Inspiron 1210 Setup Guide
INSPIRON™ SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™ 1210 SETUP GUIDE
Notes. Notices. and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE 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.
Model PP40S
July 2008
A00
P/N M438J
Contents
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop.....5
Before Setting Up Your Computer .....5
Connect the AC Adapter .....6
Connect the Network Cable (optional) .....7
Press the Power Button .....8
Ubuntu® Information .....9
Windows Vista® Setup .....9
Connect to the Internet (Optional) .....10
Using Your Inspiron Laptop.....14
Left Side Features .....16
Computer Base and Keyboard Features .....18
Display Features .....20
Removing and Replacing the Battery .....21
Software Features .....22
Solving Problems.....24
Network Problems.....24
Power Problems.....25
Memory Problems.....26
Lockups and Software Problems.....27
Dell Support Center.....29
Using Support Tools.....29
System Messages.....30
Hardware Troubleshooter.....31
Dell Diagnostics.....32
Restoring Your Operating System.....34
System Restore.....34
Dell Factory Image Restore.....36
Operating System Reinstallation.....37
Getting Help .....39
Technical Support and Customer Service .....40
Online Services .....40
AutoTech Service .....41
Product Information .....41
Before You Call .....42
Contacting Dell .....43
Finding More Information and Resources .....44
Basic Specifications .....46
Index .....54
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1210 laptop and connecting peripherals.
Before Setting Up Your Computer
When positioning your computer, ensure that you allow easy access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.
Restricting airflow around your Inspiron laptop may cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating ensure that you leave at least 10.2 cm (4 in) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 in) on all other sides. You should never put your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.

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CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your Dell™ computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.
NOTICE: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp objects on the computer may result in permanent damage to the computer.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect the AC Adapter
Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into a wall outlet or surge protector.
CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

Connect the Network Cable (optional)
To use a wired network connection, plug in the network cable.

Press the Power Button

Ubuntu $ ^{\circledR} $ Information
If you requested for Ubuntu while ordering, your laptop is preconfigured with Ubuntu. See the Ubuntu Quick Start Guide that shipped with your laptop for more operating system specific information.
Windows Vista $ ^{®} $ Setup
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with Windows Vista. To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take up to 15 minutes to complete. The screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences and setting up an Internet connection.
NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating system's setup process, doing so may render your computer unusable.