User manual DELL INSPIRON 9300

DellTM InspironTM 9300 Owner's Manual Model PP14L 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 "Finding Information" on 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. © 2005 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, PowerVault, PowerApp, PowerConnect, DellNet, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell 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 PP14L September 2005 P/N G7903 Rev. A03 Contents Finding Information ................................ 9 1 A Tour of Your Computer Front View .................................... .................................. ................................. 13 17 18 19 22 Left Side View Right Side View Back View .................................... ................................... Bottom View 2 Setting Up Your Computer Connecting to the Internet . ........................... .................... 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 26 Setting Up Your Internet Connection Setting Up a Printer ............................... ......................... ......................... Printer Cable . . . . . . . Connecting a USB Printer. Power Protection Devices . ........................... ...................... ...................... ...................... Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . Uninterruptible Power Supplies 3 Using a Battery Battery Performance . .............................. .......................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... 27 28 28 28 29 29 Checking the Battery Charge Dell QuickSet Battery Meter . . . Microsoft Windows Power Meter Charge Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . Contents 3 Charging the Battery . Removing a Battery Installing a Battery. Storing a Battery . .............................. 29 29 30 30 ............................... ............................... ................................ 4 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia Using CDs and DVDs . .............................. ............................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 31 31 31 32 32 33 34 35 36 38 39 41 41 Copying CDs and DVDs. How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . Using MediaDirect . ............................... .............. Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device S-Video and Standard Audio . . . . . . . . S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio. . . . . . Composite Video and Standard Audio . . . Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio . Changing Your Audio Settings . . . . . . . Enabling the Display Settings for a TV . . . ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ 5 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric Keypad ................................. ................................ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... 43 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 45 45 Key Combinations 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 46 Customizing the Touch Pad . 6 Using PC Cards PC Card Types .................................. ................................. ............................... ............................... .......................... 47 47 47 47 48 PC Card Blanks. Extended PC Cards . Installing a PC Card Removing a PC Card or Blank 7 Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter . Network Setup Wizard. ....................... 51 52 52 52 53 ............................. ................ .... .... Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network . Determining Your Network Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP . 8 Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics ................................. ..................... 55 55 57 58 59 60 61 62 62 62 63 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Drive Problems . ................................. ............................ ............................ .................... DVD drive problems. Hard drive problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . Error Messages ................................. ........................... IEEE 1394 Device Problems Keyboard Problems ............................... ........................ ........................ External keyboard problems Unexpected characters. . . Contents 5 Lockups and Software Problems ........................ .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 63 64 64 64 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 69 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 74 74 75 76 77 79 80 The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A program crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system . A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Problems ................................ ............................... Network Problems . PC Card Problems Power Problems ................................ ................................. ................................ ................................ ......................... .................... .................... .................... Printer Problems . 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 . Restoring Your Operating System Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . . Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 6 Contents 9 Adding and Replacing Parts Before You Begin. ................................ .................. .................. .................. 81 81 81 82 83 84 85 88 89 92 93 94 95 97 97 Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . Before Working Inside Your Computer . Hard Drive .................................... ....................... Returning a Hard Drive to Dell Memory. Modem ..................................... ...................................... .................................. Mini PCI Card. Hinge Cover Keyboard ................................... ..................................... ................................ Coin-Cell Battery . Display ...................................... .................................. ............. Optical Drive . Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. 10 Appendix Specifications .................................. ....................... ................... ................... ................... ................... .................. ......... ......... 99 105 105 105 106 106 107 107 108 108 Using the System Setup Program Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . Commonly Used Options . . . . . . Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . Contacting Dell. ................................ Contents 7 FCC Notices (U.S. Only) ............................ ...................... ...................... ...................... 126 126 126 127 127 Class A . . . . . . . . . . . . Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . FCC Identification Information Macrovision Product Notice. ......................... Index . ....................................... 129 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. Finding Information 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. 10 Finding Information 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. Finding Information 11 www.dell.com | support.dell.com What Are You Looking For? · How to use Windows XP · Documentation for my computer · Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Find It Here 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. 12 Finding Information A Tour of Your Computer Front View display latches (2) display latch release display keyboard status lights (5) power button device status lights (3) keyboard touch pad touch pad buttons (2) media control buttons (7) speakers DISPLAY LATCHES -- Keeps the display closed. -- Slide this to release the display latches and open the display. DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE DISPLAY -- For more information about your display, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. A Tour of Your Computer 13 www.dell.com | support.dell.com POWER BUTTON -- Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power management mode. NOTICE: To avoid losing data when you turn off your computer, shut down your computer through the Start menu instead of pressing the power button. 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. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows: light is flashing. · · · · · 14 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 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. A Tour of Your Computer TOUCH PAD -- Provides the functionality of a mouse. -- Control CD, DVD, and Media Player playback. MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS Mutes the sound. Turns the volume down. Turns the volume up. Play or pause. This button also launches Dell Media Experience or Microsoft® Windows® Media Center Edition. See "Using MediaDirect" on page 33. Plays the previous track. Plays the next track. Stop. SPEAKERS -- To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media control buttons or speakervolume keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Speaker Functions" on page 45. -- Touch pad buttons provide the same functionality as mouse buttons. -- 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 44. TOUCH PAD BUTTONS KEYBOARD A Tour of Your Computer 15 www.dell.com | support.dell.com KEYBOARD 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 . Turns on when a card with Bluetooth® wireless technology is enabled. NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature, so 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 Windows notification area (in the lower-right corner of your screen) and click Disable Bluetooth Radio. To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press . 16 A Tour of Your Computer Left Side View air vent optical drive security cable slot OPTICAL DRIVE USB connectors (2) optical-drive-tray eject button -- 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 97. -- Press this button to eject a CD or DVD from the optical drive. This button only works when the computer is turned on. 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 U S B 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 AIR VENT -- The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. 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. 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 Side View Secure Digital I/O slot air vent PC Card slot hard drive audio connectors IEEE 1394 connector S E C U R E D I G I T A L I/O S L O T -- The Secure Digital I/O slot supports one Secure Digital memory card or other SDI/O device. Use Secure Digital memory cards to save or back up data. AIR VENT -- The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. 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. 18 A Tour of Your Computer AUDIO CONNECTORS Attach headphones or speakers to the Attach a microphone to the connector. connector. IEEE 1394 C O N N E C T O R -- Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras. HARD DRIVE -- Stores software and data. P C C A R D S L O T -- Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. Back View modem connector (RJ-11) network connector (RJ-45) DVI-D connector video connector air vent S-video TV-out connector USB connectors (4) air vent AC adapter connector A Tour of Your Computer 19 www.dell.com | support.dell.com D I G I T A L -V I D E O I N T E R F A C E (DVI) CONNECTOR Connects an external DVI-compatible monitor. With an adapter cable, you can also connect an external VGA-compatible monitor to the DVI connector. VIDEO CONNECTOR Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. AIR VENT -- The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. 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. AC 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 avoid damaging the cable. 20 A Tour of Your Computer USB CONNECTORS Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. S -VIDEO T V-O U T C O N N E C T O R Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital audio capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter cable. 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 into the network connector. Connects the computer to a network. The green, orange, and yellow lights next to the connector indicate activity for wired network communications. Green indicates a 10-Mb/sec link, orange indicates a 100-Mb/sec link, and yellow indicates activity. 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. A Tour of Your Computer 21 www.dell.com | support.dell.com Bottom View subwoofer optical-drive locking screw battery charge gauge battery-bay latch release battery hard drive air vent memory module cover BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE air vent Mini PCI card/modem cover -- Provides information on the battery charge. For more information, see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 28. -- Releases the battery from the battery bay. For more information, see "Removing a Battery" on page 29. B A T T E R Y -B A Y L A T C H R E L E A S E 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. For more information, see "Using a Battery" on page 27. HARD DRIVE AIR VENT -- Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on page 83. -- The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating. 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. M I N I P C I C A R D / M O D E M C O V E R -- Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card and the modem. For more information, see "Modem" on page 88. MEMORY MODULE COVER -- Covers the compartment that contains the memory modules. For more information, see page 86. OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW SUBWOOFER -- Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 97. -- Produces a broader bass output than is provided by the speakers. 22 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 23 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 "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 60. 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. 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. See your printer Owner's Manual for technical assistance, or call the printer manufacturer. Printer Cable Your printer connects to your computer with a USB 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. 24 Setting Up Your Computer 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. USB connector on computer USB printer cable USB 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) Setting Up Your Computer 25 www.dell.com | support.dell.com 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. 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). 26 Setting Up Your Computer Using a Battery Battery Performance CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this chapter, 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. Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following: · · · · Using DVD+RW/DVD+R 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. For more information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD. You can check the battery charge before or after 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" in the Product Information Guide. Using a Battery 27 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. Dell QuickSet Battery Meter If Dell QuickSet is installed, press to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. For more information about Dell QuickSet, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. The Battery Meter window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer. The following icons appear in the Battery Meter window: The computer 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. 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, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears. 28 Using a Battery Charge Gauge 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. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically. A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For more information about low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. Charging the Battery NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 2 hours 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, see "Power Problems" on page 67. Removing a Battery CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack. 1 Ensure that the computer is turned off. 2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions. Using a Battery 29 www.dell.com | support.dell.com 3 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay. battery charge gauge battery-bay latch release battery 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. 1 Slide the battery lengthwise into the bay at a 45-degree angle. 2 Press the other side down until the latch release clicks. 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. 30 Using a Battery Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia Using CDs and DVDs For information about using CDs and DVDs in your computer, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. Copying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs or DVDs. This section applies only to computers that have a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive. NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country. The following instructions show how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on your computer and creating MP3 CDs. For instructions, see the Sonic RecordNow documentation that came with your computer. Open Sonic RecordNow, click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window, and then click RecordNow Help or RecordNow Tutorial. How to Copy a CD or DVD NOTE: If you have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and you experience recording problems, check for available software patches at the Sonic support website at www.sonic.com. Currently, five DVD-writable disc formats are available: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM. The DVD-writable drives installed in DellTM computers can write to DVD+R and DVD+RW media, and they can read DVD-R and DVD-RW media. However, DVD-writable drives do not write to and might not read DVD-RAM media. In addition, commercially available DVD players for home theater systems might not read all five formats. NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic RecordNow. 1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Sonic RecordNow!, and then click RecordNow! 2 Click either the audio tab or the data tab, depending on the kind of CD or DVD you want to copy. 3 Click Exact Copy. Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 31 www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 To copy a CD or DVD: · If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click Copy. The computer reads your source CD or DVD and copies it to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive. When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the CD or DVD drive and click OK. · If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserted your source CD or DVD and click Copy. The computer copies the data on the CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD. When you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created automatically ejects. Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Your CD-RW drive can write to two different types of recording media--CD-Rs and CD-RWs (including high-speed CD-RWs). Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic documentation for more information). Use blank CD-RWs to write to CDs or to erase, rewrite, or update data on CDs. Your DVD-writable drive can write to four different types of recording media--CD-Rs, CD-RWs (including high-speed CD-RWs), DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs. Blank DVD+Rs can be used to permanently store large amounts of information. After you create a DVD+R disc, you may not be able to write to that disc again if the disc is "finalized" or "closed" during the final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+RWs if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later. Helpful Tips · · · · · Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Sonic RecordNow and open a RecordNow project. You must use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs do not play in most home or car stereos. You cannot create audio DVDs with Sonic RecordNow. Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed. Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a 650-MB blank CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 or 2 MB of the blank CD to finalize the recording. Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R. See the Sonic website at www.sonic.com for additional information. · · 32 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia Using MediaDirect NOTE: QuickSet, which is automatically installed and enabled on your computer, is necessary for MediaDirect to function. Changing or disabling QuickSet's default settings can limit MediaDirect's functionality. For more information about Dell QuickSet, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9. If you have Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition or Dell Media Experience installed, you can use MediaDirect to launch your media application by pressing the media control play button . · If you hold the media control play button for longer than two seconds while you are logged in, MediaDirect launches Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition or Dell Media Experience, depending on your system setup. If both applications are present, Windows Media Center Edition will launch. When your computer is open, you can press the media control play button to start the computer from any state and automatically launch the media application. NOTE: For optimal efficiency, launch from hibernate or standby mode. · media control play button media control buttons (7) Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 33 www.dell.com | support.dell.com Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device NOTE: Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to a TV or other audio device are not included with your computer. Cables may be purchased at most consumer electronics stores. The TV/digital audio adapter cable is available for purchase from Dell. Your computer has an S-video TV-out connector that, together with the TV/digital audio adapter cable (available from Dell), enables you to connect the computer to a TV and/or stereo audio device. The TV/digital audio adapter cable provides connectors for an S-video cable, a composite video cable, and an S/PDIF digital audio cable. S-video TV-out connector TV/digital audio adapter cable S/PDIF digital audio connector composite video-input connector S-video input connector Your TV has either an S-video input connector or a composite video-input connector. Depending on what type of connector is available on your TV, you can use a commercially available S-video cable or composite video cable to connect your computer to your TV. For audio devices without support for S/PDIF digital audio, you can use the audio connector on the side of the computer to connect the computer to your audio device. It is recommended that you connect video and audio cables to your computer in one of the following combinations. NOTE: See the diagrams at the beginning of each subsection to help you determine which method of connection you should use. · · · · S-video and standard audio (page 35) S-video and S/PDIF digital audio (page 36) Composite video and standard audio (page 38) Composite video and S/PDIF digital audio (page 39) When you finish connecting the video and audio cables between your computer and your TV, you must enable your computer to work with the TV. See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 41 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV. Additionally, if you are using S/PDIF digital audio, see "Changing Your Audio Settings" on page 41. 34 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia