Dell Inspiron 8600- Manuals

Contents 7 9 Appendix Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Standard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Viewing the System Setup Sc...

Finding Information 9 Finding Information What Are You Looking For? Find it Here • How to set up my computer Setup Diagram • Tips on using Microsoft ® Windows ® • How to play CDs and DVDs• How to use standby mode and hibernate mode• How to change my display resolution• How to clean my computer The D...

A Tour of Your Computer 11 A Tour of Your Computer Front View D I S P L A Y L A T C H — Keeps the display closed. D I S P L A Y — For more information about your display, see the Dell Inspiron help file. To access the help file, see page 61. P O W E R B U T T O N — Press the power button to turn on ...

A Tour of Your Computer 15 Left View I E E E 1 3 9 4 C O N N E C T O R ( 4 - P I N ) — Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras. P C C A R D S L O T — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. For more information, see t...

16 A Tour of Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com H A R D D R I V E — Stores software and data. S E C U R I T Y C A B L E S L O T — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device. NOTICE: Before...

A Tour of Your Computer 17 S E C U R I T Y C A B L E S L O T — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device. NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable ...

20 A Tour of Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Bottom View B A T T E R Y - B A Y L A T C H R E L E A S E — Releases the battery. See page 30. B A T T E R Y — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. See page 30. B A T...

Setting Up Your Computer 21 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), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the followin...

22 Setting Up Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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) . • If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you d...

Setting Up Your Computer 23 T U R N O F F C A L L W A I T I N G ( C A T C H - P H O N E ) — See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties. 1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel . 2 Click Printers and Ot...

24 Setting Up Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com 3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way. Printer Problems C H E C K T H E P R I N T E R C A B L E C O N N E C T I O N S — Ensure that the printer cable is pr...

Setting Up Your Computer 25 Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network NOTE: A network adapter is also referred to as a network interface controller (NIC). NOTICE: Do not install a network adapter or a network adapter/modem combination PC Card until you complete the docking device setup. ...

26 Setting Up Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Uninterruptible Power Supplies 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 dev...

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 27 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices Using a Battery CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures listed below, read and follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide . Battery Performance NOTE: Batteries for portable computer...

28 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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 lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. ...

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 29 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 more information on the Power Meter tab, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file,...

30 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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 flas...

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 31 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 before you use it. Power Problems C H E C K T H E P O W E...

32 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices www .dell.com | support.dell.com NOTE: All devices that you install in the module bay, except a second battery, can also be installed in the Dell D/Bay. Your Dell™ computer ships with an optical drive installed in the module bay. However, the device screw is...

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 33 NOTE: You do not need to install the device screw unless you want to secure the module inside the computer for security purposes. If the Device Screw Is Not Installed NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a safe, dry place when they are not ins...

34 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices www .dell.com | support.dell.com If the Device Screw Is Installed 1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer (see page 26). 2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation...

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 35 6 Pull the device out of the module bay. NOTICE: Insert devices into the module bay before you dock and turn on the computer. 7 Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device until you feel a click. 8 Replace the device screw. 9 Turn on the computer...

36 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices www .dell.com | support.dell.com If the Device Screw Is Not Installed 1 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar. 2 Click the device you want to eject and click Stop . NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a safe, dry place w...

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 39 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric Keypad The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, ensure that the keypad is enabled, and press <Fn> and the desired key. The light indicates that the...

40 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad www .dell.com | support.dell.com Keyboard Shortcuts System Functions Battery CD or DVD Tray Display Functions Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth ® ) <Ctrl> <Shift> <Esc> Opens the Task Manager window <Num Lk> Enables and di...

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 41 Power Management Speaker Functions If no sound comes from the speakers, press <Fn> <End> and adjust the volume. Microsoft ® Windows ® Logo Key Functions <Fn> <Esc> Activates the power management mode of your choice. You can program this key...

42 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad www .dell.com | support.dell.com To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel , click Printers and Other Hardware , and then click Keyboard . Touch Pad The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to all...

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 43 Customizing the Touch Pad You can disable the touch pad or adjust their settings by using the Mouse Properties window. 1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel , and then click Printers and Other Hardware . Click Mouse . 2 On the Mouse Properties window: • Cl...

44 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad www .dell.com | support.dell.com T O 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 — 1 Turn off the computer. 2 Disconnect the external keyboard. 3 Turn on the comput...

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 45 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia Copying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs. This section applies only to computers that have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive.The following instr...

46 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia www .dell.com | support.dell.com • If you have two CD or DVD drives , select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or DVD and click Copy . The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD. Once you have finished copying the...

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 47 Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device NOTE: Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to a TV or other audio device are not included with your computer. Cables may be purchased at most consumer electronics stores. The composite TV-out ada...

48 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia www .dell.com | support.dell.com 4 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable in to the headphone connector on your computer. 5 Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the audio input connectors on your TV or other audio de...

50 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia www .dell.com | support.dell.com 5 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable in to the headphone connector on the computer. 6 Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the audio input connectors on your TV or other audio dev...

Setting Up a Home and Office Network 53 Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Before you connect your computer to a network, 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 t...

54 Setting Up a Home and Office Network www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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 offi...

Setting Up a Home and Office Network 55 Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers in order to connect to a network. The software is already installed. If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions...

56 Setting Up a Home and Office Network www .dell.com | support.dell.com 2 Click to select the network you want to configure, and then click Connect or double-click the network name in the list. If you select a secure network (identified by a icon), you must enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted. NOT...

Solving Problems 59 Solving Problems Finding Solutions Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to quickly find the answers to your questions. NOTE: If you have a problem with an external device, see the device documentation or contact the manufacturer. ® See pa...

Solving Problems 61 Accessing Help Error Messages If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running at the time the message appeared. T O A C C E S S T H E D E L L I N S P I R O N H E L P F I L E — 1 Click the Start button and click Help and...

62 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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. A R E Q U I R E D . D L L F ...

Solving Problems 63 If the display is difficult to read 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. To access the help file, see page 61. A D...

64 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com If only part of the display is readable Scanner Problems Drive Problems NOTE: For information on saving files to a floppy disk, see the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, see page 61. If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive C O N ...

Solving Problems 65 If you have problems with a hard drive E N S U R E T H A T T H E D I S K I S N O T W R I T E - P R O T E C T E D — You cannot save data to a write-protected disk. See the following figure. T R Y A N O T H E R F L O P P Y D I S K — Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility ...

66 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com PC Card Problems General Program Problems A program crashes NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD. C H E C K T H E D R I V E F O R E R R O R S — 1 Click the Start button and click ...

Solving Problems 67 A program stops responding Error messages appear E-Mail Problems If Your Computer Gets Wet CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain that it is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, it is recommended that you turn off AC power at th...

68 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com 8 Remove the memory module(s) (see page 77). 9 Open the display and place the computer right-side up across two books or similar props to let air circulate all around it. Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours in a dry area at room temperature...

Solving Problems 69 Resolving Other Technical Problems Drivers 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 the programs that use the device. Each devi...

70 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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. 1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel . 2 Under Pick a Category , click Per...

Solving Problems 71 Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. 1 After copying the correct driver files to...

Solving Problems 73 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: 1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel . 2 Click Performance and Maintenance . 3 C...

74 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com 7 Click Next . The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts. 8 After the computer restarts, click OK . Removing PC Restore NOTICE: PC Restore enables you to restore your computer’s operating system to the condition it was in when yo...

Adding and Replacing Parts 77 Adding and Replacing Parts The procedures in this section require a small Phillips screwdriver. Adding Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See page 89 for information on the memory supported by your computer. In...

Adding and Replacing Parts 79 8 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. NOTICE: If you need to ins...

80 Adding and Replacing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 9 Ground yourself and install the new memory module: NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure. a Align the notch in the module edge connector with t...

Adding and Replacing Parts 81 10 Replace the cover. NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may damage your computer. 11 Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet. 12...

Adding and Replacing Parts 83 9 If a Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step 10. If you are replacing a Mini PCI card, remove the existing card: a Disconnect the Mini PCI card from any attached cables. b Release the Mini PCI card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops up...

84 Adding and Replacing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 11 Connect the antenna cables to the Mini PCI. 12 Replace the cover and tighten the screw. Adding a Modem If you ordered the optional modem at the same time that you ordered your computer, Dell installed the modem for you. CAUTION: Befor...

86 Adding and Replacing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 9 If a modem is not already installed, go to step 10. If you are replacing a modem, remove the existing modem: a Remove the screws securing the modem to the system board, and set it aside. b Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to l...

Adding and Replacing Parts 87 Replacing the Hard Drive 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. CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide ...

Appendix 95 Standard Settings Overview You can use the system setup program as follows: • To set or change user-selectable features—for example, your computer password. • To verify information about the computer’s current configuration, such as the amount of system memory. After you set up the compu...

96 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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 o...

98 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Changing Printer Modes NOTE: Changing this setting only takes effect if your computer is connected to a docking station. Set the Parallel Mode option according to the type of printer or device connected to the parallel connector. To determine the correct ...

Appendix 99 Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or application software sold by Dell not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party software and per...

100 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com harmful interference to 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 or relocate the receiving anten...

Index 119 Index A air vents description, 19system view, 19 audio connectors description, 15system view, 15 audio device connecting, 47 B battery charge gauge, 29charging, 29checking the charge, 28description, 20health gauge, 29installing, 30low-battery warning, 29performance, 27power meter, 29removi...