Dell Inspiron 2100 User manual

Dell Inspiron 2100
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2100
A Tour of Your Computer
Power Conservation
Solving Problems
System Specifications
Drivers and Utilities
System Setup Program
Ports and Connector Pin-Outs
Removing and Replacing Parts
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
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 potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in the Tell Me
How help file (click Start, point to Programs, point to User's Guides, and then click
Tell Me How).
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.
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/index.htm (1 of 2) [2/28/2004 6:49:04 AM]

Dell Inspiron 2100
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell TravelLite, Inspiron, and DellWare are
trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel is a registered 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.
A01 5 Mar 2001
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/index.htm (2 of 2) [2/28/2004 6:49:04 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Back to Contents Page
A Tour of Your Computer
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2100
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
External Media Bay
Front View
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (1 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Display Latch
This tab keeps the display locked in place when the display is closed.
Display
The computer has a color LCD.
Device Status Lights
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
●The light labeled turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
●The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the numeric keypad.
●The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the uppercase letter
function.
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (2 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
●The light labeled turns on when you press to enable the scroll lock
function.
NOTICE: To avoid data loss, never turn off the computer while the light labeled is
flashing.
Microphone
The internal microphone allows you to record voice audio.
Touch Pad
The touch pad detects the position of your finger over a touch-sensitive area and provides the
computer with full mouse functionality.
Touch Pad Buttons
These buttons correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Status Lights
The lights below the display indicate the following:
●The light labeled turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status. Indicator
states include:
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (3 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
❍Solid green, which indicates that the battery is charging
❍Flashing green, which indicates that the battery charge cycle is complete
❍Flashing amber, which indicates that the battery charge is low
❍Solid amber, which indicates that the battery charge is critically low
●The light labeled turns on when the computer is turned on.
Keyboard
The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key, , which
supports the Windows operating systems. See the Tell Me How help file for information on your
computer's supported key combinations.
Power Button
HINT: To turn off your computer, perform a Windows shutdown.
Press the power button to turn on the computer or to initiate standby mode. Depending on the
computer's power management settings, pressing the power button may activate hibernate or
shutdown mode instead.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off
completely (this may take several seconds).
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (4 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Display-Close Button
When you close the display, this button activates a power conservation mode that you can select on
the Microsoft Windows Power Options Properties window.
NOTICE: Do not press the display-close button with your finger.
Left Side View
Fan Exhaust
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (5 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
HINT: The computer turns on the fan only when the computer gets hot. It may run most of the
time or very seldom, depending on your use of the computer. Because the fan spins at a high
rate of speed, it may make a noise. This noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with
the fan or the computer.
The fan works with the air intakes to prevent the computer from overheating. When the computer
gets hot, the small internal fan turns on and draws air through the air intakes to cool the computer.
Hot air is expelled through the fan exhausts.
CAUTION: Do not push objects into or block the fan exhaust. Doing so can cause fire
or damage the interior components. Keep the opening free from dust and other
foreign particles.
Audio Connectors
●Attach a microphone to the connector.
●Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
USB Connector
Use this connector to attach USB-compatible devices such as a mouse,
keyboard, printer, or scanner to your computer.
Right Side View
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (6 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Security Cable Slot
The slot lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. Complete
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (7 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.
NOTICE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before you buy one, make sure it will work
with the security cable slot in the computer.
Hard Drive
The hard drive reads and writes data on a hard disk.
PC Card Slot
The PC Card slot has one connector that supports various types of PC Cards, including modems and
network cards. See the Tell Me How help file for more information on supported PC Cards and for
installation and removal instructions.
Back View
Network Connector
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (8 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Use this connector to connect the computer to a network.
HINT: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a
telephone line into the network connector.
Modem Connector
Use this connector to plug in the telephone line.
Video Connector
Use this connector to attach an external monitor to the computer.
Parallel Connector
Use this connector to attach a parallel device, such as a printer, to the
computer.
External Media Bay Connector
Use this connector to connect the external media bay.
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (9 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
NOTICE: When you remove the media bay cable from the computer or a device, press in on
the cable securing clips while pulling the cable connector straight out. Do not insert or pull out
the connector at an angle.
AC Adapter Connector
Use this connector to attach an AC adapter to the computer.
HINT: Although the AC adapter works worldwide, power connectors vary among countries.
Before using the AC adapter in a foreign country, you may need to obtain a new power cable
designed for use with the electrical outlets in that country.
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the
AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable
connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
PS/2 Connector
Use this connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as a mouse,
keyboard, or external numeric keypad to your computer.
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (10 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Air Intake
HINT: The computer turns on the fan only when the computer gets hot. It may run most of the
time or very seldom, depending on your use of the computer. Because the fan spins at a high
rate of speed, it may make a noise. This noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with
the fan or the computer.
The fan works with the air intake to prevent the computer from overheating. When the computer
gets hot, the small internal fan turns on and draws air through the air intake to cool the computer.
Hot air is expelled through the fan exhaust.
CAUTION: Do not push objects into or block the air intake. Doing so can cause fire or
damage interior components. Keep the opening free from dust and other foreign
particles.
Bottom View
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (11 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Docking Connector
Use this connector to attach your computer to the optional port replicator. A port replicator allows
you to easily use an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor with your computer. An advanced port
replicator also includes a network adapter for connecting your computer to a network.
HINT: The port replicator may not be available in certain countries. Refer to the documentation
that came with your port replicator for instructions on attaching external devices to the port
replicator and connecting your computer to it.
Speaker
Your computer has an integrated speaker. Press the volume control buttons to adjust the speaker
volume.
Battery Bay Latch
Slide the battery bay latch to the unlock position, causing the battery to pop up slightly on one side.
While keeping the latch in the unlock position, pivot the battery up and out of the bay. Release the
latch.
Battery Charge Gauge
To check the charge level, press the battery test button. The appropriate number of indicators lights
up for a few seconds to indicate the amount of charge remaining in the battery.
Battery
The computer is shipped with a partially charged battery in the battery bay. Dell recommends that
you connect an AC adapter to the computer and fully charge the battery as soon as possible after
you unpack the computer.
External Media Bay
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (12 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

A Tour of Your Computer : Dell Inspiron 2100
Your computer comes with a floppy drive installed in the external media bay. You can also install a
CD drive, a DVD drive, or a CD-RW drive in the external media bay.
NOTICE: To avoid overheating the computer, do not place the external media bay close to the
air intake or fan exhaust.
NOTICE: When a device is not inside the external media bay, the device is fragile and must be
handled carefully to avoid damage. Do not press down on the device or place a heavy object
on top of it. Place extra devices in a travel case to keep them free of dust and protected from
liquids. Store devices in a safe place.
Before you remove a device from the external media bay, turn off the computer. After you install a
device in the external media bay, reboot the computer so that the device is recognized by the
operating system. See the Dell Solutions Guide that came with the computer for information on
swapping devices without shutting down the computer.
Back to Contents Page
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/tour.htm (13 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:49:22 AM]

Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Back to Contents Page
Power Conservation
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2100
Conservation Tips
Power Conservation Modes
Power Options Properties
Conservation Tips
●You automatically conserve battery power each time you attach your computer
to an electrical outlet. When the AC adapter is attached, the battery is charged
while the computer uses AC power. Your battery's life expectancy is largely
determined by the number of times it is charged, so use an AC power source to
run the computer if one is available.
●When the computer is using battery power, remove PC Cards that you are not
using.
●When possible, attach your computer to an electrical outlet when you play CDs
and DVDs. Playing a CD or DVD uses a lot of battery power.
●Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the
computer unattended for long periods of time. See "Power Conservation Modes"
for more information.
●If you are going to connect your computer to a port replicator, click None when
you program the display-close option on the Advanced tab in the Power
Options Properties window.
●To resume computer operation from a conservation mode, press the power
button.
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/power.htm (1 of 9) [2/28/2004 6:49:24 AM]

Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Power Conservation Modes
You can use both standby mode and hibernate mode on your computer.
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a
predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When your computer exits standby
mode, the desktop is restored to the same state that it was in before the computer
entered standby mode.
To activate standby mode:
●Click the Start button, click Shutdown, click Standby, and then click OK.
or
●Press the power button or the power conservation key combination,
<Fn><Suspend>, that you programmed (via the Advanced tab).
HINT: You can use the Advanced tab to program the display-close option, the
power button, and the power conservation key combination to activate standby
mode.
For more information on activating standby mode, see the instructions for your
operating system in "Turning Your Computer On and Off" in Chapter 1 of the Dell
Solutions Guide. To exit standby mode, press the power button.
NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode,
you may lose data.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the
hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits
hibernate mode, the programs and files that were open before you activated hibernate
mode are still open.
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/power.htm (2 of 9) [2/28/2004 6:49:24 AM]

Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically
low, or if either the power button, the power conservation key combination,
<Fn><Suspend>, or the display-close option are programmed to activate hibernate
mode in the Advanced tab of the Power Options Properties window.
HINT: Some PC Cards may not operate correctly after resuming operation from
hibernate mode. If you encounter problems with a PC Card, see the Tell Me How
help file for instructions on removing and replacing the card, or simply restart
(reboot) your computer.
To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time
to return to its normal operating state.
HINT: Pressing a key or touching the touch pad will not bring the computer out
of hibernate mode.
Power Options Properties
To access the Microsoft® Windows® Power Options Properties window:
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Power Options icon.
The Power schemes pull-down menu displays the selected preset power scheme:
●Portable/Laptop (default)
●Home/Office
●Always On
●Presentation (Windows 2000 only)
●Minimal Power Management (Windows 2000 only)
●Max Battery (Windows 2000 only)
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/power.htm (3 of 9) [2/28/2004 6:49:24 AM]

Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
HINT: Dell recommends that you continue to use the Portable/Laptop power
scheme to maximize battery power conservation.
Each preset power scheme has different time-out settings for putting the computer
into standby mode, turning off the display, and turning off the hard drive.
Alarms Tab
HINT: To enable audible alarms, click each Alarm Action button and select
Sound alarm.
The Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm settings alert you with a
message when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/power.htm (4 of 9) [2/28/2004 6:49:24 AM]

Power Conservation : Dell Inspiron 2100
your computer, the Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes are
selected. Dell recommends that you continue to use these defaults.
Power Meter Tab
The Power Meter tab displays the current power source and amount of battery
charge remaining.
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/2100/power.htm (5 of 9) [2/28/2004 6:49:24 AM]