INSPIRON ™ SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON ™ SETUP GUIDE Model PP42L
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. __________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Laptop ����������������5 Media Controls ���������������������������������������������� 22 Before Setting Up Your Computer ���������������� 5 Display Features �������������������������������������������� 24 Connect the AC Adapter �������������������������������� 6 Removing and Replacing the Battery ���������� 26 Connect the Network Cable (Optional) ���������� 7 Software Features ���������������������������������������� 28 Press the Power Button ���������������������������
Contents Restoring Your Operating System ������������42 System Restore ���������������������������������������������� 42 Dell Factory Image Restore �������������������������� 44 Operating System Reinstallation ������������������ 46 Getting Help ��������������������������������������������������48 Technical Support and Customer Service ������������������������������������������������������������ 49 Online Services ���������������������������������������������� 50 Automated Order-Status Service ���������
This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1440 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 inches) at the back of the computer and a minimum of 5.
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. 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.
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Laptop Connect the Network Cable (Optional) To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Laptop Press the Power Button 8
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Laptop Windows Vista® Setup Enable or Disable Wireless If you selected Windows Vista operating system while ordering, 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.
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Laptop Connect to the Internet (Optional) NOTE: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and ISP offerings vary by country. To connect to the Internet, you need an external modem or network connection and an ISP. If WLAN adapter is not a part of your original order, you can purchase one from the Dell website at www.dell.com. NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage.
Setting Up Your Inspiron™ Laptop Setting Up a Wireless Connection Setting Up Your Internet Connection 1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router. Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router. To set up your connection to a wireless router: 1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2. Click Start → Connect To. 3.
INSPIRON Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Your Inspiron 1440 laptop has indicators and buttons that provide information and enable you to perform common tasks. The connectors on your computer provide the option of attaching additional devices.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop 1 ExpressCard slot – Provides support for additional memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia, and security features. Supports 34 mm ExpressCards. NOTE: Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Left Side Features 1 14 2 3 4 5
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop 1 Security cable slot – Attaches a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. NOTE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer. 2 3 AC adapter connector – Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery. VGA connector – Connects to a monitor or projector. 4 Network connector – Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network. 5 USB 2.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Front Side Features 1 16 2 3
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop 1 Integrated single analog microphone – Provides quality sound for video chatting and voice recording.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Computer Base and Keyboard Features 1 18 2 3
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop 1 Keyboard – For more information about the keyboard, see the Dell Technology Guide. The media controls are also located on the keyboard. These keys control CD, DVD, Blu-ray (optional), and media playback. 2 Touch pad buttons – Provide left- and right-click functions like those on a mouse. 3 Touch pad – Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Touch Pad Gestures Scroll Allows you to scroll through content. The scroll feature includes: Traditional Scroll – Allows you to scroll up and down, or right and left. To scroll up and down: Move a finger up or down in the vertical scroll zone (extreme right of the touch pad) to scroll up or down on the active window. To scroll right and left: Move a finger right or left in the horizontal scroll zone (extreme bottom of the touch pad) to scroll right or left on the active window.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Zoom Allows you to increase or decrease the magnification of the screen content. The zoom feature includes: One finger zoom – Allows you to zoom in or out. To zoom in: Move a finger up in the zoom zone (extreme left of the touch pad) to zoom in. To zoom out: Move a finger down in the zoom zone (extreme left of the touch pad) to zoom out.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Media Controls You can configure the media control keys using the Function Key Behavior in the System Setup utility. The options in the Function Key Behavior setting are: Multimedia Key First – This is the default setting. Pressing any media control key performs the associated multimedia action. For function key, press + the required function key. Function Key First – Pressing any function key performs the associated function.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Mute the sound Play or pause Turn down the volume Play the next track or chapter Turn up the volume Eject the disc Play the previous track or chapter 23
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Display Features 1 24 2 3 4 5
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop 1 Left digital array microphone (optional) – Combines with the right digital array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording. 2 Camera activity light (optional) – Indicates if the camera is on or off. Based on selections you made when purchasing your computer, your computer may not include a camera. 3 Camera (optional) – Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Removing and Replacing the Battery 1 1 Battery 2 Battery release latch 3 Battery bay 26 2 3
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. WARNING: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. This computer should only use a battery purchased from Dell. Do not use batteries from other computers. WARNING: Before removing the battery, shut down the computer, and remove external cables (including the AC adapter). To remove the battery: 1.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop Software Features NOTE: For more information about the features described in this section, see the Dell Technology Guide on your hard drive or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Productivity and Communication You can use your computer to create presentations, brochures, greeting cards, fliers, and spreadsheets depending on the applications installed in your computer. Check your purchase order for software installed on your computer.
Using Your Inspiron™ Laptop • Power saver — This power option saves power on your computer by reducing system performance to maximize the life of the computer and by reducing the amount of energy consumed by your computer over its lifetime. • High performance — This power option provides the highest level of system performance on your computer by adapting processor speed to your activity and by maximizing system performance.
INSPIRON Solving Problems This section provides troubleshooting information for your computer. If you cannot solve your problem using the following guidelines, see “Using Support Tools” on page 36 or see “Contacting Dell” on page 53. Network Problems Wireless Connections If the wireless network connection is lost — The wireless router is offline or wireless has been disabled on the computer.
Solving Problems Wired Connections If the wired network connection is lost — The cable is loose or damaged. • Check the cable to ensure it is plugged in and not damaged. NOTE: The link integrity light on the network connector is only for the wired network connection. The link integrity light does not provide status for wireless connections.
Solving Problems Power Problems If the power light is off — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power. • Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the computer and the electrical outlet. • If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Solving Problems Memory Problems If you receive an insufficient memory message — • Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem. • See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). • Reseat the memory modules (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Solving Problems Lockups and Software Problems If the computer does not start up — Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet. If a program stops responding — End the program: 1. Press simultaneously. 2. Click Applications. 3. Click the program that is no longer responding 4. Click End Task. If a program crashes repeatedly — Check the software documentation. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Solving Problems 1. Click Start → Control Panel→ Programs→ Use an older program with this version of Windows. 2. In the welcome screen, click Next. 3. Follow the instructions on the screen. If you have other software problems — • Back up your files immediately. • Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive or CDs. • Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu.
INSPIRON Using Support Tools Dell Support Center The Dell Support Center helps you find the service, support, and system-specific information you need. For more information about Dell Support Center and available support tools, click the Services tab at support.dell.com. Click the icon in the taskbar to run the application.
Using Support Tools For more information about the Dell Support Center, see the Dell Technology Guide on your hard drive or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Using Support Tools System Messages If your computer has an issue or error, it may display a System Message that will help you identify the cause and action needed to resolve the issue. NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the following examples, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. Alternatively you could see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Using Support Tools • Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). No timer tick interrupt — A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or motherboard failure (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). USB over current error — Disconnect the USB device. Your USB device needs more power for it to function properly.
Using Support Tools Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in “Lockups and Software Problems” on page 34 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin. NOTE: Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities disc is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Using Support Tools NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities disc. 4. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive. Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Disc 1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities disc. 2. Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.
INSPIRON Restoring Your Operating System You can restore your operating system in the following ways: • System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files. • Dell Factory Image Restore returns your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer.
Restoring Your Operating System CAUTION: 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. Starting System Restore 1. Click Start . 2. In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press . NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear.
Restoring Your Operating System Dell Factory Image Restore CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. NOTE: Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on certain computers.
Restoring Your Operating System Dell Factory Image Restore 1. Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press several times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window. 2. Select Repair Your Computer. 3. The System Recovery Options window appears. 4. Select a keyboard layout and click Next. 5. To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type administrator in the User name field, then click OK. 6. Click Dell Factory Image Restore.
Restoring Your Operating System Operating System Reinstallation Before you Begin If you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Device Driver Rollback. If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver. See “System Restore” on page 42.
Restoring Your Operating System Reinstalling Windows Vista The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software. 1. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs. 2. Insert the Operating System disc. 3. Click Exit if the Install Windows message appears. 4. Restart the computer. 5. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.
INSPIRON Getting Help If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem: 1. See “Solving Problems” on page 30 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. 2. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 40 for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics. 3. Fill out the “Diagnostic Checklist” on page 52. 4. Use Dell’s extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (support.dell.
Getting Help 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. NOTE: Some of the services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on availability.
Getting Help Online Services You can learn about Dell products and services on the following websites: • www.dell.com • www.dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific countries only) • www.dell.com/jp (Japan only) • www.euro.dell.com (Europe only) • www.dell.com/la (Latin American and Caribbean countries) • www.dell.ca (Canada only) You can access Dell Support through the following websites and e-mail addresses: Dell Support websites • support.dell.com • support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) • support.euro.dell.
Getting Help 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 your region, see “Contacting Dell” on page 53 for problems with your order.
Getting Help Before You Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’s automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently. You may also be asked for your Service Tag (located on the back or bottom of your computer). Remember to fill out the following Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer.
Getting Help • Expansion cards: • Are you connected to a network? Yes/No • Network, version, and network adapter: • Programs and versions: See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the computer’s start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.
INSPIRON Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: reinstall your operating system. your Operating System disc. run a diagnostic program for your computer, reinstall laptop system software, or update drivers for your computer, and readme files. the Drivers and Utilities disc. learn more about your operating system, maintaining peripherals, RAID, Internet, Bluetooth®, networking, and e-mail. the Dell Technology Guide installed on your hard drive.
Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: find safety best practices information for your computer the safety and regulatory documents that shipped with your computer and also see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. review Warranty information, Terms and Conditions (U.S. only), Safety instructions, Regulatory information, Ergonomics information, and End User License Agreement.
INSPIRON Specifications System model Processor Inspiron 1440 Type L2 cache Intel® Celeron® 1 MB Intel Celeron Dual-Core 1 MB Intel Pentium® Dual-Core 1 MB Intel Core™2 Duo 2 MB/3 MB/6 MB External bus frequency 667 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1066 MHz This section provides information that you may need when setting up, updating drivers for, and upgrading your computer. NOTE: Offerings may vary by region.
Specifications Memory Computer information Memory module connector two internally-accessible SO-DIMM sockets Memory configurations possible 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 4 GB, 6 GB, and 8 GB Memory type DDR2 SO-DIMM Minimum memory 1 GB Maximum memory 8 GB NOTE: For instructions on upgrading your memory, see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Specifications Audio Ports and connectors Audio type two-channel high definition audio (Azalia) Mini-Card one half Mini-Card slot Audio controller IDT 92HD81 Network adapter RJ45 port Stereo conversion 24-bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog) USB three 4-pin USB 2.
Specifications Display Camera (optional) Viewing Angles: Pixel 1.3 megapixel Video resolution 320 x 240 ~1280 x 1024 (640 x 480 at 30 fps) Diagonal viewing angle 66° Horizontal ±40° (HD) ±60° (HD+) Vertical +15/-30° (HD) ±50° (HD+) Pixel pitch Power consumption (panel with backlight) (typical) 0.2265 mm (HD) Touch pad 0.1935 mm (HD+) X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) 4.8 W (max) (HD) 5.5 W (max) (HD+) 240 cpi Size: Width 81.0 mm (3.20 inches) sensor-active area Height 42.
Specifications Keyboard Battery Number of keys 86 (U.S. and Canada); 87 (Europe); 90 (Japan) Layout QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji Battery Type Weight 0.26 kg (0.57 lb) (4-cell) 0.35 kg (0.77 lb) (6-cell) 0.52 kg (1.15 lb) (9-cell) AC adapter 4-cell lithium ion Input voltage 100–240 VAC 6-cell lithium ion 9-cell lithium ion Input current (maximum) 1.5/1.6 A Depth 48.45 mm (1.91 inches) Input frequency 50–60 Hz Height 20.15 mm (0.79 inches) (4/6-cell) Output power 65 W or 90 W Output current 3.
Specifications AC adapter AC adapter Dimensions: 90 W 65 W Height 16.0 mm (0.67 inches) Height 29.0 mm (1.14 inches) Width 70.0 mm (2.76 inches) Width 46.5 mm (1.83 inches) Depth 147.0 mm (5.79 inches) Depth 107 mm (4.21 inches) Weight (with cables) 0.350 kg (0.77 lb) Weight (with cables) 0.250 kg (0.55 lb) 90 W (D-Series) 65 W (E-Series) Height 16.0 mm (0.67 inches) Width 66.0 mm (2.60 inches) Depth 127.0 mm (5.00 inches) Weight (with cables) 0.265 kg (0.58 lb) Height 34.
Specifications Physical Computer environment Height 25.4 to 38.9 mm (1.0 to 1.5 inches) Width 339 mm (13.35 inches) Depth 238 mm (9.37 inches) Weight (with 4-cell battery) 2.3 kg (5.07 lb) Weight (with 6-cell battery) 2.4 kg (5.
INSPIRON Index A AC adapter size and weight 61 airflow, allowing 5 B backups creating 29 C connect(ing) to the Internet 10 conserving energy 28 customer service 49 customizing your energy settings 28 D damage, avoiding 5 data, backing up 29 calling Dell 52 Dell Factory Image Restore 42 computer, setting up 5 Dell Support Center 36 Dell support website 55 63
Index Dell Technology Guide for further information 54 Diagnostic Checklist 52 drivers and downloads 55 E H hardware problems diagnosing 40 Hardware Troubleshooter 40 help getting assistance and support 48 e-mail addresses for technical support 50 energy conserving 28 expansion bus 57 F finding more information 54 FTP login, anonymous 50 I Internet connection 10 ISP Internet Service Provider 10 M memory problems solving 33 memory support 57 64
Index N R network connection reinstalling Windows 42 fixing 30, 31 resources, finding more 54 network speed restoring factory image 44 testing 30 O S setup, before you begin 5 order status 51 software features 28 P software problems 34 power problems, solving 32 power strips, using 6 problems, solving 30 processor 56 products information and purchasing 51 solving problems 30 specifications 56 support e-mail addresses 50 support sites worldwide 49 System Messages 38 system reinstall options
Index T technical support 49 V ventilation, ensuring 5 W Windows, reinstalling 42 Windows Vista® 9 Program Compatibility Wizard 34 reinstalling 47 setup 9 wired network network cable, connecting 7 66
Printed in the U.S.A. www.dell.com | support.dell.