitude)
City Code: 4 Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and toll-free: 1 800 881 306
Electronics and Accessories)
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, toll-free: 1800 881 386
PowerConnect, and PowerVault)
Customer Care toll-free: 1800 881 306
(option 6)
Transaction Sales toll-free: 1 800 888 202
Corporate Sales toll-free: 1 800 888 213
Mexico E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support (TelMex) toll-free: 1-866-563-4425
Country Code: 52 Sales 50-81-8800
or 01-800-888-3355
Customer Service 001-877-384-8979
or 001-877-269-3383
Main 50-81-8800
Montserrat E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Netherlands Antilles E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
General Support 001-800-882-1519
Netherlands (Amsterdam) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support for XPS 020 674 45 94
Country Code: 31 Technical Support for all other Dell computers 020 674 45 00
City Code: 20 Technical Support Fax 020 674 47 66
Home/Small Business Customer Care 020 674 42 00
Relational Customer Care 020 674 4325
Home/Small Business Sales 020 674 55 00
Relational Sales 020 674 50 00
Home/Small Business Sales Fax 020 674 47 75
Relational Sales Fax 020 674 47 50
Switchboard 020 674 50 00
Switchboard Fax 020 674 47 50
New Zealand Website: support.ap.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 E-mail: support.ap.dell.com/contactus
Country Code: 64 General Support 0800 441 567
Nicaragua E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Norway (Lysaker) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support for XPS 815 35 043
Country Code: 47 Technical Support for all other Dell products 671 16882
Relational Customer Care 671 17575
Home/Small Business Customer Care 23162298
Switchboard 671 16800
Fax Switchboard 671 16865
Panama E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Technical Support (CLARACOM) toll-free: 1-866-633-4097
Peru E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Technical Support toll-free: 0800-50-869
Poland (Warsaw) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 011 E-mail: pl_support_tech@dell.com
Country Code: 48 Customer Service Phone 57 95 700
City Code: 22 Customer Care 57 95 999
Sales 57 95 999
Customer Service Fax 57 95 806
Reception Desk Fax 57 95 998
Switchboard 57 95 999
Portugal Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support 707200149
Country Code: 351 Customer Care 800 300 413
Sales 800 300 410 or 800 300 411 or
800 300 412 or 21 422 07 10
Puerto Rico E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
St. Kitts and Nevis Website: www.dell.com/kn
St. Lucia Website: www.dell.com/lc
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Website: www.dell.com/vc
Singapore (Singapore) NOTE: The phone numbers in this section should be
International Access Code: 005 called from within Singapore or Malaysia only.
Country Code: 65 Website: support.ap.dell.com
Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and toll-free: 1 800 394 7430
Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell toll-free: 1 800 394 7488
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, toll-free: 1 800 394 7478
Customer Care toll-free: 1 800 394 7430
Transaction Sales toll-free: 1 800 394 7412
Corporate Sales toll-free: 1 800 394 7419
Slovakia (Prague) Website: support.euro.dell.com
Country Code: 421 Technical Support 02 5441 5727
Customer Care 420 22537 2707
Tech Fax 02 5441 8328
Switchboard (Sales) 02 5441 7585
South Africa (Johannesburg) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: E-mail: dell_za_support@dell.com
09/091 Gold Queue 011 709 7713
Country Code: 27 Technical Support 011 709 7710
City Code: 11 Customer Care 011 709 7707
Sales 011 709 7700
Switchboard 011 709 7700
Southeast Asian and Pacific Technical Support, Customer Service, and Sales 604 633 4810
Countries (Penang, Malaysia)
Spain (Madrid) Website: support.euro.dell.com
Country Code: 34 Technical Support 902 100 130
City Code: 91 Customer Care 902 118 540
Sales 902 118 541
Switchboard 902 118 541
Technical Support 902 100 130
Customer Care 902 115 236
Sweden (Upplands Vasby) Website: support.euro.dell.com
International Access Code: 00 Technical Support for XPS 0771 340 340
Country Code: 46 Technical Support for all other Dell products 08 590 05 199
City Code: 8 Relational Customer Care 08 590 05 642
Home/Small Business Customer Care 08 587 70 527
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support 020 140 14 44
Technical Support Fax 08 590 05 594
Sales 08 590 05 185
Switzerland (Geneva) Website: support.euro.dell.com
Country Code: 41 Technical Support for XPS 0848 33 88 57
City Code: 22 Technical Support (Home and Small Business) for 0844 811 411
all other Dell products
Technical Support (Corporate) 0844 822 844
Customer Care (Home and Small Business) 0848 802 202
Customer Care (Corporate) 0848 821 721
Taiwan Website: support.ap.dell.com
International Access Code: 002 E-mail: ap_support@dell.com
Country Code: 886 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron, toll-free: 0080 186 1011
Dimension, and Electronics and Accessories)
Technical Support (servers and storage) toll-free: 0080 160 1256
Customer Care toll-free: 0080 160 1250
Transaction Sales toll-free: 0080 165 1228
Corporate Sales toll-free: 0080 165 1227
Thailand Website: support.ap.dell.com
International Access Code: 001 Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell toll-free: 1800 0060 07
Country Code: 66 Precision)
Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, toll-free: 1800 0600 09
Corporate Sales toll-free: 1800 006 009
Transaction Sales toll-free: 1800 006 006
Trinidad/Tobago Website: www.dell.com/tt
Turks and Caicos Islands Website: www.dell.com/tc
U.K. (Bracknell) Website: support.euro.dell.com
Country Code: 44 Customer Care website:
City Code: 1344 support.euro.dell.com/uk/en/ECare/form/home.asp
Home and Small Business Sales 0870 907 4000
Corporate/Public Sector Sales 01344 860 456
Home and Small Business Customer Care 0870 906 0010
Corporate Customer Care 01344 373 185
Preferred Accounts (500–5000 employees) 0870 906 0010
Global Accounts Customer Care 01344 373 186
Central Government Customer Care 01344 373 193
Local Government & Education Customer Care 01344 373 199
Health Customer Care 01344 373 194
Technical Support for XPS computers only 0870 366 4180
Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred 0870 908 0500
Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees])
Technical Support for all other products 0870 353 0800
Home and Small Business Fax 0870 907 4006
Uruguay Website: www.dell.com/uy
U.S.A. (Austin, Texas) Automated Order-Status Service toll-free: 1-800-433-9014
International Access Code: 011 AutoTech (portable and desktop computers) toll-free: 1-800-247-9362
Country Code: 1 Hardware and Warranty Support (Dell TV, toll-free: 1-877-459-7298
Printers, and Projectors) for Relationship
Americas Consumer XPS Support toll-free: 1-800-232-8544
Consumer (Home and Home Office) Support for toll-free: 1-800-624-9896
Customer Service toll-free: 1-800-624-9897
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers toll-free: 1-800-695-8133
Financial Services website:
www.dellfinancialservices.com
Financial Services (lease/loans) toll-free: 1-877-577-3355
Financial Services (Dell Preferred Accounts [DPA]) toll-free: 1-800-283-2210
Customer Service and Support toll-free: 1-800-456-3355
Support for printers, projectors, PDAs, and MP3 toll-free: 1-877-459-7298
Public (government, education, and healthcare)
Dell Sales toll-free: 1-800-289-3355
or toll-free: 1-800-879-3355
Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers) toll-free: 1-888-798-7561
Software and Peripherals Sales toll-free: 1-800-671-3355
Spare Parts Sales toll-free: 1-800-357-3355
Extended Service and Warranty Sales toll-free: 1-800-247-4618
Fax toll-free: 1-800-727-8320
Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY
Speech-Impaired (1-877-335-5889)
U.S. Virgin Islands E-mail: la-techsupport@dell.com
Venezuela Website: www.dell.com/ve
Technical Support toll-free: 0800-100-2513
Processor type AMD™ Turion™ or Sempron™
L2 cache 256 KB, 512 KB, 1,024 KB
External bus frequency (front side 533 MHz
bus)
System chip set ATI RS485M / SB600
Data bus width 64 bits
DRAM bus width dual-channel (2) 64-bit buses
Processor address bus width 40 bits
Flash EPROM 1 MB
Graphics bus Internal
PCI bus 32 bits
ExpressCard controller ATI SB600
ExpressCard connector one ExpressCard slot (54 mm)
Cards supported ExpressCard/54 (54 mm)
1.5 V and 3.3 V
ExpressCard connector size 26 pins
Specifications 131
3-in-1 Media Memory Card Reader
3-in-1 media memory card controller Ricoh R5C832
3-in-1 media memory card connector 3-in-1 combo card connector
Cards supported SD/SDIO/MMC
3-in-1 media memory card connector 30.55 mm x 28.9 mm x 4.55 mm
Memory module connector two SODIMM connectors
Memory module capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB
Memory type 1.8-V SODIMM DDR-2
Minimum memory 256 MB
Maximum memory 2 GB
Ports and Connectors
Audio microphone connector, stereo
headphone/speakers connector
Mini-Card one Type IIIA Mini-Card slot
Modem RJ-11 port
Network adapter RJ-45 port
USB four 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors
Video 15-hole connector
132 Specifications
Type v.92 MDC HD
Controller softmodem
Interface Azalia Interface MDC
Network adapter 10/100 Ethernet LAN on system board
Wireless internal PCI-e Mini-Card WLAN
NOTE: Optional video controller upgrades are available for your computer subject to
availability at the time of purchase. To determine the configuration of your computer,
see "Determining Your Computer's Configuration" on page 15.
Video type: integrated on system board
Video controller ATI R485M
Video memory up to 128 MB of shared memory (with
256 MB of system memory) or 224 MB of
shared memory (with 512 MB of system
memory)
LCD interface LVDS
Audio type two-channel high-definition audio codec
Audio controller Sigmatel STAC9200 Codec
Stereo conversion 24-bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-
analog)
Internal Azalia High Definition Audio
External microphone-in connector, stereo
headphones/speakers connector
Speaker two 8-ohm speakers
Internal speaker amplifier 1-W channel into 8 ohms
Volume controls keyboard shortcuts, program menus
Type (active-matrix TFT) 14.1-inch WXGA and 15.4-inch WXGA
Display area (15.4-inch):
Height 207 mm (8.2 inches)
Width 331.2 mm (13.0 inches)
Diagonal 391.2 mm (15.4 inches)
Height 189.6 mm (7.5 inches)
Maximum resolution 1280 x 800 at 262,144 colors
Refresh rate 60 Hz
Operating angle 0° (closed) to 180°
Viewing angles:
Horizontal ±40° minimum
Vertical +10°/–30° minimum
Pixel pitch:
15.4-inch 0.259 mm
Controls brightness can be controlled through
keyboard shortcuts (see page 36)
Number of keys 87 (U.S. and Canada); 88 (Europe);
91 (Japan)
Layout QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji
X/Y position resolution
(graphics table mode) 240 cpi
Width 73.0-mm (2.9-inch) sensor-active area
Height 42.9-mm (1.7-inch) rectangle
Type 9-cell "smart" lithium ion
6-cell "smart" lithium ion
4-cell "smart" lithium ion (when available)
Depth 60.1 mm (2.37 inches) (9 cell)
49 mm (1.93 inches) (6-cell)
49 mm (1.93 inches) (4-cell, when available)
Height 24 mm (0.94 inch)
Width 206.8 mm (8.14 inches)
Weight 0.48 kg (1.06 lb) (9 cell)
0.32 kg (0.7 lb) (6 cell)
0.25 kg (0.55 lb) (4 cell, when available)
Voltage 11.1 VDC (6 cell and 9 cell)
14.8 VDC (4 cell, when available)
Battery (continued)
Charge time (approximate):
Computer off 3.5 hours (9-cell)
2.5 hours (6-cell)
2.5 hours (4-cell, when available)
Operating time Battery operating time varies depending on
operating conditions and can be significantly
reduced under certain power-intensive
conditions. See "Power Problems" on
See "Using a Battery" on page 39 for more
information on battery life.
Life span (approximate) 300 discharge/charge cycles
Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)
Storage –40° to 60°C (–40° to 140°F)
Coin-cell battery CR-2032
Input voltage 100-240 VAC
Input current (maximum) 1.5 A
Input frequency 50–60 Hz
Output current 4.34 A (maximum at 4-second pulse);
3.34 A (continuous)
Output power 65 W
Rated output voltage 19.5 +/–1.0 VDC
Height 28.2 mm (1.11 inches)
Width 57.9 mm (2.28 inches)
Depth 137.2 mm (5.4 inches)
Weight (with cables) 0.36 kg (0.79 lb)
Height 36 mm (1.42 inches)
Width 356 mm (14.02 inches)
Depth 265.5 mm (10.45 inches)
Weight (with 6-cell battery):
Configurable to less than 2.9 kg (6.38 lb)
Relative humidity (maximum):
Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing)
Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration (using a
random-vibration spectrum that
simulates user environment):
Operating 0.9 GRMS
Storage 1.3 GRMS
Maximum shock
NOTE: Maximum shock is measured
with hard drive in head-parked position
and a 2-ms half-sine pulse for
operating, and is also measured with
hard drive in head-parked position and
a 2-ms half-sine pulse for storage.
Operating 122 G
Storage 163 G
Altitude (maximum):
Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)
Using the System Setup Program
NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in the system setup
program, thus overriding options that you set through the system setup program. (An exception is the External
Hot Key option, which you can disable or enable only through the system setup program.) For more information
on configuring features for your operating system, see the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the
Help and Support Center, see page 13.
The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer,
• System configuration
• Basic device-configuration settings
• Boot (start-up) configuration
NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not
change the system setup program settings. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.
Entering System Setup
2 When the blue DELL™ logo is displayed, you must watch for the F2 prompt to appear.
3 Once this F2 prompt appears, press <F2> immediately.
NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so
you must watch for it to display, and then press <F2>. If you press <F2> before you are prompted, this
keystroke will be lost.
4 If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft® Windows® desktop, then, shut down your computer (see "Turning Off Your
Computer" on page 55) and try again.
System Setup Screen
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer.
Information on the screen is divided into four areas: the menu at the top, the main window, the Item
Help field on the right, and key functions listed on the bottom.
Menu bar — The menu bar lists the major categories of settings available in system
setup. Use the right and left arrow keys to move from one menu to another.
Options List — This Item Specific Help — This field contains information
field appears on the left about each option and the keys to use to change settings.
side of the system setup
window. The field is a
scrollable list containing
features that define the
configuration of your
Scroll up and down the
list by using the up and
down arrow keys. As an
option is highlighted, the
Item Specific Help
window displays more
information about that
option and the option's
current and available
settings. If the option is
configurable, you can
press <Enter> to view or
change options for that
Key Functions — This field appears below the Option Field and lists keys and their
functions within the active system setup field.
Commonly Used Options
Certain options require that you reboot the computer for new settings to take effect.
Changing the Boot Sequence
The boot sequence, or boot order, tells the computer where to look to find the software needed to start the
operating system. You can control the boot sequence and enable/disable devices using the Boot Order
page of the system setup program.
NOTE: To change the boot sequence on a one-time-only basis, see "Performing a One-Time Boot" on page 141.
140 Appendix
The Boot Order page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be installed in your
computer, including but not limited to the following:
• Diskette Drive
• Internal HDD
• USB Storage Device
• CD/DVD/CD-RW drive
• Modular bay HDD
NOTE: Only devices that are preceded by a number are bootable.
During the boot routine, the computer starts at the top of the list and scans each enabled device for the
operating system start-up files. When the computer finds the files, it stops searching and starts the
To control the boot devices, select (highlight) a device by pressing the down-arrow or up-arrow key, and
then enable or disable the device or change its order in the list.
• To enable or disable a device, highlight the item and press the space bar. Enabled items are preceded
by a number; disabled items are not preceded by a number.
• To reorder a device in the list, highlight the device and press either <u> to move the device up the list
or <d> to move a device down the list.
Boot sequence changes take effect as soon as you save the changes and exit the system setup program.
Performing a One-Time Boot
You can set a one-time-only boot sequence without entering the system setup program. (You can also use
this procedure to boot the Dell Diagnostics on the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.)
1 Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
2 Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3 Turn on the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately. If you wait too long
and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down
your computer and try again.
4 When the boot device list appears, highlight the device from which you want to boot and press
<Enter>.
The computer boots to the selected device.
The next time you reboot the computer, the previous boot order is restored.
Cleaning Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Computer, Keyboard, and Display
CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and remove any
installed batteries. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
• Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys on the keyboard and to remove any
dirt or lint from the display.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the computer or display, do not spray cleaning solution directly onto the
display. Only use products specifically designed for cleaning displays, and follow the instructions that are included
with the product.
• Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with either water or a display cleaner. Do not use alcohol or an ammonia-
based cleaner. Wipe the display gently working from the center to the edges until it is clean and any
fingerprints are removed. Do not use excessive pressure.
• Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water and wipe the computer and keyboard. Do not allow water
from the cloth to seep between the touch pad and the surrounding palm rest.
1 Shut down and turn off your computer. See "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 87.
2 Disconnect any attached devices from the computer and from their electrical outlets.
3 Remove any installed batteries. See "Using a Battery" on page 39.
4 Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water, and wipe it gently across the surface of the touch pad. Do not
allow water from the cloth to seep between the touch pad and the surrounding palm rest.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You might accidentally misalign the heads which
prevents the drive from operating.
Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated
floppies to remove contaminants that accumulate during normal operation.
NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and follow the instructions that come
with the compressed-air product. Never touch the lens in the drive.
If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning
the discs.
1 Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.
2 With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line
from the center to the outer edge of the disc.
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase
commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and
scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are also safe to use on DVDs.
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)
Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer in the
troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, software programs, and
hardware drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as the verification of
appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardware. In addition to this technician-
assisted technical support, online technical support is available at support.dell.com. Additional technical
support options may be available for purchase.
Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any "Dell-installed" software and
peripherals1. Support for third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer,
including those purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Peripherals, Readyware, and
Custom Factory Integration2.
Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited warranty and any optional support ser-
vice contract purchased with the computer.
All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the standard Dell lim-
ited warranty for your computer. However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover all nonstandard, third-
party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration of the computer's service contract.
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals
Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the software programs that are
installed on the computer during the manufacturing process (Microsoft® Office, Norton Antivirus, and
so on).
Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dell-branded module bay or
ExpressCard accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers,
microphones for telephonic modems, docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and all
associated cabling are included.
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals
Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or software program sold by Dell
not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party
software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television
reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
NOTICE: The FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell Inc. could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference with radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient the receiving antenna.
• Relocate the system with respect to the receiver.
• Move the system away from the receiver.
• Plug the system into a different outlet so that the system and the receiver are on different branch
circuits.
If necessary, consult a representative of Dell Inc. or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions.
The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance
with the FCC regulations:
Product name: Dell™ Inspiron™ 1501
Model number: PP23LA
Company name: Dell Inc.
Worldwide Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Affairs
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682 USA
Terms in this Glossary are provided for All-Terrain Grade — Dell™ ATG™ refers to the All-Terrain
informational purposes only and may or may not Grade computer designed by Dell to provide increased
protection in demanding environments.
describe features included with your particular
A backup — A copy of a program or data file on a floppy,
CD, DVD, or hard drive. As a precaution, back up the
AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that data files from your hard drive regularly.
powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter
power cable in to an electrical outlet. battery — A rechargeable internal power source used to
operate portable computers when not connected to an AC
ACPI — advanced configuration and power interface — adapter and an electrical outlet.
A power management specification that enables
Microsoft® Windows® operating systems to put a battery life span — The length of time (years) during
computer in standby or hibernate mode to conserve the which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted
amount of electrical power allocated to each device and recharged.
attached to the computer. battery operating time — The length of time (minutes or
AGP — accelerated graphics port — A dedicated graphics hours) that a portable computer battery holds a charge
port that allows system memory to be used for video- while powering the computer.
related tasks. AGP delivers a smooth, true-color video BIOS — basic input/output system — A program (or
image because of the faster interface between the video utility) that serves as an interface between the computer
circuitry and the computer memory. hardware and the operating system. Unless you
ALS — ambient light sensor — The ALS detects available understand what effect these settings have on the
environmental light and automatically increases or computer, do not change them. Also referred to as the
decreases the display backlighting to compensate for low- system setup program.
light and high-light environments. bit — The smallest unit of data interpreted by your
antivirus software — A program designed to identify, computer.
quarantine, and/or delete viruses from your computer. boot sequence — Specifies the order of the devices from
APR — advanced port replicator — A docking device that which the computer attempts to boot.
allows you to conveniently use an external monitor,
keyboard, mouse, and other devices with your portable
ASF — alert standards format — A standard to define a
mechanism for reporting hardware and software alerts to a
management console. ASF is designed to be platform- and
operating system-independent.
Glossary 147
bootable CD — A CD that you can use to start your CD player — The software used to play music CDs. The
computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your CD player displays a window with buttons that you use to
computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a play a CD.
bootable CD or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and CD-R — CD recordable — A recordable version of a CD.
Utilities or ResourceCD is a bootable CD. Data can be recorded only once onto a CD-R. Once
bootable disk — A disk that you can use to start your recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.
computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a
computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a CD. Data can be written to a CD-RW disc, and then
bootable CD or floppy disk available. erased and written over (rewritten).
bps — bits per second — The standard unit for measuring CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to
data transmission speed. CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)
BTU — British thermal unit — A measurement of heat discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but
output. you can write to CD-R discs only once.
bus — A communication pathway between the CD-RW/DVD drive — A drive, sometimes referred to as a
components in your computer. combo drive, that can read CDs and DVDs and write to
bus speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)
fast a bus can transfer information. discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but
you can write to CD-R discs only once.
byte — The basic data unit used by your computer. A byte
is usually equal to 8 bits. clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates
how fast computer components that are connected to the
system bus operate.
C COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows
alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your
C — Celsius — A temperature measurement scale where
computer. Also referred to as the Product Key or
0° is the freezing point and 100° is the boiling point of
Product ID.
Control Panel — A Windows utility that allows you to
cache — A special high-speed storage mechanism which
modify operating system and hardware settings, such as
can be either a reserved section of main memory or an
independent high-speed storage device. The cache
enhances the efficiency of many processor operations. controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data
between the processor and memory or between the
L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.
processor and devices.
L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external
CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module
to the processor or incorporated into the processor
— A special module that has no memory chips and is used
to fill unused RIMM slots.
carnet — An international customs document that
cursor — The marker on a display or screen that shows
facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also
where the next keyboard, touch pad, or mouse action will
known as a merchandise passport.
occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an underline
CD — compact disc — An optical form of storage media, character, or a small arrow.
typically used for audio and software programs.
CD drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read
data from CDs.
148 Glossary
D driver — Software that allows the operating system to
control a device such as a printer. Many devices do not
DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of work properly if the correct driver is not installed in the
SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving computer.
system performance.
DSL — Digital Subscriber Line — A technology that
DDR2 SDRAM — double-data-rate 2 SDRAM — A type provides a constant, high-speed Internet connection
of DDR SDRAM that uses a 4-bit prefetch and other through an analog telephone line.
architectural changes to boost memory speed to over
dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to
400 MHz.
use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also
device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or referred to as extended display mode.
keyboard that is installed in or connected to your
DVD — digital versatile disc — A high-capacity disc
usually used to store movies. DVD drives read most CD
device driver — See driver. media as well.
DIMM — Dual Inline Memory Module. DVD drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read
DIN connector — A round, six-pin connector that data from DVDs and CDs.
conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards; DVD player — The software used to watch DVD movies.
it is typically used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse The DVD player displays a window with buttons that you
cable connectors. use to watch a movie.
disk striping — A technique for spreading data over DVD-R — DVD recordable — A recordable version of a
multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations DVD. Data can be recorded only once onto a DVD-R.
that retrieve data from disk storage. Computers that use Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.
disk striping generally allow the user to select the data
DVD+RW — DVD rewritable — A rewritable version of
unit size or stripe width.
a DVD. Data can be written to a DVD+RW disc, and
DMA — direct memory access — A channel that allows then erased and written over (rewritten). (DVD+RW
certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device technology is different from DVD-RW technology.)
to bypass the processor.
DVD+RW drive — A drive that can read DVDs and most
docking device — See APR. CD media and write to DVD+RW (rewritable DVDs)
DMTF — Distributed Management Task Force — A discs.
consortium of hardware and software companies who DVI — digital video interface — A standard for digital
develop management standards for distributed desktop, transmission between a computer and a digital video
network, enterprise, and Internet environments. display.
domain — A group of computers, programs, and devices
on a network that are administered as a unit with common
rules and procedures for use by a specific group of users. A E
user logs on to the domain to gain access to the resources. ECC — error checking and correction — A type of
DRAM — dynamic random-access memory — Memory memory that includes special circuitry for testing the
that stores information in integrated circuits containing accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory.
capacitors. ECP — extended capabilities port — A parallel connector
design that provides improved bidirectional data
transmission. Similar to EPP, ECP uses direct memory
access to transfer data and often improves performance.
EIDE — enhanced integrated device electronics — An FCC — Federal Communications Commission — A U.S.
improved version of the IDE interface for hard drives and agency responsible for enforcing communications-related
CD drives. regulations that state how much radiation computers and
EMI — electromagnetic interference — Electrical other electronic equipment can emit.
interference caused by electromagnetic radiation. floppy — An electromagnetic form of storage media. Also
ENERGY STAR — Environmental Protection Agency known as a floppy diskette or a floppy disk.
requirements that decrease the overall consumption of floppy drive — A disk drive that can read and write to
electricity. floppy disks.
EPP — enhanced parallel port — A parallel connector folder — A term used to describe space on a disk or drive
design that provides bidirectional data transmission. where files are organized and grouped. Files in a folder can
ESD — electrostatic discharge — A rapid discharge of be viewed and ordered in various ways, such as
static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits alphabetically, by date, and by size.
found in computer and communications equipment. format — The process that prepares a drive or disk for file
expansion card — A circuit board that installs in an storage. When a drive or disk is formatted, the existing
expansion slot on the system board in some computers, information on it is lost.
expanding the capabilities of the computer. Examples FSB — front side bus — The data path and physical
include video, modem, and sound cards. interface between the processor and RAM.
expansion slot — A connector on the system board (in FTP — file transfer protocol — A standard Internet
some computers) where you insert an expansion card, protocol used to exchange files between computers
connecting it to the system bus. connected to the Internet.
ExpressCard — A removable I/O card adhering to the
PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are
common types of ExpressCards. ExpressCards support G
both the PCI Express and USB 2.0 standard. G — gravity — A measurement of weight and force.
Express Service Code — A numeric code located on a GB — gigabyte — A measurement of data storage that
sticker on your Dell™ computer. Use the Express Service equals 1024 MB (1,073,741,824 bytes). When used to
Code when contacting Dell for assistance. Express Service refer to hard drive storage, the term is often rounded to
Code service may not be available in some countries. 1,000,000,000 bytes.
extended display mode — A display setting that allows GHz — gigahertz — A measurement of frequency that
you to use a second monitor as an extension of your equals one thousand million Hz, or one thousand MHz.
display. Also referred to as dual display mode. The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces
extended PC Card — A PC Card that extends beyond the are often measured in GHz.
edge of the PC Card slot when installed. graphics mode — A video mode that can be defined as x
horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Graphics
modes can display an unlimited variety of shapes and
F fonts.
Fahrenheit — A temperature measurement scale where GUI — graphical user interface — Software that interacts
32° is the freezing point and 212° is the boiling point of with the user by means of menus, windows, and icons.
water. Most programs that operate on the Windows operating
systems are GUIs.
H IEEE 1394 — Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, Inc. — A high-performance serial bus used to
hard drive — A drive that reads and writes data on a hard connect IEEE 1394-compatible devices, such as digital
disk. The terms hard drive and hard disk are often used cameras and DVD players, to the computer.
interchangeably.
infrared sensor — A port that allows you to transfer data
heat sink — A metal plate on some processors that helps between the computer and infrared-compatible devices
dissipate heat. without using a cable connection.
help file — A file that contains descriptive or integrated — Usually refers to components that are
instructional information about a product. Some help physically located on the computer's system board. Also
files are associated with a particular program, such as Help referred to as built-in.
in Microsoft Word. Other help files function as stand-
I/O — input/output — An operation or device that enters
alone reference sources. Help files typically have a
and extracts data from your computer. Keyboards and
filename extension of .hlp or .chm.
printers are I/O devices.
hibernate mode — A power management mode that saves
I/O address — An address in RAM that is associated with
everything in memory to a reserved space on the hard
a specific device (such as a serial connector, parallel
drive and then turns off the computer. When you restart
connector, or expansion slot) and allows the processor to
the computer, the memory information that was saved to
communicate with that device.
the hard drive is automatically restored.
IrDA — Infrared Data Association — The organization
HTML — hypertext markup language — A set of codes
that creates international standards for infrared
inserted into an Internet web page intended for display on
an Internet browser.
IRQ — interrupt request — An electronic pathway
HTTP — hypertext transfer protocol — A protocol for
assigned to a specific device so that the device can
exchanging files between computers connected to the
communicate with the processor. Each device connection
must be assigned an IRQ. Although two devices can share
Hz — hertz — A unit of frequency measurement that the same IRQ assignment, you cannot operate both
equals 1 cycle per second. Computers and electronic devices simultaneously.
devices are often measured in kilohertz (kHz), megahertz
ISP — Internet service provider — A company that allows
(MHz), gigahertz (GHz), or terahertz (THz).
you to access its host server to connect directly to the
Internet, send and receive e-mail, and access websites.
The ISP typically provides you with a software package,
I user name, and access phone numbers for a fee.
IC — Industry Canada — The Canadian regulatory body
responsible for regulating emissions from electronic
equipment, much as the FCC does in the United States. K
IC — integrated circuit — A semiconductor wafer, or Kb — kilobit — A unit of data that equals 1024 bits. A
chip, on which thousands or millions of tiny electronic measurement of the capacity of memory integrated
components are fabricated for use in computer, audio, and circuits.
video equipment.
KB — kilobyte — A unit of data that equals 1024 bytes
IDE — integrated device electronics — An interface for but is often referred to as 1000 bytes.
mass storage devices in which the controller is integrated
key combination — A command requiring you to press
into the hard drive or CD drive.
multiple keys at the same time.
kHz — kilohertz — A measurement of frequency that memory address — A specific location where data is
equals 1000 Hz. temporarily stored in RAM.
memory mapping — The process by which the computer
assigns memory addresses to physical locations at start-up.
L Devices and software can then identify information that
LAN — local area network — A computer network the processor can access.
covering a small area. A LAN usually is confined to a memory module — A small circuit board containing
building or a few nearby buildings. A LAN can be memory chips, which connects to the system board.
connected to another LAN over any distance through
telephone lines and radio waves to form a wide area MHz — megahertz — A measure of frequency that equals
network (WAN). 1 million cycles per second. The speeds for computer
processors, buses, and interfaces are often measured in
LCD — liquid crystal display — The technology used by MHz.
portable computer and flat-panel displays.
Mini PCI — A standard for integrated peripherals with
LED — light-emitting diode — An electronic component an emphasis on communications such as such as modems
that emits light to indicate the status of the computer. and NICs. Mini PCI is a small card that is functionally
local bus — A data bus that provides a fast throughput for equivalent to a standard PCI expansion card.
devices to the processor. modem — A device that allows your computer to
LPT — line print terminal — The designation for a communicate with other computers over analog
parallel connection to a printer or other parallel device. telephone lines. Three types of modems include: external,
PC Card or ExpressCard, and internal. You typically use
your modem to connect to the Internet and exchange
M e-mail.
Mb — megabit — A measurement of memory chip module bay — A bay that supports devices such as optical
capacity that equals 1024 Kb. drives.
Mbps — megabits per second — One million bits per monitor — The high-resolution TV-like device that
second. This measurement is typically used for displays computer output.
transmission speeds for networks and modems. mouse — A pointing device that controls the movement
MB — megabyte — A measurement of data storage that of the cursor on your screen. Typically you roll the mouse
equals 1,048,576 bytes. 1 MB equals 1024 KB. When used over a hard, flat surface to move the pointer or cursor on
to refer to hard drive storage, the term is often rounded to your screen.
1,000,000 bytes. ms — millisecond — A measure of time that equals one
MB/sec — megabytes per second — One million bytes thousandth of a second. Access times of storage devices
per second. This measurement is typically used for data are often measured in ms.
transfer ratings.
memory — A temporary data storage area inside your
computer. Because the data in memory is not permanent,
it is recommended that you frequently save your files network adapter — A chip that provides network
while you are working on them, and always save your files capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter
before you shut down the computer. Your computer can on its system board, or it may contain an PC Card with an
contain several different forms of memory, such as RAM, adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a
ROM, and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is NIC (network interface controller).
used as a synonym for RAM.
NIC — See network adapter. PCI Express — A modification to the PCI interface that
notification area — The section of the Windows taskbar boosts the data transfer rate between the processor and
that contains icons for providing quick access to programs the devices attached to it. PCI Express can transfer data at
and computer functions, such as the clock, volume speeds from 250 MB/sec to 4 GB/sec. If the PCI Express
control, and print status. Also referred to as system tray. chip set and the device are capable of different speeds,
they will operate at the slower speed.
ns — nanosecond — A measure of time that equals one
billionth of a second. PCMCIA — Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association — The organization that
NVRAM — nonvolatile random access memory — A type establishes standards for PC Cards.
of memory that stores data when the computer is turned
off or loses its external power source. NVRAM is used for PIN — personal identification number — A sequence of
maintaining computer configuration information such numerals and/or letters used to restrict unauthorized
as date, time, and other system setup options that you access to computer networks and other secure systems.
can set. PIO — programmed input/output — A method of
transferring data between two devices through the
processor as part of the data path.
O pixel — A single point on a display screen. Pixels are
optical drive — A drive that uses optical technology to arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video
read or write data from CDs, DVDs, or DVD+RWs. resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as the number
Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD drives, of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.
CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives. Plug-and-Play — The ability of the computer to
automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides
automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility
P with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and
parallel connector — An I/O port often used to connect a all devices are Plug and Play compliant.
parallel printer to your computer. Also referred to as an POST — power-on self-test — Diagnostics programs,
LPT port. loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic
partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is tests on the major computer components, such as
assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as memory, hard drives, and video. If no problems are
logical drives. Each partition can contain multiple logical detected during POST, the computer continues the
drives. start-up.
PC Card — A removable I/O card adhering to the processor — A computer chip that interprets and executes
PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred
common types of PC Cards. to as the CPU (central processing unit).
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a program — Any software that processes data for you,
local bus that supports 32-and 64-bit data paths, including spreadsheet, word processor, database, and
providing a high-speed data path between the processor game packages. Programs require an operating system
and devices such as video, drives, and networks. to run.
PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for
attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.
PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM ROM — read-only memory — Memory that stores data
(Wired for Management) standard that allows networked and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the
computers that do not have an operating system to be computer. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its contents after
configured and started remotely. you shut down your computer. Some programs essential to
the operation of your computer reside in ROM.
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of
R rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often
RAID — redundant array of independent disks — A measured in rpm.
method of providing data redundancy. Some common RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the
implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, system board that keeps the date and time after you shut
RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50. down the computer.
RAM — random-access memory — The primary RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the
temporary storage area for program instructions and data. system board of some computers that can often be used
Any information stored in RAM is lost when you shut for troubleshooting problems.
down your computer.
readme file — A text file included with a software package
or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide S
installation information and describe new product ScanDisk — A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders,
enhancements or corrections that have not yet been and the hard disk's surface for errors. ScanDisk often runs
documented. when you restart the computer after it has stopped
read-only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot responding.
edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if: SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory
• It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk, — A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the optimal
CD, or DVD. clock speed of the processor.
• It is located on a network in a directory and the serial connector — An I/O port often used to connect
system administrator has assigned rights only to devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera
specific individuals. to your computer.
refresh rate — The frequency, measured in Hz, at which Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that
your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes identifies your computer when you access Dell Support at
also referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the support.dell.com or when you call Dell for customer
refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the service or technical support.
human eye.
setup program — A program that is used to install and
resolution — The sharpness and clarity of an image configure hardware and software. The setup.exe or
produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The install.exe program comes with most Windows software
higher the resolution, the sharper the image. packages. Setup program differs from the system setup
RFI — radio frequency interference — Interference that program.
is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of shortcut — An icon that provides quick access to
10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are at the frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. When
lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop and
are more likely to have interference than the higher double-click the icon, you can open its corresponding
frequency radiations, such as infrared and light. folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcut icons
do not change the location of files. If you delete a
shortcut, the original file is not affected. Also, you can S-video TV-out — A connector used to attach a TV or
rename a shortcut icon. digital audio device to the computer.
shutdown — The process of closing windows and exiting SXGA — super-extended graphics array — A video
programs, exiting the operating system, and turning off standard for video cards and controllers that supports
your computer. You can lose data if you turn off your resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.
computer before completing a shutdown. SXGA+ — super-extended graphics array plus — A video
smart card — A card that is embedded with a processor standard for video cards and controllers that supports
and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used to resolutions up to 1400 x 1050.
authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart system board — The main circuit board in your computer.
cards. Also known as the motherboard.
software — Anything that can be stored electronically, system setup — A utility that serves as an interface
such as computer files or programs. between the computer hardware and the operating
S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio system. System setup allows you to configure user-
transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from selectable options in the BIOS, such as date and time or
one file to another without converting it to and from an system password. Unless you understand what effect the
analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file. settings have on the computer, do not change the settings
standby mode — A power management mode that shuts for this program.
down all unnecessary computer operations to save energy. system tray — See notification area.
Strike Zone™ — Reinforced area of the platform base
that protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening
device when a computer experiences resonating shock or T
is dropped (whether the computer is on or off). TAPI — telephony application programming interface —
surge protectors — Prevent voltage spikes, such as those Enables Windows programs to operate with a wide variety
that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering of telephony devices, including voice, data, fax, and video.
the computer through the electrical outlet. Surge text editor — A program used to create and edit files that
protectors do not protect against lightning strikes or contain only text; for example, Windows Notepad uses a
against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops text editor. Text editors do not usually provide word wrap
more than 20 percent below the normal AC-line voltage or formatting functionality (the option to underline,
level. change fonts, and so on).
Network connections cannot be protected by surge travel module — A plastic device designed to fit inside
protectors. Always disconnect the network cable from the the module bay of a portable computer to reduce the
network connector during electrical storms. weight of the computer.
SVGA — super-video graphics array — A video standard
for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA resolutions
are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768. U
The number of colors and resolution that a program UMA — unified memory allocation — System memory
displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the dynamically allocated to video.
video controller and its drivers, and the amount of video UPS — uninterruptible power supply — A backup power
memory installed in the computer. source used when the electrical power fails or drops to an
unacceptable voltage level. A UPS keeps a computer
running for a limited amount of time when there is no
electrical power. UPS systems typically provide surge
suppression and may also provide voltage regulation. virus — A program that is designed to inconvenience you
Small UPS systems provide battery power for a few or to destroy data stored on your computer. A virus
minutes to enable you to shut down your computer. program moves from one computer to another through an
USB — universal serial bus — A hardware interface for a infected disk, software downloaded from the Internet, or
low-speed device such as a USB-compatible keyboard, e-mail attachments. When an infected program starts, its
mouse, joystick, scanner, set of speakers, printer, embedded virus also starts.
broadband devices (DSL and cable modems), imaging A common type of virus is a boot virus, which is stored in
devices, or storage devices. Devices are plugged directly in the boot sectors of a floppy disk. If the floppy disk is left in
to a 4-pin socket on your computer or in to a multi-port the drive when the computer is shut down and then
hub that plugs in to your computer. USB devices can be turned on, the computer is infected when it reads the
connected and disconnected while the computer is turned boot sectors of the floppy disk expecting to find the
on, and they can also be daisy-chained together. operating system. If the computer is infected, the boot
UTP — unshielded twisted pair — Describes a type of virus may replicate itself onto all the floppy disks that are
cable used in most telephone networks and some read or written in that computer until the virus is
computer networks. Pairs of unshielded wires are twisted eradicated.
to protect against electromagnetic interference, rather V — volt — The measurement of electric potential or
than relying on a metal sheath around each pair of wires to electromotive force. One V appears across a resistance of
protect against interference. 1 ohm when a current of 1 ampere flows through that
UXGA — ultra extended graphics array — A video resistance.
standard for video cards and controllers that supports
resolutions up to 1600 x 1200.
W — watt — The measurement of electrical power.
V One W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt.
video controller — The circuitry on a video card or on the WHr — watt-hour — A unit of measure commonly used
system board (in computers with an integrated video to indicate the approximate capacity of a battery. For
controller) that provides the video capabilities—in example, a 66-WHr battery can supply 66 W of power for
combination with the monitor—for your computer. 1 hour or 33 W for 2 hours.
video memory — Memory that consists of memory chips wallpaper — The background pattern or picture on the
dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually Windows desktop. Change your wallpaper through the
faster than system memory. The amount of video memory Windows Control Panel. You can also scan in your favorite
installed primarily influences the number of colors that a picture and make it wallpaper.
program can display. write-protected — Files or media that cannot be changed.
video mode — A mode that describes how text and Use write-protection when you want to protect data from
graphics are displayed on a monitor. Graphics-based being changed or destroyed. To write-protect a 3.5-inch
software, such as Windows operating systems, displays in floppy disk, slide its write-protect tab to the open
video modes that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y position.
vertical pixels by z colors. Character-based software, such WXGA — wide-aspect extended graphics array — A video
as text editors, displays in video modes that can be standard for video cards and controllers that supports
defined as x columns by y rows of characters. resolutions up to 1280 x 800.
video resolution — See resolution.
XGA — extended graphics array — A video standard for
video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to
1024 x 768.
ZIF — zero insertion force — A type of socket or
connector that allows a computer chip to be installed or
removed with no stress applied to either the chip or its
socket.
Zip — A popular data compression format. Files that have
been compressed with the Zip format are called Zip files
and usually have a filename extension of .zip. A special
kind of zipped file is a self-extracting file, which has a
filename extension of .exe. You can unzip a self-extracting
file by double-clicking it.
Zip drive — A high-capacity floppy drive developed by
Iomega Corporation that uses 3.5-inch removable disks
called Zip disks. Zip disks are slightly larger than regular
floppy disks, about twice as thick, and hold up to 100 MB
of data.
Numbers C connecting
WLAN, 54
3-in-1 media memory card CardBus technology
reader, 51 ExpressCards, 49 copying CDs
media memory cards, 51 general information, 46
helpful tips, 48
carnet, 108
A how to, 47
audio connectors, 22 copying DVDs
problems, 64
general information, 46
audio. See sound CD-RW drive helpful tips, 48
problems, 64 how to, 47
CDs, 46
B about, 46
battery operating system, 14 D
charge gauge, 24, 40 playing, 45
charging, 43 Check Disk, 65 contacting, 109
checking the charge, 40
cleaning premier support website, 14
conserving power, 41
touch pad, 142 support policy, 144
description, 24 support site, 13
performance, 39 coin-cell battery
power meter, 40 replacing, 103 Dell Diagnostics
removing, 43 about, 61
replacing coin-cell battery, 103 starting from the Drivers and
crashes, 72
Utilities CD, 62
storing, 44 protecting, 60
starting from your hard
battery-bay latch release, 24 restore to previous operating
drive, 61
state, 82
blanks Dell Premier Support
slow performance, 66, 73
ExpressCards, 49 website, 11, 14
specifications, 131
removing, 50, 52
stops responding, 72 device status lights, 17
boot sequence, 140
conflicts diagnostics
brightness software and hardware Dell, 61
adjusting, 33 incompatibilities, 81
160 Index
display E hardware
adjusting brightness, 33 conflicts, 81
End User License
description, 16 Dell Diagnostics, 61
Agreement, 11
removing, 104 Hardware Troubleshooter, 81
resolution, 33 ergonomics information, 11
Help and Support Center, 13
switching the video image, 33 error messages, 66
display latch, 19 ExpressCard slot
Windows Help and Support
display. See monitor description, 21
Center, 13
documentation ExpressCards
hibernate mode, 42
End User License blanks, 49-50
CardBus technology, 49 hinge cover
extended, 49 removing, 97
online, 13-14
Product Information installing, 49
Guide, 11 Mobile Broadband, 49
regulatory, 11 removing, 50 I
safety, 11 slots, 49 IEEE 1394 connector
warranty, 11 types, 49 description, 22
WWAN, 49
drivers Internet connection
about, 79 about, 25
identifying, 79 options, 25
reinstalling, 80 F
setting up, 25
Drivers and Utilities CD fan
IRQ conflicts, 81
about, 80 description, 21, 24
Dell Diagnostics, 61 Files and Settings Transfer
Wizard, 26
drives K
problems, 64 floppy drive
See also hard drive connecting to a USB
description, 18
See also optical drive connector, 22
numeric keypad, 35
DVD drive problems, 70
problems, 64 removing, 98
H shortcuts, 36
DVDs, 46
about, 46 hard drive keyboard status lights
playing, 45 description, 21, 24 description, 19
replacing, 90
numeric, 35
returning to Dell, 92
L N power (continued)
labels network
protection devices, 30
Microsoft Windows, 12 installing WLAN Mini-
standby mode, 41
Service Tag, 12 Card, 99
surge protectors, 30
lost computer, 60 UPS, 30
(WWAN), 74
problems, 74 power light
network connector conditions, 74
description, 23 power management
media memory cards conserving battery power, 41
blanks, 52
CardBus technology, 51
O cable, 29
installing, 51
operating system connecting, 29
removing, 52
CD, 14 problems, 75
slots, 51
reinstalling, 14 setting up, 29
types, 51
reinstalling Windows XP, 82 USB, 29
optical drive problems
description, 21 blue screen, 72
CD drive, 64
memory module cover, 24 optical-drive-tray eject
CD-RW drive, 64
messages computer crashes, 72
error, 66 computer does not start up, 72
Microsoft Windows label, 12 computer stops responding, 72
conflicts, 81
Mini-Card P Dell Diagnostics, 61
passwords drives, 64
Mobile Broadband (WWAN) about, 59 DVD drive, 64
problems, 74 forgetting, 60 error messages, 66
modem PC Restore, 84 hard drive, 65
installing, 95 keyboard, 70
playing CDs, 45
lockups, 72
modem connector
playing DVDs, 45 network, 74
power power, 74
monitor power light conditions, 74
See also display printer, 75
line conditioners, 30
problems, 78 program crashes repeatedly, 72
modes for managing power
switching the video image, 33 usage, 40 program stops responding, 72
problems (continued) screen. See monitor touch pad
programs and Windows security cable slot cleaning, 142
compatibility, 72 customizing, 38
restore computer to previous description, 18
operating state, 82 Service Tag, 12
restore operating system to software
protecting your computer, 60
previous state, 82 conflicts, 81
scanner, 76 problems, 72-73 transferring information to a
slow computer new computer, 26
performance, 66, 73 traveling with the computer
software, 72-73 by air, 108
volume, 76
sound and speakers, 76 identification tag, 107
speakers, 76 speakers packing, 107
spyware, 66, 73 description, 18 tips, 108
technical support policy, 144 problems, 76
video and monitor, 78 volume, 76
Product Information specifications, 131 Dell Diagnostics, 61
Guide, 11 spyware, 66, 73 Hardware Troubleshooter, 81
protecting your computer, 59 standby mode Help and Support Center, 13
about, 41 restore computer to previous
operating state, 82
stolen computer, 60
RAM. See memory contacting Dell, 109 U
regulatory information, 11 policy, 144
uninterruptible power supply.
reinstalling support website, 13 See UPS
Windows XP, 82 System Restore, 82 UPS, 30
resolution system setup USB connectors
setting, 33 entering, 139 description, 22
ResourceCD, 80 screens, 139
system setup program
commonly used options, 140 V
safety instructions, 11 problems, 78
scanner T
problems, 76 technical support description, 23
policy, 144
video controller wizards
determining configuration, 15 Files and Settings Transfer
video controller configuration
determining what controller is Program Compatibility
installed, 15
installing Mini-Card, 99
adjusting, 77
warranty information, 11
Device Driver Rollback, 80
Files and Settings Transfer
Hardware Troubleshooter, 81
Program Compatibility
reinstalling, 14, 82
System Restore, 82
Electrical Connector
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