User manual DELL INSPIRON 510M

DellTM InspironTM 510m Owner's Manual Model PP10L 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 the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9. 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. © 2004­2005 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, Latitude, Inspiron, Dimension, OptiPlex, Dell Precision, Dell TravelLite, PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, and TrueMobile are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Centrino is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. under license. 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 PP10L April 2005 P/N D7898 Rev. A02 Contents Finding Information ................................ 9 1 A Tour of Your Computer Front View Left View .................................... 13 16 18 19 23 ..................................... .................................... .................................... ................................... Right View Back View Bottom View 2 Setting Up Your Computer Connecting to the Internet . ........................... .................... ................... 25 25 26 28 28 28 28 29 30 31 31 31 32 32 Setting Up Your Internet Connection Modem and Internet Connection Problems E-Mail Problems ................................. ............................... ....................... ....................... ....................... Setting Up a Printer Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . Connecting a Parallel Printer . Connecting a USB Printer. . . Printer Problems . ................................ ........................... ...................... ...................... ...................... Power Protection Devices . Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . Uninterruptible Power Supplies Turning Off Your Computer . ........................... Contents 3 3 Using a Battery Battery Performance . .............................. .......................... ................... ................... ................... ................... 33 34 34 35 35 35 35 36 36 37 38 38 Checking the Battery Charge DellTM QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter Charge Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . Charging the Battery . Removing a Battery Installing a Battery. .............................. ............................... ............................... .................. Removing and Installing a Reserve Battery . Storing a Battery . Power Problems ................................ ................................. 4 Using the Module Bay About the Module Bay . ............................. ..... 41 41 42 Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off. Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Is Running . ...... 5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric Keypad ................................. ............................... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... 43 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 45 45 Keyboard Shortcuts System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radios (Including Wireless Networking and Bluetooth® Wireless Technology) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . 4 Contents Touch Pad .................................... ........................... ......................... 46 47 47 48 48 Customizing the Touch Pad Touch Pad or Mouse Problems External Keyboard Problems Unexpected Characters .......................... ............................. 6 Using CDs, DVDs, and other Multimedia Using CDs and DVDs . Drive Problems . .............................. 49 49 49 50 51 52 52 52 53 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 58 60 ................................. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk drive . . . . . If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD . . . . . . . . If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray . If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound . If the CD-RW drive stops writing . . . . . . . . . . . . If you have problems with a hard drive. . . . . . . . . Sound and Speaker Problems . ......................... ............. ............. If you have a problem with integrated speakers . If you have a problem with external speakers . . Copying CDs and DVDs. ............................. ...................... ...................... ...................... .................... ............... ............... ............... How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting a Television to the Computer S-Video Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Composite Video Connection . . . . . . . . . Enabling the Display Settings for a Television 7 Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter . Network Setup Wizard. Network Problems . ....................... 63 64 64 ............................. ............................... Contents 5 Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network . ................ .... .... 64 65 65 Determining Your Network Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP . 8 Solving Problems Error Messages ................................. .......................... ................... ................... ................... ................... 69 70 70 70 71 72 73 74 75 75 76 76 76 76 76 76 77 78 78 78 79 79 80 81 81 83 Video and Display Problems . If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . If the display is difficult to read . . . . If only part of the display is readable . Modem and Internet Connection Problems Scanner Problems ................................ ............... ............... If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk drive If you have problems with a hard drive. . . . PC Card Problems ................................ ........................... ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ...................... General Program Problems A program crashes . . . . . A program stops responding A solid blue screen appears Error messages appear . . . Resolving Other Technical Problems If Your DellTM Computer Gets Wet ........................ ..................... If You Drop or Damage Your Computer 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 . . . . . . 6 Contents Dell Diagnostics ................................. ..................... 84 84 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics 9 Adding and Replacing Parts Before You Begin. ................................ ....................... ....................... 87 87 87 89 91 94 95 96 98 Recommended Tools . . . . . Shutting Down Your Computer Adding Memory ................................. ............................. ............................ ....................... Adding a Mini PCI Card Replacing the Hard Drive Returning a Hard Drive to Dell Keyboard ..................................... ............. Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. 10 Appendix Specifications ................................. ...................... 101 107 107 108 108 109 109 109 110 112 112 Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens . ............................ ........................... ...................... ...................... ...................... Commonly Used Options . Changing the Boot Sequence. Changing Printer Modes . . . Changing COM Ports . . . . . Enabling the Infrared Sensor FCC Notices (U.S. Only) ......................... ............................ ..................... NOM Information (Mexico Only) Contacting Dell. ................................ Index . ....................................... 131 Contents 7 8 Contents 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? · · · · · · 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 · · · · · 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 Help File 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click User and system guides and click User's guides. 3 Click Dell Inspiron Help. 9 www.dell.com | support.dell.com What Are You Looking For? · Service Tag and Express Service Code · Microsoft Windows License Label Find It Here 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. · How to use Windows XP · Documentation for my computer · Documentation for devices (such as a modem) 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. 10 What Are You Looking For? · Solutions -- Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, frequently asked questions · 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 · Notebook System Software (NSS)-- If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for DellTM 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel® Pentium® M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration. To download Notebook System Software: 1 Go to support.dell.com and click Downloads. 2 Enter your Service Tag or product model. 3 In the Download Category drop-down menu, click All. 4 Select the operating system and operating system Find It Here Dell Support Website -- support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site. NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available in all regions. language for your computer, and click Submit. 5 Under Select a Device, scroll to System and Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Notebook System Software. 11 www.dell.com | support.dell.com 12 A Tour of Your Computer Front View display keyboard status light power button device status light touch pad keyboard touch pad button display latch speakers DISPLAY -- For more information about your display, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9. -- Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode. POWER BUTTON NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows® operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button. A Tour of Your Computer 13 www.dell.com | support.dell.com If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds). DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS Turns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. Turns on when the computer reads or writes data. NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the light is flashing. Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status. Turns on when Bluetooth® wireless technology is enabled. NOTE: Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature, so the light turns on only if you ordered Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth wireless technology. To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology functionality, right-click the icon in the notification area and select Disable Bluetooth Radio. To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press . 14 A Tour of Your Computer 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 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. KEYBOARD -- The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see page 43. -- Keeps the display closed. DISPLAY LATCH SPEAKERS -- To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume control buttons, mute button, or volume-control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see page 43. -- Provide the functionality of a mouse. For more information, see page 43. -- Provides the functionality of a mouse. For more information, see page 43. TOUCH PAD BUTTONS TOUCH PAD KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS A Tour of Your Computer 15 www.dell.com | support.dell.com The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following: 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. 9 A Left View PC Card slot security cable slot IEEE 1394 connector infrared sensor audio connectors (2) NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer. CAUTION: 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. 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 the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9. INFRARED SENSOR -- Lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections. IEEE 1394 C O N N E C T O R -- Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras. When you receive your computer, the sensor is disabled. You can use the system setup program to enable the sensor. For information on transferring data, see the Help and Support Center or the documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device. 16 A Tour of Your Computer AUDIO CONNECTORS Attach a microphone to the connector. connector. Attach headphones or speakers to the SECURITY CABLE SLOT -- 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 slot. A Tour of Your Computer 17 www.dell.com | support.dell.com Right View security cable slot module bay device latch release SECURITY CABLE SLOT -- 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 slot. MODULE BAY -- You can install devices such as an optical drive or a Dell TravelLiteTM module in the module bay. For more information, see page 41. -- Releases the module bay device. See page 41 for instructions. DEVICE LATCH RELEASE 18 A Tour of Your Computer Back View CAUTION: 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. modem connector (RJ-11) USB connectors (2) parallel connector serial connector S-video TV-out connector network connector (RJ-45) video connector AC adapter connector A Tour of Your Computer 19 www.dell.com | support.dell.com USB C O N N E C T O R S Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector using the optional floppy-drive cable. S -V I D E O TV- O U T C O N N E C T O R Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see page 56. MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11) Connect the telephone line to the modem connector. For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer. See page 10. 20 A Tour of Your Computer NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45) NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the computer, do not plug a telephone line in to the network connector. Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network communications. For information on using the network adapter, see the device user's guide supplied with your computer. See page 10. PARALLEL CONNECTOR Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. VIDEO CONNECTOR Connects an external monitor. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9. SERIAL CONNECTOR Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device. A Tour of Your Computer 21 www.dell.com | support.dell.com A C A D A P T E R C O N N E C T O R -- Attach 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 avoid damaging the cable. NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer. CAUTION: 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. 22 A Tour of Your Computer Bottom View memory module cover battery-bay latch release battery charge gauge hard drive battery Mini PCI card cover fan docking device slot MEMORY MODULE COVER -- Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s). See page 89. -- Releases the battery. See page 36 for instructions. -- Provides information on the battery charge. See page 35. B A T T E R Y -B A Y L A T C H R E L E A S E BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE 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 36. DOCKING DEVICE SLOT FAN -- Lets you attach your computer to a docking device. See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional information. -- The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer. CAUTION: 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. M I N I P C I C A R D C O V E R -- Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card. See page 91. HARD DRIVE -- Stores software and data. A Tour of Your Computer 23 www.dell.com | support.dell.com 24 A Tour of Your Computer 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 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 AOL or MSN connection: 1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. 3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL 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. Setting Up Your Computer 25 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 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 "Internet, Modem, and E-Mail Problems." 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. Modem and Internet Connection Problems NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting the modem to a digital telephone network damages the modem. NOTICE: Modem and network connectors look similar. Do not plug a telephone line into the network connector. NOTE: If you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), your modem is functioning properly. If you are sure that your modem is working properly and you still experience problems, contact your ISP. C H E C K T H E T E L E P H O N E W A L L J A C K -- Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that you have touchtone telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a different telephone wall jack. Slow connection speeds can be caused by telephone noise as well as by telephone line or network conditions. Contact your telephone company or network administrator for more information. 26 Setting Up Your Computer C O N N E C T T H E M O D E M D I R E C T L Y T O T H E T E L E P H O N E W A L L J A C K -- If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone line to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. C H E C K T H E C O N N E C T I O N -- Verify that the telephone line is connected to the modem. C H E C K T H E T E L E P H O N E L I N E -- Try using a different telephone line. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one. I R R E G U L A R D I A L T O N E -- If you have voice mail service, you might hear an irregular dial tone when you have messages. Contact your telephone company for instructions on restoring a dial tone. TURN 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 Other Hardware, click Phone and Modem Options, click the Dialing Rules tab, and then click Edit.... 3 In the Edit Location window, ensure that To disable call waiting, dial: is checked, and then select the proper code as listed in your telephone directory. 4 Click Apply and click OK. 5 Close the Phone and Modems Options window. 6 Close the Control Panel window. VERIFY T H A T T H E M O D E M I S C O M M U N I C A T I N G W I T H W I N D O W S 1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware and click Phone and Modem Options. 3 Click the Modems tab. 4 Click the COM port for your modem. 5 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows. If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly. Setting Up Your Computer 27 www.dell.com | support.dell.com E-Mail Problems E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T -- With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a check mark next to it, click the check mark to remove it and connect to the Internet. 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. Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance. 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. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the computer box. Connecting a Parallel Printer 1 Complete the operating system setup, if you have not already done so. 2 Turn off the computer. NOTICE: For best results, use a 3-m (10-ft) or shorter parallel cable. 3 Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches. 28 Setting Up Your Computer parallel connector on computer connector on printer screws (2) clips (2) notches (2) parallel printer cable 4 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel. 5 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer. 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 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer. Setting Up Your Computer 29 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. USB connector on computer USB connector on printer USB printer cable 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 properly connected to the computer (see page 28). TE S T T H E E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T -- Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. E N S U R E T H A T T H E P R I N T E R I S T U R N E D O N -- See the documentation supplied with the printer. 30 Setting Up Your Computer VERIFY T H A T W I N D O W S ® R E C O G N I Z E S T H E P R I N T E R 1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 4 Click View installed printers or fax printers. If the printer model is listed, rightclick the printer icon. 5 Click Properties, and then click the Ports tab. Ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). R E I N S T A L L T H E P R I N T E R D R I V E R -- See page 78. 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 to prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices. NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet. Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions. NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms. Line Conditioners NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions. Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level. Setting Up Your Computer 31 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 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). Turning Off Your Computer NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows® operating system shutdown, as described next, rather than by pressing the power button. NOTE: As an alternative to turning off your computer, you can set your computer to enter standby or hibernate mode. 1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer. 2 In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off. The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes. 32 Setting Up Your Computer Using a Battery Battery Performance CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your DellTM portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. Use a battery to run the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay. NOTE: Battery operating time (the time a battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer. Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more information about the second battery, see page 41. Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following: · · · · Using DVD, DVD-R, and CD-RW drives Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games Running the computer in maximum performance mode NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD. You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low. 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. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer. CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery Disposal." Using a Battery 33 www.dell.com | support.dell.com CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage. Checking the Battery Charge The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge. For more information about checking the charge on the second battery, see page 41. DellTM QuickSet Battery Meter If Dell QuickSet is installed, press to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer. In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the Battery Meter window includes a Dock Battery tab, which displays the charge level and current status of the docking device battery. The following icons appear in the Battery Meter window: The computer or docking device is running on battery power. The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is charging. The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is fully charged. For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help. 34 Using a Battery 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 about the Power Meter tab, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears. Charge Gauge Before you insert a battery, press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge. Low-Battery Warning NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet, or install a second battery in the module bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically. A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During that time, the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning means that the combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level. For more information about low-battery alarms and to access "Power Management," see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9. Charging the Battery NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery's internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging. When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge. If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet. The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery. For more information about resolving problems with a battery, and to access "Power Management", see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9. Using a Battery 35 www.dell.com | support.dell.com Removing a Battery CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack. For information about removing the second battery, see "Using the Module Bay" on page 41. NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have up to 30 seconds to complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved data. 1 Ensure that the computer is turned off, suspended in a power management mode, or connected to an electrical outlet. 2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions. 3 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay. Installing a Battery 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. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer. Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks. For information about installing the second battery, see page 41. 36 Using a Battery Removing and Installing a Reserve Battery 1 Remove the battery. 2 Remove the reserve battery cover. 3 Slide the reserve battery toward the connector, and pull the battery out of its compartment. 4 Disconnect the reserve battery cable from the connector. reserve battery cable connector reserve battery Using a Battery 37 www.dell.com | support.dell.com 5 Connect the reserve battery cable to the connector in the reserve battery compartment. 6 Place the reserve battery in the compartment, and replace the reserve battery cover. 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 NOTE: For information on standby mode, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see