INSPIRON ™ SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON ™ SETUP GUIDE Model PP25L
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 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop ������������������5 Before Setting Up Your Computer ���������������� 5 Connect the AC Adapter �������������������������������� 6 Check the Wireless Switch ���������������������������� 6 Connect the Network Cable (optional) ���������������������������������������������������������� 7 Press the Power Button ���������������������������������� 7 Windows Vista® Setup ������������������������������������ 8 Connect to the Internet (Optional) ���������������� 8 Using Your Inspir
Restoring Your Operating System ������������36 System Restore ���������������������������������������������� 36 Dell Factory Image Restore �������������������������� 38 Operating System Reinstallation ������������������ 39 Getting Help ��������������������������������������������������41 Technical Support and Customer Service ������������������������������������������ 42 DellConnect™ ������������������������������������������������ 42 Online Services ���������������������������������������������� 42 A
This section provides information about setting up your Inspiron 1318 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 computer 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.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Connect the AC Adapter Check the Wireless Switch Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into a wall outlet or surge protector. If you plan to use wireless connections, make sure the wireless switch is in the “On” position. CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Connect the Network Cable (optional) Press the Power Button If you plan to use a wired network connection, plug in the network cable.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Windows Vista® Setup Connect to the Internet (Optional) 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 • Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dia‑up connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable (or satellite) modem connections. Your computer does not have an integrated modem. An optional USB modem must be used for dialup service with this computer. • Wireless LAN connections that provide Internet access using WiFi 802.11 technology.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop 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. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one. 1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 2. Click Start → Control Panel. 3.
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop 4. Click either Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up, depending on how you want to connect: a. Choose Broadband if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV modem, or Bluetooth® wireless technology connection. b. Chose Dial-up if you will use an optional USB dial-up modem or ISDN. NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP. 5.
INSPIRON Using Your Inspiron Laptop Your Inspiron 1318 has several indicators, buttons, and features that provide information at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for common tasks. Device Status Lights The device status lights located to the left of the power button provide information for wireless communication and keyboard input options. 1 2 12 3 4 5 1 Num Lock light – Turns on when the numeric keypad (Num Lock key) is enabled.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 4 WiFi status light – Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. Use the wireless switch located at the front, right side of the computer to quickly turn all wireless communication On and Off. Using The Wireless Switch To turn on the wireless switch, slide it away from the front of the computer until it clicks into place. - Off 5 Bluetooth® status light (optional) – Turns on when a card with Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Right Side Features 1 4 3 1 14 2 Wireless On/Off switch – Use this switch to rapidly turn all wireless devices Off or On such as WLAN cards and internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology. The wireless switch may be in the Off position when your computer is shipped to you. To turn the switch On, slide the switch away from the front of the computer until it clicks into place.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 3 Optical Drive – Plays or burns only standard-size and shape (12 cm) CDs, and DVDs. Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing upward when inserting discs. NOTE: Do not use non-standard-size or shape discs (including mini-CDs and mini-DVDs) or you will damage the drive. 4 5 Security cable slot – Used to attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Left Side Features 5 1 16 2 3 1 AC adapter connector – Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery when the computer is not in use. 2 VGA connector – Connects to a monitor or projector. 3 Network connector – If you are using a cabled network signal, this connects your computer to a network or broadband device. 4 USB connector – Connects to a USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Front Side Features 1 Audio Out/ Headphone connector – Connects one pair of headphones, or sends audio to a powered speaker or sound system. 2 Audio In/ Microphone connector – Connects to a microphone or input signal for use with audio programs.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Computer Base and Keyboard Features 1 2 4 3 1 Touch pad – Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface. 2 Touch pad buttons – Provide left- and right-click functions those on like a mouse. 18 3 Keyboard – The settings for this keyboard can be personalized by using Dell QuickSet. For more information, see the Dell Technology Guide. 4 Media Controls – Controls CD, DVD, and media playback.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Media Controls To use the media controls, lightly touch the symbol and then release. The control’s symbol will shine for 2 seconds to confirm your selection then fade away.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Display Features The display panel holds an optional camera and accompanying dual microphones. 1 20 2 3 4 5 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 indicator (optional) – Light that indicates when the camera is on an off. Based on selections you made when purchasing your computer, your computer may not include a camera.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop 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. Shut down the computer and turn it over. 2. Slide the battery release latch until it clicks into place. 3.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Using the Optical Disc Drive NOTICE: Do not use non-standard-size or shape discs (including mini-CDs and mini‑DVDs) or you will damage the drive. NOTE: Do not move the computer while playing or recording CDs and DVDs. Place the disc in the center of the disc slot, with the label facing upwards and gently push the disc into the slot. The drive will automatically pull the disc in and begin reading its content. 22 To eject a disc from the drive, gently touch the eject control.
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. You can also edit and view digital photographs and images. Check your purchase order for software installed on your computer.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop Customizing Your Energy Settings 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: • Balanced — This power option offers full performance when you need it and saves power during periods of inactivity.
CAUTION: Only trained service personnel should remove the computer cover. See the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com for advanced service and troubleshooting instructions. If you can not solve your problem using the following guidelines, see “Using Support Tools” on page 31 or “Contacting Dell” on page 46. Network Problems Wireless Connections If the network connection is lost — The wireless router is offline or wireless has been disabled on the computer.
Solving Problems Wired Connections If the network connection is lost — The network cable is loose or damaged. • Check the cable to ensure it is plugged in and not damaged. The link integrity light on the integrated network connector lets you verify that your connection is working and provides information on the status: • Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer. • Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.
Solving Problems If the power light is solid white and the computer is not responding — The display may not be connected or powered on. Ensure that the display is properly connected and then turn it off then back on. If the power light is blinking white — The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the pointer on the trackpad or a connected mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
Solving Problems • Reseat the memory modules (See the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. If you experience other memory problems — • Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com). • Check if the memory module is compatible with your computer. Your computer supports DDR2 memory.
Solving Problems Turn the computer off. 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. If a program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system — Run the Program Compatibility Wizard.
Solving Problems ––Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information. ––Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly. ––Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program. ––If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
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 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. Or see “Contacting Dell” on page 46 for assistance. Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [nnnn].
Using Support Tools 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. Use an external power source to connect the USB device, or if your device has two USB cables, connect both of them.
Using Support Tools Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in “Lockups and Software Problems” on page 28 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin. NOTICE: Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Using Support Tools 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 Media 1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities media. 2. Shut down and restart the computer. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.
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 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. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action. 3.
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 NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel. 8. Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition, then click Next. The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete. A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed applications have been restored to factory condition. 9. Click Finish to reboot the system.
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 media. 3. Click Exit if the Install Windows message appears. 4. Restart the computer. 5. When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.
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 25 for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. 2. See “Dell Diagnostics” on page 33 for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics. 3. Fill out the “Diagnostic Checklist” on page 45. 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 45 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.com Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.
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 46. Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows: 1.
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 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. • 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).
Getting Help 47
INSPIRON Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: reinstall your operating system. your 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. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found on the Dell™ Support website at support.dell.com.
Finding More Information and Resources If you need to: See: find safety best practices information for your computer. review Warranty information, Terms and Conditions (U.S. only), Safety instructions, Regulatory information, Ergonomics information, and End User License Agreement. the safety and regulatory documents that shipped with your computer and also see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at: www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
INSPIRON Basic Specifications System Model Processor Dell Inspiron 1318 Types Intel® Core™2 Duo Intel® Celeron® Intel® Celeron® Dual-Core Intel® Pentium™ Dual-Core L2 cache 512 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB or 4 MB per core External bus frequency 533 MHz, 667 MHz or 800 MHz 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.
Basic Specifications Express Card Computer Information Cards supported ExpressCard/34 (34 mm) ExpressCard/54 (54 mm) 1.5 V and 3.
Basic Specifications Communications Video Modem type External V.
Basic Specifications Audio Ports and Connectors Audio type 2 channel High Definition Audio Audio controller IDT STAC9228 Stereo conversion 24-bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog) Internal Interface Intel High Definition Audio External Interface microphone-in connector, stereo headphone/ speaker connector Speaker two 4-ohm speakers Internal speaker amplifier 2 watt per channel into 4 ohms Volume controls program menus, media control buttons Audio microphone connector, one stereo he
Basic Specifications Display Type (TrueLife) Display 13.3-inch WXGA TrueLife Dimensions: Height 286.08 mm (11.26 in) Width 178.8 mm (7.03 in) Diagonal 337.8 mm (13.29 in) Maximum resolution 1280 x 800 Refresh rate 60 Hz Operating angle 0° (closed) to 140° Luminance 200 min. 220 typ. cd/m² (CCFL 5 point avg) 54 Viewing Angles: Horizontal ±40° (CCFL) min. Vertical +15°/–30° (CCFL) min. Pixel pitch 0.
Basic Specifications Touchpad Battery X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) 240 cpi Size: Width 63.1 mm (2.48 in) sensor-active area Height 37.1 mm (1.46 in) rectangle Battery Type 4-cell/6-cell/9-cell “smart” lithium ion Depth 64.2 mm (2.52 inches) (9 cell) 51.6 mm (2.03 inches) (4, 6 cell) Height 41.9 mm (1.64 in) (9 cell) 29.5 mm (1.16 in) (4/6 cell) Width 276.5 mm (10.8 in) (9 cell) 206.4 mm (8.12 in) (4/6 cell) Weight 0.53 kg (1.17 lb) (9 cell) 0.37 kg (0.82 lb) (6 cell) 0.
Basic Specifications Battery Life span (approximate) AC Adapter 300 discharge/charge cycles Ouput current (90 W) 5.62 A (maximum at 4-second pulse) 4.62 A (continuous) Ouput current (65 W) 3.9 A (maximum at 4-second pulse) 3.34 A (continuous) Rated output voltage 19.5 +/- 1 VDC Temperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage – Coin-cell battery CR-2032 40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Dimensions: AC Adapter Input voltage 100–240 VAC Input current (maximum) 1.5 A/1.
Basic Specifications AC Adapter Physical 90 W (D Series) Height 25.4 mm to 38.37 mm (1 in to 1.51 in) Width 318 mm (12.55 in) Depth 238 mm (9.37 in) Height 34.2 mm (1.35 in) Width 60.8 mm (2.39 in) Depth 153.42 mm (6.04 in) Weight (with cables) 0.46 kg (1.01 lb) Temperature range Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage – 40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Weight (with 4-cell battery): Configurable to less than 2.14 kg (4.
Basic Specifications Computer Environment Computer Environment Relative humidity (maximum): Altitude (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Operating – Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing) Storage – Airborne contaminant level G2 or lower as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985 Maximum vibration (using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment): Operating 0.66 GRMS Storage 1.
INSPIRON Index A AC adapter size and weight 56, 57 airflow, allowing 5 AutoTech 43 B backups creating 24 C calling Dell 45 CDs, playing and creating 23 chipset 51 computer capabilities 23 computer, setting up 5 connect(ing) to the Internet 8 using dial-up 9 via DSL 9 via WLAN 9 conserving energy 24 Contacting Dell online 46 customer service 42 customizing your desktop 23 your energy settings 24 D damage, avoiding 5 data, backing up 24 DellConnect 42 Dell Diagnostics 34 59
Index Dell Factory Image Restore 36 Dell Support Center 31 Dell support website 49 Dell Technology Guide for further information 48 Diagnostic Checklist 45 disc drive supported disc sizes 22 discs ejecting 22 using 22 drivers and downloads 49 DVDs, playing and creating 23 E email addresses for technical support 43 energy conserving 24 expansion bus 52 60 F finding more information 48 FTP login, anonymous 43 H hardware problems diagnosing 33 Hardware Troubleshooter 33 help getting assistance and support
Index N R network connection fixing 26 network speed testing 25 reinstalling Windows 36 resources, finding more 48 restoring factory image 38 O order status 43 P power problems, solving 26 power strips, using 6 problems, solving 25 processor 50 products information and purchasing 44 S setup, before you begin 5 shipping products for return or repair 44 software features 23 software problems 28 solving problems 25 specifications 50 support email addresses 43 support sites worldwide 42 System Messages 3
Index T technical support 42 V ventilation, ensuring 5 W warranty returns 44 Windows, reinstalling 36 Windows Vista® Program Compatibility Wizard 29 reinstalling 40 setup 8 wired network network cable, connecting 7 wireless network connection 25 wireless switch 6, 13, 25 62
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