Page 4
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. If you purchased a Dell n Series computer, any references in this document to the Microsoft Windows operating systems are not applicable. This item incorporates copy protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights of Rovi Corporation.
This section provides information about WARNING: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in setting up your Dell Inspiron laptop. the air vents. Do not place your Dell Before Setting Up Your computer in a low-airflow environment, Computer...
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Connect the AC Adapter Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into an electrical outlet or surge protector. WARNING: 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 a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or permanent damage to your computer.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Set Up the Operating System Your Dell computer is preconfigured with the operating system you selected at the time of purchase. Set Up Microsoft Windows To set up Microsoft Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete.
You will require the following to create the system recovery media: • Dell DataSafe Local Backup • USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD-R/DVD+R/Blu-ray Disc (optional) NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.
Page 13
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop To create system recovery media: Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page Insert the disc or USB key in the computer. → All Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup. Start Click Click Create Recovery Media.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Install the SIM Card (Optional) NOTE: The SIM card slot is available in your computer only if you ordered a WWAN card at the time of purchase. NOTE: Installing a SIM card is not required if you are using an EVDO card to access the Internet.
Page 15
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop SIM card slot SIM card battery bay...
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)
Page 17
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop To enable or disable wireless: Ensure that your computer is turned on. Press <Fn> along with the < > key on the function key row on the keyboard. The current status of the wireless radios appears on the screen. Wireless enabled Wireless disabled Press <Fn>...
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Set Up Wireless Display To set up wireless display: Turn on your computer. (Optional) Press <Fn> along with the < > key on the NOTE: The wireless display feature may function key row on the keyboard to enable not be supported on all computers.
If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter NOTE: You can download and install the is not a part of your original order, you can latest driver for “Intel Wireless Display purchase one from dell.com. Connection Manager” from support.dell.com. NOTE: For more information about wireless display, see the wireless display adapter documentation.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Setting Up a Wired Connection Setting Up a Wireless Connection • If you are using a dial-up connection, NOTE: To set up your wireless router, connect the telephone line to the optional see the documentation that shipped with external USB modem and to the telephone your router.
Page 21
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Setting Up Your Internet To set up your Internet connection: Connection Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. → Control Panel. Click Start Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron laptop. Right View Features...
Page 23
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 1 Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs (optional). For more information, see “Using the Optical Drive” on page 40. 2 Optical drive light — Blinks when you press the optical drive eject button or when you insert a disc and it is being read.
Page 25
Using Your Inspiron Laptop USB 2.0 connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player. HDMI connector — Connects to a TV for both 5.1 audio and video signals. NOTE: When used with a monitor, only the video signal is read. eSATA/USB combo connector with USB PowerShare —...
Page 27
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 8-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents stored on memory cards. For the supported memory cards, see “Specifications” on page 88. NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the media card slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles.
Page 29
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 1 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer. NOTE: Before you buy a security cable, ensure that it fits into the security cable slot on your computer. Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Front View Features 1 2 3 4...
Page 31
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Power indicator light — Indicates the power states. For more information on the power indicator light, see “Status Lights and Indicators” on page 30. Hard drive activity light — Turns on when the computer reads or writes data. A solid white light indicates hard drive activity.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Status Lights and Indicators Battery Status Light Computer state(s) Battery charge status Indicator light status AC adapter solid white on/standby/off/ charging hibernate on/standby/off/ fully charged hibernate Battery solid amber on/standby low battery (<= 10%) on/standby/off/ not charging hibernate NOTE: The battery is charging when the computer is powered using the AC adapter.
Power Options and press <Enter>. In the search box, type Under Power Options window, click Dell Battery Meter to open Battery Settings window. Turn off Battery Charging and then click OK. Click NOTE: Battery charging can also be disabled in the System Setup (BIOS) utility.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Computer Base and Keyboard Features...
Page 35
The touch pad supports the Scroll, Flick, and Zoom features. To change the touch pad settings, double-click the Dell Touch pad icon in the notification area of your desktop. For more information, see “Touch Pad Gestures” on page 36.
Page 37
Windows Mobility Center provides quick access to your mobile PC settings such as brightness control, volume control, battery status, wireless network and so on. Dell Support Center button — Press to launch the Dell Support Center. For more information, see “Dell Support Center” on page 64.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Touch Pad Gestures Scroll Allows you to scroll through content. The NOTE: Some of the touch pad gestures scroll feature includes: may be disabled by default. To change the touch pad gestures settings, Auto Scroll Vertical — Allows you to scroll →...
Page 39
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Zoom Flick Allows you to increase or decrease the Allows you to flip content forward or magnification of the screen content. The backward based on the direction of the flick. zoom feature includes: Move three fingers quickly in Pinch —...
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Multimedia Control Keys The multimedia control keys are located on the function key row on the keyboard. To use the multimedia controls, press the required key. You can configure the multimedia control keys on the keyboard using the System Setup (BIOS) utility or the Windows Mobility Center. System Setup Press <F2>...
Page 41
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Play the previous track or chapter Decrease the volume level Play or pause Increase the volume level Play the next track or chapter Mute the sound...
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Using the Optical Drive CAUTION: Do not press down on the optical drive tray when you open or close it. Keep the optical drive tray closed when you are not using the drive. CAUTION: Do not move the computer while playing or recording a disc. The optical drive plays or records CDs and DVDs.
Page 43
Using Your Inspiron Laptop disc spindle optical drive tray 4 emergency eject hole optical drive eject button...
Page 45
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 1 Microphone — Provides high quality sound for video conferencing and voice recording. 2 Camera — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. 3 Camera indicator light — Indicates if the camera is on or off. A solid white light indicates camera activity.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Touch Screen Gestures Dwell Allows you to access additional information (Optional) by simulating a right-click. NOTE: Some of these gestures are Press and hold a finger on application-specific and may not work the touch screen, to open across applications.
Page 47
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Scroll Scroll Horizontal — Allows you to scroll right or left on the active window. Allows you to scroll through content. The Move a finger to the scroll features include: right or left to activate Pan — Allows you to move the focus on the horizontal scrolling.
Turn off the computer and close the display. Press and hold the release button that secures the top cover to the display back cover. Slide and lift the top cover. NOTE: You can purchase additional replaceable top covers at dell.com.
Page 49
Using Your Inspiron Laptop top cover release button back of the computer...
Page 50
Using Your Inspiron Laptop To replace the top cover: NOTE: Ensure that the Dell logo is facing towards the back of the computer while replacing the top cover. Align the top cover on the display back. Slide the top cover until it clicks into place. Ensure that there are no gaps between the top...
WARNING: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. This computer should only use a battery purchased from Dell. Do not use batteries from other computers. WARNING: Before removing the battery, shut down the computer, and remove external cables (including the AC adapter).
Page 53
Using Your Inspiron Laptop battery lock latch battery battery release latch...
Internet radio stations. recognition feature. This feature helps keep You can download or copy pictures and video your Dell computer secure by learning the files from portable devices, such as digital unique appearance of your face and uses this cameras and cell phones.
NOTE: A broadband connection is recommended for fast upload/download Follow the instructions on the screen. speeds. Dell DataSafe Online is an automated backup and recovery service that helps protect your data and other important files from catastrophic incidents like theft, fire, or natural disasters.
DOCUMENTS — Provides quick access to Stage. the Documents folder on your computer. • Minimize — Drag the Dell Stage window to the bottom of the screen. • Personalize — Select the settings icon and then choose the desired option.
Page 57
Internet. STICKYNOTES. You can also save notes on your desktop. • DELL WEB — Provides a preview of up to four of your favorite web pages. Click or • Web Tile — Provides a preview of up to touch the web page preview to open it in four of your favorite web pages.
Possible system board failure — guidelines, see “Using Support Tools” on BIOS ROM checksum failure page 64 or “Contacting Dell” on page 84. WARNING: Only trained service No RAM detected NOTE: If you installed or personnel should remove the computer cover.
Solving Problems Touch Screen Problems If the touch screen starts losing its sensitivity — The touch screen may have Some or all multi-touch features are not foreign particles (such as sticky notes) that are working — blocking the touch sensors. To remove these •...
Solving Problems Network Problems Wired Connections If the wired network connection is lost — Wireless Connections The network cable is loose or damaged. If the wireless network connection is lost — Check the network cable to ensure it is The wireless router is offline or wireless has plugged in and not damaged.
If the power light is off — The computer is the light on the AC adapter is on. either turned off, in hibernate mode, or is not • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see receiving power. “Contacting Dell” on page 84). •...
Page 62
Too many devices connected to a power power button until the computer turns off strip. and then turn it back on. • Multiple power strips connected to the • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see same electrical outlet. “Contacting Dell” on page 84).
End Task. support.dell.com/manuals). If a program crashes repeatedly — Check • If the problem persists, contact Dell (see the software documentation. If necessary, “Contacting Dell” on page 84). uninstall and then reinstall the program. If you experience other memory problems —...
Page 64
Solving Problems If the computer stops responding or a solid If a program is designed for an earlier blue screen appears — Microsoft Windows operating system — CAUTION: You might lose data if you are Run the Program Compatibility Wizard. The unable to perform an operating system Program Compatibility Wizard configures a shutdown.
Page 65
– Write down any error message that is displayed to help in troubleshooting • Check the software documentation or when contacting Dell. contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information: – Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
The Dell Support Center provides system changes made to your computer each day. alerts, performance improvement offers, PC Checkup Utilities system information, and links to other Dell • Drive Space Manager — Manage your hard tools and diagnostic services.
Some of the software pre-installed on your new Dell computer do not include a backup Get Help — View Dell Technical Support CD or DVD. This software is available on options, Customer Support, Tours and Training, the My Dell Downloads website.
“Lockups incorrectly configured, you can use the and Software Problems” on page 61 and run Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for incompatibility. technical assistance. To start the Hardware Troubleshooter:...
Page 69
<y>; to retest the component that failed, press <r>. • If failures are detected during the Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell (for more information, see “Contacting Dell” on page 84).
You can restore the operating system on your computer using any of the following options: CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore or the Operating System disc to restore your operating system permanently deletes all data files on your computer. If possible, backup your data files before using these options.
Restoring Your Operating System System Restore Starting System Restore Start Click The Microsoft Windows operating systems System Restore provide a System Restore option which allow In the search box, type you to return your computer to an earlier and press <Enter>. operating state (without affecting data files) if NOTE: The User Account Control changes to the hardware, software, or other...
<Enter>. computer before using Dell DataSafe Undo my last restoration and click Click Local Backup. Use Dell DataSafe Local Next. Backup only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. CAUTION: Although Dell Datasafe...
Page 73
You can use Dell DataSafe Local Backup to internal hardware. restore your hard drive to the operating state NOTE: Do not disconnect the AC it was in when you purchased your computer, adapter.
Page 74
Backup and restore your computer based support.dell.com. on file types • Backup files to a local storage device • Schedule automated backups To upgrade to Dell DataSafe Local Backup Professional: Double-click the Dell DataSafe Local Backup icon in the notification area of your desktop. Click UPGRADE NOW! Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the You can use the system recovery media, operating system logo appears, continue created using Dell DataSafe Local Backup, to to wait until you see the Microsoft return your hard drive to the operating state Windows desktop;...
Restoring Your Operating System Dell Factory Image Use Dell Factory Image Restore only as the last method to restore your operating system. Restore This option restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image the computer.
Page 77
Dell Factory Image Restore. Click Finish to restart the computer. Click The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears. NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.
Express Service Code, open the (support.dell.com) for help with Dell Accessories folder, double-click the installation and troubleshooting Express Service Code icon, and follow the procedures. See “Online Services” on directions. page 78 for a more extensive list of Dell Support online.
NOTE: Some of the services are not always available in all locations outside DellConnect is a simple online access the continental U.S. Call your local tool that allows a Dell service and support Dell representative for information on associate to access your computer through availability.
Getting Help Online Services Dell Support E-mail Addresses • mobile_support@us.dell.com You can learn about Dell products and support@us.dell.com services on the following websites: • la-techsupport@dell.com • dell.com • (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) • dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific countries only) apsupport@dell.com •...
Dell, or if you would To check on the status of any Dell products like to place an order, go to the Dell website that you have ordered, you can go to at dell.com. For the telephone number to support.dell.com, or you can call the...
NOTE: Before you return the product to Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist Dell, ensure that you back up any data (see “Diagnostic Checklist” on page 83), on the hard drive(s) and on any other indicating the tests that you have run and any storage device in the product.
Page 83
Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted. NOTE: Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at Dell’s receiving dock and returned to you.
Getting Help Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. You may also be asked for your Service Tag. Locating Your Service Tag and Express Service Code The Service Tag and Express Service Code for your computer can be found on a label at the bottom of your computer.
Page 85
Getting Help Remember to fill out the following Diagnostic Checklist Diagnostic Checklist. If possible, turn on your • Name: computer before you call Dell for assistance • Date: and call from a telephone at or near the • Address: computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed •...
If the computer is connected to 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355). a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell. NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact •...
Page 87
Getting Help To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: dell.com/ContactDell. Go to Select your country or region. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your requirement. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.
“System Recovery Media” on page 73 run a diagnostic program for your computer “Dell Diagnostics” on page 66 reinstall system software “My Dell Downloads” on page 65 for more information about the Microsoft support.dell.com Windows operating system and features find your Service Tag/Express Service Code —...
Page 89
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at review Warranty information, Terms and dell.com/regulatory_compliance Conditions (U.S. only), Safety instructions, Regulatory information, Ergonomics information, and End User License Agreement find drivers and downloads; readme files support.dell.com...
NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, see the Detailed System Information section in the Dell Support Center. → All Programs→ Dell→ To launch the Dell Support Center, click Start Dell Support Center→...
Page 91
Memory type 1333 MHz SODIMM DDR3 two 4-pin USB 3.0-compliant NOTE: For instructions on upgrading connectors the memory, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals. Video one 15-hole connector Connectors eSATA one 7-pin/4-pin eSATA/ USB combo connector Audio one microphone-in...
Specifications Media Card Reader Communications Cards Secure Digital (SD) Modem external V.92 56 K USB supported memory card (optional) modem Secure Digital Extended Network 10/100 Ethernet LAN on Capacity (SDXC) adapter system board Secure Digital High Wireless WLAN, WWAN (optional), Capacity (SDHC) WiMax/Wi-Fi abgn/agn, and Bluetooth wireless...
Page 93
Specifications Video Display Type 15.6-inch HD WLED with Discrete: TrueLife Video AMD Radeon HD 6470M Multi-touch 15.6-inch controller NVIDIA GeForce GT HD WLED with TrueLife 525M (Optional) Video 512 MB/1 GB DDR3 Dimensions: memory Height 193.54 mm (7.62 inches) UMA: Width 344.23 mm (13.55 inches) Video...
Specifications Display Battery Vertical 15/30 (H/L) Depth 57.64 mm (2.27 inches) viewing angle Weight 0.34 kg (0.75 lb) Pixel pitch 0.252 mm x 0.252 mm 9-cell “smart” lithium ion: Touch Pad Height 22.80 mm (0.90 inches) X/Y position 240 cpi Width 214 mm (8.43 inches) resolution...
Page 95
Specifications Physical AC Adapter Height 30.70 mm to 35.28 Input frequency 50-60 Hz mm (1.21 inches to Output power 65 W/90 W/130 W 1.39 inches) Output current: Width 376 mm (14.8 inches) 65 W 3.34 A Depth 260.20 mm (10.24 inches) 90 W 4.62 A...
Page 96
Specifications Computer Environment Computer Environment Temperature range: Maximum shock (for operating — measured with Dell Diagnostics running on the hard Operating 0° to 35°C drive and a 2-ms half-sine pulse; for (32° to 95°F) non-operating — measured with the hard Storage –40°...
P17F 100-240 50-60 Hz 1.5 A/1.6 A/ 19.5 VDC 3.34 A/4.62 A/ 1.7 A/2.3 A/2.5 A 6.7 A For details, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
DataSafe Local Backup Basic 71 Professional 72 backup and recovery 53 DellConnect 77 battery status light 29 Dell Factory Image Restore 74 Dell Stage 54 Dell Support Center 64 calling Dell 82 Diagnostic Checklist 83 CDs, playing and creating 52...
Page 99
Index finding more information 86 Internet connection 17 flick 44 FTP login, anonymous 78 Internet Service Provider 17 gestures memory problems Touch Pad 36 solving 61 hard drive activity light 29 network connection fixing 58 hardware problems diagnosing 66 Hardware Troubleshooter 66 Optical Drive HDMI connector 23 emergency eject hole 40...
Page 100
Index power problems, solving 59 solving problems 56 power strips, using 6 specifications 88 problems, solving 56 support e-mail addresses 78 products support sites information and purchasing 79 worldwide 77 System Recovery Media 73 system reinstall options 68 resources, finding more 86 System Restore 69 restoring factory image 74 Touch Pad...
Page 101
Index warranty returns 80 Windows Program Compatibility Wizard 62 Windows Mobility Center 38 wired network network cable, connecting 7 wireless network connecting 14 problems 58...
Page 104
Printed in the U.S.A. www.dell.com | support.dell.com 0HXN3VA00...