Dell Inspiron 2100 User manual

www.dell.com
support.dell.com
Dell™ Dimension™ 2100

HINT: A HINT 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.
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help
file. To access help files, see page 24.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dimension, Inspiron, Dell Precision, OptiPlex,
Latitude, DellPlus, DellNet, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel
and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation;
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation
and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.
September 2001 P/N 2H946 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Ergonomic Computing Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1Setting Up
Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing the Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Transferring Information to a New Computer
(Windows XP Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setting Up a Home and Office Network
(Windows XP Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Windows Me and Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2Solving Problems
Finding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Accessing Help Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Start-Up Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4Contents
Video and Monitor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
If the screen is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
If the screen is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
If you cannot print to a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . 29
If you cannot print to a USB printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Modem Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
If you cannot play a music CD or install a program
from a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
If you cannot play a DVD movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
If the CD-RW drive stops writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
If you have a hard drive problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Microsoft®Windows®Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
General Program Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
A program crashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
If you have a problem with your Internet connection . . . . . . 41
E-Mail Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Contents 5
Resolving Other Technical Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Reinstalling Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback . . . . . . . . . 45
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities . . . . . . . 46
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Using System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Creating a Restore Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State . . . . . . 51
Undoing the Last System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Reinstalling Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Reinstalling Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Reinstalling Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3Adding Parts
Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Rotating the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Looking Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Adding a 3.5-Inch Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Adding Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Removing Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Adding Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Replacing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

6Contents
4Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Standard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Viewing Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Clearing Forgotten Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals . . . . . 90
Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals . . . . . . 91
Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Contact Numbers and Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . 106
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
NOM Information (Mexico Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Información para NOM (únicamente para México) . . . . . . . 112
Limited Warranties and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
One-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Two-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Three-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 119
One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Two-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . 127
“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy
(U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

7
Use the following safety guidelines to protect yourself and your computer.
When Using Your Computer
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s)
(including the computer cover, filler brackets, front-panel inserts,
and so on) removed.
•To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure that the voltage
selection switch is set to match the AC power available at your
location:
– 115 V/60 Hz in most of North and South America and some Far
Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan
– 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan
– 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East
Also be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically
rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
•To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network
cable, first unplug the cable from the network adapter on the back of
your computer, and then from the network jack. When reconnecting a
network cable to your computer, first plug the cable into the network
jack, and then into the network adapter.
•To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds
after turning off the computer before disconnecting or connecting a
non-USB device from the computer.
11 5 V

8
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
•To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and device power
cables into properly grounded power sources. These cables are
equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not
use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you
must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with properly grounded
plugs.
•To help protect your computer from sudden, transient increases and
decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner,
or uninterruptible power supply.
•Be sure that nothing rests on your computer’s cables and that the
cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
•Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets
wet, contact Dell (see page 92).
•Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so
can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
•Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not
block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your
computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a
bed, sofa, or rug.
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in
injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of
time may result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines
when setting up and using your computer:
•Position your computer so that the monitor and keyboard are directly
in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and
other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard.
•Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to
610 millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).
•Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you
are sitting in front of the monitor.

9
•Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and
the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the
curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and
glare on the monitor screen.
•Use a chair that provides good lower back support.
•Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral,
comfortable position while using the keyboard or mouse
•Always leave space to rest your hands while using the keyboard or
mouse.
•Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
•Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
•When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not
on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a
footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.
•Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not
have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try
to do things that use both hands.

10
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the
sequence indicated.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as
explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation or at the guidance
of a Dell support technician. Always follow installation and service instructions
closely.
1Turn off your computer.
2Turn off all devices.
monitor screen at or
below eye level
wrists relaxed
and flat
computer positioned
directly in front of
user
arms at desk
level
feet flat on the
floor

11
3Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface at the back of
the computer before touching anything inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the
computer to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal
components.
4Disconnect any devices connected to the computer, including the
monitor, from their electrical outlets to reduce the potential for
personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or
telecommunication lines from the computer.
5Disconnect the power cable to your computer, and then press the
power button to ground the system board.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
•When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable
itself. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid
bending any pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure that
both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
•Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components
on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal bracket.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is
incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before
you touch anything inside your computer and periodically while you work
inside the computer. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface
on the back of the computer.
You can also take the following steps to prevent static damage:
•Do not remove items from their antistatic packing material until you
are ready to install them in your computer. Just before unwrapping the
antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your
body.
•When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic
container or packaging.

12
www.dell.com | support.dell.com

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
SECTION 1
Connecting a Printer
Transferring Information to a New Computer (Windows
XP Only)
Setting Up a Home and Office Network (Windows XP
Only)
Turning Off the Computer

14 Setting Up
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
See the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended
preparation procedures, such as:
•Removing the packaging
•Installing the toner or ink cartridge
•Loading paper
Then follow the instructions that came with the printer to connect it to the
computer. If no information is provided, see the following sections.
Parallel Printer
1Turn off the computer (see page 18).
NOTICE: Use only a standard IEEE parallel cable measuring 3 m (10 ft) or
less to connect the printer to the computer. Use of a nonstandard cable may
prevent the printer from working.
2Attach the parallel printer cable to the parallel connector on the
computer and tighten the two screws. Attach the cable to the parallel
connector on the printer and snap the two clips into the two notches.

Setting Up 15
3Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New
Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.
4Install the printer driver if necessary (see page 16).
notches (2)
parallel printer
cable
screws (2)
parallel
connector on
printer
parallel connector on
computer
clips (2)

16 Setting Up
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
USB Printer
HINT: You can connect
USB devices while the
computer is turned on.
1Install the printer driver if necessary (see the following section).
2Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connector on the computer
and the printer. The USB connectors only fit one way.
HINT: Your computer has
two USB connectors on
the back panel (see the
START HERE sheet for
their locations).
Installing the Printer Driver
If you need to install a printer driver, insert the printer installation CD into
the CD drive. Then follow the prompts on the screen using the instructions
that came with the printer.
If your printer installation CD does not automatically run, click the Start
button on the Microsoft®Windows®desktop, click Run, and type
x:\setup.exe (where xis the letter of your CD drive [usually drive D]).
Then click OK and follow the prompts on your screen. If your printer
installation CD still does not run, check the documentation that came with
your printer for instructions on how to start the printer installation CD.
If you connect an older printer and it doesn’t work after you install the
driver, access the system setup program (see page 86) and ensure that the
parallel port is set to operate in bidirectional mode.
USB printer
cable
USB connector on
back of computer
USB connector
on printer

Setting Up 17
To check if your printer driver is installed on a computer running the
Windows XP operating system, click the Start button, click Control Panel,
click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click View installed printers
or fax printers. If your computer runs either Windows 2000 or Windows
Millennium Edition (Me), click the Start button, point to Settings, and
then click Printers. If your printer is listed in the Printers window, the
printer is ready to use.
Windows XP provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data,
such as e-mails, window sizes, toolbar settings, and Internet bookmarks,
from one computer to another. First you collect the data from the source
computer, and then you import the data to the new computer.
If the source computer uses another Windows operating system, the wizard
can be launched from the Windows XP operating system CD or from a
floppy disk created on the Windows XP computer. You may transfer the
data to the new computer over a network or serial connection, or you may
store it on a removable medium, such as a floppy disk, a Zip disk, or a
writable CD.
HINT: The CD that you
need to place in your CD
or DVD drive is titled
Operating System.
1On the Windows XP computer, click the Start button, point to All
Programs—> Accessories—> System Tools, and then click Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard.
2On the welcome screen, click Next.
3On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and
then click Next.
4Follow the instructions on the screen.

18 Setting Up
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Windows XP provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the
process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between
computers in a home or small office.
1Click the Start button, point to All Programs—> Accessories—>
Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
2On the welcome screen, click Next.
3Click checklist for creating a network.
HINT: Selecting the
connection method This
computer connects
directly to the Internet
enables the integrated
firewall provided with
Windows XP.
4Complete the checklist and required preparations, and then return to
the Network Setup Wizard.
5Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the
Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.
HINT: If you are having
difficulty turning off your
computer, see "General
Program Problems" on
page 40.
Windows XP
1Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.
3Click Turn off.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.
4Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.
Windows Me and Windows 2000
1Save and exit any programs and files you have open.
2Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down.
3Click the pull-down menu under What do you want the computer to
do?.

Setting Up 19
4Click Shut down and then click OK.
The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process
finishes.
5Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.

20 Setting Up
www.dell.com | support.dell.com