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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.
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1. Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page 6). 2. Insert the disc or USB key in the computer. → All Programs→ Dell DataSafe Local Backup. 3. Click Start 4. 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.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop SIM card slot SIM card battery bay...
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop To enable or disable wireless: 1. Ensure that your computer is turned on. 2. 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 3.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Set Up Wireless Display To set up wireless display: 1. Turn on your computer. (Optional) 2. 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.
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Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Setting Up Your Internet To set up your Internet connection: Connection 1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. → Control Panel. 2. 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...
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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.
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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 —...
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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 86. NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the media card slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles.
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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...
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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.
2. Click Start 3. In the search box, type Power Options and press <Enter>. 4. Under Power Options window, click Dell Battery Meter to open Battery Settings window. 5. Click Turn off Battery Charging and then click OK. NOTE: Battery charging can also be disabled in the System Setup (BIOS) utility.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Computer Base and Keyboard Features...
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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.
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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 62.
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 →...
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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 1.
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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.
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop disc spindle optical drive tray 4 emergency eject hole optical drive eject button...
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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.
1. Turn off the computer and close the display. 2. Press and hold the release button that secures the top cover to the display back cover. 3. Slide and lift the top cover. NOTE: You can purchase additional replaceable top covers at dell.com.
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop top cover release button back of the computer...
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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. 1. Align the top cover on the display back. 2. 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).
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Using Your Inspiron Laptop battery lock latch battery battery release latch...
Entertainment and Multimedia recognition feature. This feature helps keep You can use your computer to watch videos, your Dell computer secure by learning the play games, create your own CDs/DVDs, unique appearance of your face and uses this listen to music and Internet radio stations.
NOTE: A broadband connection is recommended for fast upload/download 2. 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 shortcut to a desired location on Dell the Documents folder on your computer. Stage. • Minimize — Drag the Dell Stage window to the bottom of the screen. • Personalize — Select the settings icon and then choose the desired option.
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STICKYNOTES. You can also save notes on connected to the Internet. your desktop. • DELL WEB — Provides a preview of up to • Web Tile — Provides a preview of up to four of your favorite web pages. Click the four of your favorite web pages. The tile...
This series of beeps, called a beep Five Real Time Clock failure code, identifies a problem. If this occurs, Video card or chip failure write down the beep code and contact Dell Seven Processor failure (see “Contacting Dell” on page 82) for assistance.
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 82).
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• 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 82).
(see the Service Manual at 4. Click 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 82). uninstall and then reinstall the program.
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Solving Problems If a program is designed for an earlier If the computer stops responding or a solid 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.
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– 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. drive using a visual representation of space To launch the application, press the Dell consumed by each type of file.
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.
Assessment (ePSA). The ePSA includes a series of diagnostic tests for devices such as the system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, and so on. 1. Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
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<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 82).
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 1. Click Start The Microsoft Windows operating systems 2. In the search box, type System Restore provide a System Restore option which allow you to return your computer to an earlier and press <Enter>.
<Enter>. computer before using Dell DataSafe 3. Click Undo my last restoration and click Local Backup. Use Dell DataSafe Local Next. Backup only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
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.
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• 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: 1. Double-click the Dell DataSafe Local Backup icon in the notification area of your desktop.
1. Insert the system recovery disc or USB key the data files on your computer, it is and restart the computer. recommended that you backup your 2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> data files before using the system immediately. recovery media.
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.
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User system and factory-installed applications name field, then click OK. have been restored to factory condition. 6. Click Dell Factory Image Restore. 9. Click Finish to restart the computer. The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
Express Service Code to route the call directly to 4. Use Dell’s extensive suite of online services the proper support personnel. If you do not available at Dell Support have an Express Service Code, open the (support.dell.com) for help with...
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 services on the following websites: • support@us.dell.com • dell.com • la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) • dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific countries only) • apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific • dell.com/jp (Japan only) countries only) • euro.dell.com (Europe only)
If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you To check on the status of any Dell products would like to place an order, go to the Dell that you have ordered, you can go to website at dell.com. For the telephone support.dell.com, or you can call the...
Getting Help Returning Items for 1. Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it clearly Repair Under Warranty or and prominently on the outside of the box. For the telephone number to call for Credit for your region, see “Contacting Dell” on Prepare all items being returned, whether for page 82.
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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.
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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 • Phone number:...
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 • Error message, beep code, or diagnostic...
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Getting Help To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Go to dell.com/ContactDell. 2. Select your country or region. 3. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your requirement. 4. Choose the method of contacting Dell that...
Service Tag/Express Service Code — the bottom of your computer You must use the service tag to identify your “Dell Support Center” on page 62 computer on support.dell.com or to contact technical support upgrade your computer with new or the Service Manual at additional components like a new hard drive support.dell.com/manuals...
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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→...
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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...
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Specifications Video Display Type 15.6-inch HD WLED with Discrete: TrueLife Video AMD Radeon HD 6470M Dimensions: controller NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M Height 193.54 mm (7.62 inches) Video 512 MB/1 GB DDR3 Width 344.23 mm (13.55 inches) memory Diagonal 396.42 mm (15.60 inches) UMA: Maximum 1366 x 768...
Specifications Touch Pad Battery X/Y position 240 cpi Width 214 mm (8.43 inches) resolution Depth 78.76 mm (3.10 inches) (graphics table mode) Weight 0.52 kg (1.15 lb) Size: Voltage 11.1 VDC Height 56 mm (2.20 inches) Charge time 4 hours (when the Width 100 mm (3.94 inches) (approximate)
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Specifications Physical AC Adapter Depth 260.20 mm (10.24 65 W 3.34 A inches) 90 W 4.62 A Weight (with configurable to less 130 W 6.7 A 6-cell battery than 2.54 kg (5.40 lb) and optical drive) Rated output 19.5 VDC voltage AC Adapter Temperature range:...
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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 69 Professional 70 backup and recovery 51 DellConnect 75 battery status light 29 Dell Factory Image Restore 72 Dell Stage 52 Dell Support Center 62 calling Dell 80 Diagnostic Checklist 81 CDs, playing and creating 50...
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Index Internet Service Provider 17 finding more information 84 FTP login, anonymous 76 memory problems solving 58 gestures Touch Pad 36 network connection fixing 55 hard drive activity light 29 hardware problems diagnosing 64 Optical Drive Hardware Troubleshooter 64 emergency eject hole 40 HDMI connector 23 Using 40 help...
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Index problems, solving 54 support e-mail addresses 76 products support sites information and purchasing 77 worldwide 75 System Recovery Media 71 system reinstall options 66 resources, finding more 84 System Restore 67 restoring factory image 72 Touch Pad Service Tag Gestures 36 locating 80 setup, before you begin 5...
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Index Program Compatibility Wizard 59 Windows Mobility Center 38 wired network network cable, connecting 7 wireless network connecting 14 problems 55...
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Printed in the U.S.A. www.dell.com | support.dell.com...