Owner's Manual
Page 2
...Dell Inspiron Help file. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without notice. © 2005 Dell Inc. Trademarks used in this document to refer to either potential damage to hardware or loss of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.... A00 www.dell.com | support.dell.com Information in this document is subject to change without the written permission of your computer. ...
...Dell Inspiron Help file. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without notice. © 2005 Dell Inc. Trademarks used in this document to refer to either potential damage to hardware or loss of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.... A00 www.dell.com | support.dell.com Information in this document is subject to change without the written permission of your computer. ...
Owner's Manual
Page 5
...44 Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP. . . . . 45 9 Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics 47 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics 47 Starting the Dell Diagnostics 47 Drivers 49 What Is a Driver 49 Identifying Drivers 49 Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities 50 Resolving Software and... Hardware Incompatibilities 51 Restoring Your Operating System 51 Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore 51 Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec 52 Drive Problems 54 CD and DVD drive problems 55 If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray . ....
...44 Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP. . . . . 45 9 Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics 47 When to Use the Dell Diagnostics 47 Starting the Dell Diagnostics 47 Drivers 49 What Is a Driver 49 Identifying Drivers 49 Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities 50 Resolving Software and... Hardware Incompatibilities 51 Restoring Your Operating System 51 Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore 51 Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec 52 Drive Problems 54 CD and DVD drive problems 55 If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray . ....
Owner's Manual
Page 6
.... . . . 61 A solid blue screen appears 62 Other software problems 62 Memory Problems 63 Network Problems 63 PC Card Problems 64 Power Problems 64 Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer 65 Printer Problems 65 Scanner Problems 66 Sound and Speaker Problems 67 No sound from integrated speakers 67 No sound from external speakers 67... No sound from headphones 68 Touch Pad or Mouse Problems 68 Video and Display Problems 69 If the display is blank 69 If the display is difficult to read 69 If only part of the ...
.... . . . 61 A solid blue screen appears 62 Other software problems 62 Memory Problems 63 Network Problems 63 PC Card Problems 64 Power Problems 64 Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer 65 Printer Problems 65 Scanner Problems 66 Sound and Speaker Problems 67 No sound from integrated speakers 67 No sound from external speakers 67... No sound from headphones 68 Touch Pad or Mouse Problems 68 Video and Display Problems 69 If the display is blank 69 If the display is difficult to read 69 If only part of the ...
Owner's Manual
Page 12
www.dell.com | support.dell.com What Are You Looking For? • How to use Windows XP • Documentation for my computer • Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Find It Here Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. 12 Finding Information
www.dell.com | support.dell.com What Are You Looking For? • How to use Windows XP • Documentation for my computer • Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Find It Here Windows Help and Support Center 1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon. 3 Click the topic that describes your problem. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen. 12 Finding Information
Owner's Manual
Page 16
... running. Lets you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it is normal and does not indicate a problem with the device. NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Left Side View security cable slot exhaust vent video connector USB connectors (2) PC Card slot...
... running. Lets you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it is normal and does not indicate a problem with the device. NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Left Side View security cable slot exhaust vent video connector USB connectors (2) PC Card slot...
Owner's Manual
Page 22
...Internet but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually, continue to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 56. If you cannot connect to check the service status, or try connecting again later. NOTE: If you do not know which ...printer to the computer. • Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge. • Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance. www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 In the next window, click the appropriate option: • If you do you want to complete the setup. Printer Cable Your ...
...Internet but you did not receive a setup CD, click Set up my connection manually, continue to the Internet, see "E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems" on page 56. If you cannot connect to check the service status, or try connecting again later. NOTE: If you do not know which ...printer to the computer. • Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge. • Contact the printer manufacturer for technical assistance. www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 In the next window, click the appropriate option: • If you do you want to complete the setup. Printer Cable Your ...
Owner's Manual
Page 26
... page 64. 26 Using a Battery If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet. For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Management" in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you when the battery charge is approximately... the battery charge. Low-Battery Warning NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your computer or being in the Dell Inspiron Help file. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Checking the Battery Charge The Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and provide information on the taskbar. If necessary...
... page 64. 26 Using a Battery If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet. For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Management" in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you when the battery charge is approximately... the battery charge. Low-Battery Warning NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your computer or being in the Dell Inspiron Help file. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Checking the Battery Charge The Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and provide information on the taskbar. If necessary...
Owner's Manual
Page 31
... can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on page 9. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to make an exact copy of the window, and then click RecordNow Help or RecordNow Tutorial. Copying CDs and... DVDs NOTE: Ensure that you experience recording problems, check for home theater systems might not read all copyright laws when you want to computers that came with your computer, see the Dell™ Inspiron™ Help file. For instructions, see "Finding Information" on your...
... can also use Sonic RecordNow for other purposes, including creating CDs from audio files on page 9. The DVD-writable drives installed in Dell™ computers can write to make an exact copy of the window, and then click RecordNow Help or RecordNow Tutorial. Copying CDs and... DVDs NOTE: Ensure that you experience recording problems, check for home theater systems might not read all copyright laws when you want to computers that came with your computer, see the Dell™ Inspiron™ Help file. For instructions, see "Finding Information" on your...
Owner's Manual
Page 47
...series of initial tests of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in this section and run the Dell Diagnostics before you experience a problem with your display, hold down your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display. • During the assessment, ...If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you contact Dell for technical assistance. When to wait until you begin the Dell Diagnostics. Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
...series of initial tests of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in this section and run the Dell Diagnostics before you experience a problem with your display, hold down your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display. • During the assessment, ...If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you contact Dell for technical assistance. When to wait until you begin the Dell Diagnostics. Solving Problems Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
Owner's Manual
Page 48
...test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code(s) and contact Dell (see page 89). Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description. 48 Solving Problems Performs a thorough check of devices. NOTE: The Service Tag for more ...Errors Function Displays the results of the test and any key to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly. Run Express Test first to start the Dell Diagnostics from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following ...
...test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code(s) and contact Dell (see page 89). Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description. 48 Solving Problems Performs a thorough check of devices. NOTE: The Service Tag for more ...Errors Function Displays the results of the test and any key to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly. Run Express Test first to start the Dell Diagnostics from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following ...
Owner's Manual
Page 49
...Drivers If you with your Microsoft Windows operating system. Displays your hardware configuration for all devices attached to you experience a problem with any other programs that controls a device such as the keyboard driver, come with required drivers already installed-no further... installation or configuration is needed. The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for the selected device. Drivers What Is a Driver? Dell ships your computer to your computer. A driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver. A driver ...
...Drivers If you with your Microsoft Windows operating system. Displays your hardware configuration for all devices attached to you experience a problem with any other programs that controls a device such as the keyboard driver, come with required drivers already installed-no further... installation or configuration is needed. The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for the selected device. Drivers What Is a Driver? Dell ships your computer to your computer. A driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver. A driver ...
Owner's Manual
Page 50
.... 8 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab. 5 Click Device Manager. 6 Scroll down the list to see if any.... 7 Click the Drivers tab. 8 Click Roll Back Driver. Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback If a problem occurs on the device icon. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with a [!]) on your computer after you ...
.... 8 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. www.dell.com | support.dell.com 4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab. 5 Click Device Manager. 6 Scroll down the list to see if any.... 7 Click the Drivers tab. 8 Click Roll Back Driver. Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback If a problem occurs on the device icon. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with a [!]) on your computer after you ...
Owner's Manual
Page 51
... the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click System Restore. 3 Follow the instructions on my computer, and click Next. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on computers purchased in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not work.... Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to resolve the incompatibility. Solving Problems 51 NOTE: Dell PC Restore is detected but incorrectly configured, you can restore your operating system in an undesirable operating state. To resolve...
... the Start button and click Help and Support. 2 Click System Restore. 3 Follow the instructions on my computer, and click Next. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on computers purchased in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not work.... Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to resolve the incompatibility. Solving Problems 51 NOTE: Dell PC Restore is detected but incorrectly configured, you can restore your operating system in an undesirable operating state. To resolve...
Owner's Manual
Page 52
... click System Restore. 2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is available only on . www.dell.com | support.dell.com Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State If problems occur after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts. 6 After the computer restarts, click OK... state it was in boldface type. 4 Select a restore point and click Next. Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec Dell PC Restore is selected and click Next. 3 Click a calendar date to resolve the problem. If that you to see page 51) to which you can either repeat the steps ...
... click System Restore. 2 Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is available only on . www.dell.com | support.dell.com Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State If problems occur after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts. 6 After the computer restarts, click OK... state it was in boldface type. 4 Select a restore point and click Next. Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec Dell PC Restore is selected and click Next. 3 Click a calendar date to resolve the problem. If that you to see page 51) to which you can either repeat the steps ...
Owner's Manual
Page 53
..., click Restore. 4 On the next screen, click Confirm. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot. 6 When prompted, click Yes. Solving Problems 53 NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the...PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you reinstall Windows XP with www.dell.com appears at the top of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. The restore process takes approximately 6-10 ...
..., click Restore. 4 On the next screen, click Confirm. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot. 6 When prompted, click Yes. Solving Problems 53 NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the...PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you reinstall Windows XP with www.dell.com appears at the top of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. The restore process takes approximately 6-10 ...
Owner's Manual
Page 54
... and restart the computer. C L E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I V E - Click the Start button and click My Computer. See the Dell Inspiron Help file for and remove viruses. If you remove PC Restore from recognizing the drive. Click Quit and log on page 9. 54 Solving Problems E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E ...deleted and the c:\ partition expands to close the PC Restore Removal window. 7 Restart the computer. Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in Windows Explorer...
... and restart the computer. C L E A N T H E D R I V E O R D I V E - Click the Start button and click My Computer. See the Dell Inspiron Help file for and remove viruses. If you remove PC Restore from recognizing the drive. Click Quit and log on page 9. 54 Solving Problems E N S U R E T H A T M I C R O S O F T W I N D O W S R E C O G N I Z E S T H E ...deleted and the c:\ partition expands to close the PC Restore Removal window. 7 Restart the computer. Drive Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in Windows Explorer...
Owner's Manual
Page 55
... and Support Center for information on page 9) or search for your CD or DVD creation software. See the Dell Inspiron Help file (see "Finding Information" on power management modes. Solving Problems 55 If the stream is partially ejected. 3 Gently pull out the tray until the tray is interrupted, an... writing. ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS CHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIES RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE PAGE 47) CD and DVD drive problems NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is shut down. 2 Straighten a paper clip and insert one end...
... and Support Center for information on page 9) or search for your CD or DVD creation software. See the Dell Inspiron Help file (see "Finding Information" on power management modes. Solving Problems 55 If the stream is partially ejected. 3 Gently pull out the tray until the tray is interrupted, an... writing. ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS CHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIES RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE PAGE 47) CD and DVD drive problems NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is shut down. 2 Straighten a paper clip and insert one end...
Owner's Manual
Page 56
...NOTE: Connect the modem to remove the checkmark. 56 Solving Problems 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 N G S - E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound... 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 T O N - A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. www.dell.com | support.dell.com If you begin any of bad sectors. 7 Click Start. Try allowing the computer to return to a digital telephone network. If you cannot open...
...NOTE: Connect the modem to remove the checkmark. 56 Solving Problems 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 N G S - E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems CAUTION: Before you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound... 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 T O N - A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. www.dell.com | support.dell.com If you begin any of bad sectors. 7 Click Start. Try allowing the computer to return to a digital telephone network. If you cannot open...
Owner's Manual
Page 57
...go to an Internet provider. If you have subscribed to support.dell.com and search for your computer might be infected with Windows. If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your modem. 6 Click Properties, click... the screen to it.) • Ensure that includes anti-spyware protection (your Internet service provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. Solving Problems 57 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 - 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 - Click the Start button, ...
...go to an Internet provider. If you have subscribed to support.dell.com and search for your computer might be infected with Windows. If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your modem. 6 Click Properties, click... the screen to it.) • Ensure that includes anti-spyware protection (your Internet service provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. Solving Problems 57 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 - 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 - Click the Start button, ...
Owner's Manual
Page 58
... disk. C D D R I V E C O N T R O L L E R F A I N - T H E F I L E B E I N G C O P I E D I S T O O L A R G E F O R T H E D E S T I N A T I O N D R I A - Contact Dell (see the documentation for the operating system or the program that you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in...- Insert a CD. N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . See "Drive Problems" on the disk, or the disk is too large to fit on page 54. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Error Messages CAUTION: Before you are trying to copy is too full. If the message is...
... disk. C D D R I V E C O N T R O L L E R F A I N - T H E F I L E B E I N G C O P I E D I S T O O L A R G E F O R T H E D E S T I N A T I O N D R I A - Contact Dell (see the documentation for the operating system or the program that you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in...- Insert a CD. N O T E N O U G H M E M O R Y O R R E S O U R C E S . See "Drive Problems" on the disk, or the disk is too large to fit on page 54. www.dell.com | support.dell.com Error Messages CAUTION: Before you are trying to copy is too full. If the message is...