Dell 1545 - Inspiron - Pentium 2 GHz User manual

SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™

Model PP41L
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.
© 2008-2009 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, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.;
Intel , Pentium , and Celeron are registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries;
Microsoft , Windows , Windows Vista, and Windows Vista start button logo 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
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uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
January 2009 P/N F123H Rev. A01

3
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . .5
Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . 5
Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . . 7
Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Enable or Disable Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows Vista® Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . 10
Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Right Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Left Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Front Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Computer Base and Keyboard
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Media Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . . 26
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 33
Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Hardware Troubleshooter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .41
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . . 45
Contents

4
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Finding More Information and
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

5
INSPIRON
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
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 5.1 cm (2 inches) on all other
sides. You should never place your computer in
an enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer
when it is powered on.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into,
or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. Do not store your Dell™ computer
in a low-airflow environment, such as
a closed briefcase, while it is running.
Restricting the airflow can damage the
computer or cause a fire. The computer
turns on the fan when the computer gets
hot. Fan noise is normal and does not
indicate a problem with the fan or the
computer.
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.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the
AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp
the connector, not the cable itself, and pull
firmly, but gently to prevent damage to the
cable.
NOTE: Connect the power cord to the
adapter firmly and ensure that the light on
the adapter is on when you turn on power.

7
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Connect the Network Cable
(Optional)
If you plan to use a wired network connection,
connect the network cable.

8
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Press the Power Button