DellTM InspironTM 1525/1526 Owner's Manual Model PP29L 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. ___________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2007 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, Wi-Fi Catcher, and Dell MediaDirect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Core are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.; AMD, AMD Turion, Athlon, Sempron, ATI Radeon and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association. 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 PP29L October 2007 P/N NN491 Rev. A01 Contents Finding Information ................... 13 1 About Your Computer Front View ............... 19 19 24 26 28 29 ........................ ...................... ..................... Left Side View Right Side View Back View ........................ ....................... Bottom View 2 Setting Up Your Computer . Connecting to the Internet ........... 31 31 32 33 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 36 ............... ....... ..... Setting Up Your Internet Connection . Transferring Information to a New Computer Windows Easy Transfer 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 .................. .................. 37 37 Switching the Video Image From Your Computer Display To a Projector . . . ......... ..... 37 38 Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate . 4 Using the Keyboard and Touchpad Numeric Keypad ..... 39 39 40 40 40 40 40 41 41 41 42 43 ..................... .................... .................. ................. Key Combinations System Functions Battery Display Functions . ....................... ................ .... Power Management Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions DellTM QuickSet Key Combinations Adjusting Keyboard Settings Touch Pad ......... ............ ........................ ............ Customizing the Touch Pad . 5 Using a Battery .................... .................. .............. 45 45 46 46 47 47 Battery Performance Checking the Battery Charge Dell QuickSet Battery Meter Low-Battery Warning ............ ® Windows® Battery Meter . . . . . . . Microsoft ............... 4 Contents Conserving Battery Power ............... .... 47 48 48 49 49 50 Configuring Power Management Settings . Using the Sleep Power State Charging the Battery Replacing the Battery Storing a Battery ........... .................. .................. .................... 6 Using Multimedia Playing Media .................. 51 51 ...................... Playing Media Using Dell Travel Remote (Optional) . Copying CD, DVD, and Blu-ray DiscTM (BD) Media ............. 53 ............... ........... ....... 54 55 55 56 57 58 58 How to Copy a CD, DVD or BD Helpful Tips Using Blank CD, DVD, and BD Media ..................... .................. .................. ............... Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture Using Dell MediaDirectTM . Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . S-Video and Standard Audio . S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio ......... 59 61 62 64 66 68 ........... ......... ....... .... Composite Video and Standard Audio Component Video and Standard Audio Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio ...... Contents 5 Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio HDMI (Optional) Enabling the Display Settings for a TV .... 71 73 74 .................. ....... 7 Using the Optional Camera Accessing the Camera's Help File ........... ........... ........ 75 75 76 76 Manually Adjusting the Camera Settings Creating a Picture or a Video .............. 8 Using Cards ExpressCards ....................... ...................... ................... ................ .......... 77 77 78 78 79 79 79 80 81 ExpressCard Blanks Installing an ExpressCard Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . Memory Card Reader .................. ................ ................ ........... Memory Card Blanks Installing a Memory Card Removing a Memory Card or Blank 9 Setting Up and Using Networks Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable Setting Up a Network ....... 83 83 84 ................ .................. 6 Contents Wireless Local Area Network ............. ........... ...... .... 84 84 84 85 87 What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection . . . . . . Checking Your Wireless Network Card Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem Connecting to a WLAN . .............. Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network) ........... ..... ... ... 88 88 89 90 90 91 What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card . Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Enabling/Disabling the Dell Mobile Broadband Card . ........... ......... Dell Wi-Fi CatcherTM Network Locator 10 Securing Your Computer Security Cable Lock Passwords . ............. 93 93 93 94 ................... ....................... ........... If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen 11 Troubleshooting ................... ............. 95 95 95 99 100 101 Dell Technical Update Service Dell Diagnostics . .................... ................... ................... .................... Dell Support Utility Dell Support 3 DellConnect Contents 7 Network Assistant PC TuneUp PC CheckUp Drive Problems ................. 101 101 102 102 103 104 104 106 111 111 112 112 113 113 113 113 114 114 114 114 115 116 116 117 118 ..................... .................... ..................... ............... Optical drive problems Hard drive problems ................ ........ E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . Error Messages ..................... ................. ............... ExpressCard Problems IEEE 1394 Device Problems Keyboard Problems ................... ............ External Keyboard problems Unexpected characters .............. ............ ............ .......... .......... ..... Lockups and Software Problems The computer does not start 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 Dell MediaDirect problems . Other software problems . Memory Problems ............ ............ ............. .................... ................... ..... Network Problems . Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network [WWAN]) Power Problems ..................... 8 Contents Printer Problems .................... ................... ............. ........ 119 120 120 120 121 121 121 122 122 123 124 124 124 125 125 Scanner Problems . Sound and Speaker Problems 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 Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Windows Vista® Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restoring Your Operating System ...... 127 128 128 ............ ....... Using Windows Vista System Restore 12 Adding and Replacing Parts Before You Begin Recommended Tools ......... 133 133 133 133 134 .................... ................ ............. ...... Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer . Contents 9 Hard Drive ........................ ............. ............. ........... 135 136 137 137 138 138 138 139 139 140 140 141 142 142 142 144 146 147 147 149 149 149 150 151 Removing the Hard Drive . Replacing the Hard Drive . Returning a Hard Drive to Dell Optical Drive . ...................... ............ ............ Removing the Optical Drive Replacing the Optical Drive Hinge Cover ....................... ............. ............. Removing the Hinge Cover Replacing the Hinge Cover Keyboard ......................... .............. .............. Removing the Keyboard Replacing the Keyboard Memory ......................... ............ ............ ......... Removing Memory Module Replacing Memory Module Subscriber Identity Module (Optional) Wireless Mini-Cards .................. ................ ................ Removing Mini-Card Replacing Mini-Card Flash Cache Module . .................. ................. ................. ............... Removing the FCM Replacing the FCM Broadcom® Media PC Card Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology . . . . . Removing the Card Replacing the Card ............. 151 151 152 ................. ................. 10 Contents 13 Traveling With Your Computer Identifying Your Computer Packing the Computer . Travel Tips ....... 153 153 153 154 154 ............... ................. ........................ .................. Traveling by Air . 14 Getting Help ..................... .................. ..... 155 155 156 156 156 157 157 157 157 158 158 160 Obtaining Assistance DellConnect Technical Support and Customer Service Online Services AutoTech Service .................... .................. ................. ......... Automated Order-Status Service Problems With Your Order Product Information ............... ................... ..... Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Before You Call Contacting Dell ..................... ..................... 15 Specifications .................... 161 Contents 11 A Appendix ........................ ............ ......... 171 171 172 172 172 174 174 175 175 175 176 177 177 177 177 178 Using the System Setup Program System Setup Screen . Viewing the System Setup Screen Commonly Used Options Cleaning Your Computer . Touch Pad Mouse Media ............... .............. ................ ......... Computer, Keyboard, and Display ..................... ....................... ........................ ....... ....... 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 ........ .................. ..................... .............. Macrovision Product Notice Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Index 197 .............................. 12 Contents Finding Information NOTE: Some features may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features 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 Device documentation Notebook System Software (NSS) Find It Here Drivers and Utilities Media Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 125) or run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 95). Readme files may be included on your Drivers and Utilities media to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com. Finding Information 13 What Are You Looking For? · · · · · · Warranty information Terms and Conditions (U.S. only) Safety instructions Regulatory information Ergonomics information End User License Agreement Find It Here DellTM Product Information Guide · How to set up my computer Setup Diagram · Service Tag and Express Service Code · Microsoft Windows License Label Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License These labels are located on your computer. · Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact support. · Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting support. NOTE: As an increased security measure, the newly designed Microsoft Windows license label incorporates a missing portion or "hole" to discourage removal of the label. 14 Finding Information What Are You Looking For? · Solutions -- Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked questions · Community -- Online discussion with other Dell customers · Upgrades -- Upgrade information for components, such as the memory, hard drive, and operating system · Customer Care -- Contact information, service call and order status, and warranty and repair information · Service and support -- Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with support · Dell Technical Update Service -- Proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer · Reference -- Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers · Downloads -- Certified drivers, patches, and software updates · Notebook System Software (NSS) -- If you reinstall the operating system on your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility. NSS automatically detects your computer and operating system, and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration, providing critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel® processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. Find It Here Dell Support Website -- support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the appropriate support site. To download Notebook System Software: 1 Go to support.dell.com, select your country/region, and then click Drivers & Downloads. 2 Enter your Service Tag or product model, and then click Go. 3 Select your operating system and language, and then click Find Downloads, or under Downloads Search, search for the keyword Notebook System Software. NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary depending on your selections. Finding Information 15 What Are You Looking For? · Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints -- Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general health of your computing environment Find It Here Dell Support Utility The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and notification system installed on your computer. This support provides real-time health scans of your computing environment, software updates, and relevant self-support information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon on the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support Utility" on page 99. Windows Help and Support 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click Help and Support. 2 In Search Help, type a word or phrase that describes your problem, and then press or click the magnifying glass. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. Dell QuickSet Help To view Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the QuickSet icon in the Microsoft® Windows® taskbar, and select Help. The taskbar is located in the lower-right corner of your screen. · How to use Windows Vista® · How to work with programs and files · How to personalize my desktop · Information on network activity, the Power Management Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell QuickSet 16 Finding Information What Are You Looking For? · How to reinstall my operating system Find It Here Operating System Media 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. · Operating System Installation Media -- If you received operating system media with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. For more information, see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 128. After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities media 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 operating system installation media varies according to the operating system you ordered. Finding Information 17 18 Finding Information About Your Computer Front View 1 2 3 17 16 15 4 5 6 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 About Your Computer 19 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 camera indicator (optional) display media control buttons (7) touch pad analog microphone headphone connectors (2) touch pad buttons (2) Dell MediaDirectTM button digital array microphones (optional) 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 camera (optional) power button keyboard 8-in-1 media card reader microphone connector consumer IR device status lights keyboard status lights CAMERA INDICATOR -- Indicates that the camera is on. Based on configuration selections you made when ordering your computer, your computer may not include a camera. CAMERA -- Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. Based on configuration selections you made when ordering your computer, your computer may not include a camera. -- For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 39. DISPLAY P O W E R B U T T O N -- Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 50). Windows® operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button. NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (may take several seconds). MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS -- Control CD, DVD, and Media Player playback. Mute the sound Turn the volume down Turn the volume up Play or pause Play the previous track Play the next track Stop 20 About Your Computer KEYBOARD -- For more information about the keyboard, see "Using the Keyboard and Touchpad" on page 41. -- Provides the functionality of a mouse (see "Touch Pad" on page 43). TOUCH PAD 8- I N -1 M E D I A 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 computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. The 8-in-1 memory card reader reads the following digital media memory cards: · Secure Digital (SD) memory card · Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) card · MultiMediaCard (MMC) · Memory Stick · Memory Stick PRO · xD-Picture Card · Hi Speed-SD · Hi Density-SD ANALOG MICROPHONE AUDIO CONNECTORS -- Integrated single microphone for conferencing and chat. Attach headphones to the Attach a microphone to the connector connector C O N S U M E R I R -- Infrared sensor for using the Dell Travel Remote. See "Playing Media Using Dell Travel Remote (Optional)" on page 53. TOUCH PAD BUTTONS -- Use these buttons much like the buttons on a mouse when you use the touch pad to move the cursor on the display (see "Touch Pad" on page 43). About Your Computer 21 DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS The lights located on the palm rest towards the front of the computer indicate the following: Power light ­ Turns on when you turn on the computer, and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. Hard drive activity light ­ 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. Battery status light ­ Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status. WiFi status light ­ Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, use the wireless switch (see "wireless switch" on page 27). 22 About Your Computer Bluetooth® status light ­ Turns on when a card with Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled. NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature. The light turns on only if you ordered the card with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your card. To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology functionality, right-click the icon in the notification area, and then click Disable Bluetooth Radio. To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, use the wireless switch (see "wireless switch" on page 24). If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the ­ Solid blue: The battery is charging. ­ Flashing blue: The battery is almost fully charged. ­ Off: The battery is adequately charged. light operates as follows: 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. DE L L M E D I A DI R E C T TM B U T T O N -- Press the Dell MediaDirect button to launch Dell MediaDirect (see "Using Dell MediaDirectTM" on page 62). KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS The blue lights located above the keyboard indicate the following: About Your Computer 23 9 Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled. Turns on when the uppercase letter (caps lock) function is enabled. Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled. A DIGITAL ARRAY MICROPHONES -- Built-in microphone for conferencing and chat. NOTE: Digital array microphones are optional and may not be present in your computer unless you have ordered for the optional camera. Instead, your computer will have an integrated single analog microphone. 24 About Your Computer Left Side View 1 1 3 5 7 9 2 3 4 5 6 2 4 6 8 7 8 9 security cable slot USB connectors (2) network connector (RJ-45) HDMI connector hard drive AC power adapter video connector (VGA) modem connector (RJ-11) IEEE 1394a connector SECURITY CABLE SLOT