Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Wi-Fi Catcher, and Dell MediaDirect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; AMD, AMD Turion, HyperMemory, ATI Radeon and

combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.

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 Inc. disclaims any

proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP22L

October 2007 P/N RT722 Rev. A02

Securing Your Computer

Troubleshooting

Adding and Replacing Parts

Dell™ QuickSet Features

Traveling With Your Computer

Getting Help

Specifications

Appendix

Glossary

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting

Summary of Contents for Dell Inspiron 1521

Page 1 Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Page 2: About Your Computer
Back to Contents Page About Your Computer Dell™ Inspiron™ 1521 Owner's Manual Determining Your Computer's Configuration Front View Left Side View Right Side View Back View Bottom View Determining Your Computer's Configuration Based on selections that you made when purchasing your computer, your computer has one of several different video controller configurations. To determine your computer's video controller configuration: 1. Click Start , and then click Help and Support.
Page 3 camera — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. Based on configuration selections you made when ordering your computer, your computer may not include a camera. display latch — Keeps the display closed. display — For more information about your display, see Using the Display.
Page 4: Left Side View
Play or pause Dell™ MediaDirect™ button — Press the Dell MediaDirect button to launch Dell MediaDirect (see Using Dell MediaDirect™). keyboard status lights The blue lights located above the keyboard indicate the following: Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
Page 5 — When enabled through Dell QuickSet, this switch can scan for a wireless local area network (WLAN) in your vicinity. You can also use it to rapidly turn off or on any wireless devices such as WLAN cards and internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology (see Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network ...
Page 6: Right Side View
Right Side View battery status light hard drive activity light power light optical drive eject button 8-in-1 memory card reader IEEE 1394 connector video connector (VGA) network connector (RJ-45) USB connectors optical drive — For more information about the optical drive, see Using Multimedia.
Page 7: Bottom View
AC adapter connector battery modem connector (RJ-11) S-video TV-out connector Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital audio-capable devices using the TV/digital audio adapter cable. USB connectors Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. AC adapter connector — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer. The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can ...
Page 8 Parts. consumer IR — A port on the front of the computer that allows certain software applications to be controlled by the Dell Travel Remote. right speaker — To adjust the volume of the integrated speaker, press the volume control buttons or the mute button.
Page 9: Using The System Setup Program
System security and hard drive password settings NOTE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change the system setup settings. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.
Page 10: Cleaning Your Computer
Boot sequence changes take effect as soon as you save the changes and exit the system setup program. Performing a One-Time Boot You can set a one-time-only boot sequence without entering the system setup program (you can also use this procedure to boot the Dell Diagnostics on the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive). ...
Page 11: Dell Technical Support Policy (U.s. Only)
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are also safe to use on DVDs. Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) ...
Page 12: Fcc Notice (U.s. Only)
Technician assisted technical support requires the cooperation and participation of the customer in the troubleshooting process and provides for restoration of the operating system, software programs, and hardware drivers to the original default configuration as shipped from Dell, as well as the verification of appropriate functionality of the computer and all Dell-installed hardware.
Page 13: Macrovision Product Notice
Macrovision Product Notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision.
Page 14: Using A Battery
Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use batteries from other computers with your computer.
Page 15: Conserving Battery Power
You can use Dell QuickSet or Windows Power Options to configure the power management settings on your computer. For information on how to use the Dell QuickSet Power Management wizard, right-click the QuickSet icon in the notification area, click Help, and then select Power Management.
Page 16: Using The Sleep Power State
Click Start , click , and then click Sleep. Depending on how you set the power management options in the Windows Power Options or Dell QuickSet, use one of the following methods: Press the power button. Close the display. Press <Fn><Esc>.
Page 17: Storing A Battery
battery battery release latches (2) To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order. Storing a Battery Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully (see Charging the Battery) before you use it.
Page 18: Using The Memory Card Reader
Back to Contents Page Using the Memory Card Reader Dell™ Inspiron™ 1521 Owner's Manual Memory Card Blanks Installing a Memory Card Removing a Memory Card or Blank The memory card reader provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a memory card.
Page 19: Removing A Memory Card Or Blank
Removing a Memory Card or Blank CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: Use the memory card configuration utility (click the icon in the notification area) to select a card and stop it from functioning before you remove it from the computer.
Page 20: Using Expresscards
Back to Contents Page Using ExpressCards Dell™ Inspiron™ 1521 Owner's Manual ExpressCard Blanks Installing an ExpressCard Removing an ExpressCard or Blank ExpressCards provide additional memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia and security features. For example, you can add an ExpressCard to make wireless wide area network (WWAN) connectivity available on your computer.
Page 21: Removing An Expresscard Or Blank
slot ExpressCard The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the media that came with the ExpressCard. Removing an ExpressCard or Blank CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Page 22: Getting Help
Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries. When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.
Page 23: Problems With Your Order
Automated Order-Status Service To check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com, or you can call the automated order-status service. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call for your region, see Contacting Dell.
Page 24: Before You Call
Contacting Dell NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area.
Page 26: Using The Display
NOTE: Use only the Dell-installed video drivers, which are designed to offer the best performance with your Dell-installed operating system. If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.
Page 27: Finding Information
Notebook System Software (NSS) can use the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall drivers (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities) or run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). Readme files may be included on your Drivers and Utilities media to provide...
Page 28 Information on network activity, the Power Management Wizard, Dell QuickSet Help hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell QuickSet To view Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the Dell QuickSet icon in the Windows notification area. For more information on Dell QuickSet, see Dell™ QuickSet Features.
Page 29 Back to Contents Page Glossary Dell™ Inspiron™ 1521 Owner's Manual Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer. A AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter power cable in to an electrical outlet.
Page 30 COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your computer. Also referred to as the Product Key or Product ID. Consumer IR — A port on the front of the computer that allows certain software applications to be controlled by the Dell Travel Remote in some systems. In other systems, this port allows you to transfer data between the computer and infrared-compatible devices without using a cable connection.
Page 31 ExpressCard — A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of ExpressCards. ExpressCards support both the PCI Express and USB 2.0 standard. Express Service Code — A numeric code located on a sticker on your Dell™ computer. Use the Express Service Code when contacting Dell for assistance. Express Service Code service may not be available in some countries.
Page 32 MB/sec — megabytes per second — One million bytes per second. This measurement is typically used for data transfer ratings. media bay — A bay that supports devices such as optical drives, a second battery, or a Dell TravelLite™ module. memory — A temporary data storage area inside your computer. Because the data in memory is not permanent, it is recommended that you frequently save your files while you are working on them, and always save your files before you shut down the computer.
Page 33 memory module — A small circuit board containing memory chips, which connects to the system board. MHz — megahertz — A measure of frequency that equals 1 million cycles per second. The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces are often measured in MHz.
Page 34 — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera to your computer. Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that identifies your computer when you access Dell Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for customer service or technical support.
Page 35 SVGA — super-video graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA resolutions are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768. The number of colors and resolution that a program displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video controller and its drivers, and the amount of video memory installed in the computer.
Page 36 W — watt — The measurement of electrical power. One W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt. WHr — watt-hour — A unit of measure commonly used to indicate the approximate capacity of a battery. For example, a 66-WHr battery can supply 66 W of power for 1 hour or 33 W for 2 hours.
Page 37: Using The Keyboard And Touch Pad
Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor). arrow key Battery <Fn><F3> Displays the Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter (see Dell QuickSet Battery Meter). Power Management <Fn><Esc> Activates a power management mode. You can reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different power management mode using the...
Page 38: Dell™ Quickset Key Combinations
Dell™ QuickSet Key Combinations If Dell QuickSet is installed, you can use other shortcut keys for functions such as the Battery Meter or activating power management modes. For more information about Dell QuickSet key combinations, right-click the QuickSet icon in the notification area, and then click Help.
Page 39 , and then click Control Panel. 1. Click Start 2. Click Hardware and Sound. 3. Click Keyboard. 4. In the Mouse Properties window: Click the Device Select tab to disable the touch pad. Click the Touch Pad tab to adjust touch pad settings. ...
Page 40: Using Multimedia
Back to Contents Page Using Multimedia Dell™ Inspiron™ 1521 Owner's Manual Playing Media Playing Media Using Dell Travel Remote Copying CD and DVD Media Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture Using Dell MediaDirect™ Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device Playing Media NOTICE: Do not press down on the optical drive tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are not usinmg the drive.
Page 41: Playing Media Using Dell Travel Remote
For more information on playing media, click Help on the media player (if available). Playing Media Using Dell Travel Remote ® The Dell Travel Remote is designed to control Dell Media Direct and Windows Vista Media Center. It can work only with specified computers. For more details, refer to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Page 42: How To Copy A Cd Or Dvd
CDs from audio files stored on your computer or backing up important data. For help, open Roxio Creator, and then press <F1>. The DVD drives installed in Dell computers do not support HD-DVD media. For a list of supported media formats, see Using Blank CD and DVD Media.
Page 43: Adjusting The Volume
Dell MediaDirect is an instant-on multimedia playback mode for digital media. Press the Dell MediaDirect button, located on the hinge cover, to launch Dell MediaDirect. When your computer is turned off or in Sleep state, you can press the Dell MediaDirect button to start the computer and automatically launch the Dell MediaDirect application.
Page 44: Connecting Your Computer To A Tv Or Audio Device
NOTE: You cannot reinstall Dell MediaDirect if you voluntarily reformat the hard drive. You need the installation software to reinstall Dell MediaDirect. Contact Dell for assistance (see Contacting Dell). For more information on using Dell MediaDirect, use the Help menu in the Dell MediaDirect application.
Page 45: S-Video And S/Pdif Digital Audio
audio connector S-video TV-out connector standard S-video cable standard audio cable 1. Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. NOTE: If your TV or audio device supports S-video but not S/PDIF digital audio, you can connect an S-video cable directly to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer (without the TV/digital audio adapter cable).
Page 46: Composite Video And Standard Audio
composite video adapter S-video cable S/PDIF digital audio cable 1. Turn off the computer and the TV and/or the audio device that you want to connect. 2. Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer. ...
Page 47: Composite Video And S/Pdif Digital Audio
composite video adapter composite video cable standard audio cable 1. Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. 2. Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer. ...
Page 48: Component Video And Standard Audio
composite video adapter composite video cable standard audio cable 1. Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. 2. Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer. ...
Page 49: Component Video And S/Pdif Digital Audio
component video adapter component video cable standard audio cable 1. Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. 2. Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on your computer. ...
Page 50: Enabling S/Pdif Digital Audio
component video adapter component video cable standard audio cable 1. Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect. 2. Connect the component video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on the computer. ...
Page 51: Enabling The Display Settings For A Tv
5. Click Close. 6. Click OK. Enabling the Display Settings for a TV NOTE: To ensure that the display options appear correctly, connect the TV to the computer before you enable the display settings. 1. Click Start , click Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Personalization.
Page 52: Adding And Replacing Parts
Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins. NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
Page 53: Removing The Hard Drive
Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive (see Restoring Your Microsoft®...
Page 54: Replacing The Hard Drive
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities). Returning a Hard Drive to Dell Return your old hard drive to Dell in its original, or comparable, foam packaging. Otherwise, the hard drive may be damaged in transit. foam packaging hard drive Optical Drive...
Page 55: Removing The Optical Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. Removing the Optical Drive 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Turn the computer over. ...
Page 56: Replacing The Hinge Cover
hinge cover scribe Replacing the Hinge Cover 1. Insert the left edge of the hinge cover. 2. Press from left to right until the cover snaps into place. Keyboard For more information about the keyboard, see Using the Keyboard and Touchpad.
Page 57: Replacing The Keyboard
Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer. NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty. Your computer has two user-accessible SODIMM sockets, one accessed from beneath the keyboard (DIMM A), and the other accessed from the bottom of the computer (DIMM B).
Page 58: Replacing The Dimm A Memory Module
6. Turn on the computer. As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click Start ® Help and Support® Dell System Information.
Page 59: Removing The Dimm B Memory Module
Removing the DIMM B Memory Module The DIMM B memory module is located under the memory module cover on the bottom of the computer. 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Turn the computer upside-down, loosen the captive screw on the memory module cover (see Bottom View), and remove the cover.
Page 60: Subscriber Identity Module
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click Start ® Help and Support® Dell System Information. Subscriber Identity Module Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) identify users uniquely through an International Mobile Subscriber Identity.
Page 61: Removing A Wlan Card
If you ordered a wireless Mini Card with your computer, the card is already installed. Your computer supports three types of wireless Mini Cards: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) ...
Page 62: Replacing A Wlan Card
metal securing tabs (2) WLAN card Replacing a WLAN Card NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the card and on the system board, and realign the card. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the WLAN card, never place cables under the card.
Page 63 captive screws (2) cover 4. Disconnect the two antenna cables from the WWAN card. antenna cable connectors (2) WWAN card 5. Release the WWAN card by pushing the metal securing tabs toward the back of the computer until the card pops up slightly. ...
Page 64: Replacing A Wwan Card
metal securing tabs (2) WWAN card Replacing a WWAN Card NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the card and on the system board, and realign the card. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the WWAN card, never place cables under the card.
Page 65: Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
3. Connect the blue antenna cable to the WPAN card. 4. Secure unused antenna cables in the protective mylar sleeve. 5. Replace the cover and tighten the captive screws. Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
Page 66: Removing The Coin-Cell Battery
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Turn the computer over. 3. Loosen the captive screw on the memory module/coin-cell battery cover (see Bottom View), and remove the cover. 4. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board. coin-cell battery mylar sleeve battery cable connector...
Page 67: Dell™ Quickset Features
System information Depending on what you want to do in Dell QuickSet, you can start it by either clicking, double-clicking, or right-clicking the QuickSet icon in the Microsoft® Windows® notification area. The notification area is located in the lower-right corner of your screen.
Page 68: Securing Your Computer
Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock. A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. To use the lock, attach it to the security cable slot on your Dell computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.
Page 69 If possible, give the name of the investigating officer. The Dell customer service representative will log your report under the computer Service Tag and record the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your Service Tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen.
Page 70: Setting Up Your Computer
Back to Contents Page Setting Up Your Computer Dell™ Inspiron™ 1521 Owner's Manual Connecting to the Internet Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Printer Power Protection Devices Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet connection options: DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone line or cellular telephone service.
Page 71: Transferring Information To A New Computer
Transferring Information to a New Computer You can transfer the following types of data from one computer to another: E-mail messages Toolbar settings Window sizes Internet bookmarks Use one of the following methods for transferring data: Windows Easy Transfer wizard, an Easy Transfer Cable, and a USB port Over a network Removable media, such as a writable CD ...
Page 72: Power Protection Devices
USB connector on computer USB connector on printer USB printer cable 3. Turn on the printer, and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel. 4. Click Start , and then click Network. ...
Page 73: Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Uninterruptible Power Supplies NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage. NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.
Page 74: Specifications
Back to Contents Page Specifications Dell™ Inspiron™ 1521 Owner's Manual Processor Display System Information Keyboard ExpressCard Touch Pad Memory 8-in-1 Memory Card Reader Ports and Connectors Battery Communications AC Adapter Video Physical Audio Environmental NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start , click Help and Support, and then select the option to view information about your computer.
Page 75 Maximum memory 4 GB NOTE: In order to take advantage of the dual channel bandwidth capability, both memory slots must be populated and must match in size. NOTE: The available memory displayed does not reflect the complete maximum memory installed because some memory is reserved for system files.
Page 76 Width 344.5 mm (13.6 in) Diagonal 391.2 mm (15.4 in) Maximum resolutions: WXGA 1280 x 800 at 262 K colors WXGA with TrueLife 1280 x 800 at 262 K colors WXGA+ with TrueLife 1440 x 900 at 262 K colors WSXGA+ with TrueLife 1680 x 1050 at 262 K colors Refresh rate...
Page 77 Input frequency 47–63 Hz Output current (65 W) 4.34 A (maximum at 4-second pulse) 3.34 A (65 W) (continuous) Output current (90 W) 5.62 A (maximum at 4-second pulse) 4.62 A (90 W) (continuous) Output power 65 W, 90 W Rated output voltage 19.5 +/– 1.0 VDC Dimensions (65 W): ...
Page 78 Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Page 79: Traveling With Your Computer
Remove any extraneous items, such as paper clips, pens, and paper, from the keyboard and palm rest and close the display. Use the optional Dell carrying case to pack the computer and its accessories together safely. Avoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food.
Page 80 Back to Contents Page ...
Page 81: Troubleshooting
Memory Problems Dell Technical Update Service The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications.
Page 82: Starting The Dell Diagnostics From The Drivers And Utilities Media
5. Type 1 to start the Drivers and Utilities menu, and then press <Enter>. 6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer. ...
Page 83: Dell Support Center
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. When contacting Dell support, have your Service Tag ready. The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option: ...
Page 84: Drive Problems
Dell PC Tune-Up The automated or monthly version of Dell PC Tune-Up allows you to choose the day and time of the month you want your computer "tuned up". A typical tune- up includes hard drive defragmentation, removal of unwanted and temporary files, updated security settings, verification of "good" restore points, and other maintenance activities designed to improve computer performance and security.
Page 85: Optical Drive Problems
Check the cable connections Check for hardware incompatibilities — Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in the Windows Vista® Operating System. Run the Dell Diagnostics — Dell Diagnostics. Optical drive problems NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or the media.
Page 86: Hard Drive Problems
3. Gently pull out the tray until it stops. The drive makes an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running. Ensure that the disc is inserted properly. Hard drive problems ...
Page 87: Error Messages
Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.
Page 88 The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the card or try another card (see Using ExpressCards). Extended memory size has changed — The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell). ...
Page 89 Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program (see Using the System Setup Program). Keyboard clock line failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). Keyboard controller failure —...
Page 90 Contacting Dell). No timer tick interrupt — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). Not enough memory or resources. Exit some programs and try again —...
Page 91: Expresscard Problems
Dell Diagnostics). Unexpected interrupt in protected mode — The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). ...
Page 92: External Keyboard Problems
5. Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear on the display. If the characters appear now, but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Page 93: Lockups And Software Problems
If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off, then restart your computer. Dell MediaDirect problems...
Page 94: Other Software Problems
Because Dell MediaDirect provides access to media files outside the Windows operating system environment, access to licensed content is restricted. Licensed content is digital content that has Digital Rights Management (DRM) applied to it. The Dell MediaDirect environment cannot verify the DRM restrictions, so the licensed files cannot be played.
Page 95: Network Problems
You must activate the Mobile Broadband ExpressCard before you can connect to the network. Position the mouse over the icon in the notification area to verify the status of the connection. If the card is not activated, follow the card activation instructions located within the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility. To access the utility, double-click the icon located in the taskbar, at the lower-right corner of your screen.
Page 96: Printer Problems
If the battery status light flashes blue and amber, the battery is too hot to charge. Shut down the computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room temperature. If the battery status light rapidly flashes amber, the battery may be defective. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Page 97: Scanner Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer. Check the printer documentation — See the printer documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
Page 98: Sound And Speaker Problems
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference. Reinstall the audio driver — Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities. Run the Dell Diagnostics — Dell Diagnostics.
Page 99: No Sound From Headphones
Test the mouse controller — To test the mouse controller (which affects pointer movement) and the operation of the touch pad or mouse buttons, run the Mouse test in the Pointing Devices test group in the Dell Diagnostics. Reinstall the touch pad driver —...
Page 100: If The Display Is Blank
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. If the display is blank NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
Page 101: If Only Part Of The Display Is Readable
Utilities). Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. ...
Page 102: Using The Drivers And Utilities Media
4. When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the Drivers and Utilities disc. 5. At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities program displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed.
Page 103: Troubleshooting Software And Hardware Problems In The Windows Vista® Operating System
Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them. NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view.
Page 104: Restoring The Computer To An Earlier Operating State
Restoring the Computer to the Default Factory Configuration The Dell Factory Image Restore option allows you to restore your hard drive back to its original factory configuration as when you first purchased it from Dell. ® This option appears on Dell computers that were originally pre-installed with Windows Vista operating system and does not include computers purchased ®...
Page 105: Using The Operating System Media
The Operating System media provides options for reinstalling Windows. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs that are installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
Page 106 7. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. NOTE: You cannot reinstall Dell MediaDirect if you voluntarily reformat the hard drive. You need the installation software to reinstall Dell MediaDirect. See Contacting Dell. Back to Contents Page...
Page 107: Setting Up And Using Networks
Wireless Local Area Network Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network) Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator Setting up a computer network provides connectivity between your computer and the Internet, another computer, or a network. For example, with a network set up in a home or small office you can print to a shared printer, access drives and files on another computer, browse other networks, or access the Internet.
Page 108: Checking Your Wireless Network Card
Before you can set up a WLAN, you need: High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL) A broadband modem that is connected and working A wireless router or access point A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN A network cable with a network (RJ-45) connector ...
Page 109: Connecting To A Wlan
Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer within the range of the wireless network that you selected, the same pop-up notifies you of the wireless network connection. NOTE: If you select a secure network, you must enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted. Network security settings are unique to your network. Dell cannot provide this information. NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network.
Page 110: Mobile Broadband (Or Wireless Wide Area Network)
If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user's guide in Windows Help and Support (click Start , and then click Help and Support) or on the media that accompanied your card if you purchased it separately from your computer.
Page 111: Enabling/Disabling The Dell Mobile Broadband Card
The Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator functions regardless of whether your computer is turned on or off, or in Sleep state, as long as the switch is configured through Dell QuickSet or the BIOS (system setup program) to control Wi-Fi network connections.

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