Owner's Manual
Page 2
...Reproduction in any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. To access the help file, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. If you make better use of your computer. Intel and Celeron are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Notes... any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable. All rights reserved. is subject to avoid the problem. Dell Inc. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks of...
...Reproduction in any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. To access the help file, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. If you make better use of your computer. Intel and Celeron are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Notes... any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable. All rights reserved. is subject to avoid the problem. Dell Inc. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks of...
Owner's Manual
Page 5
... Turning Off Your Computer 39 Before Working Inside Your Computer 39 Hard Drive 40 9 Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics 43 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics 43 Drive Problems 45 CD and DVD drive problems 45 If you there is no audio 46 If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding ...sound 46 Hard drive problems 46 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 46 Error Messages 48 Keyboard Problems 49 External Keyboard Problems 49 Unexpected...
... Turning Off Your Computer 39 Before Working Inside Your Computer 39 Hard Drive 40 9 Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics 43 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics 43 Drive Problems 45 CD and DVD drive problems 45 If you there is no audio 46 If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding ...sound 46 Hard drive problems 46 E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems 46 Error Messages 48 Keyboard Problems 49 External Keyboard Problems 49 Unexpected...
Owner's Manual
Page 6
... No sound from integrated speakers 56 No sound from external speakers 56 No sound from headphones 57 Touch Pad or Mouse Problems 58 Video and Display Problems 58 If the display is blank 58 If the display is readable 60 Drivers 60 What Is a Driver 60 Identifying Drivers ...60 Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities 61 Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 62 Restoring Your Operating System 62 Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore 62 Using Dell ...
... No sound from integrated speakers 56 No sound from external speakers 56 No sound from headphones 57 Touch Pad or Mouse Problems 58 Video and Display Problems 58 If the display is blank 58 If the display is readable 60 Drivers 60 What Is a Driver 60 Identifying Drivers ...60 Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities 61 Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities 62 Restoring Your Operating System 62 Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore 62 Using Dell ...
Owner's Manual
Page 11
What Are You Looking For? • How to use Windows XP • Documentation for my computer • Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Find It Here Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. Finding Information 11
What Are You Looking For? • How to use Windows XP • Documentation for my computer • Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Find It Here Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. Finding Information 11
Owner's Manual
Page 20
... an internal fan to accumulate in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Bottom View memory module cover hard drive battery battery-bay latch release fan M E M O R Y M O D U L E C O V E R - When a battery is installed, you can...
... an internal fan to accumulate in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Bottom View memory module cover hard drive battery battery-bay latch release fan M E M O R Y M O D U L E C O V E R - When a battery is installed, you can...
Owner's Manual
Page 22
...for setup information, including how to: • Obtain and install updated drivers. • Connect the printer to complete the setup. www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 In the next window, click the appropriate option: • If you do you want to select one, click Choose from a... cable. Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you are having problems connecting to the computer. If you connect a printer to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on the screen to check the service status, or try connecting again later. Otherwise,...
...for setup information, including how to: • Obtain and install updated drivers. • Connect the printer to complete the setup. www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 In the next window, click the appropriate option: • If you do you want to select one, click Choose from a... cable. Setting Up a Printer NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you are having problems connecting to the computer. If you connect a printer to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on the screen to check the service status, or try connecting again later. Otherwise,...
Owner's Manual
Page 26
...battery by running the Battery Gauge Recalibration software in the system setup program. 26 Using a Battery For more information about resolving problems with household waste. Charging the Battery NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in your system is approximately 90...you connect the computer to continue charging the battery. Recalibrating a Battery If your computer or being in the Dell Inspiron Help file. www.dell.com | support.dell.com CAUTION: Do not dispose of power, hibernate mode begins automatically. See "Battery Disposal" in the computer ...
...battery by running the Battery Gauge Recalibration software in the system setup program. 26 Using a Battery For more information about resolving problems with household waste. Charging the Battery NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in your system is approximately 90...you connect the computer to continue charging the battery. Recalibrating a Battery If your computer or being in the Dell Inspiron Help file. www.dell.com | support.dell.com CAUTION: Do not dispose of power, hibernate mode begins automatically. See "Battery Disposal" in the computer ...
Owner's Manual
Page 29
... laws when you follow all five formats. NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using CDs and DVDs in your Dell™ computer can write to DVD+R, and can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on the kind...computer and creating MP3 CDs. How to Copy a CD NOTE: If you experience recording problems, check for available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com. To access the help file, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 29 Using CDs, DVDs, and ...
... laws when you follow all five formats. NOTE: Most commercial DVDs have copyright protection and cannot be copied using CDs and DVDs in your Dell™ computer can write to DVD+R, and can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on the kind...computer and creating MP3 CDs. How to Copy a CD NOTE: If you experience recording problems, check for available software patches at the Sonic support website at support.sonic.com. To access the help file, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 29 Using CDs, DVDs, and ...
Owner's Manual
Page 43
...® desktop. This test typically takes 10 to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly. Run Express Test first to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on Dell™ computers. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System Assessment. When to wait...to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your part. Option Express Test Function Performs a quick test of devices. Then shut down the computer. 2 Connect the computer to begin any of the procedures in the Product Information Guide. Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: ...
...® desktop. This test typically takes 10 to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly. Run Express Test first to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on Dell™ computers. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System Assessment. When to wait...to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your part. Option Express Test Function Performs a quick test of devices. Then shut down the computer. 2 Connect the computer to begin any of the procedures in the Product Information Guide. Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: ...
Owner's Manual
Page 44
... or all devices from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the left pane of the problem you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your computer. Describes the test and may not display the names of all the components installed on... the screen. If you are complete, close the Main Menu screen. 44 Solving Problems The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices attached to customize the test by changing the test settings. 4 When the tests are having. 2...
... or all devices from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the left pane of the problem you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your computer. Describes the test and may not display the names of all the components installed on... the screen. If you are complete, close the Main Menu screen. 44 Solving Problems The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices attached to customize the test by changing the test settings. 4 When the tests are having. 2...
Owner's Manual
Page 45
... L L D I A G N O S T I E S - NOTE: Because of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Dell Inspiron Help file for and remove viruses. Solving Problems 45 ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS C H E C K F O R H A R D W A R ... the CD or DVD. Click the Start button and click My Computer. See "Cleaning Your Computer" in the Product Information Guide. See page 43. Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD drives. See page 62. E N S U R E T H...
... L L D I A G N O S T I E S - NOTE: Because of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Dell Inspiron Help file for and remove viruses. Solving Problems 45 ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS C H E C K F O R H A R D W A R ... the CD or DVD. Click the Start button and click My Computer. See "Cleaning Your Computer" in the Product Information Guide. See page 43. Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD drives. See page 62. E N S U R E T H...
Owner's Manual
Page 46
Hard drive problems A L L O W T H E C O M P U T E R T O C O O L B E F O R E T U R N I N G I T O N - E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any boxes that the disk or disc is connected to an ...; Ensure that are checked. A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. NOTE: Connect the modem to a digital telephone network. 46 Solving Problems www.dell.com | support.dell.com If you there is no audio ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL - • Click the speaker icon in the Product Information Guide. C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R S A N D ...
Hard drive problems A L L O W T H E C O M P U T E R T O C O O L B E F O R E T U R N I N G I T O N - E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any boxes that the disk or disc is connected to an ...; Ensure that are checked. A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. NOTE: Connect the modem to a digital telephone network. 46 Solving Problems www.dell.com | support.dell.com If you there is no audio ADJUST THE WINDOWS VOLUME CONTROL - • Click the speaker icon in the Product Information Guide. C H E C K T H E S P E A K E R S A N D ...
Owner's Manual
Page 47
... to the Internet. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on the modem. (The jack has either a.... Ensure that you detect a click when you cannot open , click File. USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE - • Verify that the telephone line is operating properly. E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I C S - Solving Problems 47 R U N T H E M O D E M H E L P E R D I A G N O S T I N T E R N E T - C H E C K T H E M I C R O S O F T O U T L O O K ® E X P R E S S S E C U R I T Y S E T T I...
... to the Internet. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on the modem. (The jack has either a.... Ensure that you detect a click when you cannot open , click File. USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE - • Verify that the telephone line is operating properly. E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I C S - Solving Problems 47 R U N T H E M O D E M H E L P E R D I A G N O S T I N T E R N E T - C H E C K T H E M I C R O S O F T O U T L O O K ® E X P R E S S S E C U R I T Y S E T T I...
Owner's Manual
Page 48
.... See page 45. E X I T S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D T R Y A G A I L U R E - Reinstall the hard drive, see page 92. 48 Solving Problems Ensure that includes anti-spyware protection (your computer might be infected with spyware. The file that you begin any of the procedures in this section...If the problem persists, contact Dell, see page 39. www.dell.com | support.dell.com S C A N T H E C O M P U T E R F O R S P Y W A R E - Use an antivirus program that you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your program may require an upgrade) to support.dell.com ...
.... See page 45. E X I T S O M E P R O G R A M S A N D T R Y A G A I L U R E - Reinstall the hard drive, see page 92. 48 Solving Problems Ensure that includes anti-spyware protection (your computer might be infected with spyware. The file that you begin any of the procedures in this section...If the problem persists, contact Dell, see page 39. www.dell.com | support.dell.com S C A N T H E C O M P U T E R F O R S P Y W A R E - Use an antivirus program that you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your program may require an upgrade) to support.dell.com ...
Owner's Manual
Page 49
...button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Add or Remove Programs. 3 Select the program you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional. C H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E - Solving Problems 49 T H E D E V I C E I L E W A S N O T F O U N D - D L L F I S N O T R E A D Y - NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when working in the Product ...Remove and follow the safety instructions in MS-DOS® mode or when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD - 1 Shut down the computer. When you want ...
...button and click Control Panel. 2 Click Add or Remove Programs. 3 Select the program you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional. C H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E - Solving Problems 49 T H E D E V I C E I L E W A S N O T F O U N D - D L L F I S N O T R E A D Y - NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when working in the Product ...Remove and follow the safety instructions in MS-DOS® mode or when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD - 1 Shut down the computer. When you want ...
Owner's Manual
Page 50
... the computer turns off. If you are displayed instead of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Contact Dell (see page 92). Unexpected Characters D I S A B L E T H E N U M E R I C K E Y P A D - The computer does not start up ENSURE THAT THE... to get a response by pressing a key on the display. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you may have a defective external keyboard. www.dell.com | support.dell.com TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE INTEGRATED KEYBOARD - 1 Shut down the ...
... the computer turns off. If you are displayed instead of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Contact Dell (see page 92). Unexpected Characters D I S A B L E T H E N U M E R I C K E Y P A D - The computer does not start up ENSURE THAT THE... to get a response by pressing a key on the display. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you may have a defective external keyboard. www.dell.com | support.dell.com TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE INTEGRATED KEYBOARD - 1 Shut down the ...
Owner's Manual
Page 51
... on your keyboard or moving your computer might be infected with spyware. Slow computer performance or problems connecting to scan the computer and remove spyware. A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM - ... repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments. 1 Click the Start button, point to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware. A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - Then restart your program may require an upgrade) to the Internet S ...
... on your keyboard or moving your computer might be infected with spyware. Slow computer performance or problems connecting to scan the computer and remove spyware. A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM - ... repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments. 1 Click the Start button, point to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware. A solid blue screen appears TU R N T H E C O M P U T E R O F F - Then restart your program may require an upgrade) to the Internet S ...
Owner's Manual
Page 52
...exit any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION - • Ensure that the ...program is related to a software problem. See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. • Run the Dell Diagnostics. BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE...
...exit any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION - • Ensure that the ...program is related to a software problem. See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. • Run the Dell Diagnostics. BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE...
Owner's Manual
Page 53
... cable is properly inserted into both the network connector on standby mode. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Product Information Guide. Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. C H E C K T H E P C C A R D... that your network settings are correct and that the card is functioning. Ensure that the network is listed. Contact Dell (see page 9. NOTE: See the Dell Inspiron Help file for information on the back of the computer and the network jack.
... cable is properly inserted into both the network connector on standby mode. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Product Information Guide. Network Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. C H E C K T H E P C C A R D... that your network settings are correct and that the card is functioning. Ensure that the network is listed. Contact Dell (see page 9. NOTE: See the Dell Inspiron Help file for information on the back of the computer and the network jack.
Owner's Manual
Page 54
... the light is below 0° C (32° F), the computer will not start up. A D J U S T T H E P O W E R P R O P E R T I G H T - To access help, see page 9. 54 Solving Problems C H A R G E T H E B A T T E R Y - C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y S T A T U S L I E S - If the battery status light rapidly flashes green with ...computer. C O N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E C T L Y T O A N E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T - See the Dell Inspiron Help file or search for the keyword standby in standby mode-press the power button to an electrical outlet. 3 Turn on how often the battery...
... the light is below 0° C (32° F), the computer will not start up. A D J U S T T H E P O W E R P R O P E R T I G H T - To access help, see page 9. 54 Solving Problems C H A R G E T H E B A T T E R Y - C H E C K T H E B A T T E R Y S T A T U S L I E S - If the battery status light rapidly flashes green with ...computer. C O N N E C T T H E C O M P U T E R D I R E C T L Y T O A N E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T - See the Dell Inspiron Help file or search for the keyword standby in standby mode-press the power button to an electrical outlet. 3 Turn on how often the battery...