Dell Inspiron 2000 Manual
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Dell Inspiron 2000 Manual

Dell Inspiron 2000 Manual

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  • Page 2: Using The Ac Adapter

    Using the AC Adapter About the AC Adapter Connecting the AC Adapter About the AC Adapter  The AC adapter converts power to the power required by the computer. The AC adapter kit includes two cables: the AC adapter cable and an AC power cable. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off.

  • Page 3: Basic File Management

    Basic File Management Windows Finding Files Copying Files Moving Files Explorer Renaming Files Deleting Files   ®  Windows Explorer ® Similar to Computer, Microsoft Windows Explorer displays the contents of your computer as an ordered list, or "tree" diagram. You can use this program to locate files on any drive or in any folder.

  • Page 4: Copying Files

    Specify where you want the Windows operating system to search by clicking the Look in: pull-down menu. NOTE: If you leave the default setting (C:), the operating system searches the entire hard-disk drive (or drive C partition). Click the Find Now button to begin the search. The operating system lists any files that meet your search criteria below the Find: All Files window.

  • Page 5: Retrieving A Deleted File From The Recycle Bin

     Retrieving a Deleted File From the Recycle Bin When you delete a file, it moves to the Recycle Bin. It is not removed from the computer until you empty the Recycle Bin. NOTICE: Files deleted from a diskette or from a network drive are erased permanently. They are not sent to the Recycle Bin. If you delete a file in error and need to retrieve it from the Recycle Bin, perform the following steps: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the Windows desktop.

  • Page 6: Battery Usage

    The battery's self-test capability alerts you to battery conditions, such as low charge. NOTICE: The battery is designed to work with Dell™ Inspiron™ 2000 computers only. Do not use the battery with other computers, and do not use batteries  from other computers in your Dell computer. The battery is partially charged when you receive it. Charge the battery to full capacity before you use the computer for the first time.

  • Page 7: Charging The Battery

    Charge Gauge  The battery has a charge gauge with four charge indicator lights that show how much battery charge remains. Check the battery charge level before you insert the battery into your computer. Press the battery test button to the right of the lights to check the charge level. Each light represents approximately 25 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on.

  • Page 8: Conserving Battery Power

    Conserving Battery Power  You automatically conserve battery power each time you attach your computer to an electrical outlet. When the AC adapter is attached, the battery is being charged while the computer uses AC power. The life expectancy of your battery is determined largely by the number of charges it receives, so use an AC power source to run the computer if one is available.

  • Page 9: Contacting Dell

     Diagnostics Checklist The Diagnostics Checklist contains the information a Dell technician needs to efficiently evaluate your problem. Print this Diagnostics Checklist, and complete it before calling Dell for technical assistance. If Dell issues you a Return Material Authorization Number after evaluating your problem, record the number on the checklist.

  • Page 10: World Wide Web On The Internet

    Info@dell.com  Dell Fax Service Dell takes full advantage of fax technology to serve you better. You can call the Dell Faxbox service for all kinds of technical information, including operating system and driver reinstallation procedures. Using a touch-tone phone, you can receive a document list and select from a full directory of topics. The technical information you request is sent within minutes to the fax number you designate.

  • Page 11: International Dialing Codes

    To place a long-distance call within your own country, use area codes instead of international access codes, country codes, and city codes. For example, to call Paris, France from Montpellier, France, dial the area code plus the local number as shown in the following illustration: The codes required depend on where you are calling from as well as the destination of your call;...
  • Page 12 1 800 888 202 Corporate Sales    toll free: 1 800 888 213  New Zealand Technical Support    0900 51010 (Dell Dimension systems only) ($2.50 + per call) Technical Support (Other systems)    0800 446 255 Customer Service   ...
  • Page 13 Customer Service 228-7878 Main 228-7800  U.S.A. Automated Order-Status System    toll free: 1-800-433-9014 (Austin, Texas) AutoTech (Automated technical support)    toll free: 1-800-247-9362 Dedicated Technical Support for Inspiron    toll free: 1-877-595-3355 3700 Computers Dell Home and Small Business Group:...
  • Page 14 Customer Service    toll free: 1-800-624-9897 (Credit Return Authorization Numbers) National Accounts (systems purchased by established Dell national accounts [have your account number handy], medical institutions, or value-added resellers [VARs]): Customer Service and Technical Support (Return Material toll free: 1-800-822-8965   ...
  • Page 15 Fax Technical Support (Upplands Vasby,    859005594 Sweden) Fax Switchboard    45170117 Web site:       http://support.euro.dell.com/dk E-mail: den_support@dell.com        Finland Technical Support 253 313 60 (Helsinki) Technical Support Fax 253 313 81 Customer Care 253 313 61 253 313 99...
  • Page 16 Fax (Brussels, Belgium) 481 92 99 Web site:       http://support.euro.dell.com/be E-mail: tech_be@dell.com        Netherlands Technical Support 5818838 (Amsterdam) Customer Care 518740 Home/Small Business Sales toll free: 0800-0663    Home/Small Business SalesFax 682 7171 Corporate Sales 581 8818 Corporate SalesFax...
  • Page 17 Web site:       http://support.euro.dell.com/uk E-mail:       dell_direct_support@dell.com  ...

  • Page 18: Changing Display Properties

    Changing Display Properties Display Properties Wallpaper Screen Saver Desktop Themes Window Brightness Video Resolution Refresh Rate If You Have Display Problems  Display Properties Window ® ® The Display Properties window contains controls for customizing the way the Microsoft Windows operating system looks on your computer. For example, you can change your desktop's wallpaper screen...
  • Page 19 Choose a screen saver from the Screen Saver pull-down menu, or click (None) if you prefer not to activate a screen saver. NOTE: External monitors may also have fields for other display controls, such as energy-saving features. For more information, refer to the documentation that came with your monitor.

  • Page 20: Video Resolution

    If you need further information on using the Display Properties window, see the documentation that came with your operating system. NOTE: The video drivers that Dell installed for you are designed to offer the best performance on the computer. Dell recommends that you use only these drivers with your Dell-installed operating system.
  • Page 21 Press any key on the integrated keyboard, and then wait several seconds. If the display image returns to normal, the computer was in standby mode to conserve power. If the battery status indicator is blinking to report a low charge, connect the AC adapter to the computer or install a second battery in the media bay. Adjust the brightness.

  • Page 22: Connecting External Devices

    Instructions for installing this software are usually included with the device. Speakers and Other Audio Devices  You can connect a microphone, speakers, and headphones to the audio connectors on the left side of the computer. Dell recommends using amplified speakers for the best sound.

  • Page 23: Connecting An External Monitor

    Dell installed on your hard-disk drive work with a PS/2 mouse or USB mouse from Dell. If you did not receive your mouse from Dell, you must install device drivers separately to use the mouse. This software is usually included with mouse installation kits. Monitor ...
  • Page 24 If the device has a power cable, plug the cable into a grounded electrical outlet. Restart the computer.  Modem You can connect a telephone line to the integrated modem through the RJ11 modem connector on the back of the computer. NOTICE: Do not confuse the modem and NIC connectors on your computer.
  • Page 25 You can connect external media options such CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, SuperDisk LS-120, and diskette drives to the external media bay connector on the back of the computer. For information on using devices in the external media bay, refer to External Media Bay.
  • Page 26 Glossary To find a term, scroll through the list of terms below or click one of the letter buttons above.    A Abbreviation for ampere(s).  AC Abbreviation for alternating current.  AC adapter An external power supply that converts AC power to DC power for a portable computer. The AC adapter's cable connects to the portable computer. A power cable connects the AC adapter to an electrical outlet.

  • Page 27: Base Memory

    A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, you should back up your computer's hard-disk drive on a regular basis. Before making a change to the configuration of your computer, you should back up important start-up files from your operating system.  base memory Synonym for conventional memory.
  • Page 28  bus An information pathway between the components of a computer. Your computer contains an expansion bus that allows the microprocessor to communicate with controllers for all the various devices connected to the computer. Your computer also contains an address bus and a data bus for communications between the microprocessor and RAM.

  • Page 29: Dell Diagnostics

    Abbreviation for direct current.  Dell Diagnostics A comprehensive set of diagnostic tests for your Dell computer. To use the diagnostics, you must boot your computer from your System Software CD.  device driver A program that allows the operating system or some other program to interface correctly with a device such as a printer. Some device drivers, such as network drivers—must be loaded from the config.sys file (with a device= statement) or as memory-resident programs (usually from the autoexec.bat file).
  • Page 30 Abbreviation for direct memory access. A DMA channel allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the microprocessor.  DMI Abbreviation for Desktop Management Interface.  DMTF Abbreviation for Desktop Management Task Force, a consortium of companies representing hardware and software providers, of which Dell Computer Corporation is a member.  DOC Abbreviation for Department of Communications (in Canada).

  • Page 31: Expansion Card

    Data transfer rates of up to 16 MB/sec Support for drives other than just hard-disk drives, such as CD-ROM and tape drives Support for hard-disk drives with capacities greater than 528 MB Support for up to two controllers, each with up to two devices attached  EMI Abbreviation for electromagnetic interference.

  • Page 32: Graphics Mode

    A type of EEPROM chip that can be reprogrammed from a utility on diskette while still installed in a computer; most EEPROM chips can only be rewritten with special programming equipment.  format To prepare a hard-disk drive or diskette for storing files.  ft Abbreviation for feet.
  • Page 33 Abbreviation for hertz.    I/O Abbreviation for input/output. The keyboard is an input device, and a printer is an output device. In general, I/O activity can be differentiated from computational activity. For example, when a program sends a document to the printer, it is engaging in output activity; when the program sorts a list of terms, it is engaging in computational activity.  ICES Abbreviation for Interference-Causing Equipment Standard (in Canada).

  • Page 34: Key Combination

     key combination A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time. For example, you can minimize all open windows by pressing  kg Abbreviation for kilogram(s), 1000 grams.  kHz Abbreviation for kilohertz, 1000 hertz.    LAN Acronym for local area network. A LAN system is usually confined to the same building or a few nearby buildings, with all equipment linked by wiring that is dedicated specifically to the LAN.

  • Page 35: Memory Module

    Abbreviation for megabyte(s). The term megabyte means 1,048,576 bytes; however, when referring to hard-disk drive storage, the term is often rounded to mean 1,000,000 bytes.  MB/sec Abbreviation for megabytes per second.  Mbps Abbreviation for megabits per second.  memory A computer can contain several different forms of memory, such as RAM, ROM, and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is used as a synonym for RAM; for example, an unqualified statement such as "...a computer with 64 MB of memory"...

  • Page 36: Parallel Port

     mV Abbreviation for millivolt(s).    NIC Abbreviation for network interface controller.  NMI Abbreviation for nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the microprocessor about hardware errors such as a parity error.  numbers lock mode When you press on the keyboard, the numbers lock mode indicator comes on and the number keypad functions as a 10-key number pad. To exit the numbers lock mode, press again and the indicator turns off.

  • Page 37: Readme File

    A physical storage area on a hard-disk drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives. After partitioning the hard-disk drive, you must logically format the drive. See also logical formatting.

  • Page 38: Reserve Battery

    An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your computer. You can usually identify a serial port on your computer by its 9-pin connector.  service tag sequence A bar code label on the computer that Dell technicians use to identify your computer when you call Dell for customer or technical support.  SGRAM Acronym for synchronous graphics random-access memory.
  • Page 39 having to find it first. Shortcuts do not change the location of files; if you delete a shortcut, the original file is not affected.  SIMD Abbreviation for single instruction, multiple data. SIMD is a technology incorporated into certain Intel microprocessors that extends the capabilities of these microprocessors to handle multimedia and communications software.

  • Page 40: Text Editor

       termination Some devices (such as the last device at each end of a SCSI cable) must be terminated to prevent reflections and spurious signals in the cable. When such devices are connected in a series, you may need to enable or disable the termination on these devices by changing jumper or switch settings on the devices or by changing settings in the configuration software for the devices.

  • Page 41: Video Driver

       V Abbreviation for volt(s).  VAC Abbreviation for volt(s) alternating current.  VCCI Abbreviation for Voluntary Control Council for Interference.  VDC Abbreviation for volt(s) direct current.  VESA Acronym for Video Electronics Standards Association.  VGA Abbreviation for video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video cards and controllers with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

  • Page 42: Windows Nt

     WH Abbreviation for watt-hour(s).  win.ini file A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the win.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. Among other things, the win.ini file records what printer(s) and fonts are installed for Windows. The win.ini file also usually includes sections that contain optional settings for Windows application programs that are installed on the hard-disk drive.

  • Page 43: Frequently Asked Questions

    BIOS and driver updates are available from Dell's File Library; they are released to either fix problems or to add features. Do not update the BIOS or a driver unless you are advised to do so by a Dell technical support representative or you are experiencing problems with your hardware configuration. Always read the release notes included with the update thoroughly before making a decision to upgrade the BIOS or a driver.

  • Page 44: Getting Help

    In the Compatibility Warning window, click the Apply the settings without restarting? radio button, and then click OK. When prompted, click OK to adjust the display.   When prompted, click Yes to accept the changes.  Getting Help How can I get further assistance? If you are unable to find the answer to your question, see Contacting Dell. ...

  • Page 45: Cd-Rom Or Dvd-Rom Drive

    External Media Bay Installing and CD-ROM or Diskette Drive SuperDisk LS- Removing DVD-ROM Drive 120 Drive Devices Installing and Removing Devices  NOTICE: To avoid overheating the computer, do not place the external media bay close to the air intake or fan intake/exhaust vents. NOTICE: When a device is not inside the external media bay, the device is fragile and must be handled carefully to avoid damage.

  • Page 46: Superdisk Ls-120 Drive

     SuperDisk LS-120 Drive The computer supports an optional SuperDisk LS-120 drive. The SuperDisk LS-120 drive has an electric (not manual) eject mechanism, so the computer must be powered on before you can eject the disk. The SuperDisk LS-120 drive combination module spins at a very high rotational speed and may make a whirring sound at start-up. This phenomenon is inherent in the high- speed technology and does not indicate a problem with the drive.

  • Page 47: About Pc Cards

    PC Cards About PC Cards Installing PC Cards Removing PC Cards  Configuring PC Cards About PC Cards  You can install PC Cards that adhere to PCMCIA standards and Release 4.2 of the JEIDA standard. The computer supports Type I and Type II PC Cards, including: Memory devices —...

  • Page 48: Removing Pc Cards

    PC Card Blanks Save the blank to use whenever you do not have a PC Card installed. The blank protects the PC Card slot from dust and other particles. Removing PC Cards  NOTICE: Use the PC Card configuration utility on the taskbar to select and stop a card from functioning before you remove it from the computer. If you do not remove the card in the configuration utility, you could lose data from open application programs.
  • Page 49 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the Softex PC Card Controller icon to open the Softex PC Card Controller window. For more information, click the Help tab.  ...

  • Page 50: Using This Help

    NOTE: Information updates are sometimes included with your computer to describe changes to your computer or software. Always read these updates before consulting any other documentation because the updates often contain the most current information. Besides this Help, the following documentation is included with your Dell computer: The Getting Started sheet provides step-by-step instructions for connecting your computer.

  • Page 51: Copyright And Trademarks

    ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. 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 52: Preventive Maintenance

    If you should lose the contents of your hard-disk drive, you can reinstall programs, but your data files will be lost if you do not have a backup. Dell recommends that you back up the hard-disk drive at least once a week, with a daily backup of those files that have been changed. Following these guidelines ensures the loss of no more than a day's work.

  • Page 53: Conserving Power

    NOTE: Save-to-disk suspend mode requires a special file on your hard-disk drive that sets aside enough disk space to store the contents of the computer's memory. Dell creates an appropriately sized save-to-disk suspend file before shipping the computer to you. If you remove the file or if your hard-disk drive becomes corrupted, you must recreate the file before you can again use save-to-disk suspend mode.
  • Page 54 Alarms allows you to set the Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm to alert you when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive your computer, the Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes are selected. Dell recommends that you continue to use these these options.
  • Page 55 Power Meter allows you to view the percentage of battery charge remaining when your computer is operating on battery power. When your computer is not operating on battery power, the computer displays a message indicating that your computer is operating on AC power. Advanced allows you to display the Power Meter on the Windows 98 taskbar;...

  • Page 56: Power Button

    NOTE: Do not press this button with your finger. To program the display-close button, in the Advanced tab click an option from the pull-down menu for When I close the lid of my portable computer:, and then click OK. You can set the computer to perform the following actions whenever you close the display: No action (None).
  • Page 57 Experimenting With Power Conservation  In general, the lower the value you set for each time-out option, the longer your battery's charge lasts. On the other hand, setting high time-out values tends to optimize the computer's performance. For best results, experiment as follows: Use the computer with all the options set at their default values.

  • Page 58: Passwords And Security

    Passwords and Security Passwords Physically Securing the Computer Disabling the Parallel Port    Passwords When you receive the computer, the password features are disabled so that you can assign passwords. If you assign a password and then forget it, you have limited access to the computer, but you must enter the password to access the system setup program.

  • Page 59: Creating A Shortcut On The Desktop

    Shortcuts Creating a Shortcut on Arranging and Positioning Shortcuts the Desktop  Creating a Shortcut on the Desktop Open the My Computer window or Windows Explorer. ® ® To open the My Computer window, double-click the My Computer icon on the Microsoft Windows desktop.

  • Page 60: Specifications

    Battery AC Adapter Environmental The most specific specifications for your computer are available on Dell’s World Wide Web support site at http://support.dell.com. Enter your service tag sequence click Submit. The service tag is shown on the bottom of the computer.

  • Page 61: Touch Pad

    Parallel 25-hole connector; normal (unidirectional), bidirectional, or IDE connector for external media bay Video 15-hole connector PS/2 6-hole mini-DIN connector Audio microphone (minijack) and headphones/speaker 4-pin connector Modem RJ-45 connector RJ-11 connector Docking 240-pin connector (not supported)  Audio Audio type Sound Blaster (software emulation-capable) Audio controller NeoMagic NMG5+AC97 CODEC...
  • Page 62  Physical Height 25.7 mm (1.01 inches) Width 272.0 mm (10.7 inches) Depth 220.0 mm (8.66 inches) Weight 1.665 (3.67 lb) with 6-cell battery 1.618 kg (3.57 lb) with 4-cell battery  Battery Type lithium ion Height 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) Depth 58.8 mm (2.31 inches) Width 159.1 mm (6.26 inches)

  • Page 63: System Features

    System Features Hardware Features Software Features Front View Back View Bottom View  Hardware Features Your computer includes the following hardware features: ® An Intel mobile microprocessor incorporating the latest processor technology. A minimum of 64 SDRAM system memory, with support for a maximum of 128 MB. An external media bay in which you can install a...

  • Page 64: Software Features

    "Using the System Setup Program," in the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide. Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer's components and devices. For information on using the diagnostics, refer to "Running the Dell Diagnostics," in Chapter 3 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

  • Page 65: Back View

    The PC Card slot has one connector that supports Type I and Type II PC Cards.  Hard-disk drive The hard-disk drive stores all of the software and data files Dell installed on your computer, including the Windows operating system.  Security cable slot The security cable slot lets you attach an antitheft device to the computer.
  • Page 66   USB port connector AC adapter connector Speakers and headphones (line-out/speaker-out) jack External media bay connector Microphone (MIC IN) jack Parallel connector Fan exhaust vent Video connector External media bay Modem connector Air intake NIC connector PS/2 connector  USB port connector Use the USB port connector to attach a USB device, such as a mouse, to the computer.

  • Page 67: Bottom View

     AC adapter connector Use this connector to attach an AC adapter to the computer.  External media bay connector Use this connector to connect the external media bay. NOTICE: When you remove the media bay cable from the computer or a device, press in on the cable securing clips while pulling the cable connector straight out.

  • Page 68: Battery Charge Gauge

    To check the charge level, press the battery test button. The appropriate number of indicators lights up for a few seconds to indicate the amount of charge remaining in the battery.  Battery The computer is shipped with a partially charged battery in the battery bay. Dell recommends that you connect an AC adapter to the computer and fully charge the battery as...

  • Page 69: Embedded Numeric Keypad

    Double-click the Mouse icon. To use the touch pad, the Internal Pointing Device option in the System Devices menu of the Setup program must be set to Auto Disable. Dell has already installed the touch pad drivers for you. See Connecting External Devices for instructions on changing this option.

  • Page 70: Display Key Combinations

    Display Key Combinations  Each time you press this key combination, the computer switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the integrated display, an external monitor, and both displays simultaneously. Incrementally increases brightness. Incrementally decreases brightness. Power Conservation Key Combinations In Windows 98, activates the power conservation mode...

  • Page 71: Traveling With The Computer

    If the computer is lost or stolen, use the service tag sequence when reporting to law enforcement officials and to Dell. The service tag is on a bar code label near the regulatory label on the underside of your computer.

  • Page 72: If Your Computer Is Lost Or Stolen

    If possible, give the name of the investigating officer. The Dell support technician will log your report under the computer's service tag sequence and flag the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your service tag sequence, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The technician will attempt to get the phone number and address of the caller.
  • Page 73 — System driver CD Dell has several carrying cases that protect the computer and accessories during travel. If you pack the computer in a suitcase, do not pack so tightly that the computer display breaks or so loosely that the computer slides around.
  • Page 74  Installing and Configuring Additional Software If you are unsure whether Dell installed a particular software package you ordered, you can quickly check by clicking the Start button, pointing to Programs, and scanning the programs listed in the Programs menu. If the program is listed, it is already installed and you do not need to reinstall it from the diskettes or CDs you received with your computer.

  • Page 75: Removing Software

    NOTE: DellWare™ products are supported by the item's manufacturer.  Removing Software NOTICE: Do not interrupt or stop this process once begun; otherwise, data loss and corruption of your operating system could result. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. In the Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs. Select the program you want to delete from the programs listed, and click the Add/Remove button.

  • Page 76: Start Button

    Windows Desktop ® Taskbar Start Button My Computer Recycle Bin Internet Control Panel   Explorer  Taskbar The gray area at the bottom of the screen is called the taskbar. The taskbar contains the Start button on the left and a clock on the right. You may also see other icons on the taskbar, depending on your computer's software and hardware features.

  • Page 77: Recycle Bin

    ® To view the contents of any drive or folder, double-click its icon. If you are using the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, your hard-disk drive has the drive letter C ® assigned. If you are using the Microsoft Windows NT operating system, your drive is partitioned into two...
  • Page 78 NOTE: The icons in the Control Panel vary depending on the hardware and software configuration of your computer. Click an icon to display a short description of its settings. Double-click an icon to see the settings that you can change for that item.

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