INSPIRON™ SETUP GUIDE

SETUP GUIDE

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

△CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

November 2010

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
Set Up the Operating System .....9
Create System Recovery Media (Recommended) .....10
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional) .....12
Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) .....14
Connect the External Optical Drive (Optional) .....16
Connect to the Internet (Optional) .....17
Using Your Inspiron Laptop.....20
Right View Features.....20
Left View Features.....22

Front View Features .....24
Back View Features .....25
Status Lights and Indicators .....26
Computer Base and Keyboard Features .....28
Touch Pad Gestures .....30
Multimedia Control Keys .....32
Display Features .....34
Removing and Replacing the Battery .....36
Software Features .....38
Dell DataSafe Online Backup .....39
Dell Dock .....40
Solving Problems .....41
Beep Codes .....41
Network Problems .....42
Power Problems .....43

Contents

Memory Problems .....44
Lockups and Software Problems .....45
Using Support Tools .....47
Dell Support Center .....47
My Dell Downloads .....48
System Messages .....49
Hardware Troubleshooter .....50
Dell Diagnostics .....51
Restoring Your Operating System .....55
System Restore .....56
Dell DataSafe Local Backup .....57
System Recovery Media .....60
Dell Factory Image Restore .....61
Getting Help .....63
Technical Support and Customer Service .....64
DellConnect .....64
Online Services .....65

Automated Order-Status Service ..... 66
Product Information ..... 66
Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit ..... 67
Before You Call ..... 68
Contacting Dell ..... 70
Finding More Information and Resources ..... 72
Specifications ..... 74
Appendix ..... 81
Macrovision Product Notice ..... 81
Information for NOM, or Official Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) ..... 82
Index ..... 83

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop

This section provides information about setting up your Dell $ ^{™} $ Inspiron $ ^{™} $ laptop.

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 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other sides. You should never place your computer in an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is powered on.

WARNING: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not place your Dell $ ^{™} $ computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is powered on. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire. The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.

CAUTION: 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 an electrical outlet or surge protector.

WARNING: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or permanent damage to your computer.

Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.

SDPHMC - MSIPro

Press the Power Button

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