INSPIRON ™ SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON ™ SETUP GUIDE Model PP41L
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. __________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2008-2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop ������������������5 Solving Problems ����������������������������������������26 Before Setting Up Your Computer ���������������� 5 Removing and Replacing the Battery ���������� 26 Connect the AC Adapter �������������������������������� 6 Software Features ���������������������������������������� 27 Connect the Network Cable (Optional) ���������� 7 Network Problems ���������������������������������������� 29 Press the Power Button ���������������������
Contents Getting Help ��������������������������������������������������47 Technical Support and Customer Service ������������������������������������������������������������ 48 DellConnect™ ������������������������������������������������ 48 Online Services ���������������������������������������������� 48 Automated Order-Status Service ���������������� 49 Product Information �������������������������������������� 50 Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit �������������������������������
This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1545 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. 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.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Connect the Network Cable (Optional) If you plan 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 Enable or Disable Wireless To turn on wireless, with the computer turned on, press the wireless key on the keyboard. A confirmation of your selection appears on the screen. The wireless key allows you to quickly turn all of your wireless radios (Bluetooth and WiFi) off, such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight. To turn off all wireless radios, press this key once.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Windows Vista® Setup Your computer is preconfigured with Windows Vista operating system. To set up Windows Vista for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. The screens 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.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you must connect the computer to your wireless router. To set up your connection to a wireless router: Setting Up a Wireless Connection 4 1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2. Click Start 3 2 1 1. Internet service 2. cable or DSL modem → Connect To. 3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the following section. NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later. NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. 1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop 13
INSPIRON Using Your Inspiron Laptop Your Inspiron 1545 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 – Supports one 34 mm wide ExpressCard for enabling additional hardware capabilities. 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. 2 Optical drive – Plays or records only standard-size and shape (12 cm) CDs, and DVDs.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Left Side Features 6 12 16 3 4 5
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 1 Security cable slot – Used to attach 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 AC adapter connector – Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery when the computer is not in use. 3 USB 2.0 connectors (2) – Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Front Side Features 12 18 34 5
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 1 Power/battery status light – Indicates the power state and battery status.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 4 Audio in/Microphone connector – Connects to a microphone or input signal for use with audio programs.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 21
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Computer Base and Keyboard Features 12 3 22
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 1 Touch pad buttons – Provide left- and right-click functions those on like a mouse. 2 Touch pad – Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface. 3 Keyboard – For more information on keyboard, see the Dell Technology Guide. The media controls are also located on the keyboard. These keys control media playback.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Media Controls To use the media controls, press the required key.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Display Features The display panel holds an optional camera and accompanying dual digital microphones. 1 2 3 4 5 1 Left digital array microphone (optional) – Combines with the right digital array microphone to provide high quality sound for video conferencing and voice recording. 2 Camera activity indicator (optional) – Light that indicates if the camera is on or off. Based on selections you made when purchasing your computer, your computer may or may not include a camera.
INSPIRON Solving Problems Removing and Replacing the Battery CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: Before removing the battery, shut down the computer, and remove external cables (including the AC adapter). To remove the battery: 1. Turn off the computer and turn it over. 2. Slide the battery release latch until it clicks into place. 3.
Solving Problems 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. You can also edit and view digital photographs and images. Check your purchase order for software installed on your computer.
Solving Problems Customizing Your Energy Settings Backing Up Your Data You can use the power options in your operating system to configure the power settings on your computer. Microsoft® Windows Vista® provides three default options: It is recommended that you periodically back up files and folders on your computer. To back up files: • Balanced — This power option offers full performance when you need it and saves power during periods of inactivity.
Solving Problems Network Problems Wireless Connections If the wireless network connection is lost — The wireless router is offline or wireless has been disabled on the computer. • Check your wireless router to ensure it is powered on and connected to your data source (cable modem or network hub). • Re-establish your connection to the wireless router: a. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. b. Click Start → Connect To. c. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
Solving Problems • Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. • Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network. NOTE: The link integrity light on the network connector is only for the wired cable connection. The link integrity light does not provide status for wireless connections. Power Problems If the power light is off — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
Solving Problems If the power light is solid white and the computer is not responding — The display may not be responding. Press the power button until the computer turns off and then turn it back on. If the problem persists, see Dell Technology Guide on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. If the power light is blinking white — The computer is in standby mode.
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 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.
Dell Support Center The Dell Support Center helps you find 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 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 Dell Technology Guide on your computer or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.
Using Support Tools • If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device. • Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct (see the Dell Technology Guide on your computer or on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). regularly. A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential hard drive problem — S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard disk drive failure.
Using Support Tools Hardware Troubleshooter Dell Diagnostics If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility. If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in “Lockups and Software Problems” on page 33 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
Using Support Tools Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive. 4. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive. NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see “Contacting Dell” on page 53. Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Disc 1.
Using Support Tools 4. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press . 5. Type 1 to start the CD menu and press to proceed. 6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer. 7. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
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. • If you received an Operating System disc with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System disc also deletes all data on the hard drive.
Restoring Your Operating System System Restore Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible. NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files.
Restoring Your Operating System Undoing the Last System Restore NOTE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete. 1. Click Start . 2. In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press . 3. Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
Restoring Your Operating System Dell Factory Image Restore NOTICE: 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 6. Click Dell Factory Image Restore. The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears. NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore. 7. Click Next. The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears. NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel. 8.
Restoring Your Operating System NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities disc contains drivers that were installed during the assembly of the computer. Use the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from which you ordered your computer, or whether you requested the disc, the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc and Operating System disc may not ship with your computer. Reinstalling Windows Vista The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
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 26 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. 2. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 38 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 Technical Support and Customer Service Dell’s support service is available to answer your questions about Dell hardware. Our support staff uses computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers. To contact Dell’s support service, see “Before You Call” on page 52 and then see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell.com.
Getting Help Dell Support e-mail addresses • mobile_support@us.dell.com • support@us.dell.com • la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) • apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses • apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) • sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only) Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) • ftp.dell.
Getting Help Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call for your region or to speak to a sales specialist, see “Contacting Dell” on page 53. Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows: 1.
Getting Help 5. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit. 6. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials. NOTE: You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.
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 a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell. • Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code: • Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed: Contacting Dell For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355). 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.
INSPIRON Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: reinstall your operating system. the Operating System media. run a diagnostic program for your computer, reinstall Notebook System Software (NSS), or update drivers for your computer, and readme files. the Drivers and Utilities media. learn more about your operating system, maintaining peripherals, Internet, Bluetooth®, networking, and e-mail.
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 Dell™ Inspiron™ 1545 Types Intel Celeron Dual-Core This section provides basic information that you may need when setting up, updating drivers for, and upgrading your computer. NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start → Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
Specifications ExpressCard Memory ExpressCard controller Intel ICH9M Connectors ExpressCard connector one ExpressCard slot (34 mm) two internallyaccessible SO-DIMM sockets Capacities Cards supported ExpressCard/34 (34 mm) 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB Memory type 800 MHz DDR2 1.5 V and 3.3 V ExpressCard connector size SO-DIMM 26 pins Possible memory configurations 1GB, 1.
Specifications Computer information System Chipset Video Mobile Intel Express Cantiga GM45 (UMA), PM45 (Discrete) Data bus width 64 bits DRAM bus width dual channel (2) 64-bit buses Processor address bus width 36 bits Flash EPROM 2 MB Communications Network adapter 10/100 Ethernet LAN on system board Wireless internal WLAN Mini‑Card Bluetooth® wireless technology 58 Video type integrated on system board LCD interface Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) Discrete: Video controller A
Specifications Camera (optional) Audio Pixel 1.3 megapixel Video resolution 640 x 480 at 30 fps (maximum) Diagonal viewing angle 66° Internal speaker amplifier 1 Watt per channel into 4 ohms Volume controls program menus, media control buttons Connectors Audio Network adapter RJ45 connector Audio type 2 channel High Definition Audio USB three 4-pin USB 2.
Specifications Display Type (activematrix TFT) Display 15.6-inch HD CCFL with TrueLife Luminance 15.6-inch HD WLED with TrueLife 15.6-inch HD+ WLED with TrueLife Dimensions: 193.5 mm (7.62 inches) Width 344.2 mm (13.55 inches) Diagonal 394.1 mm (15.6 inches) Maximum resolution 1366 x 768 at 262 K colors (HD CCFL/WLED with TrueLife) 1600 x 900 at 262 K colors (HD+ WLED with TrueLife) Refresh rate 60 Hz Operating angle 0° (closed) to 155° 60 230 min. 250 typ.
Specifications Display Controls Touch pad brightness can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts (see the Dell Technology Guide for more information) Size: Width 74 mm (2.9 inches) sensor‑active area Height 42 mm (1.65 inches) rectangle Keyboard Number of keys Layout 87 (U.S. and Canada); 88 (Europe); 91 (Japan) QWERTY/AZERTY/ Kanji Battery Type 4-cell “smart” lithium ion 6-cell “smart” lithium ion 9-cell “smart” lithium ion Depth 57.2 mm (2.25 inches) (4/6-cell) 76.7 mm (3.
Specifications Battery Battery Weight 0.24 kg (0.53 lb) (4-cell) 0.35 kg (0.77 lb) (6-cell) 0.51 kg (1.12 lb) (9-cell) Life span (approximate) Voltage 11.1 VDC (9-cell) 11.1 VDC/10.8 VDC (6-cell) 14.8 VDC (4-cell) Temperature range: Charge time at room temperature (approximate): Computer off 4 hours Operating time Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power-intensive conditions.
Specifications AC adapter AC adapter Input frequency 50–60 Hz 90 W: Output power 65 W or 90 W Height 16 mm (0.6 inches) Width 70 mm (2.8 inches) Output current: 65 W 3.34 A (continuous) Length 147 mm (5.8 inches) 90 W 4.62 A (continuous) Weight (with cables) 0.345 kg (0.76 lb) Rated output voltage 19.5 +/- 1 VDC Temperature range: Dimensions: 65 W: Height 29 mm (1.14 inches) Width 46.5 mm (1.83 inches) Length 107 mm (4.21 inches) Weight (with cables) 0.25 kg (0.
Specifications Physical Height Computer environment 25.9 mm to 37.5 mm (1.02 inches to 1.47 inches) Width 373 mm (14.7 inches) Depth 244 mm (9.6 inches) Weight (with 6-cell battery): Configurable to less than 2.7 kg (6 lb) Relative humidity (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 90% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration (using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment): Operating 0.66 GRMS Computer environment Non-Operating 1.
INSPIRON Index A connect(ing) AC adapter size and weight 63 airflow, allowing 5 B to the Internet 10 conserving energy 28 Contacting Dell online 53 customer service 48 customizing your desktop 27 backups your energy settings 28 creating 28 C D calling Dell 52 damage, avoiding 5 CDs, playing and creating 27 data, backing up 28 chipset 58 DellConnect 48 computer capabilities 27 Dell Factory Image Restore 41 computer, setting up 5 Dell Support Center 35 Dell support website 55 65
Index Dell Technology Guide for further information 54 Hardware Troubleshooter 38 help drivers and downloads 55 DVDs, playing and creating 27 E getting assistance and support 47 I Internet connection 10 email addresses ISP for technical support 49 energy conserving 28 Internet Service Provider 10 M expansion bus 58 memory problems F memory support 57 finding more information 54 FTP login, anonymous 49 H solving 32 N network connection fixing 29 hardware problems network speed diagnosin
Index O S order status 49 setup, before you begin 5 P shipping products power problems, solving 30 software features 27 power strips, using 6 problems, solving 26 processor 56 products information and purchasing 50 for return or repair 50 software problems 33 solving problems 26 support email addresses 49 System Messages 36 system reinstall options 41 R System Restore 41 reinstalling Windows 41 T resources, finding more 54 technical support 48 restoring factory image 44 V ventilation, ensu
Index W warranty returns 50 Windows, reinstalling 41 Windows Vista® Program Compatibility Wizard 33 reinstalling 46 setup 10 wired network network cable, connecting 7 wireless network connection 29 68
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