User manual DELL INSPIRON 1501

DellTM InspironTM 1501 Owner's Manual 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 problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Abbreviations and Acronyms For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" on page 147. If you purchased a DellTM 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. Model PP23LA August 2006 P/N HN926 Rev. A00 Contents Finding Information ............................... 11 1 About Your Computer . Front View .......................... .................. 15 15 16 20 21 22 24 Determining Your Computer's Configuration .................................... .................................. ................................. Left Side View Right Side View Back View .................................... ................................... Bottom View 2 Setting Up Your Computer. Connecting to the Internet . ....................... 25 25 25 26 26 27 29 29 29 30 30 31 31 ........................... .................... ................. ....... ....... Setting Up Your Internet Connection Transferring Information to a New Computer . Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Up a Printer ............................... ......................... ......................... Printer Cable . . . . . . . Connecting a USB Printer. Power Protection Devices . ........................... ...................... ...................... ...................... Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . Uninterruptible Power Supplies Contents 3 3 Using the Display. Adjusting Brightness. ............................. 33 33 33 33 .............................. ........................... ........................... Switching the Video Image Setting Display Resolution. 4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad . Numeric Keypad Key Combinations ................ 35 35 36 36 36 36 36 36 37 37 37 38 38 ................................. ................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions Adjusting Keyboard Settings . . . . . . . . Touch Pad .................................... ........................ Customizing the Touch Pad . 5 Using a Battery . Battery Performance . .............................. .............................. 39 39 40 40 40 41 41 41 42 43 43 44 Checking the Battery Charge Charge Gauge. . . . . Low-Battery Warning . Conserving Battery Power . .......................... ® Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Microsoft ........................... ........................... ........................... ................. ................. Power Management Modes . . . . . . . Configuring Power Management Settings Charging the Battery . Replacing the Battery Storing a Battery . .............................. .............................. ................................ 4 Contents 6 Using Multimedia Playing a CD or DVD Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture ............................. 45 45 46 46 46 47 47 48 ............................... .............................. .............................. ............................. ........................ ........................ ........................ Copying CDs and DVDs. How to Copy a CD or DVD. . Using Blank CDs and DVDs . Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . 7 Using Cards ExpressCards. ................................. 49 49 49 49 50 51 51 52 .................................. .................... .................... .................... ExpressCard Blanks. . . . . . . . . Installing an ExpressCard. . . . . . Removing an ExpressCard or Blank Media Memory Cards .............................. ..................... ..................... Installing a Media Memory Card . Removing a Media Memory Card. 8 Setting Up a Network. Network Setup Wizard. .......................... .......... 53 53 54 54 54 54 55 56 57 Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem ............................. ..................... ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection Checking Your Wireless Network Card . . . . . . Setting Up a New WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network. . Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card . 9 Securing Your Computer. Security Cable Lock Passwords ........................ 59 59 59 ............................... .................................... Contents 5 Computer Tracking Software .......................... ....................... 60 60 If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . 10 Solving Problems. Dell Diagnostics Drive Problems . ............................. 61 61 64 64 65 65 65 65 66 70 70 71 71 72 72 72 72 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 ................................. ................................. ..... ..... ..... ..... CD and DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . . . . . . Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . Error Messages .................... ................................. ............................. ExpressCard Problems . Keyboard Problems ............................... ........................ ........................ ........................ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... External Keyboard problems Unexpected characters. . . Lockups and Software Problems The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly . . . . . A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Problems ................................ ............................... Network Problems . Power Problems ................................. ............... Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer Printer Problems . Scanner Problems ................................ ................................ 6 Contents Sound and Speaker Problems . ......................... .................... .................... .................... 76 76 76 77 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 80 81 82 82 84 85 No sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakers . No sound from headphones . . . . Touch Pad or Mouse Problems Video and Display Problems . ......................... .......................... ................... ................... ................... If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . If the display is difficult to read . . . . If only part of the display is readable . Drivers ...................................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ............. What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Restoring Your Operating System ........................ .............. .............. .............. Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . . 11 Adding and Replacing Parts . Before You Begin. ..................... 87 87 87 87 88 90 90 92 92 95 97 98 99 ................................ .................. .................. .................. Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . Before Working Inside Your Computer . Optical Drive . Hard Drive .................................. .................................... ....................... Returning a Hard Drive to Dell Memory. Modem ..................................... ...................................... ................................... Hinge Cover Keyboard ..................................... ............................... Wireless Mini-Card Contents 7 Coin-Cell Battery . Display ............................... 103 104 ..................................... 12 Traveling With Your Computer. Identifying Your Computer . Packing the Computer Travel Tips ................... 107 107 107 108 108 .......................... ............................. ................................... .............................. Traveling by Air 13 Contacting Dell . 14 Specifications . 15 Appendix ............................. 109 131 139 139 139 140 142 142 142 142 143 143 143 144 144 144 .............................. .................................. ....................... Using the System Setup Program Entering System Setup . Commonly Used Options Cleaning Your Computer . ......................... ......................... ........................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................. ......... ......... Computer, Keyboard, and Display Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . FCC Notice (U.S. Only) FCC Class B ............................. ................................ 8 Contents Glossary Index . ..................................... 147 159 ....................................... Contents 9 10 Contents Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer. What Are You Looking For? · · · · · A diagnostic program for my computer Drivers for my computer My computer documentation My device documentation Notebook System Software (NSS) Find It Here Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD) NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Documentation and drivers are already installed on your 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 technicalreference material for technicians or experienced users. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com. · · · · · · Warranty information Terms and Conditions (U.S. only) Safety instructions Regulatory information Ergonomics information End User License Agreement DellTM Product Information Guide Finding Information 11 What Are You Looking For? · How to set up my computer Find It Here Setup Diagram · Service Tag and Express Service Code · Microsoft Windows License Label Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License 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 support. 12 Finding Information What Are You Looking For? Find It Here · 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 customers · Upgrades -- Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system · Customer Care -- Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information · Service and support -- Service call status and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support · Reference -- Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers · Downloads -- Certified drivers, patches, and software updates · How to use the Windows operating system · How to work with programs and files · How to personalize my desktop Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 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. Finding Information 13 What Are You Looking For? · How to reinstall my operating system Find It Here 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 methods: · 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 Top technical issues for my computer Frequently asked questions File downloads Details on my computer configuration Service contract for my computer Dell Premier Support Website -- premiersupport.dell.com The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government, and education customers. This website may not be available in all regions. 14 Finding Information 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 configuration: 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 Front View 1 2 3 4 10 5 9 6 8 7 1 4 7 display latch release power button speakers (2) 2 5 8 display latches (2) device status lights touch pad buttons 3 6 9 display touch pad keyboard 10 keyboard and wireless status lights DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE DISPLAY -- Press to release the display latches and open the 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 Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status. light is flashing. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the · · · · · Solid green: The battery is charging. Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged. light operates as follows: If the computer is running on a battery, the Flashing orange: The battery charge is low. light operates as follows: Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off). Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low. About Your Computer 17 TOUCH PAD -- Provides the functionality of a mouse. Silk screening on the touch pad indicates scrolling capabilities. 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 provide the functionality of a mouse. TOUCH PAD BUTTONS 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. 18 About Your Computer KEYBOARD AND WIRELESS STATUS LIGHTS The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following: 9 A Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled. Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled. Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled. Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, press . DISPLAY LATCHES -- Keep the display closed. About Your Computer 19 Left Side View 1 1 4 air vent optical-drive-tray eject button 2 2 3 4 3 optical drive bay security cable slot 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. 20 About Your Computer 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. -- Press this button to eject a CD or DVD from the optical drive. O P T I C A L -D R I V E - T R A Y E J E C T B U T T O N Right Side View 1 1 4 hard drive audio connectors (2) 2 5 2 3 3 4 5 3-in-1 media memory card reader ExpressCard slot 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. EXPRESS 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 -IN -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. About Your Computer 21 AUDIO CONNECTORS Attach headphones or speakers to the Attach a microphone to the USB CONNECTORS connector. 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 floppydrive cable. Back View 1 1 4 AC adapter connector USB connectors (2) 2 3 2 5 4 5 3 modem connector (RJ-11) network connector (RJ-45) video connector 22 About Your Computer 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 documentation supplied with your computer. 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. About Your Computer 23 Bottom View 1 2 3 4 5 7 1 4 7 battery charge gauge battery fan 2 5 6 optical-drive locking screw hard drive 3 6 battery-bay latch release modem/memory module cover BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE -- Provides information on the battery charge status. See "Checking the Battery Charge" -- Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see on page 40. O P T I C A L -D R I V E L O C K I N G S C R E W "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. 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. M O D E M /MEMORY M O D U L E C O V E R FAN -- Covers the compartment that contains the modem and the memory modules. For more information, see "Modem" on page 95 and "Memory" on page 92. -- The computer uses a fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. About Your Computer 24 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 line. · 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: 1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 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. Setting Up Your Computer 27 Create a Wizard Disk 1 Click the Start button and point to All Programs Accessories System Tools 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 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 Next. 7 Go to the old computer. Copy Data From 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. 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. Follow the instructions on the screen. 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 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. 28 Setting Up Your Computer 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. Printer Cable 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. Setting Up Your Computer 29 1 3 2 1 USB connector on computer 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. Power Protection Devices Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures: · · · Surge protectors Line conditioners Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) Surge Protectors 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. 30 Setting Up Your Computer 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. Line Conditioners NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions. Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level. 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 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). Setting Up Your Computer 31 32 Setting Up Your Computer Using the Display Adjusting Brightness When a DellTM computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the brightness to the lowest comfortable setting by pressing 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 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 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 a number or symbol, press and the desired key after enabling the keypad. · · To enable the keypad, press . The To disable the keypad, press again. 9 light indicates that the keypad is active. Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad