Page 2 - Abbreviations and Acronyms
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 problem. ...
Page 3 - Contents; A Tour of Your Computer
Contents 3 Contents Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1 A Tour of Your Computer Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Right Side View ...
Page 9 - Finding Information
Finding Information 9 Finding Information NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer. What Are You Looking For? Find It Here • Warranty information• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)• Safety instructions...
Page 13 - Front View
A Tour of Your Computer 13 A Tour of Your Computer Front View D I S P L A Y L A T C H R E L E A S E — Slide this display latch to release and open the display. D I S P L A Y — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access help, see...
Page 16 - Left Side View
16 A Tour of Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Left Side View 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, e...
Page 18 - Right Side View
18 A Tour of Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Right Side View M O D U L E B A Y — You can install devices such as an optical drive or Dell TravelLite™ module in the module bay. For more information, see "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29. M O D E M C O N N E C T O R ( R...
Page 20 - Bottom View
20 A Tour of Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com Bottom View M O D U L E B A Y — You can install devices such as an optical drive in the module bay. For more information, see "Installing Module Bay Devices" on page 29. M O D U L E B A Y L A T C H R E L E A S E — Releases a device....
Page 21 - Setting Up Your Computer; Connecting to the Internet; Setting Up Your Internet Connection
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...
Page 22 - Setting Up a Printer; Printer Cable
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...
Page 23 - Power Protection Devices; Surge Protectors
Setting Up Your Computer 23 3 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way. Power Protection Devices Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures: • Surge protectors • Line conditioners • U...
Page 24 - Line Conditioners; Uninterruptible Power Supplies
24 Setting Up Your Computer www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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...
Page 25 - Using a Battery; Battery Performance
Using a Battery 25 Using a Battery Battery Performance CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide . For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer ...
Page 26 - Checking the Battery Charge; Microsoft Windows Power Meter; Charging the Battery
26 Using a Battery www .dell.com | support.dell.com Checking the Battery Charge The Microsoft ® Windows ® Power Meter window and icon and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge. Microsoft Windows Power Meter The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. T...
Page 27 - Removing a Battery; Storing a Battery
Using a Battery 27 Removing a Battery CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack. 1 Ensure that the computer is turned off, set to the hibernate power management mode, or connected to an electrical outlet. 2 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch rel...
Page 29 - Installing Module Bay Devices; About the Module Bay
Installing Module Bay Devices 29 Installing Module Bay Devices About the Module Bay CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide . You can install devices such as a DVD drive, CD-RW/DVD drive, or DVD+RW in th...
Page 31 - Using CDs and DVDs; Copying CDs and DVDs; How to Copy a CD or DVD
Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 31 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia Using CDs and DVDs For information about using CDs and DVDs in your computer, see the Dell™ Inspiron™ Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. Copying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Ensure that...
Page 32 - Helpful Tips
32 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia www .dell.com | support.dell.com 3 Click Exact Copy . 4 To copy the CD or DVD:• If you have one CD or DVD drive , ensure that the settings are correct and click Copy . The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your comput...
Page 33 - Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device
Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 33 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. You can use a commercial...
Page 34 - Enabling the Display Settings for a TV
34 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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 device. 6 Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn ...
Page 35 - Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad; Numeric Keypad
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 35 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric Keypad 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 ...
Page 36 - Key Combinations; System Functions
36 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad www .dell.com | support.dell.com Key Combinations System Functions Display Functions Radios (Including Wireless Networking) Power Management Speaker Functions <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> Opens the Task Manager window. <Fn><F3> Enables and disa...
Page 37 - Microsoft; Touch Pad
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 37 Microsoft ® Windows ® Logo Key Functions To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware , and click Keyboard . Touch Pad The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to a...
Page 38 - Customizing the Touch Pad
38 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad www .dell.com | support.dell.com • To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap down-up-down on the touch pad. On the second down motion, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger ov...
Page 39 - Using PC Cards; PC Card Types; PC Card Blanks
Using PC Cards 39 Using PC Cards PC Card Types See "Specifications" on page 81 for information on supported PC Cards. NOTE: A PC Card is not a bootable device. The PC Card slot has one connector that supports a single Type I or Type II card. The PC Card slot supports CardBus technology and e...
Page 41 - Installing a PC Card
Using PC Cards 41 Installing a PC Card You can install a PC Card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed ...
Page 43 - Setting Up a Home and Office Network; Connecting to a Network Adapter
Setting Up a Home and Office Network 43 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...
Page 44 - Network Setup Wizard; Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network; Determining Your Network Type
44 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...
Page 45 - Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft
Setting Up a Home and Office Network 45 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...
Page 47 - Solving Problems; Dell Diagnostics; When to Use the Dell Diagnostics; Starting the Dell Diagnostics
Solving Problems 47 Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide . When to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this...
Page 49 - Drivers; Identifying Drivers
Solving Problems 49 4 When the tests are complete, 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. Drivers What Is a Driver? A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard....
Page 50 - Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
50 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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 devic...
Page 51 - Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities; Restoring Your Operating System; Using Microsoft
Solving Problems 51 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...
Page 52 - Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec
52 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 51) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore. NOTICE: Before you restore...
Page 54 - Drive Problems
54 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Removing PC Restore NOTICE: PC Restore enables you to restore your computer’s operating system to the condition it was in when you purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not remove PC Restore from your computer, even to gain additi...
Page 55 - CD and DVD drive problems
Solving Problems 55 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. ...
Page 56 - If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
56 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound Hard drive problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTE: ...
Page 58 - Error Messages
58 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Error Messages CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was ...
Page 59 - Keyboard Problems
Solving Problems 59 IEEE 1394 Device Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . Keyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Pr...
Page 60 - External Keyboard Problems; Lockups and Software Problems
60 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com External Keyboard Problems NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional. Unexpected Characters Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow th...
Page 61 - The computer does not start up
Solving Problems 61 The computer does not start up The computer stops responding NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentati...
Page 62 - A solid blue screen appears
62 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com A solid blue screen appears Other software problems T U 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 unt...
Page 63 - Memory Problems; Network Problems
Solving Problems 63 Memory Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Infor...
Page 64 - PC Card Problems; Power Problems
64 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com PC Card Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety i...
Page 65 - Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer; Printer Problems
Solving Problems 65 Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer Your computer is designed to use the 65-W AC adapter; for optimum system performance, you should always use this adapter. Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions i...
Page 66 - Scanner Problems
66 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com Scanner Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner’s manufacturer. T E S ...
Page 67 - Sound and Speaker Problems; No sound from integrated speakers
Solving Problems 67 Sound and Speaker Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . No sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakers NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides t...
Page 68 - No sound from headphones; Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
68 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com No sound from headphones Touch Pad or Mouse Problems R E I N S T A L L T H E A U D I O D R I V E R ( S E E " R E I N S T A L L I N G D R I V E R S A N D U T I L I T I E S " O N P A G E 5 0 ) R U N T H E D E L L D I A G N O S T I C S ( S E ...
Page 69 - Video and Display Problems; If the display is blank; If the display is difficult to read
Solving Problems 69 Video and Display Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . If the display is blank NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it...
Page 70 - If only part of the display is readable
70 Solving Problems www .dell.com | support.dell.com If only part of the display is readable 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. A D J U S T T H E W I N D O W S D I S P L A Y S E T T I N...
Page 71 - Adding and Replacing Parts; Before You Begin; Recommended Tools
Adding and Replacing Parts 71 Adding and Replacing Parts Before You Begin 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 O...
Page 72 - Before Working Inside Your Computer
72 Adding and Replacing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 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: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, fol...
Page 73 - Memory
Adding and Replacing Parts 73 7 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay. 8 Remove any installed modules. Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See "Specifications...
Page 75 - Modem
Adding and Replacing Parts 75 6 Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet. 7 Turn on the computer. As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.To confirm the ...
Page 76 - Mini PCI Card
76 Adding and Replacing Parts www .dell.com | support.dell.com 4 If a modem is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a modem, remove the existing modem: a Remove the screws securing the modem to the system board, and set them aside. b Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to ...
Page 81 - Appendix; Specifications
Appendix 81 Appendix Specifications Processor Processor type Intel ® Pentium ® M or Intel Celeron ® M processor External bus frequency 400 MHz System Information System chipset Intel 855GME Data bus width 64 bits DRAM bus width 64 bits Processor address bus width 32 bits Flash EPROM 4 MB Graphics bu...
Page 86 - Using the System Setup Program; Overview
86 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com Using the System Setup Program Overview NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in system setup, thus overriding options that you set through system setup. (An exception is the External Hot Key option, which y...
Page 87 - Viewing the System Setup Screens; Commonly Used Options
Appendix 87 • Basic device-configuration settings • System security and hard-drive password settings NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change the system setup settings. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly. ...
Page 89 - Contacting Dell
Appendix 89 Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any "Dell-installed" software and peripherals 1 . Support for third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer, including those purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Periphera...
Page 107 - Macrovision Product Notice; Class A
Appendix 107 Macrovision Product Notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology mu...
Page 108 - FCC Identification Information
108 Appendix www .dell.com | support.dell.com instruction manual, may cause interference with radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which ...
Page 109 - Index
Index 109 Index A about, 37 air vent description, 20system view, 20 audio connectors description, 14system view, 14 audio device connecting, 33 audio. See sound B battery charging, 26checking the charge, 26description, 20installing, 27low-battery warning, 26performance, 25power meter, 26removing, 27...
