Dell 1720 manual

www .dell.com | support.dell.com Dell™ Inspiron™ 1720 Owner’ s Manual Model PP22X[...]

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 ha rdware 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. ________________[...]

Contents 3 Contents Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 1 About Y our Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Determining Y our Co mputer’ s Configuration . . . . . . 21 Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Right Side View . . . . . .[...]

4 Contents Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . 40 3 Using the Keyboard and T ouch Pad . . . . 41 Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Key Com[...]

Contents 5 5 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Dell QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Microsoft ® Windows ® Battery Meter . . . . . . . 49 Charge Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

6 Contents Connecting Y our Com puter to a TV or Audio Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 S-Video and Standard Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . 66 Composite Video an d Standard Audio . . . . . . . 68 Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio . . . . 70 Component Video and Standard[...]

Contents 7 Wireless Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 What Y ou Need to Establish a WLAN Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Checking Y our Wireless Network Card . . . . . . 87 Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem . . . . 88 Connecting to a WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Mobile Broadba[...]

8 Contents Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Dell Support 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Network Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 PC T uneUp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 PC CheckUp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

Contents 9 Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network [WW AN]) . . . . . 122 Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Sound and Speaker Problems . [...]

10 Contents 12 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . 137 Before Y ou Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Recommended T ools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 T urning Off Y our Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Before W orking Inside Y our Computer . . . . . . . 138 Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

Contents 11 Removing a Mobile Broadband or WW AN Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Replacing a WW AN Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Removing a WP AN Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Replacing a WP AN Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Flash Cache Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Removing the FCM . . . . . . . [...]

12 Contents 15 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 T echnical Support and Customer Service . . . . . 172 DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 AutoT ech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

Contents 13 Dell T echnical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . 192 Definition of "Dell-Ins talled" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Definition of "Third -Party" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

14 Contents[...]

Finding Information 15 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 Y ou Looking For? Find It Here • A diagnostic program for my computer • Drivers for my computer • Devi[...]

16 Finding Information • W arranty information • T erms and Conditions (U.S. only) • Safety instructions • Regulatory information • Ergonomics information • End User License Agreement Dell™ Product Information Guide • How to set up my computer Setup Diagram • Service T ag and Express Service Code • Microsoft ® W indows ® P rod[...]

Finding Information 17 • Solutions — T r oubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, and frequently ask ed 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 i[...]

18 Finding Information • Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints — F requently asked questions, hot topics, and general health of your computing environment Dell Support Utility The Dell Support Util ity is an automated upgrade and notification system installed on your computer . This support provides real-time health scans of your computin[...]

Finding Information 19 • How to reinstall my operating system Operating Sy stem Media The operating system is already installed on your computer . T o reinstall your operating system, use one of the following methods: • Microsoft W indows System Restore — Microsoft W indows System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state wi[...]

20 Finding Information[...]

About Y our Computer 21 About Y our Computer Determining Y our Computer’ s Configuration Based on selections that you made when purchasing your computer , your computer has one of several different video controller configurations. T o determine your computer ’s video controller configuration: 1 C lick Start , and then click Help and Support . 2[...]

22 About Y our Computer Front V iew 4 5 13 3 6 12 11 9 8 7 14 2 1 10[...]

About Y our Computer 23 CAMERA INDICATOR — Indicates that the camera is turned 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, confer encing, and chat. Based on configuration selections you made when ordering your computer , your com[...]

24 About Y our Computer DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS The blue lights located to the right of the keyboar d indicate the following: P ower light – T urns on when you turn on the computer , and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. Hard drive activity light – T urns on when the computer reads or writes data. NOTICE: T o avoid loss of da[...]

About Y our Computer 25 If the computer is connected to an elec trical outlet, the light operates as follows: – Solid blue: The battery is charging. – Flashing blue: The battery is almost fully charged. – Off: The battery is adequately charged. If the computer is runn ing on a battery , the li ght operates as follows: – Off: The battery is [...]

26 About Y our Computer D ELL ™ M EDIA D IRECT ™ BUTTON — Pr ess the Dell MediaDirect button to launch Dell MediaDirect (see "Using Dell MediaDir ect™" on page 62). KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS The blue lights located above the keyboar d indicate the following: DIGITAL ARRAY MICROPHONES — Built-in microphone for conferencing and chat.[...]

About Y our Computer 27 Left Side V iew SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer (see "Security Cable Lock" on page 95). CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumula te in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a low -airflow environment, such as a close[...]

28 About Y our Computer NOTE: The Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator light appears on ly when the sy stem is switched off and Wi-Fi is activated in BIOS. Right Side V iew 1 off position Disables wireless devices. 2 on position Enables wireless devices. 3 momentary position Scans for WLAN ne tworks (see "Dell W i-F i Catcher™ Network Locator"[...]

About Y our Computer 29 AUDIO CONNECTORS OPTICAL DRIVE — F or more information about the optical drive see "Using Multimedia" on page 55. EJECT BUTTON — P ress the eject button to open the optical drive. 8- IN -1 MEMORY CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos st or ed on a[...]

30 About Y our Computer •M e m o r y S t i c k • Memory Stick PRO • Hi Speed-SD • Hi Density-SD IEEE 1394 CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras. VIDEO CONNECTOR NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45) NOTICE: The network connector is slightly la rger than the modem connector . T [...]

About Y our Computer 31 Back V iew S- VIDEO TV- OUT CONNECTOR USB CONNECTORS 1 S-video TV-out conne ctor 2 USB connectors (2) 3 AC adapter connector 4 mod em connector (RJ-11) 5 USB connector Connects your computer to a TV . Also connects digital audio-capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter cable. Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, k[...]

32 About Y our Computer AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer . The AC adapter converts A C power to the DC po wer required by the computer . Y ou can connect the AC adapter with yo ur computer turned on or off. CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electr ical outlets worldwide. However , power connectors and power strips va[...]

About Y our Computer 33 Bottom V iew 1 left speaker 2 consumer IR 3 memory module/coin-cell battery compartment 4 right speaker 5 wireless mini card compartment 6 battery 7 battery charge/health gauge 8 battery release latches (2) 9 air vents 10 hard drive 3 24 5 10 7 1 6 8 9[...]

34 About Y our Computer LEFT SPEAKER — T o adjust the volume of the inte grated speaker , press the volume control buttons or the mute button. CONSUMER IR — A port on the front of the comp uter that allows certain software applications to be controlled by the Dell T ravel Remote. MEMORY MODULE / COIN - CELL BATTERY COMPARTMENT — Compartment t[...]

Setting Up Y our Computer 35 Setting Up Y our Computer Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country . T o connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). Y our ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options: • DSL connections that provide h[...]

36 Setting Up Y our Computer Setting Up Y our Internet Connection T o set up an Internet connection wi th a provided ISP desktop shortcut: 1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2 Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft ® W indows ® desktop. 3 F ollow the instructions on the scr een to complete the setup. NOTE: If you are[...]

Setting Up Y our Computer 37 T ransferring Information to a New Computer Y ou can transfer the following types of data from one computer to another: • E-mail messages • T oolbar settings • W indow sizes • Internet bookmarks Use one of the following methods for transferring data: • W indows Easy T ransfer wizard, an Ea sy T ransfer Cable, [...]

38 Setting Up Y our Computer Printer Cable Y our printer connects to your computer with a USB cable. Y our printer may not come with a printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately , ensure that it is compatible with your p rinter and computer . If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you p urchased your computer , the cable may ar[...]

Setting Up Y our Computer 39 3 T urn on the printer , and then turn on the computer . If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel . 4 Click Start , and then click Network . 5 Click Add a printer to start the Add P rinter Wizar d. NOTE: T o install the printer dr iver , see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 130 a[...]

40 Setting Up Y our Computer Line Conditioners NOTICE: Line conditioners do not prote ct against powe r interruptions. Line conditioners are designed to maintai n A C 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: T o [...]

Using the Keyboard and T ouch Pad 41 Using the Keyboard and T ouch Pad Numeric Keypad The numeric keypad functions lik e t he numeric keypad on an external key b o ard . • T o enable the keypad, press <Num Lk >. The light indicates that the keypad is active. • T o disable the keypad, press <Num Lk> again. Key Combinations Sy stem Fu[...]

42 Using the Keyboard and T ouch Pad Power Management Microsoft ® Windows ® Logo Key Functions Dell™ QuickSet Key Combinations If Dell QuickSet is installed, you ca n use other shortcut keys for functions such as the Battery Meter or activating power management modes. F or more information about Dell QuickSet key combinations, right-click the Q[...]

Using the Keyboard and T ouch Pad 43 T ouch Pad The touch pad detects the pressur e and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the display . Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. • T o move the cursor , lightly slide your finger over the touch pad. • T o select an object, lightly tap once on the s[...]

44 Using the Keyboard and T ouch Pad Customizing the T ouch Pad Y ou can use the Mouse P roperties window to disable the touch pad or adjust the touch pad settings. 1 Click Start , and then click Control Pa n e l . 2 Click Hardware and Sound . 3 Click Mouse. 4 In the Mouse P roperties window : •C l i c k t h e Device Select tab to disable the tou[...]

Using the Display 45 Using the Display Adjusting Brightness When a Dell™ computer is running on battery power , you can conserve power by setting the display brightness to the lowest comfortable level. • P ress <Fn> and the up-arrow key to in cr ease brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor). • P ress <Fn[...]

46 Using the Display Y ou can enhance the legibility of text and change the appearance of images on the screen by adjusting display r eso lution. As you increase r esolution, items appear smaller on the screen. In contrast, lower r esolution causes text and images to appear larger and can benefit people with vision impairments. T o display a progra[...]

Using a Battery 47 Using a Battery Battery Performance NOTE: For information about the Dell warr anty for your computer , see the Product Information Guide or separate paper warranty do cument that shipped with your computer . F or optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer wi th the main[...]

48 Using a Battery Y ou can check the battery charge befo r e you insert the battery into the computer . Y ou can also set power manage ment 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 b attery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell.[...]

Using a Battery 49 F or more information about QuickSet , right-click the QuickSet icon, and then click Help . Microsoft ® Windows ® Battery Meter The battery meter indicates the rema ining battery char ge. T o check the battery meter , double-click the icon in the notification ar ea. Charge Gauge By either pressing once or pr essing and holding [...]

50 Using a Battery Low-Battery Warning NOTICE: T o avoid losing or corrupting data, sa ve your work immediately after a low-battery warning, then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power , Sleep state begi ns automatically. A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent[...]

Using a Battery 51 Using the Sleep Power State Rather than shutting down your portable computer , use the Sleep power state to conserve power . Sleep automatically saves your work to your hard drive, and then returns you to your pr evious work session without restarting your computer . NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in Sl[...]

52 Using a Battery The battery is too hot to start charging if the battery light flashes alternately blue and amber . Disconn ect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the ba ttery to cool to room temperature, then connect the computer to an electr ical outlet to continue charging the battery . F or more information abo[...]

Using a Battery 53 T o replace the battery , follow the removal procedur e in reverse or der . Storing a Battery Remove the battery when you store your computer for an e xtended period of time. A battery discharges during prol onged storage. After a long storage period, rechar ge the battery fully (s ee "Charging the Battery" on page 51) [...]

54 Using a Battery[...]

Using Multimedia 55 Using Multimedia Playing Media NOTICE: Do not press down on the optical drive tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are not using the drive. NOTICE: Do not move the computer while playing media. 1 P ress the eject button on the front of the drive. 2 Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray[...]

56 Using Multimedia A CD player includes the following basic buttons: A DVD player includes the following basic buttons: F or more information on playing media, click Help on the media player (if available). Play Move backward within the curr ent track Pa u s e Move forward within the curr ent track Stop Go to the previous track Eject Go to the nex[...]

Using Multimedia 57 Playing Media Using Dell T ravel Remote The Dell T ravel Remote is designed to control Dell Media Direct and W indows Vista™ Media Center . It can wo rk only with specified computers. F or more deta ils, go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com . T o play media using Dell T ravel Remote: 1 Install the CR2106 coin-cel[...]

58 Using Multimedia Copying CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Media This section applies only to comput ers that have a D VD+/-RW drive or a BD-RE drive. NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copy right laws when copying media. NOTE: The types of optical drives offered by Dell may vary by country . The following instructions explain how to mak e an exa[...]

Using Multimedia 59 3 T o copy the CD, DVD, or BD: • If you have one optical drive , insert the source disc into the drive, ensure that the settings ar e correct, and then click the Copy Disc button to continue. The computer read s your source disc and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive. When prompted, insert a blan[...]

60 Using Multimedia DVD-Writable Drives BD-Writable Drives Helpful T ips • Use Microsoft ® W indows ® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-R W only after you start Roxio Creator and open a Creator project. • Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD -R W to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a blank 650-MB CD. The[...]

Using Multimedia 61 • Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular ster eos. CD-R Ws do not play in most home or car stereos. • Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed. • Use a blank CD-R W to practice CD re cording until you ar e familiar with CD recor ding techniques[...]

62 Using Multimedia Adjusting the Picture If an error message notifies you that the current r esolution and color depth are using too much memory and pr eventing media playback, adjust the display properties: 1 Click Start → Control P anel → Appearance and P ersonalization . 2 Under P ersonalization , click Adjust screen resolution . 3 On Displ[...]

Using Multimedia 63 NOTE: Y ou cannot reinstall Dell MediaDirect if you voluntarily reformat the hard drive. Y ou need the installation software to reinstall Dell Medi aDirect. Contact Dell for assistance (see "Conta cting Dell" on page 177). F or more information on us ing Dell MediaDir ect, use the Help menu in the Dell MediaDirect appl[...]

64 Using Multimedia If you want to connect y our computer to a TV or audio device, it is recommended that you connect video an d audio cables to your computer in one of the following combinations: • S-video and standard audio • Composite video and standard audio • Component-out video and standard audio NOTE: See the diagrams at the be ginning[...]

Using Multimedia 65 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 78 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly wi th the TV . Additionally , if you are using S/PDIF digital au[...]

66 Using Multimedia 1 T urn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. NOTE: If your TV or audio device supports S- video but not S/PDIF digital audio, you can connect an S-video c able directly to the S-vid eo TV-out connector on the computer (without the TV/dig ital audio adapter cable). 2 Plug one end of the S-vide[...]

Using Multimedia 67 1 T urn off the computer and the TV and/ or the audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV -out connector on your computer . 3 Plug one end of the S-video cable in to the S-video output connector on the composite video adapter . 4 Plug the other end of the S-video cab le into t[...]

68 Using Multimedia 6 Plug the other end of the S/PDIF dig ital audio cable into the audio input connector on your TV or audio device. 7 T urn on the TV , turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer . 8 See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 78 to ensure that the computer recogn[...]

Using Multimedia 69 1 T urn off the computer and the TV and/ or audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV -out connector on your computer . 3 Plug one end of the composite v ideo cable into the composite video- output connector on the composite video adapter . 4 Plug the other end of the composit[...]

70 Using Multimedia 5 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on the computer . 6 Plug the two RCA connectors on the ot her end of the audio cable into the audio input connectors on your TV or other audio device. 7 T urn on the TV , turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on t[...]

Using Multimedia 71 1 T urn off the computer and the TV and/ or audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV -out connector on the computer . 3 Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite video-input connector on the composite video adapter . 4 Plug the other end of the composite vi[...]

72 Using Multimedia 6 Plug the other end of the digital audio cable into the S/PDIF input connector on your TV or other audio device. 7 T urn on the TV , turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer . 8 See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 78 to ensure that the computer recogni[...]

Using Multimedia 73 1 T urn off the computer and the TV and/ or audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV -out connector on your computer . 3 Plug all three ends of the compon ent video cable into the component video-output connectors on the component video adapter . Make sure that the red, gr ee[...]

74 Using Multimedia 4 Plug all three connectors from the ot her end of the component video cable into the component video-input connector s on the TV . Mak e sure that the red, gr een, and blue colors of the ca ble match the colors of the TV input connectors. 5 Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on the com[...]

Using Multimedia 75 Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio 1 S-video TV-out connector 2 composite video cable 1 2[...]

76 Using Multimedia 1 T urn off the computer and the TV and/ or audio device that you want to connect. 2 Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV -out connector on the computer . 3 Plug all three ends of the compon ent video cable into the component video-output connectors on the component video adapter . Make sure that the red, gr een[...]

Using Multimedia 77 4 Plug all three connectors from the ot her end of the component video cable into the component video-input connector s on the TV . Make sur e that the red, gr een, and blue colors of the ca ble match the colors of the TV input connectors. 5 Plug one end of the S/PDIF digita l audio cable into the S/PDIF audio connector on the c[...]

78 Using Multimedia Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio 1 Double-click the speaker icon in the W indows notification area. 2 Click the Options menu and then click Advanced Controls . 3 Click Advanced . 4 Click S/PDIF Interface . 5 Click Close . 6 Click OK . Enabling the Display Settings for a TV NOTE: T o ensure that the display options ap pear correctly[...]

Using ExpressCards 79 Using ExpressCards ExpressCar ds provide additional memory , wired and wir eless communications, multimedia and security features. F or example, you can add an ExpressCar d to make wir eless wide area network (WW AN) connectivity available on your computer . ExpressCa rds support two form factors: • ExpressCar d/34 (34 mm wi[...]

80 Using ExpressCards Remove the blank before installing an Expr essCard. T o remove the blank, see "Removing an ExpressCar d or Blank" on page 81. Installing an ExpressCard Y ou can install an ExpressCar d whil e the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card. ExpressCar ds are generally marked with a symbol (such a[...]

Using ExpressCards 81 The computer recognizes the Expr essC ard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver . If the config uration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the media that came with the Expr essCard. Removing an ExpressCard or Blank CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proced ures in this section, fol[...]

82 Using ExpressCards[...]

Using the Memory Card Reader 83 Using the Memory Card Reader The memory card r eader provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and vide os stor ed on a memory card. NOTE: A memory card is no t a bootable device. The 8-in-1 memory card r eader reads the following memory cards: • Secure Digital (SD) • Secure Digi[...]

84 Using the Memory Card Reader CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . T o install a memory card: 1 Hold the card with the top side of the car d facing up. 2 Slide the card into the slot until the car d is completely seated in its connector . If you encount[...]

Setting Up and Using Networks 85 Setting Up and Using Networks Setting up a computer network provid es connectivity between your computer and the Internet, another computer , or a network. F or example, with a network set up in a home or small office you can print to a shared printer , access drives and files on another compu ter , browse other net[...]

86 Setting Up and Using Networks Setting Up a Network 1 Click Start , and then click Connect T o . 2 Click Set up a connection or network . 3 Select an option under Choose a connection option . 4 Click Next , and then follow the instructions in the wizard. Wireless Local Area Network A wireless local ar ea network (WLAN) is a series of interconnect[...]

Setting Up and Using Networks 87 What Y ou Need to Establish a WLAN Connection Before you can set up a WLAN, you need: • High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL) • A broadband modem that is connected and working • A wireless router or access point • A wireless network car d for each comp uter that you want to connect to[...]

88 Setting Up and Using Networks Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem 1 Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information about the connection requir ements for your broadband modem. 2 Ensure that you have wir ed Internet access through your broadband modem before you attempt to set up a wir [...]

Setting Up and Using Networks 89 13 Start your computer and wait until the boot process completes. 14 See the documentation that came with your wireless router to do the following in order to set up the wir eless router: • Establish communication between your computer and your wireless router . • Configure your wireless router to communicate wi[...]

90 Setting Up and Using Networks T o connect to the network: 1 Click Start , and then click Network . 2 Click Network and Sharing on the navigation bar at the top of the Network folder . 3 Click Connect to a network under Ta s k s . 4 Select your network from the list and click Connect . Once you have configured your comput er for a wir eless netwo[...]

Setting Up and Using Networks 91 Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network) A Mobile Broadband network, also known as a W ireless W ide Area Network (WW AN), is a high-speed digital cellu lar network that provides Internet access over a much wider geographical area than a WLAN, which typically covers only from 100 to 1000 feet . Y our compute[...]

92 Setting Up and Using Networks Checking Y our Dell Mobile Broadband Card Depending on what you selected w hen you purchased your computer , the computer has a variety of configurations. T o determine your computer configuration, see one of the following: • Y our order confirmation • Microsoft W indows Help and Support T o check your Mobile Br[...]

Setting Up and Using Networks 93 Use the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility to establish and manage a Mobile Broadband network co nnection to the Internet: 1 Click the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility icon in the W indows notification area to run the utility . 2 Click Connect . NOTE: The Connect button changes to the Disconnect button. 3 F ollow [...]

94 Setting Up and Using Networks Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator The wireless switch on your Dell comp uter uses the Dell W i -F i Catcher Network Locator to scan for wireless networks in your vicinity . T o scan for a wireless network, slide and hold the switch in the momentary position (see "wireless switch" on page 27) for a few [...]

Securing Y our Computer 95 Securing Y our Computer Security Cable Lock NOTE: Y our computer does not ship wi th a security cable lock. A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. T o use the lock, attach it to the security cable slot on your Dell computer . F or more information, see the instructions included with the device[...]

96 Securing Y our Computer When using passwords, observ e the following guidelines: • Choose a password that you can r ememb er , but not one that is easy to guess. F or example, do not use the names of family members or pets for passwords. • It is recommended that you do not wr ite down your passwor d. If you do write it down, however , en sur[...]

Securing Y our Computer 97 If Y our Computer is Lost or Stolen • Call a law enforcement agency to re port the lost or stolen computer . Include the Service T ag in your descri ption of the computer . Ask that a case number be assigned and write down the number , along with the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency . If pos[...]

98 Securing Y our Computer[...]

T roubleshooting 99 T roubleshooting Dell T echnical Update Service The Dell T echnical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and har dware updates for your computer . The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how frequently you r eceive notifications. T o enroll for the Dell T echnica l Update s[...]

100 T roubleshooting Starting the Dell Diagnostic s From Y our Hard Drive The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive. NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, c ontact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 177). NOTE: If the computer is connected to a dockin g device (docked), un[...]

T roubleshooting 101 Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media 1 Insert your Drivers and Utilities media. 2 Shut down and restart the computer . 3 When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately . NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. T o avoi d pos[...]

102 T roubleshooting Dell Diagnostics Main Menu After the Dell Diagno stics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want. NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer . After you have selected the Test System option from the main menu, the following menu appears. NOT[...]

T roubleshooting 103 F or any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the pr oblem. W rite down the error code and problem description exactly as it appe ars and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot r esolve the proble m, contact Dell (s ee "Contacting Dell" on page 177)[...]

104 T roubleshooting Dell Support Center The Dell Support Center provides s ervice, support and system-specific information. T o obtain detailed infor mation about Dell Support Center and the available support tools, go to t he Consumer Services Home P age at www .dell.com/services . Systems purchased on June 26, 2007 and later are pr e-installed w[...]

T roubleshooting 105 • View fr equently asked questions • Learn more about Dell Support 3 • T urn Dell Support 3 off F or more information about Dell Support 3, click the question mark ( ? ) at the top of the Dell Support 3 window . T o access Dell Support 3: • Click the Dell Support 3 icon in the notification area. NOTE: The icon functions[...]

106 T roubleshooting Network Assistant Designed specifically for users of Dell systems, the Dell Network Assistant helps simplify the setup, monitoring, trou bleshooting, and repair of your network. The Dell Network Assistant provides: • Consolidated setup, alerting, and device status • Simplifies keeping track of network ed devices by providin[...]

T roubleshooting 107 Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proced ures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . F ill out the "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 176 as you complete these checks. E NSURE THAT M ICROSOFT ® W INDOWS ® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE — • Click Start → Computer[...]

108 T roubleshooting DISC — See "Using the Sleep P ower State" on page 51 for information on Sleep state. C HANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE — See the help files for your CD, DV D, or BD creation softwar e. The drive tray cannot eject 1 Ensure that the computer is shut down. 2 Straighten a paper clip and insert on e end into the[...]

T roubleshooting 109 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proced ures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telep hone jack only . The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network. C HECK THE M ICROSO[...]

110 T roubleshooting 5 Click the COM port for your modem. 6 Click P roperties , click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with W indows. If all commands receive r esponses, the modem is operating properly . E NSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE I NTERNET — Ensur e that you have subscribed to a[...]

T roubleshooting 111 D ATA ERROR — The hard drive cannot r ead the data (see "Drive Problems" on page 107). D ECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY — One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary , replace them (see "Memory" on page 147). D ISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION —[...]

112 T roubleshooting H ARD - DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0— The hard drive does not r espond to commands from the computer . Shut down the computer , remove the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 139), and boot the computer from a CD. Then, shut down the computer , reinstall the hard drive, and r estart the computer . If the problem[...]

T roubleshooting 113 K EYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE — F or external k eyboards or keypads, check the cable connection. Restart the computer , and avoid touching the keyboar d or keys during the boot routine. R un the Stuck Key test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 99). L ICENSED CONTENT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE IN M EDIA D [...]

114 T roubleshooting N OT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES . E XIT SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — Y ou have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. O PERATING SY STEM NOT FOUND — Reinstall the hard drive (see "Har d Drive" on page 139). If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting D[...]

T roubleshooting 115 T IME - OF - DAY CLOCK STOPPED — The reserve battery that supports the system configuration settings may requir e re charging. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery . If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 177). T IME - OF - DAY NOT SET - PLEASE RUN THE S Y[...]

116 T roubleshooting IEEE 1394 Device Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . E NSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY W INDOWS — 1 Click Start → Control P anel → System and Maintenance → Device Manager . NOTE: The User Account Con[...]

T roubleshooting 117 C HECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD — 1 Shut down the computer , wait 1 minu te, and then turn it on again. 2 V erify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboar d blink during the boot routine. 3 F rom the W indows desktop, click Start → All P rograms → Accessories → Notepad . 4 T ype some characters on [...]

118 T roubleshooting Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . The computer does not start C HECK THE AC ADAPTER — Ensure that the A C adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet. The computer stops [...]

T roubleshooting 119 A solid blue screen appears T URN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a r esponse by pressing a key on your k eyboard or moving your mo use, pr ess and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off, then restart your computer . Dell MediaDirect problems C HECK THE D ELL M EDIA D IRECT[...]

120 T roubleshooting Other software problems C HECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION — • Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer . • Ensure that your computer meets the minimum har dware requir ements needed to run the software. S[...]

T roubleshooting 121 I F YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE — • Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you ar e not using to see if that resolves the problem. • See the software documentation for minimum memory r equirements. If necessary , install additional memory (see "Memory " on page 147 ) . • Reseat[...]

122 T roubleshooting Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network [WWAN]) NOTE: The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Ut ility user’ s guide and the Mobile Broadband ExpressCard user’ s guide ar e available through Windows Help and Support (click Start → Help and Support ). Y ou can also download the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Ut ility user’ s gui[...]

T roubleshooting 123 C HARGE THE BATTERY — The battery charge may be depleted. 1 Reinstall the battery . 2 Use the AC adapter to connect the co mputer to an electrical outlet. 3 T urn on the computer . NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on ho w often the battery is used and the con[...]

124 T roubleshooting Printer Problems F ill out the "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 176 as you complete these checks. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTE: If you need technical assistance fo r your printer , c ontact the printer’ s manuf[...]

T roubleshooting 125 C HECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTATION — See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information. U NLOCK THE SCANNER — Ensure that your scanner is unlock ed. R ESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN C HECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS — • See the scanner documentation for cable connection information. • Ens[...]

126 T roubleshooting A DJUST THE W INDOWS VOLUME CONTROL — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower -right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. D ISCONNECT HEADPHONES FROM THE HEADPHONE CONNECTOR — Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones ar e connected t[...]

T roubleshooting 127 T O VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MOUSE , CHECK THE TOUCH PAD — 1 Shut down the computer . 2 Disconnect the mouse. 3 T urn on the computer . 4 At the W indows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it. If the touch pad operates correctl y , the mouse may be defective. C HECK THE S[...]

128 T roubleshooting C ONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and extension cables to verify that the computer turns on. A DJUST THE POWER PROPERTIES — Search for the keywor d sleep in W indows Help and Support. S WITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE — If your computer is attached to an external[...]

T roubleshooting 129 If only part of the display is readable C ONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR — 1 Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer . 2 T urn on the computer and the monit or , and then adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls. If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may[...]

130 T roubleshooting Identifying Drivers If you experience a problem with any devi ce, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary , update the driver . 1 Click Start , and then right-click Computer . 2 Click P roperties → Device Manager . NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear . If you are an administrat[...]

T roubleshooting 131 Using the Drivers and Utilities Media If using Device Driver Rollback or Syst em Restore (see "Restoring Y our Operating System" on page 133) does not resolve the problem, r einstall the driver from your Drivers and Utilities media. 1 W ith the W indows desktop displayed, insert your Drivers and Utilities media . If t[...]

132 T roubleshooting Manually Reinstalling Drivers NOTE: If your computer has a Consumer IR port and you are reinstalling a Consumer IR driver , you must first enable the Consumer IR port in the sy stem setup program (see "Using the Sy stem Setup Program" on page 187) before continuing with the driver installation (see "Reinstalli ng[...]

T roubleshooting 133 T o start the Hardware T roubleshooter: 1 Click Start → Help and Support . 2 In the F ind an answer section, click T roubleshooting . OR Ty p e hardware troubleshooter in the search field, then press <Enter>. 3 In the search results, select the opti on that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshoo[...]

134 T roubleshooting Using Windows Vista Sy stem Restore The W indows Vista operating system prov ides System Restor e to allow you to return your computer to an earlier oper ating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the har dware, softwa r e, or other system se ttings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the[...]

T roubleshooting 135 1 Click Start → Control P anel → System and Maintenance → Back Up and Restore Center .. 2 In the T asks list, click Repair W indows using System Restore . 3 Click Continue in the User Account Control (U AC) dialog box asking for permission to run the application. 4 Click Next in the System Restore window to view the most [...]

136 T roubleshooting Restoring the Computer to the Default Factory Configuration The Dell F actory Image Restore option allows you to r estore your hard drive back to its original factory configuration as when you first order ed it from Dell. This option appears on Dell comput ers that were originally pr e-installed with W indows Vista™ and does [...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 137 Adding and Replacing Parts Before Y ou Begin This chapter provides procedures for r emoving and installing the components in your computer . Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exis t: • Y ou have performed the steps in "T urning Off Y our Computer" on page 137 and [...]

138 Adding and Replacing Parts Before W orking Inside Y our Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety . CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . CAUTION: Handle[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 139 5 T urn the computer over . 6 Slide and click the battery release latches. 7 Slide the battery out of the battery bay . 8 T urn the computer top-side up, open the display , and press the power button to ground the system board. 9 Remove any installed cards from the ExpressCar d slot (see "Removing an ExpressCar d[...]

140 Adding and Replacing Parts NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care wh en handling the hard drive. NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive fr om a source other th an Dell, you need to install an operating sy stem, driver[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 141 4 Using the pull-tab on the hard drive, pull the har d drive out of the hard drive bay . Replacing the Hard Drive 1 Remove the new drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive. NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you use excessive force, [...]

142 Adding and Replacing Parts 5 Install the operating system for your computer , as needed (see "Restoring Y our Operating System" on page 133). 6 Install the drivers and utilities f o r your computer , as needed (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 130). Returning a Hard Drive to Dell Return your old hard drive to[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 143 Replacing the Optical Drive 1 Slide the optical drive into the bay . 2 Replace and tighten the locking screw . Hinge Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proced ures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by us[...]

144 Adding and Replacing Parts Removing the Hinge Cover 1 F ollow the procedur es in "Before Y ou Begin" on page 137. 2 Open the display as far as it will open. NOTICE: T o avoid damage to the hinge cover , do not lift the cover on both sides simultaneously . 3 Insert a plastic scribe into the indent to lift the hinge cover on the right s[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 145 Keyboard F or more information about the k eyb oard, see "Using the Ke yboard and T ouch P ad" on page 41. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proced ures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a [...]

146 Adding and Replacing Parts Replacing the Keyboard 1 Hook the tabs and the keyboar d connector along the front edge of the keyboar d into the palmrest, and place the notch on the top of the keyboar d on the tab on the base of the computer . 2 Keeping the k eyboard flat against the computer base, slide the tabs on the bottom of the keyboar d unde[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 147 3 Replace the four screws on the top of the k eyboard. Memory CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proced ures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . Y ou can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See "Specifications" on pa[...]

148 Adding and Replacing Parts Y our computer has two user -accessible SODIMM sockets, one accessed from beneath the keyboar d (DIMM A), and the other accessed from the bottom of the computer (DIMM B). NOTICE: If your computer has only one memory module, install the memory module in the connector labeled “DIMMA.” NOTICE: If you need to install [...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 149 Replacing the DIMM A Memory Module NOTICE: T o avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by peri odically touching an unpainte d metal surface (such as a connector on the bac k of the computer). 1 Align the notch in the module ed ge connector with the tab in the connector slot.[...]

150 Adding and Replacing Parts 3 Replace the keyboar d and hinge cover . 4 Insert the battery into the battery bay , or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet. 5 T urn on the computer . As the computer boots, it detects th e additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. T o confirm the a[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 151 NOTICE: T o prevent damage to th e memory module connec tor , do not use tools to spread the memory mo dule securing clips. NOTICE: T o avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by peri odically touching an unpainte d metal surface (such as a connector on the bac k of the compu[...]

152 Adding and Replacing Parts Replacing the DIMM B Memory Module NOTICE: T o avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by peri odically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the ba ck of the computer). 1 Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot. 2[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 153 NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may damage your computer . 3 Replace the memory module cover . 4 Insert the battery into the battery bay , or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet. 5 T urn on the computer . As the com[...]

154 Adding and Replacing Parts 1 F ollow the procedur es in "Before Y ou Begin" on page 137. 2 In the battery bay , slide the SIM int o the compartment with the cut-off corner of the SIM facing away from the compartment. Wireless Mini Cards CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions in[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 155 Removing a WLAN Card 1 F ollow the procedur es in "Before Y ou Begin" on page 137. 2 T urn the computer over . 3 Loosen the captive screws on the cover of the Mini Card compartment and remove the cover . 1 captive screws (2) 2 cover 1 2[...]

156 Adding and Replacing Parts 4 Disconnect the antenna cables from the WLAN card. 5 Release the WLAN card by pushing the metal securing tabs towar d the back of the computer until the card pops up slightly . 6 Lift the WLAN card out of its system board connector . 1 antenna cable connectors (2) 2 WLAN card 1 2[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 157 Replacing a WLAN Card NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertio n. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the card and on the sy stem board, and realign the card. NOTICE: T o avoid damage to the WLAN card, never place cables under the card. 1 Insert the WLAN card connector at a 45-degr ee an[...]

158 Adding and Replacing Parts 3 Connect the appropriate antenna cables to the WLAN card you ar e installing: If the WLAN card has two triangle s on the label (white and black), connect the white antenna cable to the connector labeled "main" (white triangle), and connect the black antenna cable to the connector labeled "aux" (bl[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 159 4 Disconnect the two antenna cables from the WW AN card. 5 Release the WW AN card by pushing the metal securing tabs towar d the back of the computer until the card pops up slightly . 6 Lift the WW AN card out of its system board connector . 1 antenna cable connectors (2) 2 WWAN card 1 2[...]

160 Adding and Replacing Parts Replacing a WWAN Card NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct in sertion. If you feel resistance, check the connecto rs on the card and on the sy stem board, and realign the card. NOTICE: T o avoid damage to the WW AN card, never place cable s under the card. 1 Insert the WW AN card connector at a 45-degr e[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 161 3 Connect the black antenna cable with a gray stripe to the connector labeled "aux" (black triangle) and conn ect the white antenna cable with a gray stripe to the connector labeled "main" (white triangle). 4 Secure unused antenna cables in the protective mylar sleeve. 5 Replace the cover and tight[...]

162 Adding and Replacing Parts Replacing a WP AN Card NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct in sertion. If you feel resistance, check the connecto rs on the card and on the sy stem board, and realign the card. NOTICE: T o avoid damage to the WP AN card, never place cables under the card. 1 Insert the WP AN card connector at a 45-degr e[...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 163 Replacing the FCM NOTICE: Install the FCM in the WW AN or WP AN slot. Do n ot install an FCM in the WLAN card slot. Doing so may cause damage to your computer . 1 Insert the FCM connector at a 45-degree angle into the system boar d connector labeled "FCM". 2 P ress the other end of the FCM down into the secu[...]

164 Adding and Replacing Parts Internal Card With Bluetooth ® Wireless T echnology CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by peri odically touching an unpainted [...]

Adding and Replacing Parts 165 Replacing the Card 1 Replace the card at an angle to slide it under the securing tabs in the car d compartment. 2 Connect the cable to the card. Coin-Cell Battery CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proced ures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide . NOTICE: T o avoid electr[...]

166 Adding and Replacing Parts Removing the Coin-Cell Battery 1 F ollow the procedur es in "Before Y ou Begin" on page 137. 2 T urn the computer over . 3 Loosen the captive screw on the memory module/coin-cell battery cover (see "Bottom View" on page 33), and r emove the cover . 4 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the [...]

Dell™ QuickSet Features 167 Dell™ QuickSet Features NOTE: This feature may not be available on your computer . Dell QuickSet provides you with easy access to configure or view the following types of settings: • Network connectivity • P ower management •D i s p l a y • System information Depending on what you want to do in Dell QuickSet,[...]

168 Dell™ QuickSet Features[...]

T raveling With Y our Computer 169 T raveling With Y our Computer Identifying Y our Computer • Attach a name tag or business card to the computer . • W rite down your Service T ag and s tor e it in a safe place away from the computer or carrying case. Use the Service T a g if you need to report a loss or theft to law enforcemen t officials and [...]

170 T raveling With Y our Computer • P rotect the computer , the batteries, a nd the hard drive from hazards such as extr eme temperatures and overe xpo sure to sunlight, dirt, dust, or liquids. • P ack the computer so that it does no t slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead storage compartment. T ravel T ips NOTICE: Do not mov[...]

Getting Help 171 Getting Help Obtaining Assistance CAUTION: If you need to remove the comp uter cover , first disconnect the computer power and modem c ables from all electrical outlets. If you experience a problem with yo ur computer , you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem: 1 See "T roubleshooting"[...]

172 Getting Help T echnical Support and Customer Service Dell's support service is available to answer your questions about Dell™ hardwar e. Our support staff uses computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers. T o contact Dell's support service, see "Before Y ou Call" on page 175, and then see "Contacting [...]

Getting Help 173 • Dell Support e-mail addresses mobile_support@us.dell.com support@us.dell.com la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin Amer ica and Caribbean countries only) apsupport@dell.com (Asian/P acific countries only) • Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addr esses apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/P acific countries only) sales_canada@dell.com (Canada o[...]

174 Getting Help Problems With Y our Order If you have a problem with your order , such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for cu stomer assistance. Have your invoice or packing slip handy when you call. F or the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting De ll" on page 177. Product Informatio[...]

Getting Help 175 Before Y ou Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’ s automated-support telephone sy stem direct y our call more efficiently. Y ou may also be asked for your Service T ag (located on the back or bottom of your computer). Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnost[...]

176 Getting Help Diagnostics Checklist Name: Date: Address: Phone number: Service T ag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer): Express Service Code: Return Material Authorization Number ( if provided by Dell support technician): Operating system and version: Devices: Expansion cards: Are you connected to a network? Y es No Network, versio[...]

Getting Help 177 Contacting Dell NOTE: If you do not have an active Inter net connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telepho ne-based support and service options. A vailability varies by country and prod uct, and some services may not be av[...]

178 Getting Help[...]

Specifications 179 Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. Fo r more information regarding the configuration of yo ur computer , click Start , click Help and Support , and then select the option to view information about your computer . Processor P rocessor type Intel ® Core™ 2 Duo L1 cache 32 KB per instruction, 32 KB data cache per [...]

180 Specifications Cards supported ExpressCar d /34 (34 mm) ExpressCar d/54 (54 mm) 1.5 V and 3.3 V ExpressCar d connector size 26 pins 8-in-1 Memory Card Reader 8-in-1 memory card controller Ricoh R5C833 8-in-1 memory card connector 8-in-1 combo card connector Cards supported • Secure Digital (SD) • Secure Digital Input/Output(SDIO) • MultiM[...]

Specifications 181 Consumer IR sensor compatible with Philips RC6 (r eceive only) Mini Card three T ype II IA Mini Card slots Modem RJ-11 port Network adapter RJ-45 port S-video TV -out 7-pin mini-DIN connector (optional S-video to composite video adapter cable) USB five 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connector Video 15-hole connector Communications Modem[...]

182 Specifications Video type: discrete video card Data bus PCI Express X16 Video controller nVIDIA GeF orce 8400M G or nVIDIA GeF orce 8600M GT Video memory 128 MB (GeF orce 8400M G) or 256 MB (GeF orce 8600M GT) LCD interface LV D S TV support NTSC or P AL in S-video , composite, and component modes Audio Audio type two-channel high-definition st[...]

Specifications 183 Dimensions: Height 229.5 mm (9.04 in) Wi d t h 367.2 mm (14.46 in) Diagonal 433.0 mm (17.0 in) Maximum resolutions: WXGA+ 1440 x 900 at 262 K colors WXGA+ with T rueLife 1440 x 900 at 262 K colors WUXGA with T rueLife 1920 x 1200 at 262 K colors Refresh rate 60± Hz Operating angle 0 ° (closed) to 155° Viewing angles: Horizonta[...]

184 Specifications Size: Wi d t h 71.7-mm (2.8-in) sensor -active area Height 34.0-mm (1.3-in) rectangle Battery T ype 9-cell "smart" lithium ion 6-cell "smart" lithium ion Dimensions: Depth 67.6 mm (2.66 inches) (9 cell) 47.5 mm (1.87 inches) (6 cell) Height 20.4 mm (0.8 inch) Wi d t h 209.9 mm (8.26 inches) W eight 0.48 kg (1.[...]

Specifications 185 AC Adapter Input voltage 100–240 V AC Input current (maximum) 1.5 A Input frequency 50–60 Hz Output current 5.62 A (maximum at 4-second pulse) 4.62 A (90 W) (continuous) Output power 90 W Rated output voltage 19.5 +/– 1.0 VDC Dimensions: Height 34.2 mm (1.34 in) Wi d t h 60.87 mm (2.39 in) Depth 153.45 mm (6.0 in) W eight ([...]

186 Specifications Environmental T emperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Relative humidity (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration (using a random vibration spectrum that simulates user environment): Operating 0.66 GRMS Storag[...]

Appendix 187 Appendix Using the Sy stem Setup Program NOTE: Y our operating sy stem may automatica lly configure most of the options available in sy stem setup, thus overriding options that you set through sy stem setup. An exception is the External Hot Key option, which you can disable or enable only through sy stem setup. For more information on [...]

188 Appendix Viewing the Sy stem Setup Screen 1 T urn on (or restart) your computer . 2 When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately . If you wait too long and the Microsof t W indows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the W indows desk top, then shut down your computer and try again. Sy stem Setup Screen NOTE: For information[...]

Appendix 189 • USB Storage Device • CD/D V D/CD-R W drive • Modular bay HDD NOTE: Only devices that are preceded by a number are bootable. During the boot routine, t he computer starts at the top of the list and scans each enabled device for the operating system start-up files. When the computer finds the files, it stops searching and st arts[...]

190 Appendix Cleaning Y our Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide . Computer , Keyboard, and Display CAUTION: Before you clean your computer , dis connect the computer from the electrical outlet and remove any installed batteries. Clea n you[...]

Appendix 191 T ouch Pad 1 Shut down and turn off your comput er (see "T urning Off Y our Computer" on page 137). 2 Disconnect any attached devices from the computer and from their electrical outlets. 3 Remove any installed batteries (see "Battery P erformance" on page 47). 4 Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with wa ter , and wipe[...]

192 Appendix Media NOTICE: Alway s use compressed air to clean the lens in the optical drive, and follow the instructions that come with the compressed air produ ct. Never touch the lens in the drive. If you notice problems, such as skipp ing, with the playback quality of your media, try cleaning the discs. 1 Hold the disc by its outer edge. Y ou c[...]

Appendix 193 Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Dell-installed software includes t he operating system and some of the software programs that ar e inst alled on the computer during the manufacturing process (Microsoft Office, Norton Antivirus, etc). Dell-installed peripherals in clude any internal expansion car ds, or[...]

194 Appendix These limits are designed to provide r easonable protection against harmful interference in a r esidential installation. However , there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If t his equipment does cause harmful interference with radio or television r eception, which can be determined by turnin[...]

Glossary 195 Glossary T erms in this Glossary are provided fo r informational purposes only and may or may not describe features inclu ded with your particular computer . A AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter power cable in to an electrical outlet. ACP I — advanced configur[...]

196 Glossary BIOS — basic input/output system — A prog ram (or utility) that serves as an interface between the computer hardwar e and the operating system. Unless you understand what effect these settings have on the computer , do not change them. Also referr ed to as system setup . bit — The smallest unit of data interpr eted by your comput[...]

Glossary 197 L1 cache — P rimary cache stored inside the processor . L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external to the processor or incorporated into the processor architecture. carnet — An international customs document that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also known as a merchandise passport . CD-R — CD [...]

198 Glossary D DDR SDR AM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of SDR AM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving system performance. DDR2 SDR AM — double-data-rate 2 SDRAM — A type of DDR SDR AM that uses a 4-bit prefetch and other architectural ch anges to boost memory speed to over 400 MHz. device — Hardwar e such as a disk drive, pri[...]

Glossary 199 dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display . Also referr ed to as extended display mode . D VD-R — DVD r ecordable — A recor dable versi on of a DVD. Data can be r e corded only once onto a DVD-R. Once r ecorded, th e data cannot be erased or written over . DVD + [...]

200 Glossary Express Service Code — A numeric code located on a sticker on your Dell™ computer . Use the Express Service Code when contacting Dell for assistance. Expr ess Service Code service may not be available in some countries. extended display mode — A display setting that allows yo u to use a second monitor as an extension of your disp[...]

Glossary 201 GHz — gigahertz — A measurement of fr eque ncy that equals one thousand million Hz, or one thousand MHz. The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces are often mea sured in GHz. graphics mode — A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Graphics modes can display an unli[...]

202 Glossary infrared sensor — A port that allows you to transf er data between the computer and infrared-compatible devices without using a cable connection. integrated — Usually refers to components that ar e physically locate d on the computer ’s system board. Also r e ferred to as built-in . I/O — input/output — An operation or device[...]

Glossary 203 LED — light-emitting diode — An electronic component that emits light to indicate the status of the computer . local bus — A data bus that provides a fast throughput for devices to the processor . LPT — line print terminal — The designation fo r a parallel connection to a printer or other parallel device. M Mb — megabit —[...]

204 Glossary Mini Card — A small card designed for i ntegrated peripherals, such as communication NICs. The Mini Card is func tionally equivalent to a standar d PCI expansion car d. Mobile Broadband network — (also known as a WW AN) is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each othe r through wir eless cellular technology a[...]

Glossary 205 O optical drive — A drive that uses optical technolo gy to read or write data from CDs, D VDs, or D VD+RWs. Example of optical drives include CD drives, D VD drives, CD-R W drives, and CD-R W/D V D combo drives. P parallel connector — An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your computer . Also referr ed to as an LP[...]

206 Glossary processor — A computer chip that interprets and e xecutes program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referr ed to as the CPU (central processing unit). PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of co nnector for attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboar d, mouse, or keypad. PXE — pre-boot e xecution environmen t — A WfM (W ired for M[...]

Glossary 207 RPM — revolutions per minute — The numb er of rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often measur ed in rpm. RT C — real time clock — Battery-powered c lock on the system boar d that keeps the date and time after you shut down the computer . RT C R S T — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the system boar d of[...]

208 Glossary smart card — A card that is embedded with a processor and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used to authenticate a u ser on computers equipped for smart car ds. S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from one file to ano ther without converting it to and from an a[...]

Glossary 209 T T API — telephony application programming interface — Enables Windows programs to operate with a wide variety of telephony de vices, including voice, data, fax, and video . text editor — A program used to cr eate and ed it files that contain only text; for example, W indows Notepad uses a text editor . T ext editors do not usua[...]

210 Glossary V video controller — The circuitry on a video card or on the system boar d (in computers with an integrated video controller) that provides the video capabilities—in combination with the monitor—for your computer . video memory — Memory that consists of memory chips dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually faster t[...]

Glossary 211 WLAN — wireless local ar ea network. A se ries of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves using access points or wireless routers to provide Internet access. write-protected — F iles or media that cannot be changed. Use write-protection when you want to protect data from being changed or destroy[...]

212 Glossary[...]

Index 213 Index Numerics 8-in-1 memory c ard r eader , 83 A audio device connecting, 6 3 enabling, 7 8 audio . See sound B battery charge gauge, 4 9 charging, 5 1 checking the charge, 4 8 performance, 4 7 power meter , 4 9 removing, 5 2 replacing coin-cell battery , 1 6 5 storing, 5 3 BD. See Blu-ray Disc blanks E x p r e s s C a r d s , 79, 83 r e[...]

214 Index connecting audio device, 6 3 Mobile Broadband network, 9 1 TV , 6 3 contacting Dell, 177 copying CDs general information, 5 8 helpful tips, 6 0 how to , 5 8 copying D VDs general information, 5 8 helpful tips, 6 0 how to , 5 8 D Dell contacting, 1 7 7 Dell Diagnostics about, 9 9 starting from the Drivers and Utilities media, 1 0 1 startin[...]

Index 215 E End User License Agreement, 16 ergonomics information, 16 error messages, 110 ExpressCar d slot description, 2 7 ExpressCar ds, 79 b l a n k s , 79, 81, 83 installing, 8 0 removing, 8 1 F FCM. See Flash Cache Module Flash Cache Module, 162 H hard drive d e s c r i p t i o n , 27, 34 p r o b l e m s , 108 replacing, 1 3 9 returning to De[...]

216 Index M media playing, 5 5 media control buttons Dell MediaDir ect button, 6 2 description, 2 5 memory DIMM A, 1 4 9 DIMM B, 1 5 0 installing, 1 4 7 r e m o v i n g , 148 memory car d, 83 blanks, 8 4 installing, 8 3 reader , 2 9 removing, 8 4 types, 8 3 memory car d reader , 83 memory module cover description, 3 4 messages error , 1 1 0 Mini Ca[...]

Index 217 printer cable, 3 8 connecting, 3 7 p r o b l e m s , 124 setting up, 3 7 USB, 3 8 problems blue screen, 1 1 9 C D d r i v e , 107 CD-R W drive, 1 0 7 c o m p u t e r c r a s h e s , 118-119 computer does not start up, 1 1 8 computer stops responding, 1 1 8 Dell Diagnostics, 9 9 Dell MediaDirect, 1 1 9 drives, 1 0 7 D VD drive, 1 0 7 error[...]

218 Index security cable slot description, 2 7 Service T ag, 16 SIM. See Subscriber Identity Module software p r o b l e m s , 118, 120 software and har dware incompatibilities, 132 sound p r o b l e m s , 125 v o l u m e , 125 speakers description, 3 4 p r o b l e m s , 125 v o l u m e , 125 specifications, 179 spyware, 110, 120 stolen computer , [...]

Index 219 UPS, 39 USB connector description, 3 1 V video p r o b l e m s , 127 video controller determining configuration, 2 1 video controller configuration determining what controller is installed, 2 1 volume adjusting, 1 2 6 W warranty information, 16 Wi n d o w s Device Driver Rollback, 1 3 0 W indows Easy T ransfer wizard, 37 W indows Vista P [...]

220 Index[...]