Dell Inspiron 8100  Manual
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Dell Inspiron 8100  Manual

Dell Inspiron 8100  Manual

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Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100 
A Tour of Your Computer
Power Conservation
Solving Problems
System Specifications
Reinstalling Software
System Setup Program
Ports and Connector Pin-Outs
Removing and Replacing Parts
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT:
A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE:
A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file (click the Start button on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, point to
Programs—> User's Guides, and click Tell Me How).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, Dell TravelLite, Inspiron, AccessDirect, and TrueMobile are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks;
GeForce2 Go is a trademark of NVIDIA Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision
Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited
viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
August 2001

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Summary of Contents for Dell Inspiron 8100 

  • Page 1 GeForce2 Go is a trademark of NVIDIA Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

  • Page 2: Reinstalling Software

      Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition (Me)   Reinstalling Windows 2000 Overview Dell provides software utilities and drivers that help you control certain features of your computer. The utilities and drivers for Dell-installed devices are installed and operative when you receive the computer. If you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, you can use the Dell™ Drivers and Utilities CD that came with your computer.
  • Page 3 1.  Turn on the computer, and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative. 2.  In the system setup program Boot menu, change the boot sequence so that the CD or DVD drive boots first as directed by a Dell technical support representative.

  • Page 4: Enabling Hibernate Support

    6.  Click OK. 7.  Click OK again. 8.  Remove the Operating System CD from the drive, and click OK to restart your computer. The Getting ready to run Windows for the first time window appears. 9.  If the mouse tutorial starts, press <Esc> to exit and then press <y>. 10.
  • Page 5 16.  When the Completing the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard window appears, remove the CD from the drive, and then click Finish. The computer automatically restarts. NOTICE: Make sure that you reinstall the Intel® Chip Set Update Utility driver before you reinstall any other drivers. Enabling Hibernate Support 1.

  • Page 6: Serial Connector

    Back to Contents Page Ports and Connector Pin-Outs Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100    Serial Connector   Parallel Connector   PS/2 Connector   USB Connectors   S-Video TV-Out Connector   Video Connector   Docking Connector   IEEE-1394 Connector Serial Connector     Signal RXDA TXDA Shell N/A Parallel Connector     Pin Signal...

  • Page 7: Usb Connectors

    PD4/DSKCHG# 16 INIT#/DIR# PD5F SLCT_IN#STEP# PD6F 18-23 GND PD7F ACK#/DRV# PS/2 Connector     Signal DAT_KBD DAT_SM1 PS2VCC CLK_KBD CLK_SM1 Shell N/A USB Connectors     Pin Signal –Data +Data Ground S-Video TV-Out Connector  ...

  • Page 8: Video Connector

      Pin Signal DLUMA-L DCRMA-L SPDIF DCMPS-L SPGND Video Connector     Signal GREEN BLUE CRTVCC M-SEN# DAT_DDC2 HSYNC VSYNC CLK_DDC2 Shell N/A Docking Connector  ...
  • Page 9   Pin Signal Signal Signal Signal STRB#/5V HSYNC 101 VGA_GRN 151 GND VSYNC 102 GND 152 CLK_SPCI 103 VGA_RED 153 GND DOCKED 104 GND 154 SAD0 USB_VD1+ 105 VGA_BLU 155 SAD1 USB_VD1- 106 DOCK_SD/MODE 156 SAD2 107 D_IRTX 157 SAD3 USB_VD2+ 108 D_IRRX 158 SAD4...

  • Page 10: Ieee-1394 Connector

    LOW_PWR 100 NC 150 NC 200 GND IEEE-1394 Connector     Pin Signal TPB– TPB+ TPA– TPA+ Back to Contents Page      ...

  • Page 11: Power Conservation Modes

    Hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory. Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you.

  • Page 12: Alarms Tab

    The Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm settings alert you with a message when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive your computer, the Lower battery alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes are selected. Dell recommends that you continue to use these defaults.

  • Page 13: Removing And Replacing Parts

      RJ-11/RJ-45 Board Preparing to Work Inside the Computer NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage or inoperability due to servicing not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. NOTICE: Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this manual assumes that a part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.

  • Page 14: Screw Identification

    NOTICE: If the computer is running Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition (Me), you need to download the operating system update utility for Windows Me from http://support.dell.com and install it before you upgrade the BIOS. Screw Identification Before removing and replacing components, photocopy the screw placemat as a tool to lay out and keep track of the screws. The placemat provides the number of screws and the sizes.

  • Page 15: Removing The Hard Drive

    Hard Drive     NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing the Hard Drive NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.

  • Page 16: Replacing The Hard Drive

    NOTICE: Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent scratching the computer cover. NOTICE: The disk drive is very sensitive to shock. Handle the assembly by its edges (do not squeeze the top of the hard drive case), and avoid dropping it.

  • Page 17: Removing The Memory Module Cover

    4.  Push the module latch toward the right side of the computer. Keep holding the latch open while pulling the device out of the media bay with the other hand. Memory Modules NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid possible damage to the memory module from ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer.

  • Page 18: Replacing Memory Modules

    Replacing Memory Modules HINT: Memory modules are keyed, or designed to fit into their connectors, in only one direction. 1.  If you only have one memory module, install it in the connector labeled "DIMM A." If you have two memory modules, install the second module in the connector labeled "DIMM B."...

  • Page 19: Removing The Keyboard Assembly

        NOTICE: If a wireless network adapter card contains two mini-coax antenna connectors, connect the mini-coax cable to the outermost antenna connector as shown. NOTICE: If you are installing a wireless network adapter, fold and tuck the unused wiring harness into the slot so that it does not interfere with the cover.
  • Page 20   3.  Turn the computer over and open the display. NOTICE: Be careful when handling the keyboard. The keycaps are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. 4.  Insert a pry stick under the blank key to pry up the keyboard.  ...

  • Page 21: Replacing The Keyboard Assembly

    7.  Disconnect the keyboard cable and lay the keyboard assembly aside. Replacing the Keyboard Assembly 1.  While bracing the keyboard assembly upright on its left end, connect the keyboard cable to the interface connector on the system board. NOTICE: Position the keyboard/track stick flex cable so that it is not pinched when you replace the keyboard in the bottom case assembly. 2.

  • Page 22: Removing The Hinge Cover

      NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing the Hinge Cover 1.

  • Page 23: Removing The Display Assembly Bezel

    NOTICE: When reconnecting the flex cable, press down on both ends of the connector, not in the middle. Pressing the middle of the connector can damage fragile components. 3.  Open the display and remove the two screws (marked with a "circle D") that secure the display assembly to the bottom case assembly. 4.

  • Page 24: Removing The Display Panel

    HINT: The 14.1-inch display panel has two M2.5 x 4-mm screws at the top of the bezel and two at the bottom. 3.  Remove the four M2.5 x 4-mm screws located across the top of the bezel. 4.  Use a scribe at the indentations to pry loose the plastic screw covers located at the bottom of the bezel. 5.

  • Page 25: Replacing The Display Panel

    Replacing the Display Panel HINT: Use a magnetic screwdriver to reassemble the display panel in the display. 1.  Connect the flex cable to the two connectors on the back of the display panel. 2.  Place the display panel assembly in the top cover, taking care that the flex cable is in place and is not crushed or crimped. 3.

  • Page 26: Removing The Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

    3.  Remove the display assembly bezel. 4.  Remove the display panel from the top cover. 5.  Remove the display latch by unsnapping the latch and captive spring. NOTICE: When replacing the display assembly latch, it may help to flex the cover slightly to allow more space while seating the latch. Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly  ...

  • Page 27: Removing The Microprocessor Module

    1.  Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer." 2.  Remove the keyboard assembly. 3.  Remove the hinge cover. NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the thermal cooling assembly. The oils in your skin reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.

  • Page 28: Replacing The Microprocessor Module

    NOTICE: If the computer is running Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition (Me), you need to download the operating system update utility for Windows Me from http://support.dell.com and install it before you upgrade the BIOS. NOTICE: Proper seating of the microprocessor module does not require force.

  • Page 29: Removing The Video Card

    Video Card   NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing the Video Card 1.

  • Page 30: Removing The Palm Rest Assembly

    Palm Rest Assembly Removing and Replacing the Palm Rests   1.  If the computer is connected (docked) to an advanced port replicator (APR), undock it. 2.  Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer. 3.
  • Page 31 NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's RTC and NVRAM when the computer is turned off. Removing the palm rest disconnects the reserve battery and causes the computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified parameters in NVRAM.

  • Page 32: Removing The Reserve Battery

    Reserve Battery   NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing the Reserve Battery 1.

  • Page 33: System Board Assembly

    1.  Seat the reserve battery and press it into place. 2.  Connect the reserve battery cable. 3.  Place the palm rest bracket loosely in the palm rest, and connect the palm rest flex cable to the ZIF connector. 4.  Replace the two M2.5 x 4-mm screws that secure the palm rest bracket to the palm rest. System Board Assembly  ...
  • Page 34 Battery and Media Bay Latch Assemblies   NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing and Replacing the Battery and Media Bay Latch Assemblies 1.

  • Page 35: Removing The Battery Charger Board

    b.  Ensure that the slider is inserted so that the side with the two bumps is facing the back of the case, and the surface with the wear ribs is facing the bottom of the case. 7.  Hold the upper latch assembly in place while you snap the new latch button in from underneath the base, making certain the snap tabs are fully engaged in the slider.

  • Page 36: Removing The Led Board

    NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. Removing the LED Board 1.

  • Page 37: Removing The Rj-11/Rj-45 Board

    3.  Remove the three M2 x 4-mm screws from the fan assembly. 4.  Disconnect the two fan cables from the system board. 5.  Pull the fan assembly away from the back-panel bracket. NOTICE: When reconnecting the fan cables, connect the shorter cable to the connector closest to the fan assembly. Route both cables so that they will not be pinched by the thermal cooling assembly.
  • Page 38 4.  Reach into the enclosure and, while pulling the tall plastic tab away from the board assembly to release it, lift out the assembly. When replacing the RJ-11/RJ-45 board assembly, protect the wiring harness by routing it between the plastic posts as shown in the following figure.  ...

  • Page 39: System Setup Program

    Viewing the System Setup Program Pages 1.  Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2.  When the Dell™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately.  If you wait too long and the Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

  • Page 40: Solving Problems

    Back to Contents Page Solving Problems Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100    Accessing Help Files   Unexpected Characters   Power Problems   Drive Problems   Start-Up Error Messages   Network Problems   Video and Display Problems   Windows® Error Messages   Sound and Speaker Problems   General Program Problems   Printer Problems   E-Mail Problems   Modem Problems   If Your Computer Gets Wet...

  • Page 41: Video And Display Problems

    Operating system not found— Contact Dell for technical assistance. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Solutions Guide that came with your computer for contact information. Insert bootable media— The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

  • Page 42: Printer Problems

    2.  Ensure that the Print to the following port: setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). Reinstall the printer driver— See "Installing the Printer Driver" in the Dell Solutions Guide that came with your computer. If you cannot print to a USB printer  ...

  • Page 43: Scanner Problems

    If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly. Scanner Problems   Check the power cable connection— Ensure that the scanner power cable is firmly connected to a working electrical power source and that the scanner is turned on. Check the scanner cable connection—...

  • Page 44: If You Cannot Play A Music Cd Or Install A Program From A Cd

    If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This noise does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD.   Ensure that Windows recognizes the drive— Double-click the My Computer icon.

  • Page 45: Network Problems

    Network Problems   Check the network cable connector— Ensure that the network cable connector is firmly connected to the connector on the computer and the network wall jack. Check the network lights on the network connector— Green indicates that the network connection is active. If the status light is not green, try replacing the network cable.

  • Page 46: If Your Computer Gets Wet

    5.  Turn on the computer. If the computer does not turn on, or if you cannot identify the damaged components, contact Dell for technical assistance. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Solutions Guide that came with your computer for contact information.
  • Page 47 Back to Contents Page      ...

  • Page 48: System Specifications

    Back to Contents Page System Specifications Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100    Microprocessor   Keyboard   System Information   Touch Pad   PC Card   Track Stick   Memory   Modem   Ports and Connectors   Battery   Video   AC Adapter   Audio   Environmental   Display   Fixed Optical Drives   Microprocessor  Microprocessor type Intel® Mobile Pentium® III processor-M L1 cache...
  • Page 49 IrDA Standard 1.1 (Fast IR) and IrDA Standard 1.0 (Slow IR) Docking 200-pin connector for Dell advanced port replicator S-video TV-out 7-pin mini-DIN connector for S-video, composite video, and S/PDIF (TV/digital audio adapter cable supports composite video and S/PDIF)
  • Page 50 Power:   Supply voltage 5 V ± 0.5 VDC Supply current 25 mA (maximum operating current) for track stick and touch pad combined in accordance with IEC-801-2   Track Stick  Interface PS/2 compatible X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) 250 count/sec @ 100 gf Size protrudes 0.5 mm higher than surrounding key caps Power:  ...
  • Page 51 Environmental  Temperature range:   Operating 0º to 35ºC (32º to 95ºF) Storage –40º to 65ºC (–40º to 149ºF) Relative humidity (maximum):   Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration:   Operating 0.9 GRMS using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment Storage 1.3 GRMS using a random-vibration spectrum that...

  • Page 52: A Tour Of Your Computer

    Back to Contents Page A Tour of Your Computer Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100    Front View   Left Side View   Right Side View   Back View Front View     Display Latch This latch keeps the display locked in place when the display is closed. Display The computer has a color LCD.

  • Page 53: Air Intake

    The lights below the display indicate the following: The light labeled turns on when the computer is turned on and blinks when the computer is in standby mode. The light labeled turns on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light labeled turns on steadily or blinks to indicate the battery charge status.

  • Page 54: Touch Pad

    With a charged battery in this bay, you can use the computer without plugging it in to an electrical outlet. Media Bay You can install devices such as a CD drive, DVD drive, CD-RW and CD-R drive, second battery, or Dell TravelLite™ travel module in the media bay. Touch Pad/Track Stick Buttons These buttons correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

  • Page 55: Dell™ Accessdirect™ Buttons

    To launch the Dell Solution Center, the computer must be turned on and functioning properly.   1 Press this button to launch the Dell Solution Center, where you can find support and educational tools that Dell has installed on your computer. 2 Press this button to launch your default Internet browser.

  • Page 56: S-Video Tv-Out Connector

    The slots (one on each side of the computer) let you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. Complete instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device. NOTICE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before you buy one, make sure it will work with the security cable slot in the computer. Speakers Your computer has integrated speakers.

  • Page 57: Infrared Sensor

    Attach record/playback devices such as a cassette player or CD player to the connector. Attach headphones or speakers to the connector. Attach a microphone to the connector. IEEE 1394 Connector     Use this connector to attach IEEE 1394-compatible devices such as a digital camera to your computer. Infrared Sensor The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from the computer to another infrared device without using cable connections.

  • Page 58: Back View

    Network Connector   If you ordered the optional integrated network adapter, use this connector to connect the computer to a network. Security Cable Slot   The slots (one on each side of the computer) let you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. Complete instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.

  • Page 59: Parallel Connector

    Use this connector to attach an AC adapter to the computer. HINT: Although the AC adapter works worldwide, power connectors vary among countries. Before using the AC adapter in a foreign country, you may need to obtain a new power cable designed for use with the electrical outlets in that country. The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer.
  • Page 60 PS/2 Connector   Use this connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad to your computer. Back to Contents Page      ...

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