Dell 1525 - Inspiron - Pentium Dual Core 1.86 GHz User manual

SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™

Model PP29L
SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™

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.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text:
Dell , the DELL logo, Inspiron , YOURS IS HERE, WIFi-Catcher, and DellConnect are trademarks
of Dell Inc.;
Intel , Pentium , and Celeron are registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S.
and other countries;
Microsoft , Windows , Windows Vista start button logo , and Windows Vista are either trademarks or
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.;
Bluetooth is a registered
trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.
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 Inc. 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.
October 2008 P/N Y465H Rev. A01

3
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
Microsoft®Windows®Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . . 8
Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Device Status Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Right Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Left Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Front Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Computer Base and Keyboard Features . . . 19
Media Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . . 22
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 30
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Hardware Troubleshooter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Contents

4
Contents
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .39
Windows XP: Using Dell™PC Restore . . . . . 40
Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image
Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . . 43
Technical Support and Customer
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
DellConnect™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
AutoTech Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Finding More Information and
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Basic Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

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INSPIRON
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
This section provides information about
setting up your Inspiron 1525/1526 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 5.1 cm (2 in) on all other sides. You
should never put your computer in an enclosed
space, such as a cabinet or drawer when it is
powered on.
NOTICE: Placing or stacking heavy or sharp
objects on the computer may result in
permanent damage to the computer.

6
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.
Check the Wireless Switch
If you plan to use wireless connections, make
sure the wireless switch is in the “On” position.
Using The Wireless Switch
To turn on the wireless switch, slide it from the
rear to the front of the computer until it clicks
into place.
- Off - On
- Momentary

7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect the Network Cable
(optional)
If you plan to use a wired network connection,
plug in the network cable.
Press the Power Button

8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Microsoft®Windows®Setup
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with
Microsoft Windows operating system. To
set up Windows 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.
NOTICE: Do not interrupt the operating
system’s setup process. Doing so may
render your computer unusable.
Connect to the Internet (Optional)
NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by
country.
To connect to the Internet, you need an external
modem or network connection and an Internet
service provider (ISP).
Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect
the telephone line to the external USB modem
(optional) and to the telephone wall jack
before you set up your Internet connection.
If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem
connection, contact your ISP or cellular
telephone service for setup instructions.