Free Dell Inspiron B120 Owner's Manual PDF | Manualsnet (2024)

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Dell Inspiron 1300/B120/B130

Owners Manual

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Model PP21L

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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 Glossary.

If you purchased a Dell 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, DellNet, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, PowerApp, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation.

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 PP21L

September 2005 P/N WD660 Rev. A01

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Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1 A Tour of Your Computer

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2 Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Setting Up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the

Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the

Operating System CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Setting Up a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Printer Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Connecting a USB Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Contents 3

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3 Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Switching the Video Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Setting Display Resolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

System Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

CD or DVD Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Radios (Including Wireless Networking) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Speaker Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Microsoft Windows Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Customizing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

5 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Microsoft Windows Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Power Management Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Configuring Power Management Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

4 Contents

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6 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Playing a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Adjusting the Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Copying CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

How to Copy a CD or DVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Using Blank CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Helpful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7 Using ExpressCards

ExpressCard Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

ExpressCard Blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Installing an ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

8 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Network Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Determining Your Network Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft Windows XP . . . . . 50

9 Dell QuickSet Features

Clicking the QuickSet Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Double-Clicking the QuickSet Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Right-Clicking the QuickSet Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Contents 5

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10 Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

CD and DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

External Keyboard problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Unexpected characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows

operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

ExpressCard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

No sound from integrated speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

No sound from external speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

6 Contents

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Video and Display Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

If the display is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

If the display is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Using the Operating System CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

11 Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

CD/DVD Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Wireless Mini PCI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Hinge Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

12 Appendix

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Using the System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Viewing the System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Contents 7

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System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Commonly Used Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Travelling With Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Packing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Travelling by Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Computer, Keyboard, and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

CDs and DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

FCC Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Macrovision Product Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . 109

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . . 109

Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

8 Contents

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Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may

not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

How to set up my computer

Basic troubleshooting information

How to run the Dell Diagnostics

How to set up a printer

Additional information about setting up my computer

How to troubleshoot and solve problems

How to remove and install parts

Specifications

How to contact Dell

Owners Manual

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at

support.dell.com.

Warranty information

Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

Safety instructions

Regulatory information

Ergonomics information

End User License Agreement

Dell Product Information Guide

Service Tag and Express Service Code

Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.

Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact technical support.

Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support.

Finding Information 9

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Solutions Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and 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

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.

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 Dell 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 language for your computer, and click Submit.

5 Under Select a Device, scroll to System and Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Notebook System Software.

How to use Windows XP

How to work with programs and files

How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support Center

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

3 Click the topic that describes your problem.

4 Follow the instructions on the screen.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

10 Finding Information

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A Tour of Your Computer

Front View

1 display latch release 5 touch pad 9 keyboard

2 display latches (2) 6 touch pad buttons 10 power button

3 display 7 speakers

4 keyboard status lights 8 device status lights

1

9

2

8

3

7

10

4

5

6

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DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE Slide to release the display latches and open the display.

DISPLAY LATCHES Keeps the display closed.

DISPLAY For more information about your display, see Using the Display.

KEYBOARD STATUS L IGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

TOUCH PAD /TOUCH PAD BUTTONS Provides the functionality of a mouse.

SPEAKERS To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the speaker-volume keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see Speaker Functions.

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

9

A

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DEVICE STATUS L IGHTS

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:

Solid green: The battery is charging.

Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:

Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).

Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.

Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

KEYBOARD The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see Key Combinations.

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.

Turns on when you turn on the computer, and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.

Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the light is flashing.

Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.

Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To enable or disable wireless networking, press .

NOTE: Wireless networking is optional and may not be available on your computer.

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Left Side View

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

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.

1 modem connector 4 USB connectors (3) 7 ExpressCard slot

2 network connector 5 microphone connector 8 ExpressCard slot release button

3 video connector 6 headphone connector

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.

4 53 7 81 2 6

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NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

VIDEO CONNECTOR

USB CONNECTORS

AUDIO CONNECTORS

EXPRESSCARD SLOT Supports one ExpressCard. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot. For more information, see Using ExpressCards.

Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow lights next to the connector indicate activity for wired network communications.

For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer.

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.

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.

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

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Right Side View

OPT ICAL DRIVE You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see CD/DVD Drive.

OPT ICAL -DRIVE-TRAY EJECT BUTTON Press this button to eject a CD or DVD from the optical drive.

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.

1 optical drive bay 2 optical drive-tray eject button 3 security cable slot

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Back View

AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR 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.

CAUTION: Do not block or push objects into 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.

AIR VENT The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

1 AC adapter connector 2 air vent

21

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Bottom View

MEMORY MODULE /M IN I PCI COVER Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s) and Mini PCI card. For more information on replacing memory, see Memory. For more information on replacing the Mini PCI card, see Wireless Mini PCI Card.

OPT ICAL DRIVE LOCK ING SCREW Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more information, see CD/DVD Drive.

HARD DRIVE Stores software and data. For more information, see Hard Drive.

BATTERY When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. For more information, see Using a Battery.

BATTERY -BAY LATCH LOCK Unlocks the battery so that it can be released from the battery bay.

BATTERY -BAY LATCH RELEASE Releases the battery from the battery bay. See Replacing the Battery.

PROCESSOR AND THERMAL MODULE COVER Covers the processor and thermal module.

FAN The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

1 memory module/Mini PCI cover

4 battery 7 thermal module cover

2 optical drive locking screw 5 battery-bay latch lock 8 fan

3 hard drive cover 6 battery-bay latch release

4

3

5

1 2

7

8

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Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.

To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options:

Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.

DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same line simultaneously.

Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable TV line.

If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

To set up an Internet connection with a provided ISP desktop shortcut:

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2 Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft Windows desktop.

3 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP:

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2 Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer.

The New Connection Wizard appears.

3 Click Connect to the Internet.

4 In the next window, click the appropriate option:

If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click Choose from a list of Internet service providers (ISPs).

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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." If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.

Transferring Information to a New Computer The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as:

E-mail messages

Toolbar settings

Window sizes

Internet bookmarks

You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or USB connection, or you can store it on a removable medium, such as a writable CD or floppy, for transfer to the new computer.

NOTE: You can transfer information from the old computer to the new computer by directly connecting the two

computers with a USB cable. To transfer data over a USB connection, you must access the Network Connections

utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced

connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.

For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base

Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This

information may not be available in some countries.

For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System CD for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard utility.

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD

NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System CD. This CD is optional and may not be included with all

computers.

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To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:

1 Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.

3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and click Next.

4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD and click Next.

5 When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not click Next at this time.

To copy data from the old computer:

1 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System CD.

2 On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks.

3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings.

4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.

5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer and click Next.

6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next.

After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.

8 Click Finish.

To transfer data to the new computer:

1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next.

2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears.

3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the optional Operating System CD, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.

To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and perform the following steps:

1 Click the Start button.

2 Click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

3 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next.

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4 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer and click Next.

5 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following drive: and click Next.

6 Insert the removable media, such as a floppy disk or CD, and click OK.

7 When the disk creation completes and the Now go to your old computer message appears, do not click Next.

8 Go to the old computer.

To copy data from the old computer:

1 On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

2 Click the Start button and click Run.

3 In the Open field on the Run window, browse to the path for fastwiz (on the appropriate removable media) and click OK.

4 On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next.

5 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer and click Next.

6 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

7 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next.

After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears.

8 Click Finish.

To transfer data to the new computer:

1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next.

2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen.

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears.

3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.

NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search dell.support.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell Computer Using the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System?).

NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in some countries.

Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.

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See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:

Obtain and install updated drivers.

Connect the printer to the computer.

Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.

For technical assistance, refer to the printer owner's manual or contact the printer manufacturer.

Printer Cable

Your printer connects to your computer with 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 and computer. If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may arrive in the box in which your computer was shipped.

Connecting a USB Printer

NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.

1 Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.

2 Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB connectors fit only one way.

1 USB connector on computer 2 USB printer cable 3 connector on printer

2

1

3

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3 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.

4 Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.

Power Protection Devices Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:

Surge protectors

Line conditioners

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.

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).

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Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness When a Dell computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the brightness to the lowest comfortable setting by pressing and the up- or down-arrow key on the keyboard.

The Dell QuickSet Brightness Meter shows the current brightness setting for the display. Right-click the icon in the taskbar to enable or disable the Brightness Meter on the screen.

NOTE: By default, the Brightness Meter appears in the lower-right

corner of the display. You can click and drag the meter to a preferred

location.

NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your

portable computer, not monitors that you attach to your portable

computer or docking device. If your computer is connected to an external monitor and you try to change the

brightness level, the Brightness Meter appears, but the brightness level on the monitor does not change.

You can enable or disable the Brightness Meter from the QuickSet taskbar menu. When the meter is enabled, press the following keys to adjust brightness:

Press and the up-arrow key to increase brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

Press and the down-arrow key to decrease brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

For more information on using QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and click Help.

Switching the Video Image When you start the computer with an external device (such as an external monitor or projector) attached and turned on, the image may appear on either the computer display or the external device.

Press to switch the video image between the display only, the external device only, or the display and the external device simultaneously.

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Setting Display Resolution To display a program at a specific resolution, both the graphics card and the display must support the program, and the necessary video drivers must be installed.

Before you change any of the default display settings, make a note of the default settings for future reference.

If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.

3 Under Pick a task..., click the area you want to change, or under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Display.

4 Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.

NOTE: As the resolution increases, icons and text appear smaller on the screen.

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Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad

The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, press and the desired key after enabling the keypad.

To enable the keypad, press . The light indicates that the keypad is active.

To disable the keypad, press again.

1 numeric keypad

1

9

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Key Combinations

System Functions

CD or DVD Tray

Display Functions

Radios (Including Wireless Networking)

Power Management

Opens the Task Manager window.

Ejects the tray out of the drive (if Dell QuickSet is installed). For more information on QuickSet, see Dell QuickSet Features.

Switches the video image to the next display option. The options include the integrated display, an external monitor, and both displays simultaneously.

and up-arrow key Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

and down-arrow key

Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

Enables and disables radios, including wireless networking.

NOTE: Wireless networking is optional and may not be

available on your computer.

Activates a power management mode. You can reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different power management mode using the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window. See Power Management Modes.

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Speaker Functions

Microsoft Windows Logo Key Functions

To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and click Keyboard. For information about the Control Panel, see Windows Help and Support Center.

Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached.

Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached.

Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached.

Windows logo key and

Minimizes all open windows.

Windows logo key and

Maximizes all windows.

Windows logo key and Runs Windows Explorer.

Windows logo key and Opens the Run dialog box.

Windows logo key and Opens the Search Results dialog box.

Windows logo key and

Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the computer is connected to a network).

Windows logo key and

Opens the System Properties dialog box.

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Touch Pad The touch pad detects the pressure 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.

To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.

To select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button.

To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad. On the second tap, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger over the surface.

To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button twice.

Customizing the Touch Pad

You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad or adjust their settings.

1 Open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Mouse. For information about the Control Panel, see Windows Help and Support Center.

2 In the Mouse Properties window, click the Touch Pad tab to adjust touch pad settings.

3 Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

1 touch pad

1

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Using a Battery

Battery Performance NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or

separate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.

For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

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 optical drives

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a

CD or DVD.

Using wireless communications devices, ExpressCards, or USB devices

Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games

Running the computer in maximum performance mode

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the 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.

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 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.

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 65C (149F). 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.

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Checking the Battery Charge The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and icon, 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.

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:

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.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

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.

Conserving Battery Power Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:

Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.

Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time.

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.

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Use the Power Management Wizard to select options to optimize your computers power usage. These options can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press . See Power Management Wizard.

NOTE: See Battery Performance for more information on conserving battery power.

Power Management Modes

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby mode.

NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

To enter standby mode:

Click the Start button, click Turn off computer, and then click Stand by.

or

Depending on how you set the power management options on the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window, use one of the following methods:

Press the power button.

Close the display.

Press .

To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display depending on how you set the options on the Advanced tab. You cannot make the computer exit standby mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad.

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.

NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your computer is in hibernate mode.

Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low.

To manually enter hibernate mode:

Click the Start button, click Turn off computer, press and hold , and then click Hibernate.

or

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Depending on how you set the power management options on the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window, use one of the following methods to enter hibernate mode:

Press the power button.

Close the display.

Press .

NOTE: ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the

card, or simply restart (reboot) your computer.

To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad. For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your operating system.

Configuring Power Management Settings

You can use the QuickSet Power Management Wizard or Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your computer.

Power Management Wizard

NOTE: The Power Management Wizard is not available if you have restricted access rights.

Click or double-click the icon to open the Power Management Wizard.

The first two screens of the wizardWelcome and What is Power Management?describe and define various power management options.

NOTE: On the What is Power Management? screen, you can select Do not show this page again. When you select

this option, the Welcome screen also does not appear again.

Use the screens that follow Welcome and What is Power Management? to set various power management options, including sleep modes, power schemes, and low battery-charge alarms.

Setting Sleep Modes

This screen defines standby and hibernate modes. From the screen you can:

Set the standby-mode password option.

Enable or disable hibernate mode.

Select how the computer will respond when you close the display:

Choose no action.

Enter standby mode.

Enter hibernate mode.

Select how the computer will respond when you press the power button:

Choose no action.

Enter standby mode.

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Enter hibernate mode.

Shut down Microsoft Windows and turn off the computer.

Prompt a user for an action (Ask me what to do).

Select how the computer will respond when you press :

Choose no action.

Enter standby mode.

Enter hibernate mode.

Shut down Microsoft Windows and turn off the computer.

Prompt a user for an action (Ask me what to do).

Selecting a Power Scheme

NOTE: The Network Disabled power scheme disables your internal network and wireless activity when your

computer is running on battery power. When your computer is connected to an electrical outlet or docking device,

the Network Disabled power scheme disables only your wireless activity. You must select the power scheme

through QuickSet (not Microsoft Windows) for the Network Disabled power scheme to work.

The Selecting a Power Scheme screen allows you to create, edit, and switch between power schemes. In addition, you can delete power schemes that you create, but you cannot delete Dell QuickSet predefined power schemes (Maximum Battery, Maximum Performance, Presentation, and Network Disabled).

NOTE: QuickSet automatically adds the word (QuickSet) after the names of power schemes created using

QuickSet.

All QuickSet power schemes are displayed in a drop-down menu near the center of the screen. The power settings for each scheme are below the name of the current selection. The power settings are listed separately for when the computer is running on battery or connected to an electrical outlet.

The Power Management Wizard also allows you to associate the display brightness level with a power scheme. You must enable brightness-level power schemes through QuickSet in order to set the brightness level.

The display brightness, internal network-card activity, and wireless activity features are not available through the Control Panel power schemes. In order to use of these features, you must set them through QuickSet power schemes.

NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your portable computer, not monitors that you

attach to your portable computer or docking device. If your computer is in CRT-only mode and you try to change the

brightness level, the Brightness Meter appears, but the brightness level on the monitor does not change.

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Setting Battery Alarms and Actions

This screen allows you to enable the low-battery and critical-battery alarms and to change settings for the alarms. For example, you can set the low-battery alarm to 20 percent to remind you to save work and switch to AC power, and you can set the critical-battery alarm to 10 percent to enter hibernate mode. From the screen, you can:

Select whether the alarm will notify you by sound or text.

Adjust the power level at which you want the alarm to notify you.

Select how the computer will respond when the alarm notifies you:

Choose no action.

Enter standby mode.

Enter hibernate mode.

Shut down Windows and turn off the computer.

Completing the Power Management Wizard

This screen summarizes the QuickSet power scheme, sleep mode, and battery alarm settings for your computer. Review the settings you have selected and click Finish.

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and click Help.

Power Options Properties

The Power Options Properties window helps you to manage power consumption and monitor battery charge status. To access the Windows Power Options Properties window, click the Start button Control Panel Performance and Maintenance Power Options.

Power Schemes Tab

The Power schemes drop-down menu displays the selected preset power scheme. Keep the default Portable/Laptop power scheme to maximize battery power.

Windows XP controls the performance level of the processor depending on the power scheme you select. You do not need to make any further adjustments to set the performance level.

Each preset power scheme has different time-out settings for entering standby mode, turning off the display, and turning off the hard drive. For more information on power management options, see Windows Help and Support Center.

Alarms Tab

NOTE: To enable audible alarms, click each Alarm Action button and select Sound alarm.

The Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm settings alert you with a message when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive your computer, the Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes are selected. It is recommended that you continue to use these settings. For more information on low-battery warnings, see Low-Battery Warning.

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Power Meter Tab

The Power Meter tab displays the current power source and amount of battery charge remaining.

Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab allows you to:

Set power icon and standby mode password options.

Select how the computer will respond when you close the display:

Choose no action.

Enter standby mode.

Enter hibernate mode.

Select how the computer will respond when you press the power button:

Choose no action.

Enter standby mode.

Enter hibernate mode.

Shut down Microsoft Windows and turn off the computer.

Prompt a user for an action (Ask me what to do).

Select how the computer will respond when you press :

Choose no action.

Enter standby mode.

Enter hibernate mode.

Shut down Microsoft Windows and turn off the computer.

Prompt a user for an action (Ask me what to do).

To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding drop-down list and then click OK.

Hibernate Tab

The Hibernate tab lets you enable hibernate mode by clicking the Enable hibernation check box.

Charging the Battery 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.

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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.

Replacing the Battery CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the

electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any other external cables from the computer.

NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.

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 battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

To remove the battery:

1 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

2 Ensure that the computer is turned off.

3 Slide the battery-bay latch release lock on the bottom of the computer away from the battery.

4 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release, and then remove the battery from the bay.

To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

1 battery 2 battery-bay latch release 3 battery-bay latch release lock

2

1

3

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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. See Charging the Battery.

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Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia

Playing a CD or DVD NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you

are not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer when you are playing CDs or DVDs to prevent damage to your CD/DVD

drive or discs.

1 Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

2 Pull out the tray.

3 Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray and snap the disc onto the spindle.

NOTE: If you use a CD/DVD drive that shipped with another computer, you need to install the drivers and

software necessary to play CDs or DVDs or write data.

4 Push the tray back into the drive.

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To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.

For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help in the CD or DVD player program window (if available).

Adjusting the Volume NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories Entertainment, and then click Volume Control.

2 In the Volume Control window, click and drag the bar in the Volume Control column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window.

The Volume Meter displays the current volume level, including mute, on your computer. Either right- click the icon in the taskbar or press the volume control buttons to enable or disable the Volume Meter on the screen.

When the Volume meter is enabled, adjust the volume with the volume control buttons or by pressing the following key combinations:

Press to increase the volume.

Press to decrease the volume.

Press to mute the volume.

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and click Help.

1 volume icon 2 Volume Meter 3 mute icon

1

3

2

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Adjusting the Picture If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display properties.

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.

3 Under Pick a task..., click Change the screen resolution.

4 In the Display Properties window, click and drag the bar in Screen resolution to reduce the screen resolution setting.

5 Click the drop-down menu under Color quality, and then click Medium (16 bit).

6 Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

Copying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Please observe all copyright laws when creating CDs or DVDs.

This section applies only to computers that have a CD-RW, DVD+/-RW, or CD-RW/DVD (combo) drive.

NOTE: The types of CD or DVD drives offered by Dell may vary by country.

The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD or DVD. You can also use Sonic DigitalMedia for other purposes, such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Sonic DigitalMedia and then click the question mark icon in the upper-right corner of the window.

How to Copy a CD or DVD

NOTE: CD-RW/DVD combo drives cannot write to DVD media. If you have a CD-RW/DVD combo drive and you

experience recording problems, check for available software patches on the Sonic support website at

www.sonic.com.

The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell computers can write to and read DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW media, but cannot write to and may not read DVD-RAM media. In addition, Dell-installed DVD-writable drives can read and write to DVD+R DL (dual layer) media.

NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using Sonic DigitalMedia.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Sonic DigitalMedia Projects and then click RecordNow Copy.

2 Under the Copy tab, click Disc Copy.

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3 To copy the CD or DVD:

If you have one CD or DVD drive, ensure that the settings are correct and click the Disc Copy button. The computer will read your source CD or DVD and copy the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

When prompted, insert a blank CD or DVD into the 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 the Disc Copy button. The computer copies the data from the source CD or DVD to the blank CD or DVD.

Once you have finished copying the source CD or DVD, the CD or DVD that you have created will automatically eject.

Using Blank CDs and DVDs

CD-RW drives can write to CD recording media only (including high-speed CD-RW) while DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media.

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.

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.

CD-Writable Drives

DVD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

CD-RW Yes Yes Yes

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

CD-RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DVD+RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD-RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

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Helpful Tips

Use Microsoft Windows Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW only after you start Sonic DigitalMedia and open a DigitalMedia 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 DigitalMedia.

Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.

Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player refer to the documentation provided with your DVD player or contact the manufacturer.

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 blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1-2 MB of the blank space 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.

DVD-R DL Maybe No No

DVD-RAM Maybe No No

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

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Using ExpressCards

ExpressCard Types For information on supported ExpressCards, see Specifications.

NOTE: An ExpressCard is not a bootable device.

ExpressCard Blanks Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

To remove the blank, see Removing an ExpressCard or Blank.

Installing an ExpressCard You can install an ExpressCard in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

ExpressCards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To install an ExpressCard:

1 Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up. The latch may need to be in the in position before you insert the card.

2 Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.

If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.

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The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the floppy disk or CD that came with the ExpressCard.

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank NOTICE: Use the ExpressCard configuration utility (click the icon in the taskbar) to select a card and stop it

from functioning before you remove it from the computer. If you do not stop the card in the configuration utility, you

could lose data.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

Press the latch and remove the card or blank. For some latches, you must press the latch twice: once to pop the latch out, and then a second time to pop the card out.

Save a blank to use when no ExpressCard is installed in a slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles.

1 ExpressCard or blank 2 ExpressCard release latch

1 2

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Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Connecting to a Network Adapter Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.

To connect a network cable:

NOTE: Plug the network cable into the network adapter connector on the computer. Do not plug the network

cable into the modem connector on the computer. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone wall jack.

1 Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.

Insert the cable until it clicks into place, and then gently pull it to ensure that it is secure.

2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a network device.

Network Setup Wizard

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a home or small office.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.

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2 On the Network Setup Wizard welcome screen, click Next.

3 Click Checklist for creating a network.

NOTE: Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated

firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later.

4 Complete the checklist and required preparations.

5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network NOTE: Wireless networking is optional and may not be available on your computer.

Determining Your Network Type

NOTE: Most wireless networks are of the infrastructure type.

Wireless networks fall into two categoriesinfrastructure networks and ad-hoc networks. An infrastructure network uses routers or access points to connect several computers. An ad-hoc network does not use routers or access points and consists of computers that broadcast to one another. For additional assistance with setting up your wireless connection, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword wireless setup.

Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft Windows XP

Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers in order to connect to a network. The software is already installed. If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions included in the user's guide for your wireless network card. The users guide is available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and may also be located on your computer desktop.

When you turn on your computer, a pop-up appears from the network icon in the notification area (located in the lower-right corner of the Windows desktop) when a network, for which your computer is not configured, is detected in the area.

1 infrastructure network 2 ad-hoc network

ad-hoc networkinfrastructure network

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1 Click either the pop-up or the network icon to configure your computer for one of the available wireless networks.

The Wireless Network Connections window lists the wireless networks available in your area.

2 Click to select the network you want to configure, and then click Connect or double-click the network name in the list. If you select a secure network (identified by a icon), you must enter a password when prompted.

NOTE: Network security settings are unique to your network. Dell cannot provide this information.

NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to a network.

After your computer is configured for the wireless network you selected, another pop-up notifies you that your computer is connected to the network you selected.

Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer in the area of the wireless network, the same pop-up notifies you of the wireless network connection.

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Dell QuickSet Features NOTE: This feature may not be available on your computer.

Dell QuickSet is activated from the icon on the taskbar and functions differently when you click, double-click, or right-click the icon.

Clicking the QuickSet Icon Click the icon to perform the following tasks:

Adjust power management settings using the Power Management Wizard. For more information, see Power Management Wizard.

Adjust the size of icons and toolbars.

Select a power scheme that you set in the Power Management Wizard.

Turn presentation mode on or off.

Double-Clicking the QuickSet Icon Double-click the icon to adjust power management settings using the Power Management Wizard.

Right-Clicking the QuickSet Icon Right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:

Enable or disable the Brightness Meter on the screen. For more information, see Adjusting Brightness.

Enable or disable the Volume Meter on the screen. For more information, see Adjusting the Volume.

Turn the wireless activity indicator on or off.

View Dell QuickSet Help.

View the version and copyright date of the QuickSet program installed on your computer.

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and click Help.

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Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may not ship with your computer.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your 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, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

1 Shut down the computer.

2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

3 Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

4 Diagnostics can be invoked one of two ways:

a Turn on the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. Select Diagnostics from the boot menu and press .

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the

Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

b Press and hold the key while powering the system on.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell

Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD.

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The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.

During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.

If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press ; to continue to the next test, press ; to retest the component that failed, press .

If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell.

If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue.

5 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

2 Shut down and restart the computer.

When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots

according to the devices specified in system setup.

3 When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and press .

4 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press .

5 Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu and press to proceed.

6 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

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2 If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

3 If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

4 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.

Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

Option Function

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5 When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

ENSURE THAT M ICROSOFT W INDOWS

RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE Click the Start button and click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

TEST THE DRIVE

Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.

Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK See Cleaning Your Computer.

ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE .

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECT IONS .

CHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIB IL IT IES See Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.

RUN THE DELL D IAGNOST ICS See Dell Diagnostics.

CD and DVD drive problems

NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in

the drive or the CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.

TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN W INDOWS BEFORE WRIT ING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC For information on standby mode, see Power Management Modes.

CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE See the help files for your CD or DVD creation software.

IF YOU CANNOT EJECT THE CD, CD-RW, DVD, OR DVD+RW DRIVE TRAY

1 Ensure that the computer is shut down.

2 Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until the tray is partially ejected.

3 Gently pull out the tray until it stops.

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IF YOU HEAR AN UNFAMIL IAR SCRAPING OR GRINDING SOUND

Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.

Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.

Hard drive problems

ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO COOL BEFORE TURNING I T ON A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on.

RUN CHECK D ISK

1 Click the Start button and click My Computer.

2 Right-click Local Disk C:.

3 Click Properties.

4 Click the Tools tab.

5 Under Error-checking, click Check Now.

6 Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.

7 Click Start.

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone jack only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to

a digital telephone network.

CHECK THE M ICROSOFT OUTLOOK EXPRESS SECURITY SETT INGS If you cannot open your e-mail

attachments:

1 In Outlook Express, click Tools, click Options, and then click Security.

2 Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark.

CHECK THE TELEPHONE L INE CONNECT ION . CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK . CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK . USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE L INE

Verify that the telephone line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

Ensure that you hear a click when you insert the telephone line connector into the modem.

Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

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RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOST ICS Click the Start button, point to All Programs and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)

VER IFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICAT ING WITH W INDOWS

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.

3 Click Phone and Modem Options.

4 Click the Modems tab.

5 Click the COM port for your modem.

6 Click Properties, click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service provider.

SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisem*nts, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.

Error Messages CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

AUXIL IARY DEVICE FA ILURE The touch pad or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup program. If the problem persists, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

BAD COMMAND OR F I LE NAME Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct pathname.

CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FA ILURE The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FA ILURE The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer. See Drive Problems.

DATA ERROR The hard drive cannot read the data. See Drive Problems.

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DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See Memory.

D ISK C : FA ILED IN IT IAL IZAT ION The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

DRIVE NOT READY The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay. See Hard Drive.

ERROR READING PCMCIA CARD The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the card or try another card. See Using ExpressCards.

EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

THE F I LE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DEST INAT ION DRIVE The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.

A F I LENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS : \ / : * ? < > | Do not use these characters in filenames.

GATE A20 FA ILURE A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See Memory.

GENERAL FA ILURE The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The message is usually followed by specific informationfor example, Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate action.

HARD -DISK DRIVE CONF IGURAT ION ERROR The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard Drive), and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

HARD -DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FA ILURE 0 The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard Drive.), and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

HARD -DISK DRIVE FA ILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard Drive.), and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

HARD -DISK DRIVE READ FA ILURE The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard Drive), and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable CD. Insert a bootable CD.

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INVAL ID CONF IGURAT ION INFORMATION -PLEASE RUN SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM The system configuration information does not match the hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program. See Using the System Setup Program.

KEYBOARD CLOCK L INE FA ILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

KEYBOARD CONTROLLER FA ILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

KEYBOARD DATA L INE FA ILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

KEYBOARD STUCK KEY FA ILURE For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

MEMORY ADDRESS L INE FA ILURE AT ADDRESS , READ VALUE EXPECT ING VALUE A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See Memory.

MEMORY ALLOCAT ION ERROR The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try to run the program again. If the error message still appears, see the software documentation.

MEMORY DATA L INE FA ILURE AT ADDRESS , READ VALUE EXPECT ING VALUE A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See Memory.

MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FA ILURE AT ADDRESS , READ VALUE EXPECT ING VALUE A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See Memory.

MEMORY ODD /EVEN LOGIC FA ILURE AT ADDRESS , READ VALUE EXPECT ING VALUE A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See Memory.

MEMORY WRITE /READ FA ILURE AT ADDRESS , READ VALUE EXPECT ING VALUE A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See Memory.

NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated, and partitioned as a boot device.

NO BOOT SECTOR ON HARD DRIVE The operating system may be corrupted. See Contacting Dell.

NO T IMER T ICK INTERRUPT A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES . EXIT SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use.

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OPERAT ING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Reinstall the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 83). If the problem persists, see Contacting Dell.

OPT IONAL ROM BAD CHECKSUM The optional ROM apparently failed. See Contacting Dell.

A REQUIRED .DLL F I LE WAS NOT FOUND The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program.

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Click Add or Remove Programs.

3 Select the program you want to remove.

4 Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen.

5 See the program documentation for installation instructions.

SECTOR NOT FOUND The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted FAT on the hard drive. Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the hard drive. See the Windows Help and Support Center for instructions. If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the hard drive.

SEEK ERROR The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive.

SHUTDOWN FA ILURE A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

TIME -OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup program. Then immediately exit the program. See Using the System Setup Program. If the message reappears, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

TIME -OF-DAY CLOCK STOPPED The reserve battery that supports the system configuration settings may require recharging. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

TIME -OF-DAY NOT SET -PLEASE RUN THE SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM The time or date stored in the system setup program does not match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and Time options. See Using the System Setup Program. If the message reappears, contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

TIMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FA ILED A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

X : \ I S NOT ACCESS IBLE . THE DEV ICE IS NOT READY Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

WARNING : BATTERY I S CRIT ICALLY LOW The battery is running out of charge. Replace the battery, or connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Otherwise, activate hibernate mode or shut down the computer.

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Keyboard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you

attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

External Keyboard problems

NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.

If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.

CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD

1 Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.

2 Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.

3 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button Programs Accessories, and click Notepad.

4 Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.

TO VER IFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD , CHECK THE INTEGRATED KEYBOARD

1 Shut down the computer.

2 Disconnect the external keyboard.

3 Turn on the computer.

4 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button Programs Accessories, and click Notepad.

5 Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external keyboard. See Contacting Dell.

RUN THE KEYBOARD DIAGNOST ICS TESTS Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics. If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, see Contacting Dell.

Unexpected characters

D ISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD Press to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.

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Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

The computer does not start up

ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER I S F IRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTR ICAL OUTLET .

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly

END THE PROGRAM

1 Press simultaneously.

2 Click the Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding.

3 Click End Task.

NOTE: The chkdsk program may run when you restart the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTAT ION If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIB IL ITY W I ZARD The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories, and then click Program Compatibility Wizard.

2 In the welcome screen, click Next.

3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

A solid blue screen appears

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

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Other software problems

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTAT ION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOT ING INFORMATION

Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.

Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.

Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.

Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.

If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

BACK UP YOUR F I LES IMMEDIATELY.

USE A VIRUS -SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE , FLOPPY DISKS , OR CDS .

SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN F I LES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE Start MENU .

SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisem*nts, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.

RUN THE DELL D IAGNOST ICS If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem. See Dell Diagnostics.

Memory Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

IF YOU RECE IVE AN INSUFF IC IENT MEMORY MESSAGE

Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem.

See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory. See Memory.

Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. See Memory.

Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

IF YOU EXPER IENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS

Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. See Memory.

Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines. See Memory.

Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics.

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Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack.

CHECK THE NETWORK L IGHTS ON THE NETWORK CONNECTOR No light indicates that no network communication exists. Replace the network cable.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN .

CHECK YOUR NETWORK SETT INGS Contact your network administrator or the person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.

ExpressCard Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

CHECK THE EXPRESSCARD Ensure that the ExpressCard is properly inserted into the connector.

ENSURE THAT THE CARD I S RECOGNIZED BY W INDOWS Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL-PROVIDED EXPRESSCARD Contact Dell. See Contacting Dell.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN EXPRESSCARD NOT PROVIDED BY DELL Contact the ExpressCard manufacturer.

Power Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

CHECK THE POWER L IGHT When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby modepress the power button to exit standby mode. If the light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer.

NOTE: For information on standby mode, see Power Management Modes.

CHARGE THE BATTERY The battery charge may be depleted.

1 Reinstall the battery.

2 Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

3 Turn on the computer.

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the 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.

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CHECK THE BATTERY STATUS L IGHT If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to charge. Shut down the computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room temperature.

If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be defective. See Contacting Dell.

CHECK THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE If the battery temperature is below 0 C (32 F), the computer will not start up.

TEST THE ELECTR ICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE AC ADAPTER Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.

CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTR ICAL OUTLET Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.

EL IMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

ADJUST THE POWER PROPERT IES See Power Management Modes.

RESEAT THE MEMORY MODULES If the computer power light turns on but the display remains blank, reinstall the memory modules. See Memory.

Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer

Your computer is designed to use the 90-W AC adapter; for optimum system performance, you should always use this adapter.

The 65-W AC adapters used in other Dell portable computers can be used with your computer, but they will decrease system performance. Using less-powerful AC adapters, including the 65-W AC adapter, will cause you to receive a WARNING message.

Printer Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printers manufacturer.

ENSURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON .

CHECK THE PRINTER CABLE CONNECT IONS

See the printer documentation for cable connection information.

Ensure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer.

TEST THE ELECTR ICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

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VER IFY THAT THE PRINTER IS RECOGNIZED BY W INDOWS

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.

2 Click View installed printers or fax printers.

If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.

3 Click Properties and click the Ports tab. For a USB printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB.

RE INSTALL THE PRINTER DRIVER See the printer documentation for instructions.

Scanner Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanners manufacturer.

CHECK THE PRINTER DOCUMENTAT ION See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

CHECK THE SCANNER DOCUMENTAT ION See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.

UNLOCK THE SCANNER Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.

RESTART THE COMPUTER AND TRY THE SCANNER AGAIN .

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECT IONS

See the scanner documentation for cable connection information.

Ensure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.

VER IFY THAT THE SCANNER IS RECOGNIZED BY M ICROSOFT W INDOWS

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.

2 Click Scanners and Cameras.

If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.

RE INSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER See the scanner documentation for instructions.

Sound and Speaker Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

No sound from integrated speakers

ADJUST THE W INDOWS VOLUME CONTROL 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. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.

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ADJUST THE VOLUME USING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS Press to disable (mute) or re-enable the integrated speakers.

RE INSTALL THE SOUND (AUDIO ) DRIVER See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.

No sound from external speakers

ENSURE THAT THE SUBWOOFER AND THE SPEAKERS ARE TURNED ON See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.

ADJUST 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 are connected to the computers front-panel headphone connector.

TEST THE ELECTR ICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

EL IMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

RE INSTALL THE AUDIO DRIVER See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.

RUN THE DELL D IAGNOST ICS See Dell Diagnostics.

NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening

to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not turn the player volume down or off.

No sound from headphones

CHECK THE HEADPHONE CABLE CONNECT ION Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector. See audio connectors.

ADJUST 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.

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems CHECK THE TOUCH PAD SETT INGS

1 Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.

2 Click Mouse.

3 Try adjusting the settings.

CHECK THE MOUSE CABLE Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable, check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.

If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse directly to the computer.

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TO VER IFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MOUSE , CHECK THE TOUCH PAD

1 Shut down the computer.

2 Disconnect the mouse.

3 Turn on the computer.

4 At the Windows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it.

If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.

RE INSTALL THE TOUCH PAD DRIVER See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.

Video and Display Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

If the display is blank

NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is

recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.

CHECK THE BATTERY If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.

TEST THE ELECTR ICAL OUTLET Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

CHECK THE AC ADAPTER Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.

CONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTR ICAL OUTLET Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.

ADJUST THE POWER PROPERT IES Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support Center.

SWITCH THE VIDEO IMAGE If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press to switch the video image to the display.

If the display is difficult to read

ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS Press and the up- or down-arrow key

MOVE THE EXTERNAL SUBWOOFER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER OR MONITOR If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.

EL IMINATE POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.

ROTATE THE COMPUTER TO FACE A DIFFERENT DIRECT ION Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.

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ADJUST THE W INDOWS DISPLAY SETT INGS

1 Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.

2 Click Appearance and Themes.

3 Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.

4 Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.

SEE "ERROR MESSAGES " If an error message appears, see Error Messages.

If only part of the display is readable

CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR

1 Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.

2 Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.

If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. See Contacting Dell.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installedno further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer.

Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft Windows operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

Upgrade your operating system.

Reinstall your operating system.

Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

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Windows XP

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3 Click System.

4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

5 Click Device Manager.

6 Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver. See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com or your Drivers and Utilities CD provides approved drivers

for Dell computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

3 Click System.

4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

5 Click Device Manager.

6 Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.

7 Click the Drivers tab.

8 Click Roll Back Driver.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

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Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may not ship with your computer.

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD.

1 Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

In most cases, the CD starts running automatically. If it does not, start Windows Explorer, click your CD drive directory to display the CD contents, and then double-click the autorcd.exe file. The first time that you run the CD, it might prompt you to install setup files. Click OK, and follow the instructions on the screen to continue.

3 From the Language drop-down menu in the toolbar, select your preferred language for the driver or utility (if available). A welcome screen appears.

4 Click Next.

The CD automatically scans your hardware to detect drivers and utilities used by your computer.

5 After the CD completes the hardware scan, you can also detect other drivers and utilities. Under Search Criteria, select the appropriate categories from the System Model, Operating System, and Topic drop-down menus.

A link or links appear(s) for the specific drivers and utilities used by your computer.

6 Click the link of a specific driver or utility to display information about the driver or utility that you want to install.

7 Click the Install button (if present) to begin installing the driver or utility. At the welcome screen, follow the screen prompts to complete the installation.

If no Install button is present, automatic installation is not an option. For installation instructions, either see the appropriate instructions in the following subsections, or click Extract, follow the extracting instructions, and then read the readme file.

If instructed to navigate to the driver files, click the CD directory on the driver information window to display the files associated with that driver.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

NOTE: If you are reinstalling an infrared sensor driver, you must first enable the infrared sensor in system setup

before continuing with the driver installation. See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.

1 After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section, click the Start button and right-click My Computer.

2 Click Properties.

3 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

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4 Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver (for example, Modems or Infrared devices).

5 Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

6 Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.

7 Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.

8 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files.

9 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.

10 Click Finish and restart your computer.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

To start the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.

3 Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

4 In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.

Restoring Your Operating System You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

Microsoft Windows XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files.

Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications installed after you received the computer. Use PC Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

If you received an Operating System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System CD also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the CD only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

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Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover

them.

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you

set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view.

Creating a Restore Point

1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

2 Click the task for System Restore.

3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 73) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any

open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.

3 Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

4 Select a restore point and click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

5 Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

6 After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

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Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not

alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs Accessories System Tools, and then click System Restore.

2 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

2 Click Performance and Maintenance.

3 Click System.

4 Click the System Restore tab.

5 Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec

NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers

installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore. Use PC Restore

only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec is not available in all countries or on all computers.

Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computerincluding data filesare permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.

To use PC Restore:

1 Turn on the computer.

During the boot process, a blue bar with www.dell.com appears at the top of the screen.

2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .

If you do not press in time, let the computer finish starting, and then restart the computer again.

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.

3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.

4 On the next screen, click Confirm.

The restore process takes approximately 610 minutes to complete.

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5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.

NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.

6 When prompted, click Yes.

The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.

7 Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

8 After the computer restarts, click OK.

Removing Dell PC Restore

NOTICE: Removing Dell PC Restore from the hard drive permanently deletes the PC Restore utility from your

computer. After you have removed Dell PC Restore, you will not be able to use it to restore your computers

operating system.

Dell PC Restore enables you to restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not remove PC Restore from your computer, even to gain additional hard-drive space. If you remove PC Restore from the hard drive, you cannot ever recall it, and you will never be able to use PC Restore to return your computers operating system to its original state.

To remove PC Restore:

1 Log on to the computer as a local administrator.

2 In Windows Explorer, go to c:\dell\utilities\DSR.

3 Double-click the filename DSRIRRemv2.exe.

NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears stating that you must log on as

administrator. Click Quit, and then log on as a local administrator.

NOTE: If the partition for PC Restore does not exist on your computers hard drive, a message appears stating

that the partition was not found. Click Quit; there is no partition to delete.

4 Click OK to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.

5 Click Yes when a confirmation message appears.

The PC Restore partition is deleted and the newly available disk space is added to the free space allocation on the hard drive.

6 Right-click Local Disk (C) in Windows Explorer, click Properties, and verify that the additional disk space is available as indicated by the increased value for Free Space.

7 Click Finish to close the PC Restore Removal window.

8 Restart the computer.

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Using the Operating System CD

Before You Begin

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback. See Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver. See Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore.

To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:

Dell Operating System CD

Dell Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the

Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your

computer, or whether you requested the CDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and Operating System CD may not ship

with your system.

Reinstalling Windows XP

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files

and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell

technical support representative instructs you to do so.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer

before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.

2 Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears.

3 Restart the computer.

4 Press immediately after the DELL logo appears.

If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.

5 Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press .

6 When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.

7 When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press .

8 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reinstallation.

9 When the operating system reinstallation completes, reinstall drivers and applications as necessary.

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80 Solving Problems

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Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:

You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.

You have read the safety information in your Dell Product Information Guide.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

Small flat-blade screwdriver

Philips screwdriver

Small plastic scribe

Flash BIOS update (see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com)

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off

your computer.

1 Shut down the operating system:

a Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer.

b In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2 Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

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CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing

that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.

Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking

tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any

connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

1 Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

2 Turn off your computer. See Turning Off Your Computer.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the

network wall jack.

3 Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.

4 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.

5 Remove the battery.

a Slide the battery-bay latch release lock on the bottom of the computer away from the battery.

b Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release, and then remove the battery from the bay.

1 battery 2 battery-bay latch release 3 battery-bay latch release lock

2

1

3

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6 Press the power button to ground the system board.

7 Remove any installed ExpressCards from the ExpressCard slot. See Removing an ExpressCard or Blank.

8 Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.

Hard Drive CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing

of the hard drive.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard drive

while the computer is on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode.

NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile; even a slight bump can damage the 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 from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system,

drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive.

To replace the hard drive in the hard drive bay:

1 Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2 Turn the computer over, and loosen the two captive screws in the hard drive cover.

1 captive screws (2)

1

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NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. See "Protecting

Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the Product Information Guide.

3 Lift the cover off the computer and set it aside.

4 Slide the hard drive carrier away from the screw holes, and then use the tab to lift the hard drive straight up to remove it from the computer.

5 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, you may damage the

connector.

6 Seat the new hard drive into the bay, and then slide it into the connector by sliding it toward the screw holes until it is fully seated.

7 Replace the cover and tighten the screws.

8 Install the operating system for your computer. See Restoring Your Operating System.

9 Install the drivers and utilities for your computer. See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.

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Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

Return your old hard drive to Dell in its original or comparable foam packaging. Otherwise, the hard drive may be damaged in transit.

CD/DVD Drive NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, store them in a safe, dry place when they are not installed in the

computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

NOTE: If your computer shipped with a device security screw and the screw is not installed, you can remove and

install devices while the computer is running and connected to a docking device.

1 While the computer is turned on, double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, click the device that you want to eject, and click Stop.

2 Close your display and turn the computer upside down.

3 Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the device security screw from the bottom of the computer.

4 Using a screwdriver or some other type of probe, push the notch where the device security screw was removed toward the outside of the computer.

5 Pull the device straight out of the media bay.

1 foam packaging 2 hard drive

2

1

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6 To replace the device, push the new device straight into the media bay until it clicks.

7 Replace the security device screw.

8 Turn the computer right-side up and open the display.

9 The operating system automatically recognizes the device. If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.

Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See Specifications for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.

NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside

the computer.

1 CD/DVD drive 2 drive removal slot 3 securing screw

1 2 3

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The computer has two memory slots, DIMM A and DIMM B, both located on the bottom of the computer under the memory module/Mini PCI cover. DIMM A holds the basic memory module as configured from the factory. If you did not order additional memory, DIMM B will be empty. Generally, if you are adding memory, you will install a memory module in DIMM B. If you are upgrading memory, you may need to install memory in DIMM A and B depending on the extent of the upgrade.

1 Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2 Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.

NOTE: If you leave the area, ground yourself again when you return to the computer.

3 Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the memory module/Mini PCI cover, and then remove the cover.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module

securing clips.

4 If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:

a Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.

b Remove the module from the connector.

1 captive screws (3)

1

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NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector

labeled DIMMA before you install a module in the connector labeled DIMMB. Insert memory modules at a

45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.

NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message

indicates this failure.

5 Ground yourself and install the new memory module:

a Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.

b Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.

1 memory module 2 securing clips (2 per connector)

1

2

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6 Replace the memory module/Mini PCI cover and tighten the screws.

NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may

damage your computer.

7 Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.

8 Turn on the computer.

As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.

To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click the Start button, click Help and Support, and then click Computer Information.

1 memory slot notch 2 memory slot tab

1

2

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Wireless Mini PCI Card If you ordered a Mini PCI card with your computer, the card is already installed.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside

the computer.

1 Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2 Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the memory module/Mini PCI cover, and then remove the cover.

3 If a Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step 4. If you are replacing a Mini PCI card, remove the existing card:

a Disconnect the antenna cable from the Mini PCI card.

1 captive screws (3)

1

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b Release the Mini PCI card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops up slightly.

c Lift the Mini PCI card out of its connector.

NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and

realign the card.

1 antenna cable

1

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4 Install the replacement Mini PCI card:

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mini PCI card, ensure that the antenna cable is not under the card when you click

the card into place.

a Align the Mini PCI card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI card into the connector until it clicks.

1 Mini PCI card 2 metal securing tabs (2)

1

2

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b Connect the antenna cable to the Mini PCI card. Ensure that the cable snaps onto the primary connector on the Mini PCI card.

1 Mini PCI card 2 metal securing tabs (2)

1

2

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5 Replace the memory module/Mini PCI cover and tighten the screws.

NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may

damage your computer.

6 Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.

7 Turn on the computer.

Hinge Cover CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically

touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).

NOTICE: The hinge cover is fragile and can be damaged if extreme force is used. Be careful when removing the

hinge cover.

1 Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2 Remove the battery. See Replacing the Battery.

1 antenna cable

1

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3 Turn the computer right-side up, and then open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it rests on your work surface.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the hinge cover, do not lift the cover on both sides simultaneously.

4 Insert a scribe in the indent to lift the hinge cover on the right side.

5 Ease the hinge cover up, moving from right to left, and remove it.

6 To replace the hinge cover, insert the left edge of the cover into place.

7 Press from left to right until the cover snaps into place.

8 Close the display and turn the computer upside-down.

9 Replace the battery. See Replacing the Battery.

Keyboard CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product

Information Guide.

NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically

touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).

1 Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2 Remove the hinge cover. See Hinge Cover.

1 hinge cover 2 indent

1

2

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3 Remove the two screws at the top of the keyboard.

NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful

when removing and handling the keyboard.

4 Lift the keyboard, and hold it up and slightly forward to allow access to the keyboard connector on the system board.

5 Lift the keyboard connector and slide out the keyboard cable.

NOTICE: To avoid scratching the palm rest when replacing the keyboard, hook the tabs along the front edge of the

keyboard into the palm rest, and then secure the keyboard in place.

6 To replace the keyboard, connect the keyboard connector to the system board.

7 Place the tabs along the front edge of the keyboard into the palm rest and lay the keyboard down on the palmrest.

8 Replace the two screws at the top of the keyboard.

9 Replace the hinge cover. See Hinge Cover.

1 keyboard 2 system board connector

2

1

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Appendix

Specifications

Processor

Processor type Intel Pentium M or Intel Celeron M

L2 cache 2 MB (Pentium) 1 MB (Celeron)

External bus frequency (front side bus)

400 MHz or 533 MHz

System Information

System chip set Intel 910GML or 915GM

Data bus width 64 bits

DRAM bus width dual channel (2) 64-bit buses

Processor address bus width 32 bits

Flash EPROM 512 KB

Graphics Bus internal

PCI bus 32 bits

ExpressCard

ExpressCard controller ICH6M

ExpressCard connector one ExpressCard slot 54 mm

Cards supported ExpressCard/34 (34 mm) and ExpressCard/54 (54 mm)

1.5 V and 3.3 V

ExpressCard connector size 28 pins

Memory

Memory module connectors two user-accessible SODIMM connectors

Memory module capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB each

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Memory type 1.8-V SODIMM DDR-2

Minimum memory 256 MB

Maximum memory 2 GB

Ports and Connectors

Audio microphone connector, stereo headphone/speakers connector

Mini PCI one Type IIIA Mini PCI card slot

Modem RJ-11 port

Network adapter RJ-45 port

USB three 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors

Video 15-hole connector

Communications

Modem:

Type v.92 56K MDC

Controller Conexant CX11254/CX20493

Interface internal HDA bus

Network adapter 10/100 Ethernet LAN on system board

Wireless internal Mini PCI Wi-Fi wireless technology support

Video

Video type: integrated on system board

Video controller Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 900

Video memory Up to 64 MB of shared memory (when less than 512 MB system memory is installed.)

Up to 128 MB of shared memory (when more than 512 MB system memory is installed)

LCD interface LVDS

Memory (continued)

98 Appendix

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Audio

Audio type HDA bus

Audio controller STAC9200

Stereo conversion 18- or 24-bit (analog-to-digital and digital- to-analog)

Interfaces:

Internal HDA bus

External microphone-in connector, stereo headphones/speakers connector

Speaker two 4-ohm speakers

Internal speaker amplifier 1-W channel into 4 ohms

Volume controls keyboard shortcuts, program menus

Display

Type (active-matrix TFT) 14.1-inch or 15.4-inch WXGA

Dimensions:

15.4-inch

Height 207 mm (8.2 inches)

Width 331.2 mm (13.1 inches)

Diagonal 391.2 mm (15.4 inches)

14.1-inch

Height 189.8 mm (7.5 inches)

Width 303.7 mm (11.9 inches)

Diagonal 358.1 mm (14.1 inches)

Maximum resolutions:

WXGA 1280 x 800 at 262,144 colors

Refresh rate 60 Hz

Operating angle 0 (closed) to 180

Viewing angles:

Horizontal 40 typical

Vertical +10/30

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Pixel pitch:

15.4-inch 0.2588 mm

14.1-inch 0.237 mm

Controls brightness can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard

Number of keys 87 (U.S. and Canada); 88 (Europe); 91 (Japan)

Layout QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji

Touch Pad

X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) 240 cpi

Size:

Width 73.0-mm (2.9-inch) sensor-active area

Height 42.9-mm (1.7-inch) rectangle

Battery

Type 4-cell lithium ion 6-cell lithium ion

Dimensions:

Depth 54 mm (2.13 inches)

Height 24 mm (0.94 inch)

Width 250 mm (9.84 inches)

Weight 0.24 kg (1.06 lb) (4 cell) 0.35 kg (0.7 lb) (6 cell)

Voltage 14.8 VDC (4-cell) 11.1 VDC (6-cell)

Display (continued)

100 Appendix

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Charge time (approximate):

Computer off 3 hours

Operating time Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power-intensive conditions. See "Power Problems" on page 67.

See "Using a Battery" on page 31 for more information on battery life.

Life span (approximate) 300 discharge/charge cycles

Temperature range:

Operating 0 to 35C (32 to 95F)

Storage 40 to 65C (40 to 149F)

Coin-cell battery CR-2032

AC Adapter

Input voltage 100240 VAC

Input current (maximum) 1.5 A

Input frequency 4763 Hz

Output current 3.16 A (continuous)

Output power 60 W

Rated output voltage 19 VDC

Dimensions:

Height 29.0 mm (1.14 inches)

Width 49.5 mm (1.95 inches)

Depth 114.5 mm (4.5 inches)

Weight (with cables) 0.27 kg (0.60 lb)

Temperature range:

Operating 0 to 40C (32 to 104F)

Storage 40 to 70C (40 to 158F)

Battery (continued)

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Physical

Height 35.9 mm (1.41 inches)

Width 356 mm (14 inches)

Depth 265.5 mm (10.5 inches)

Weight (with 6-cell battery):

Configurable to less than 2.86 to 3.13 kg (6.3 to 6.9 lb) depending upon configuration

Environmental

Temperature range:

Operating 0 to 35C (32 to 95F)

Storage 40 to 65C (40 to 149F)

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

Storage 1.3 GRMS

Maximum shock (measured with hard drive in head-parked position and a 2-ms half-sine pulse):

Operating 142 G

Storage 163 G

Altitude (maximum):

Operating 15.2 to 3048 m (50 to 10,000 ft)

Storage 15.2 to 10,668 m (50 to 35,000 ft)

102 Appendix

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Using the System Setup Program

Overview

NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in system setup, thus

overriding options that you set through system setup. (An exception is the External Hot Key option, which you can

disable or enable only through system setup.) For more information on configuring features for your operating

system, see the Windows Help and Support Center. To access help, see Windows Help and Support Center.

The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer, such as:

System configuration

Basic device-configuration settings

System security and hard-drive password settings

Power management settings

Boot (start-up) configuration and display settings

Docking-device settings

Wireless control settings

NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change

the system setup settings. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.

Viewing the System Setup Screen

1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2 When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

System Setup Screen

The system setup screen consists of three windows of information. The window on the left contains an expandable hierarchy of control categories. If you select (highlight) a category (such as System, Onboard Devices, or Video) and press , you can show or hide the related subcategories. The window on the right contains information about the category or subcategory selected in the window on the left.

The window at the bottom tells you how to control system setup with key functions. Use these keys to select a category, modify its settings, or exit system setup.

Commonly Used Options

Certain options require that you reboot the computer for new settings to take effect.

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Changing the Boot Sequence

The boot sequence, or boot order, tells the computer where to look to find the software needed to start the operating system. You can control the boot sequence and enable/disable devices using the Boot Order page of system setup.

NOTE: To change the boot sequence on a one-time-only basis, see Performing a One-Time Boot.

The Boot Order page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be installed in your computer, including but not limited to the following:

Internal HDD

USB Storage Device

CD/DVD/CD-RW drive

NOTE: Only devices that are preceded by a number are bootable.

During the boot routine, the 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 starts the operating system.

To control the boot devices, select (highlight) a device by pressing the down-arrow or up-arrow key, and then enable or disable the device or change its order in the list.

To enable or disable a device, highlight the item and press the space bar. Enabled items are preceded by a number; disabled items are not preceded by a number.

To reorder a device in the list, highlight the device and press either to move the device up the list or to move a device down the list.

Boot sequence changes take effect as soon as you save the changes and exit system setup.

Performing a One-Time Boot

You can set a one-time-only boot sequence without entering system setup. (You can also use this procedure to boot the Dell Diagnostics on the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.)

1 Shut down the computer through the Start menu.

2 Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

3 Turn on the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

4 When the boot device list appears, highlight the device from which you want to boot and press .

The computer boots to the selected device.

The next time you reboot the computer, the previous boot order is restored.

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Travelling With Your Computer

Identifying Your Computer

Attach a name tag or business card to the computer.

Write down your Service Tag and store it in a safe place away from the computer or carrying case. Use the Service Tag if you need to report a loss or theft to law enforcement officials and to Dell.

Create a file on the Microsoft Windows desktop called if_found. Place information such as your name, address, and phone number in this file.

Contact your credit card company and ask if it offers coded identification tags.

Packing the Computer

Remove any external devices attached to the computer and store them in a safe place. Remove any extended ExpressCards.

Fully charge the main battery and any spare batteries that you plan to carry with you.

Shut down the computer.

Disconnect the AC adapter.

NOTICE: When the display is closed, extraneous items on the keyboard or palm rest could damage the display.

Remove any extraneous items, such as paper clips, pens, and paper, from the keyboard and palm rest and close the display.

Use the optional Dell carrying case to pack the computer and its accessories together safely.

Avoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food.

NOTICE: If the computer has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow it to acclimate to room temperature for

1 hour before turning it on.

Protect the computer, the batteries, and the hard drive from hazards such as extreme temperatures and overexposure to sunlight, dirt, dust, or liquids.

Pack the computer so that it does not slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead storage compartment.

Travel Tips

NOTICE: Do not move the computer while using the optical drive to prevent loss of data.

NOTICE: Do not check the computer as baggage.

Consider disabling wireless activity on your computer to maximize battery operating time. To disable wireless activity, press .

Consider changing your power management options to maximize battery operating time. See Configuring Power Management Settings.

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If you are travelling internationally, carry proof of ownershipor of your right to use the computer if it is company-ownedto speed your passage through customs. Investigate the customs regulations of the countries you plan to visit, and consider acquiring an international carnet (also known as a merchandise passport) from your government.

Find out what type of electrical outlets are used in the countries you will visit, and have appropriate power adapters.

Check with your credit card company for information about the kinds of emergency travel assistance it offers to users of portable computers.

Travelling by Air

NOTICE: Do not walk the computer through a metal detector. Send the computer through an X-ray machine or

have it hand-inspected.

Ensure that you have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.

Prior to entering the airplane, verify that using a computer is permitted. Some airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during flight. All airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing.

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

Call a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the Service Tag in your description 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 possible, obtain the name of the investigating officer.

NOTE: If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in that area. If you do not

know, call a law enforcement agency where you live.

If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.

Contact Dell customer service to report the missing computer. Provide the computer Service Tag, the case number, and the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.

The Dell customer service representative will log your report under the computer Service Tag and record the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your Service Tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The representative will attempt to get the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which you reported of the missing computer.

106 Appendix

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Cleaning Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the

Product Information Guide.

Computer, Keyboard, and Display

CAUTION: Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and remove any installed batteries. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys on the keyboard.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer or display, do not spray cleaning solution directly onto the display. Only

use products specifically designed for cleaning displays, and follow the instructions that are included with the

product.

Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with either water or a display cleaner, and wipe the display until it is clean.

Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water and wipe the computer and keyboard. Do not allow water from the cloth to seep between the touch pad and the surrounding palm rest.

Touch Pad

1 Shut down and turn off your computer.

2 Disconnect any attached devices from the computer and from their electrical outlets.

3 Remove any installed batteries.

4 Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water, and wipe it gently across the surface of the touch pad. Do not allow water from the cloth to seep between the touch pad and the surrounding palm rest.

CDs and DVDs

NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the CD/DVD drive, and follow the instructions that come

with the compressed-air product. Never touch the lens in the drive.

If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning the discs.

1 Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.

2 With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.

For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are also safe to use on DVDs.

Appendix 107

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FCC Notices (U.S. Only)

FCC Class B

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturers instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1 This device may not cause harmful interference.

2 This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTICE: The FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dell Inc. could void

your authority to operate this equipment.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference with radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient the receiving antenna.

Relocate the system with respect to the receiver.

Move the system away from the receiver.

Plug the system into a different outlet so that the system and the receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, consult a representative of Dell Inc. or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.

The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with the FCC regulations:

Product name: Dell Inspiron 1300/B120/B130

Model number: Model PP21L

Company name: Dell Inc. Worldwide Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Affairs One Dell Way Round Rock, TX 78682 USA 512-338-4400

108 Appendix

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Macrovision Product Notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) Technician-assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer in the troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, software programs, and hardware drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as the verification of appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardware. In addition to this technician- assisted technical support, online technical support is available at support.dell.com. Additional technical support options may be available for purchase.

Dell provides limited technical support for the computer and any Dell-installed software and peripherals1. Support for third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer, including those purchased and/or installed through Dell Software and Peripherals, Readyware, and Custom Factory Integration2.

1 Repair services are provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of your limited warranty and any optional support ser-

vice contract purchased with the computer.

2 All Dell-standard components included in a Custom Factory Integration (CFI) project are covered by the standard Dell

limited warranty for your computer. However, Dell also extends a parts replacement program to cover all nonstandard,

third-party hardware components integrated through CFI for the duration of the computers service contract.

Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals

Dell-installed software includes the operating system and some of the software programs that are installed on the computer during the manufacturing process (Microsoft Office, Norton Antivirus, and so on).

Dell-installed peripherals include any internal expansion cards, or Dell-branded media bay or ExpressCard accessories. In addition, any Dell-branded monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones for telephonic modems, docking stations/port replicators, networking products, and all associated cabling are included.

Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals

Third-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or software program sold by Dell not under the Dell brand (printers, scanners, cameras, games, and so on). Support for all third-party software and peripherals is provided by the original manufacturer of the product.

Appendix 109

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Contacting Dell To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:

www.dell.com

support.dell.com (technical support)

premiersupport.dell.com (technical support for educational, government, healthcare, and medium/large business customers, including Premier, Platinum, and Gold customers)

For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.

NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.

NOTE: In certain countries, technical support specific to Dell XPS portable computers is available at a separate

telephone number listed for participating countries. If you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for

XPS portable computers, you may contact Dell through the technical support number listed and your call will be

routed appropriately.

When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Anguilla General Support toll-free: 800-335-0031

Antigua and Barbuda General Support 1-800-805-5924

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 54

City Code: 11

Website: www.dell.com.ar

E-mail: us_latin_services@dell.com

E-mail for desktop and portable computers: la-techsupport@dell.com

E-mail for servers and EMC storage products: la_enterprise@dell.com

Customer Care toll-free: 0-800-444-0730

Tech Support toll-free: 0-800-444-0733

Tech Support Services toll-free: 0-800-444-0724

Sales 0-810-444-3355

Aruba General Support toll-free: 800-1578

110 Appendix

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Australia (Sydney)

International Access Code: 0011

Country Code: 61

City Code: 2

E-mail (Australia): au_tech_support@dell.com

E-mail Customer Care (Australia and New Zealand): apcustserv@dell.com

Home and Small Business 1-300-655-533

Government and Business toll-free: 1-800-633-559

Preferred Accounts Division (PAD) toll-free: 1-800-060-889

Customer Care (after sales) toll-free 1-333-55(option 3)

Technical Support (portables and desktops) toll-free: 1-300-655-533

Technical Support (servers and workstations) toll-free: 1-800-733-314

Corporate Sales toll-free: 1-800-808-385

Transaction Sales toll-free: 1-800-808-312

Fax toll-free: 1-800-818-341

Austria (Vienna)

International Access Code: 900

Country Code: 43

City Code: 1

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com

Home/Small Business Sales 0820 240 530 00

Home/Small Business Fax 0820 240 530 49

Home/Small Business Customer Care 0820 240 530 14

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care 0820 240 530 16

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 0820 240 530 81

Home/Small Business Technical Support for all other Dell computers

0820 240 530 14

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Technical Support 0660 8779

Switchboard 0820 240 530 00

Bahamas General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6818

Barbados General Support 1-800-534-3066

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Appendix 111

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Belgium (Brussels)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 32

City Code: 2

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail for French-speaking Customers: support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 02 481 92 96

Technical Support for all other Dell computers 02 481 92 88

Technical Support Fax 02 481 92 95

Customer Care 02 713 15 65

Corporate Sales 02 481 91 00

Fax 02 481 92 99

Switchboard 02 481 91 00

Bermuda General Support 1-800-342-0671

Bolivia General Support toll-free: 800-10-0238

Brazil

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 55

City Code: 51

Website: www.dell.com/br

Customer Support, Technical Support 0800 90 3355

Technical Support Fax 51 481 5470

Customer Care Fax 51 481 5480

Sales 0800 90 3390

British Virgin Islands General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6820

Brunei

Country Code: 673

Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4966

Customer Care (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4888

Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) 604 633 4955

Canada (North York, Ontario)

International Access Code: 011

Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus

AutoTech (automated technical support) toll-free: 1-800-247-9362

Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-847-4096

Customer Care (med./large business, government) toll-free: 1-800-326-9463

Technical Support (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-847-4096

Technical Support (med./large bus., government) toll-free: 1-800-387-5757

Technical Support (printers, projectors, televisions, handhelds, digital jukebox, and wireless)

1-877-335-5767

Sales (Home Sales/Small Business) toll-free: 1-800-387-5752

Sales (med./large bus., government) toll-free: 1-800-387-5755

Spare Parts Sales & Extended Service Sales 1 866 440 3355

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

112 Appendix

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Cayman Islands General Support 1-800-805-7541

Chile (Santiago)

Country Code: 56

City Code: 2

Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support toll-free: 1230-020-4823

China (Xiamen)

Country Code: 86

City Code: 592

Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cn

Technical Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com

Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com

Technical Support Fax 592 818 1350

Technical Support (Dell Dimension and Inspiron)

toll-free: 800 858 2968

Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)

toll-free: 800 858 0950

Technical Support (servers and storage) toll-free: 800 858 0960

Technical Support (projectors, PDAs, switches, routers, and so on)

toll-free: 800 858 2920

Technical Support (printers) toll-free: 800 858 2311

Customer Care toll-free: 800 858 2060

Customer Care Fax 592 818 1308

Home and Small Business toll-free: 800 858 2222

Preferred Accounts Division toll-free: 800 858 2557

Large Corporate Accounts GCP toll-free: 800 858 2055

Large Corporate Accounts Key Accounts toll-free: 800 858 2628

Large Corporate Accounts North toll-free: 800 858 2999

Large Corporate Accounts North Government and Education

toll-free: 800 858 2955

Large Corporate Accounts East toll-free: 800 858 2020

Large Corporate Accounts East Government and Education

toll-free: 800 858 2669

Large Corporate Accounts Queue Team toll-free: 800 858 2572

Large Corporate Accounts South toll-free: 800 858 2355

Large Corporate Accounts West toll-free: 800 858 2811

Large Corporate Accounts Spare Parts toll-free: 800 858 2621

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Appendix 113

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Colombia General Support 980-9-15-3978

Costa Rica General Support 0800-012-0435

Czech Republic (Prague)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 420

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com

Technical Support 22537 2727

Customer Care 22537 2707

Fax 22537 2714

Tech Fax 22537 2728

Switchboard 22537 2711

Denmark (Copenhagen)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 45

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/dk/da/emaildell/

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 7010 0074

Technical Support for all other Dell computers 7023 0182

Customer Care (Relational) 7023 0184

Home/Small Business Customer Care 3287 5505

Switchboard (Relational) 3287 1200

Switchboard Fax (Relational) 3287 1201

Switchboard (Home/Small Business) 3287 5000

Switchboard Fax (Home/Small Business) 3287 5001

Dominica General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6821

Dominican Republic General Support 1-800-148-0530

Ecuador General Support toll-free: 999-119

El Salvador General Support 01-899-753-0777

Finland (Helsinki)

International Access Code: 990

Country Code: 358

City Code: 9

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fi/fi/emaildell/

Technical Support 09 253 313 60

Customer Care 09 253 313 38

Fax 09 253 313 99

Switchboard 09 253 313 00

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

114 Appendix

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France (Paris) (Montpellier)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 33

City Codes: (1) (4)

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/

Home and Small Business

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 0825 387 129

Technical Support for all other Dell computers 0825 387 270

Customer Care 0825 823 833

Switchboard 0825 004 700

Switchboard (calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 00

Sales 0825 004 700

Fax 0825 004 701

Fax (calls from outside of France) 04 99 75 40 01

Corporate

Technical Support 0825 004 719

Customer Care 0825 338 339

Switchboard 01 55 94 71 00

Sales 01 55 94 71 00

Fax 01 55 94 71 01

Germany (Langen)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 49

City Code: 6103

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 06103 766-7222

Technical Support for all other Dell computers 06103 766-7200

Home/Small Business Customer Care 0180-5-224400

Global Segment Customer Care 06103 766-9570

Preferred Accounts Customer Care 06103 766-9420

Large Accounts Customer Care 06103 766-9560

Public Accounts Customer Care 06103 766-9555

Switchboard 06103 766-7000

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Appendix 115

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Greece

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 30

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/gr/en/emaildell/

Technical Support 00800-44 14 95 18

Gold Service Technical Support 00800-44 14 00 83

Switchboard 2108129810

Gold Service Switchboard 2108129811

Sales 2108129800

Fax 2108129812

Grenada General Support toll-free: 1-866-540-3355

Guatemala General Support 1-800-999-0136

Guyana General Support toll-free: 1-877-270-4609

Hong Kong

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 852

Website: support.ap.dell.com

Technical Support E-mail: apsupport@dell.com

Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) 2969 3188

Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)

2969 3191

Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)

2969 3196

Customer Care 3416 0910

Large Corporate Accounts 3416 0907

Global Customer Programs 3416 0908

Medium Business Division 3416 0912

Home and Small Business Division 2969 3105

India E-mail: india_support_desktop@dell.com india_support_notebook@dell.com india_support_Server@dell.com

Technical Support 1600338045

and 1600448046

Sales (Large Corporate Accounts) 1600 33 8044

Sales (Home and Small Business) 1600 33 8046

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

116 Appendix

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Ireland (Cherrywood)

International Access Code: 16

Country Code: 353

City Code: 1

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 1850 200 722

Technical Support for all other Dell computers 1850 543 543

U.K. Technical Support (dial within U.K. only) 0870 908 0800

Home User Customer Care 01 204 4014

Small Business Customer Care 01 204 4014

U.K. Customer Care (dial within U.K. only) 0870 906 0010

Corporate Customer Care 1850 200 982

Corporate Customer Care (dial within U.K. only) 0870 907 4499

Ireland Sales 01 204 4444

U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only) 0870 907 4000

Fax/Sales Fax 01 204 0103

Switchboard 01 204 4444

Italy (Milan)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 39

City Code: 02

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/it/it/emaildell/

Home and Small Business

Technical Support 02 577 826 90

Customer Care 02 696 821 14

Fax 02 696 821 13

Switchboard 02 696 821 12

Corporate

Technical Support 02 577 826 90

Customer Care 02 577 825 55

Fax 02 575 035 30

Switchboard 02 577 821

Jamaica General Support (dial from within Jamaica only) 1-800-682-3639

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Appendix 117

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Japan (Kawasaki)

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 81

City Code: 44

Website: support.jp.dell.com

Technical Support (servers) toll-free: 0120-198-498

Technical Support outside of Japan (servers) 81-44-556-4162

Technical Support (Dimension and Inspiron) toll-free: 0120-198-226

Technical Support outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron)

81-44-520-1435

Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)

toll-free:0120-198-433

Technical Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)

81-44-556-3894

Technical Support (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers)

toll-free: 0120-981-690

Technical Support outside of Japan (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers)

81-44-556-3468

Faxbox Service 044-556-3490

24-Hour Automated Order Service 044-556-3801

Customer Care 044-556-4240

Business Sales Division (up to 400 employees) 044-556-1465

Preferred Accounts Division Sales (over 400 employees)

044-556-3433

Large Corporate Accounts Sales (over 3500 employees)

044-556-3430

Public Sales (government agencies, educational institutions, and medical institutions)

044-556-1469

Global Segment Japan 044-556-3469

Individual User 044-556-1760

Switchboard 044-556-4300

Korea (Seoul)

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 82

City Code: 2

E-mail: krsupport@dell.com

Technical Support toll-free: 080-200-3800

Technical Support (Dimension, PDA, Electronics and Accessories)

toll-free: 080-200-3801

Sales toll-free: 080-200-3600

Fax 2194-6202

Switchboard 2194-6000

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

118 Appendix

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Latin America Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-4093

Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-3619

Fax (Technical Support and Customer Service) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-3883

Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4397

SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4600

or 512 728-3772

Luxembourg

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 352

Website: support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support 342 08 08 075

Home/Small Business Sales +32 (0)2 713 15 96

Corporate Sales 26 25 77 81

Customer Care +32 (0)2 481 91 19

Fax 26 25 77 82

Macao

Country Code: 853

Technical Support toll-free: 0800 105

Customer Service (Xiamen, China) 34 160 910

Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China) 29 693 115

Malaysia (Penang)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 60

City Code: 4

Website: support.ap.dell.com

Technical Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)

toll-free: 1 800 880 193

Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories)

toll-free: 1 800 881 306

Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)

toll-free: 1800 881 386

Customer Care toll-free: 1800 881 306 (option 6)

Transaction Sales toll-free: 1 800 888 202

Corporate Sales toll-free: 1 800 888 213

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Appendix 119

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Mexico

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 52

Customer Technical Support 001-877-384-8979

or 001-877-269-3383

Sales 50-81-8800

or 01-800-888-3355

Customer Service 001-877-384-8979

or 001-877-269-3383

Main 50-81-8800

or 01-800-888-3355

Montserrat General Support toll-free: 1-866-278-6822

Netherlands Antilles General Support 001-800-882-1519

Netherlands (Amsterdam)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 31

City Code: 20

Website: support.euro.dell.com

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 020 674 45 94

Technical Support for all other Dell computers 020 674 45 00

Technical Support Fax 020 674 47 66

Home/Small Business Customer Care 020 674 42 00

Relational Customer Care 020 674 4325

Home/Small Business Sales 020 674 55 00

Relational Sales 020 674 50 00

Home/Small Business Sales Fax 020 674 47 75

Relational Sales Fax 020 674 47 50

Switchboard 020 674 50 00

Switchboard Fax 020 674 47 50

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

120 Appendix

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New Zealand

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 64

E-mail (New Zealand): nz_tech_support@dell.com

E-mail Customer Care (Australia and New Zealand): apcustserv@dell.com

Customer Care toll-free: 0800-289-335 (option 3)

Technical Support (for desktop and portable computers)

toll-free: 0800 446 255

Technical Support (for servers and workstations) toll-free: 0800 443 563

Home and Small Business 0800 446 255

Government and Business 0800 444 617

Sales 0800 441 567

Fax 0800 441 566

Nicaragua General Support 001-800-220-1006

Norway (Lysaker)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 47

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/no/no/emaildell/

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 815 35 043

Technical Support for all other Dell products 671 16882

Relational Customer Care 671 17575

Home/Small Business Customer Care 23162298

Switchboard 671 16800

Fax Switchboard 671 16865

Panama General Support 001-800-507-0962

Peru General Support 0800-50-669

Poland (Warsaw)

International Access Code: 011

Country Code: 48

City Code: 22

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: pl_support_tech@dell.com

Customer Service Phone 57 95 700

Customer Care 57 95 999

Sales 57 95 999

Customer Service Fax 57 95 806

Reception Desk Fax 57 95 998

Switchboard 57 95 999

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

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Portugal

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 351

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/pt/en/emaildell/

Technical Support 707200149

Customer Care 800 300 413

Sales 800 300 410 or 800 300 411 or 800 300 412 or 21 422 07 10

Fax 21 424 01 12

Puerto Rico General Support 1-800-805-7545

St. Kitts and Nevis General Support toll-free: 1-877-441-4731

St. Lucia General Support 1-800-882-1521

St. Vincent and the Grenadines General Support toll-free: 1-877-270-4609

Singapore (Singapore)

International Access Code: 005

Country Code: 65

Website: support.ap.dell.com

Technical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories)

toll-free: 1800 394 7430

Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)

toll-free: 1800 394 7488

Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)

toll-free: 1800 394 7478

Customer Care toll-free: 1 800 394 7430 (option 6)

Transaction Sales toll-free: 1 800 394 7412

Corporate Sales toll-free: 1 800 394 7419

Slovakia (Prague)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 421

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com

Technical Support 02 5441 5727

Customer Care 420 22537 2707

Fax 02 5441 8328

Tech Fax 02 5441 8328

Switchboard (Sales) 02 5441 7585

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

122 Appendix

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South Africa (Johannesburg)

International Access Code:

09/091

Country Code: 27

City Code: 11

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: dell_za_support@dell.com

Gold Queue 011 709 7713

Technical Support 011 709 7710

Customer Care 011 709 7707

Sales 011 709 7700

Fax 011 706 0495

Switchboard 011 709 7700

Southeast Asian and Pacific Countries

Customer Technical Support, Customer Service, and Sales (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 4810

Spain (Madrid)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 34

City Code: 91

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/

Home and Small Business

Technical Support 902 100 130

Customer Care 902 118 540

Sales 902 118 541

Switchboard 902 118 541

Fax 902 118 539

Corporate

Technical Support 902 100 130

Customer Care 902 115 236

Switchboard 91 722 92 00

Fax 91 722 95 83

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

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Sweden (Upplands Vasby)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 46

City Code: 8

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/se/sv/emaildell/

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 0771 340 340

Technical Support for all other Dell products 08 590 05 199

Relational Customer Care 08 590 05 642

Home/Small Business Customer Care 08 587 70 527

Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support 20 140 14 44

Technical Support Fax 08 590 05 594

Sales 08 590 05 185

Switzerland (Geneva)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 41

City Code: 22

Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: Tech_support_central_Europe@dell.com

E-mail for French-speaking HSB and Corporate Customers: support.euro.dell.com/ch/fr/emaildell/

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 0848 33 88 57

Technical Support (Home and Small Business) for all other Dell products

0844 811 411

Technical Support (Corporate) 0844 822 844

Customer Care (Home and Small Business) 0848 802 202

Customer Care (Corporate) 0848 821 721

Fax 022 799 01 90

Switchboard 022 799 01 01

Taiwan

International Access Code: 002

Country Code: 886

Website: support.ap.dell.com

E-mail: ap_support@dell.com

Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron, Dimension, and Electronics and Accessories)

toll-free: 00801 86 1011

Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)

toll-free: 00801 60 1256

Customer Care toll-free: 00801 60 1250 (option 5)

Transaction Sales toll-free: 00801 65 1228

Corporate Sales toll-free: 00801 651 227

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

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Thailand

International Access Code: 001

Country Code: 66

Website: support.ap.dell.com

Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)

toll-free: 1800 0060 07

Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)

toll-free: 1800 0600 09

Customer Care toll-free: 1800 006 007 (option 7)

Corporate Sales toll-free: 1800 006 009

Transaction Sales toll-free: 1800 006 006

Trinidad/Tobago General Support 1-800-805-8035

Turks and Caicos Islands General Support toll-free: 1-866-540-3355

U.K. (Bracknell)

International Access Code: 00

Country Code: 44

City Code: 1344

Website: support.euro.dell.com

Customer Care website: support.euro.dell.com/uk/en/ECare/Form/Home.asp

E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com

Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees])

0870 908 0500

Technical Support for XPS portable computers only 0870 366 4180

Technical Support (direct and general) for all other products

0870 908 0800

Global Accounts Customer Care 01344 373 186

Home and Small Business Customer Care 0870 906 0010

Corporate Customer Care 01344 373 185

Preferred Accounts (5005000 employees) Customer Care

0870 906 0010

Central Government Customer Care 01344 373 193

Local Government & Education Customer Care 01344 373 199

Health Customer Care 01344 373 194

Home and Small Business Sales 0870 907 4000

Corporate/Public Sector Sales 01344 860 456

Home and Small Business Fax 0870 907 4006

Uruguay General Support toll-free: 000-413-598-2521

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

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U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)

International Access Code: 011

Country Code: 1

Automated Order-Status Service toll-free: 1-800-433-9014

AutoTech (portable and desktop computers) toll-free: 1-800-247-9362

Technical Support (Dell TV, Printers, and Projectors) for Relationship customers

toll-free 1-877-459-7298

Consumer (Home and Home Office) Technical Support for all other Dell products

toll-free: 1-800-624-9896

Customer Service toll-free: 1-800-624-9897

DellNet Service and Support toll-free: 1-877-Dellnet

(1-877-335-5638)

Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers toll-free: 1-800-695-8133

Financial Services website: www.dellfinancialservices.com

Financial Services (lease/loans) toll-free: 1-877-577-3355

Financial Services (Dell Preferred Accounts [DPA]) toll-free: 1-800-283-2210

Business

Customer Service and Technical Support toll-free: 1-800-456-3355

Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers toll-free: 1-800-695-8133

Printers and Projectors Technical Support toll-free: 1-877-459-7298

Public (government, education, and healthcare)

Customer Service and Technical Support toll-free: 1-800-456-3355

Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers toll-free: 1-800-695-8133

Dell Sales toll-free: 1-800-289-3355

or toll-free: 1-800-879-3355

Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers) toll-free: 1-888-798-7561

Software and Peripherals Sales toll-free: 1-800-671-3355

Spare Parts Sales toll-free: 1-800-357-3355

Extended Service and Warranty Sales toll-free: 1-800-247-4618

Fax toll-free: 1-800-727-8320

Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired

toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY

(1-877-335-5889)

U.S. Virgin Islands General Support 1-877-673-3355

Venezuela General Support 8001-3605

Country (City) International Access Code Country Code City Code

Department Name or Service Area, Website and E-Mail Address

Area Codes, Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

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Glossary

Terms in this Glossary are provided for

informational purposes only and may or may not

describe features included 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.

ACPI advanced configuration and power interface A power management specification that enables Microsoft Windows operating systems to put a computer in standby or hibernate mode to conserve the amount of electrical power allocated to each device attached to the computer.

AGP accelerated graphics port A dedicated graphics port that allows system memory to be used for video- related tasks. AGP delivers a smooth, true-color video image because of the faster interface between the video circuitry and the computer memory.

antivirus software A program designed to identify, quarantine, and/or delete viruses from your computer.

APR advanced port replicator A docking device that allows you to conveniently use an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other devices with your portable computer.

ASF alert standards format A standard to define a mechanism for reporting hardware and software alerts to a management console. ASF is designed to be platform- and operating system-independent.

B backup A copy of a program or data file on a floppy, CD, DVD, or hard drive. As a precaution, back up the data files from your hard drive regularly.

battery A rechargeable internal power source used to operate portable computers when not connected to an AC adapter and an electrical outlet.

battery life span The length of time (years) during which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted and recharged.

battery operating time The length of time (minutes or hours) that a portable computer battery holds a charge while powering the computer.

BIOS basic input/output system A program (or utility) that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. Unless you understand what effect these settings have on the computer, do not change them. Also referred to as system setup.

bit The smallest unit of data interpreted by your computer.

Bluetooth wireless technology A wireless technology standard for short-range (9 m [29 feet]) networking devices that allows for enabled devices to automatically recognize each other.

boot sequence Specifies the order of the devices from which the computer attempts to boot.

bootable CD A CD that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a bootable CD or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and Utilities or Resource CD is a bootable CD.

bootable disk A disk that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a bootable CD or floppy disk available.

bps bits per second The standard unit for measuring data transmission speed.

BTU British thermal unit A measurement of heat output.

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bus A communication pathway between the components in your computer.

bus speed The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast a bus can transfer information.

byte The basic data unit used by your computer. A byte is usually equal to 8 bits.

C C Celsius A temperature measurement scale where 0 is the freezing point and 100 is the boiling point of water.

cache A special high-speed storage mechanism which can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. The cache enhances the efficiency of many processor operations.

L1 cache Primary 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 compact disc An optical form of storage media, typically used for audio and software programs.

CD drive A drive that uses optical technology to read data from CDs.

CD player The software used to play music CDs. The CD player displays a window with buttons that you use to play a CD.

CD-R CD recordable A recordable version of a CD. Data can be recorded only once onto a CD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.

CD-RW CD rewritable A rewritable version of a CD. Data can be written to a CD-RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten).

CD-RW drive A drive that can read CDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can write to CD-R discs only once.

CD-RW/DVD drive A drive, sometimes referred to as a combo drive, that can read CDs and DVDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can write to CD-R discs only once.

clock speed The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast computer components that are connected to the system bus operate.

COA Certificate of Authenticity The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your computer. Also referred to as the Product Key or Product ID.

Control Panel A Windows utility that allows you to modify operating system and hardware settings, such as display settings.

controller A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and memory or between the processor and devices.

CRIMM continuity rambus in-line memory module A special module that has no memory chips and is used to fill unused RIMM slots.

cursor The marker on a display or screen that shows where the next keyboard, touch pad, or mouse action will occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an underline character, or a small arrow.

D DDR SDRAM double-data-rate SDRAM A type of SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving system performance.

DDR2 SDRAM double-data-rate 2 SDRAM A type of DDR SDRAM that uses a 4-bit prefetch and other architectural changes to boost memory speed to over 400 MHz.

device Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or keyboard that is installed in or connected to your computer.

device driver See driver.

DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module.

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DIN connector A round, six-pin connector that conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards; it is typically used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse cable connectors.

disk striping A technique for spreading data over multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations that retrieve data from disk storage. Computers that use disk striping generally allow the user to select the data unit size or stripe width.

DMA direct memory access A channel that allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the processor.

docking device See APR.

DMTF Distributed Management Task Force A consortium of hardware and software companies who develop management standards for distributed desktop, network, enterprise, and Internet environments.

domain A group of computers, programs, and devices on a network that are administered as a unit with common rules and procedures for use by a specific group of users. A user logs on to the domain to gain access to the resources.

DRAM dynamic random-access memory Memory that stores information in integrated circuits containing capacitors.

driver Software that allows the operating system to control a device such as a printer. Many devices do not work properly if the correct driver is not installed in the computer.

DSL Digital Subscriber Line A technology that provides a constant, high-speed Internet connection through an analog telephone line.

dual display mode A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as extended display mode.

DVD digital versatile disc A high-capacity disc usually used to store movies. DVD drives read most CD media as well.

DVD drive A drive that uses optical technology to read data from DVDs and CDs.

DVD player The software used to watch DVD movies. The DVD player displays a window with buttons that you use to watch a movie.

DVD-R DVD recordable A recordable version of a DVD. Data can be recorded only once onto a DVD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over

DVD+RW DVD rewritable A rewritable version of a DVD. Data can be written to a DVD+RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten). (DVD+RW technology is different from DVD-RW technology.)

DVD+RW drive A drive that can read DVDs and most CD media and write to DVD+RW (rewritable DVDs) discs.

DVI digital video interface A standard for digital transmission between a computer and a digital video display.

E ECC error checking and correction A type of memory that includes special circuitry for testing the accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory.

ECP extended capabilities port A parallel connector design that provides improved bidirectional data transmission. Similar to EPP, ECP uses direct memory access to transfer data and often improves performance.

EIDE enhanced integrated device electronics An improved version of the IDE interface for hard drives and CD drives.

EMI electromagnetic interference Electrical interference caused by electromagnetic radiation.

ENERGY STAR Environmental Protection Agency requirements that decrease the overall consumption of electricity.

EPP enhanced parallel port A parallel connector design that provides bidirectional data transmission.

ESD electrostatic discharge A rapid discharge of static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits found in computer and communications equipment.

expansion card A circuit board that installs in an expansion slot on the system board in some computers,

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expanding the capabilities of the computer. Examples include video, modem, and sound cards.

expansion slot A connector on the system board (in some computers) where you insert an expansion card, connecting it to the system bus.

ExpressCard A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of ExpressCards. ExpressCards support both the PCI Express and USB 2.0 standard.

Express Service Code A numeric code located on a sticker on your Dell computer. Use the Express Service Code when contacting Dell for assistance. Express Service Code service may not be available in some countries.

extended display mode A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as dual display mode.

extended PC Card A PC Card that extends beyond the edge of the PC Card slot when installed.

F Fahrenheit A temperature measurement scale where 32 is the freezing point and 212 is the boiling point of water.

FCC Federal Communications Commission A U.S. agency responsible for enforcing communications-related regulations that state how much radiation computers and other electronic equipment can emit.

floppy An electromagnetic form of storage media. Also known as a floppy diskette or a floppy disk.

floppy drive A disk drive that can read and write to floppy disks.

folder A term used to describe space on a disk or drive where files are organized and grouped. Files in a folder can be viewed and ordered in various ways, such as alphabetically, by date, and by size.

format The process that prepares a drive or disk for file storage. When a drive or disk is formatted, the existing information on it is lost.

FSB front side bus The data path and physical interface between the processor and RAM.

FTP file transfer protocol A standard Internet protocol used to exchange files between computers connected to the Internet.

G G gravity A measurement of weight and force.

GB gigabyte A measurement of data storage that equals 1024 MB (1,073,741,824 bytes). When used to refer to hard drive storage, the term is often rounded to 1,000,000,000 bytes.

GHz gigahertz A measurement of frequency that equals one thousand million Hz, or one thousand MHz. The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces are often measured 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 unlimited variety of shapes and fonts.

GUI graphical user interface Software that interacts with the user by means of menus, windows, and icons. Most programs that operate on the Windows operating systems are GUIs.

H hard drive A drive that reads and writes data on a hard disk. The terms hard drive and hard disk are often used interchangeably.

heat sink A metal plate on some processors that helps dissipate heat.

help file A file that contains descriptive or instructional information about a product. Some help files are associated with a particular program, such as Help in Microsoft Word. Other help files function as stand- alone reference sources. Help files typically have a filename extension of .hlp or .chm.

hibernate mode A power management mode that saves everything in memory to a reserved space on the hard drive and then turns off the computer. When you restart the computer, the memory information that was saved to the hard drive is automatically restored.

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HTML hypertext markup language A set of codes inserted into an Internet web page intended for display on an Internet browser.

HTTP hypertext transfer protocol A protocol for exchanging files between computers connected to the Internet.

Hz hertz A unit of frequency measurement that equals 1 cycle per second. Computers and electronic devices are often measured in kilohertz (kHz), megahertz (MHz), gigahertz (GHz), or terahertz (THz).

I IC Industry Canada The Canadian regulatory body responsible for regulating emissions from electronic equipment, much as the FCC does in the United States.

IC integrated circuit A semiconductor wafer, or chip, on which thousands or millions of tiny electronic components are fabricated for use in computer, audio, and video equipment.

IDE integrated device electronics An interface for mass storage devices in which the controller is integrated into the hard drive or CD drive.

IEEE 1394 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. A high-performance serial bus used to connect IEEE 1394-compatible devices, such as digital cameras and DVD players, to the computer.

infrared sensor A port that allows you to transfer data between the computer and infrared-compatible devices without using a cable connection.

integrated Usually refers to components that are physically located on the computers system board. Also referred to as built-in.

I/O input/output An operation or device that enters and extracts data from your computer. Keyboards and printers are I/O devices.

I/O address An address in RAM that is associated with a specific device (such as a serial connector, parallel connector, or expansion slot) and allows the processor to communicate with that device.

IrDA Infrared Data Association The organization that creates international standards for infrared communications.

IRQ interrupt request An electronic pathway assigned to a specific device so that the device can communicate with the processor. Each device connection must be assigned an IRQ. Although two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.

ISP Internet service provider A company that allows you to access its host server to connect directly to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, and access websites. The ISP typically provides you with a software package, user name, and access phone numbers for a fee.

K Kb kilobit A unit of data that equals 1024 bits. A measurement of the capacity of memory integrated circuits.

KB kilobyte A unit of data that equals 1024 bytes but is often referred to as 1000 bytes.

key combination A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time.

kHz kilohertz A measurement of frequency that equals 1000 Hz.

L LAN local area network A computer network covering a small area. A LAN usually is confined to a building or a few nearby buildings. A LAN can be connected to another LAN over any distance through telephone lines and radio waves to form a wide area network (WAN).

LCD liquid crystal display The technology used by portable computer and flat-panel displays.

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.

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LPT line print terminal The designation for a parallel connection to a printer or other parallel device.

M Mb megabit A measurement of memory chip capacity that equals 1024 Kb.

Mbps megabits per second One million bits per second. This measurement is typically used for transmission speeds for networks and modems.

MB megabyte A measurement of data storage that equals 1,048,576 bytes. 1 MB equals 1024 KB. When used to refer to hard drive storage, the term is often rounded to 1,000,000 bytes.

MB/sec megabytes per second One million bytes per second. This measurement is typically used for data transfer ratings.

memory A temporary data storage area inside your computer. Because the data in memory is not permanent, it is recommended that you frequently save your files while you are working on them, and always save your files before you shut down the computer. Your computer can contain several different forms of memory, such as RAM, ROM, and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is used as a synonym for RAM.

memory address A specific location where data is temporarily stored in RAM.

memory mapping The process by which the computer assigns memory addresses to physical locations at start-up. Devices and software can then identify information that the processor can access.

memory module A small circuit board containing memory chips, which connects to the system board.

MHz megahertz A measure of frequency that equals 1 million cycles per second. The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces are often measured in MHz.

Mini PCI A standard for integrated peripherals with an emphasis on communications such as such as modems and NICs. Mini PCI is a small card that is functionally equivalent to a standard PCI expansion card.

modem A device that allows your computer to communicate with other computers over analog telephone lines. Three types of modems include: external, PC Card or ExpressCard, and internal. You typically use your modem to connect to the Internet and exchange e-mail.

media bay A bay that supports devices such as optical drives, a second battery, or a Dell TravelLite module.

monitor The high-resolution TV-like device that displays computer output.

mouse A pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor on your screen. Typically you roll the mouse over a hard, flat surface to move the pointer or cursor on your screen.

ms millisecond A measure of time that equals one thousandth of a second. Access times of storage devices are often measured in ms.

N network adapter A chip that provides network capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter on its system board, or it may contain an PC Card with an adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a NIC (network interface controller).

NIC See network adapter.

notification area The section of the Windows taskbar that contains icons for providing quick access to programs and computer functions, such as the clock, volume control, and print status. Also referred to as system tray.

ns nanosecond A measure of time that equals one billionth of a second.

NVRAM nonvolatile random access memory A type of memory that stores data when the computer is turned off or loses its external power source. NVRAM is used for maintaining computer configuration information such as date, time, and other system setup options that you can set.

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O optical drive A drive that uses optical technology to read or write data from CDs, DVDs, or DVD+RWs. Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD drives, CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives.

P parallel connector An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your computer. Also referred to as an LPT port.

partition A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives.

PC Card A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of PC Cards.

PCI peripheral component interconnect PCI is a local bus that supports 32-and 64-bit data paths, providing a high-speed data path between the processor and devices such as video, drives, and networks.

PCI Express A modification to the PCI interface that boosts the data transfer rate between the processor and the devices attached to it. PCI Express can transfer data at speeds from 250 MB/sec to 4 GB/sec. If the PCI Express chip set and the device are capable of different speeds, they will operate at the slower speed.

PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association The organization that establishes standards for PC Cards.

PIN personal identification number A sequence of numerals and/or letters used to restrict unauthorized access to computer networks and other secure systems.

PIO programmed input/output A method of transferring data between two devices through the processor as part of the data path.

pixel A single point on a display screen. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.

Plug-and-Play The ability of the computer to automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and all devices are Plug and Play compliant.

POST power-on self-test Diagnostics programs, loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic tests on the major computer components, such as memory, hard drives, and video. If no problems are detected during POST, the computer continues the start-up.

processor A computer chip that interprets and executes program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred to as the CPU (central processing unit).

program Any software that processes data for you, including spreadsheet, word processor, database, and game packages. Programs require an operating system to run.

PS/2 personal system/2 A type of connector for attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.

PXE pre-boot execution environment A WfM (Wired for Management) standard that allows networked computers that do not have an operating system to be configured and started remotely.

R RAID redundant array of independent disks A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50.

RAM random-access memory The primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you shut down your computer.

readme file A text file included with a software package or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide installation information and describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented.

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read-only Data and/or files you can view but cannot edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:

It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk, CD, or DVD.

It is located on a network in a directory and the system administrator has assigned rights only to specific individuals.

refresh rate The frequency, measured in Hz, at which your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye.

resolution The sharpness and clarity of an image produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image.

RFI radio frequency interference Interference that is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of 10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are at the lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and are more likely to have interference than the higher frequency radiations, such as infrared and light.

ROM read-only memory Memory that stores data and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the computer. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its contents after you shut down your computer. Some programs essential to the operation of your computer reside in ROM.

RPM revolutions per minute The number of rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often measured in rpm.

RTC real time clock Battery-powered clock on the system board that keeps the date and time after you shut down the computer.

RTCRST real-time clock reset A jumper on the system board of some computers that can often be used for troubleshooting problems.

S ScanDisk A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders, and the hard disks surface for errors. ScanDisk often runs when you restart the computer after it has stopped responding.

SDRAM synchronous dynamic random-access memory A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the optimal clock speed of the processor.

serial connector An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera to your computer.

Service Tag A bar code label on your computer that identifies your computer when you access Dell Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for customer service or technical support.

setup program A program that is used to install and configure hardware and software. The setup.exe or install.exe program comes with most Windows software packages. Setup program differs from system setup.

shortcut An icon that provides quick access to frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. When you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop and double-click the icon, you can open its corresponding folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcut icons do not change the location of files. If you delete a shortcut, the original file is not affected. Also, you can rename a shortcut icon.

shutdown The process of closing windows and exiting programs, exiting the operating system, and turning off your computer. You can lose data if you turn off your computer before completing a shutdown.

smart card A card that is embedded with a processor and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used to authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart cards.

software Anything that can be stored electronically, such as computer files or programs.

S/PDIF Sony/Philips Digital Interface An audio transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from one file to another without converting it to and from an analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file.

standby mode A power management mode that shuts down all unnecessary computer operations to save energy.

Strike Zone Reinforced area of the platform base that protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening device when a computer experiences resonating shock or is dropped (whether the computer is on or off).

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surge protectors Prevent voltage spikes, such as those that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering the computer through the electrical outlet. Surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes or against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal AC-line voltage level.

Network connections cannot be protected by surge protectors. Always disconnect the network cable from the network connector during electrical storms.

SVGA super-video graphics array A video standard for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA resolutions are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768.

The number of colors and resolution that a program displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video controller and its drivers, and the amount of video memory installed in the computer.

S-video TV-out A connector used to attach a TV or digital audio device to the computer.

SXGA super-extended graphics array A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.

SXGA+ super-extended graphics array plus A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1400 x 1050.

system board The main circuit board in your computer. Also known as the motherboard.

system setup A utility that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. System setup allows you to configure user- selectable options in the BIOS, such as date and time or system password. Unless you understand what effect the settings have on the computer, do not change the settings for this program.

system tray See notification area.

T TAPI telephony application programming interface Enables Windows programs to operate with a wide variety of telephony devices, including voice, data, fax, and video.

text editor A program used to create and edit files that contain only text; for example, Windows Notepad uses a text editor. Text editors do not usually provide word wrap or formatting functionality (the option to underline, change fonts, and so on).

travel module A plastic device designed to fit inside the media bay of a portable computer to reduce the weight of the computer.

U UMA unified memory allocation System memory dynamically allocated to video.

UPS uninterruptible power supply A backup power source used when the electrical power fails or drops to an unacceptable voltage level. A UPS keeps a computer running for a limited amount of time when there is no electrical power. UPS systems typically provide surge suppression and may also provide voltage regulation. Small UPS systems provide battery power for a few minutes to enable you to shut down your computer.

USB universal serial bus A hardware interface for a low-speed device such as a USB-compatible keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, set of speakers, printer, broadband devices (DSL and cable modems), imaging devices, or storage devices. Devices are plugged directly in to a 4-pin socket on your computer or in to a multi-port hub that plugs in to your computer. USB devices can be connected and disconnected while the computer is turned on, and they can also be daisy-chained together.

UTP unshielded twisted pair Describes a type of cable used in most telephone networks and some computer networks. Pairs of unshielded wires are twisted to protect against electromagnetic interference, rather than relying on a metal sheath around each pair of wires to protect against interference.

UXGA ultra extended graphics array A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1600 x 1200.

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V video controller The circuitry on a video card or on the system board (in computers with an integrated video controller) that provides the video capabilitiesin combination with the monitorfor your computer.

video memory Memory that consists of memory chips dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually faster than system memory. The amount of video memory installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display.

video mode A mode that describes how text and graphics are displayed on a monitor. Graphics-based software, such as Windows operating systems, displays in video modes that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Character-based software, such as text editors, displays in video modes that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters.

video resolution See resolution.

virus A program that is designed to inconvenience you or to destroy data stored on your computer. A virus program moves from one computer to another through an infected disk, software downloaded from the Internet, or e-mail attachments. When an infected program starts, its embedded virus also starts.

A common type of virus is a boot virus, which is stored in the boot sectors of a floppy disk. If the floppy disk is left in the drive when the computer is shut down and then turned on, the computer is infected when it reads the boot sectors of the floppy disk expecting to find the operating system. If the computer is infected, the boot virus may replicate itself onto all the floppy disks that are read or written in that computer until the virus is eradicated.

V volt The measurement of electric potential or electromotive force. One V appears across a resistance of 1 ohm when a current of 1 ampere flows through that resistance.

W W watt The measurement of electrical power. One W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt.

WHr watt-hour A unit of measure commonly used to indicate the approximate capacity of a battery. For example, a 66-WHr battery can supply 66 W of power for 1 hour or 33 W for 2 hours.

wallpaper The background pattern or picture on the Windows desktop. Change your wallpaper through the Windows Control Panel. You can also scan in your favorite picture and make it wallpaper.

write-protected Files or media that cannot be changed. Use write-protection when you want to protect data from being changed or destroyed. To write-protect a 3.5-inch floppy disk, slide its write-protect tab to the open position.

WXGA wide-aspect extended graphics array A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 800.

X XGA extended graphics array A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1024 x 768.

Z ZIF zero insertion force A type of socket or connector that allows a computer chip to be installed or removed with no stress applied to either the chip or its socket.

Zip A popular data compression format. Files that have been compressed with the Zip format are called Zip files and usually have a filename extension of .zip. A special kind of zipped file is a self-extracting file, which has a filename extension of .exe. You can unzip a self-extracting file by double-clicking it.

Zip drive A high-capacity floppy drive developed by Iomega Corporation that uses 3.5-inch removable disks called Zip disks. Zip disks are slightly larger than regular floppy disks, about twice as thick, and hold up to 100 MB of data.

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Index

A

audio connectors, 15

audio. See sound

B

battery

charging, 37

checking the charge, 32

description, 18

low-battery warning, 32

low-charge warning, 36

performance, 31

power meter, 32

removing, 38

storing, 39

battery-bay latch release, 18

blanks

ExpressCards, 47

removing, 48

boot sequence, 104

brightness

adjusting, 25

C

CardBus technology

ExpressCards, 47

carnet, 106

CD drive

problems, 58

CD-RW drive

problems, 58

CDs, 43

playing, 41

Check Disk, 59

cleaning

touch pad, 107

computer

crashes, 65

restore to previous state, 75-76

slow performance, 60, 66

specifications, 97

stops responding, 65

conflicts

software and hardware incompatibilities, 75

Control Panel

power options, 36

copying CDs

general information, 43

helpful tips, 45

how to, 43

copying DVDs

general information, 43

helpful tips, 45

how to, 43

D

Dell

contacting, 110

support site, 10

Dell Diagnostics, 55

Dell Premier Support website, 9

device status lights, 13

diagnostics

Dell, 55

display

adjusting brightness, 25

adjusting the size of icons, 53

adjusting the size of toolbars, 53

description, 12-13

resolution, 26

switching the video image, 25

display latch, 12

display. See monitor

documentation

End User License Agreement, 9

ergonomics, 9

online, 10

Product Information Guide, 9

regulatory, 9

safety, 9

warranty, 9

Index 137

138 Index book.book Page 138 Thursday, September 22, 2005 8:08 AM

drivers, 72

about, 72

identifying, 72

reinstalling, 73

Drivers and Utilities CD, 74

drives

problems, 58

See hard drive

DVD drive

problems, 58

DVDs, 43

playing, 41

E

End User License Agreement, 9

ergonomics information, 9

error messages, 60

ExpressCard slot

description, 15

ExpressCards

blanks, 47-48

CardBus technology, 47

extended, 47

installing, 47

removing, 48

slots, 47

types, 47

F

fan

description, 17-18

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 20

floppy drive

connecting to a USB connector, 15

H

hard drive

description, 18

problems, 59

replacing, 83

returning to Dell, 85

hardware

conflicts, 75

Dell Diagnostics, 55

Hardware Troubleshooter, 75

Help and Support Center, 10

help file

Windows Help and Support Center, 10

hibernate mode, 33, 37

hinge cover

removing, 94

I

icons

adjusting the size, 53

Internet connection

about, 19

options, 19

setting up, 19

IRQ conflicts, 75

K

keyboard

description, 13

numeric keypad, 27

problems, 64

removing, 95

shortcuts, 28

keyboard status lights

description, 12

keypad

numeric, 27

L

labels

Microsoft Windows, 9

Service Tag, 9

lost computer, 106

M

memory

installing, 86

removing, 87

memory/modem cover

description, 18

messages

error, 60

Microsoft Windows label, 9

Mini PCI card

installing, 90

modem connector

description, 14

138 Index

book.book Page 139 Thursday, September 22, 2005 8:08 AM

module bay

swapping devices, 85

monitor

problems, 71

switching the video image, 25

N

network

Network Setup Wizard, 49

problems, 67

setting up, 49

network connector

description, 15

Network Setup Wizard, 49

O

operating system

reinstalling Windows XP, 76

optical drive

description, 16

optical-drive-tray eject button

description, 16

P

PC Restore, 77

playing CDs, 41

playing DVDs, 41

power

hibernate mode, 33

line conditioners, 24

power options properties, 36

power (continued)

problems, 67

protection devices, 24

standby mode, 33

surge protectors, 24

UPS, 24

power light

conditions, 67

power management

adjusting settings, 53

QuickSet, 53

printer

cable, 23

connecting, 22

problems, 68

setting up, 22

USB, 23

problems

blue screen, 65

CD drive, 58

CD-RW drive, 58

computer crashes, 65

computer does not start up, 65

computer stops responding, 65

conflicts, 75

Dell Diagnostics, 55

drives, 58

DVD drive, 58

error messages, 60

hard drive, 59

keyboard, 64

lockups, 65

network, 67

power, 67

power light conditions, 67

printer, 68

program crashes repeatedly, 65

problems (continued)

program stops responding, 65

programs and Windows compatibility, 65

restore to previous state, 75-76

scanner, 69

slow computer performance, 60, 66

software, 65-66

sound and speakers, 69

speaker, 69

spyware, 60, 66

video and monitor, 71

Product Information Guide, 9

Q

QuickSet, 53

R

RAM. See memory

regulatory information, 9

reinstalling

Windows XP, 76

resolution

setting, 26

ResourceCD

Dell Diagnostics, 55

S

safety instructions, 9

scanner

problems, 69

Index 139

140 Index book.book Page 140 Thursday, September 22, 2005 8:08 AM

screen. See monitor

security cable slot

description, 16

Service Tag, 9

software

conflicts, 75

problems, 65-66

sound

problems, 69

volume, 69

speaker

problems, 69

volume, 69

speakers

description, 12

specifications, 97

spyware, 60, 66

standby mode

about, 33, 37

password options, 37

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD, 56

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive, 55

stolen computer, 106

support

contacting Dell, 110

support website, 10

System Restore, 75-76

system setup program

commonly used options, 103

purpose, 103

screens, 103

viewing, 103

T

taskbar

QuickSet icon, 53

toolbars

adjusting the size, 53

touch pad, 30

cleaning, 107

customizing, 30

description, 12

transferring information to a new computer, 20

traveling with the computer

by air, 106

identification tag, 105

packing, 105

tips, 105

troubleshooting

conflicts, 75

Dell Diagnostics, 55

external keyboard problems, 64

Hardware Troubleshooter, 75

Help and Support Center, 10

restore to previous state, 75-76

U

uninterruptible power supply. See UPS

UPS, 24

USB connectors

description, 15

V

video

problems, 71

video connector

description, 15

volume

adjusting, 70

W

warranty information, 9

Windows XP

Device Driver Rollback, 73

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, 20

Hardware Troubleshooter, 75

Help and Support Center, 10

hibernate mode, 33

Network Setup Wizard, 49

power options properties, 36

Program Compatibility Wizard, 65

reinstalling, 76

standby mode, 33

System Restore, 75-76

140 Index

book.