Dell Inspiron 2650 User manual

Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2600 and 2650
A Tour of Your Computer
Solving Problems
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® Operating Systems
System Setup Program
Power Management
Using the Dell Diagnostics
Specifications
Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors
Removing and Replacing Parts
Documentation
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 potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file. See
"Accessing Help."
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Back to Contents Page
A Tour of Your Computer
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2600 and 2650
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
1 display latch 7 device status lights
2 display 8 hard drive
3 Dell™ AccessDirect™ button 9 speaker
4 keyboard status lights 10 keyboard
5 touch pad 11 power button
6 touch pad buttons
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Display Latch — Keeps the display closed.
Display — For more information on using your color display, see "Using the Display"
in the Tell Me How help file (see "Accessing Help").
Dell AccessDirect Button — Press this button to launch support and educational
resources that Dell has installed on your computer.
Keyboard Status Lights — The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the
following:
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Touch Pad — Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse.
Touch Pad Buttons — Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Device Status Lights
Turns on when you turn on the computer or flashes when the computer is in
standby mode
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the
light is flashing.
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
●Solid green: The battery is fully charged.
●Flashing green: The battery is charging.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
●Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).
●Flashing orange: The battery charge is critically low.
●Solid orange: The battery charge is low.
Hard Drive — Reads and writes data on a hard disk.
Speaker — Press the volume control buttons or volume control keyboard shortcuts to
adjust the volume of the integrated speakers.
Keyboard — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft®
Windows® logo key .
Power Button — Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter standby
mode.
NOTICE: Turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown rather
than by pressing the power button. Otherwise, you may lose data.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Left Side View
1 audio connectors (2)
2 network connector
3 PC Card slot
4 floppy drive
Audio Connectors
Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Network Connector (Optional)
HINT: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do
not plug a telephone line into the network connector.
Connects the computer to a network. The lights next to the
connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network
communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online
network adapter documentation supplied with your computer.
PC Card Slot — Has one connector that supports various types of PC Cards, including
modems and network adapters.
Floppy Drive — Reads and writes data to floppy disks.
Right Side View
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
1 security cable slot
2 fixed optical drive
compartment
Security Cable Slot — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to
the computer. Instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the
device.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the
security cable slot.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Fixed Optical Drive Compartment — Accommodates devices such as a CD drive,
DVD drive, CD-RW drive, or a CD-RW/DVD combo drive.
Back View
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the
computer before you disconnect an external device.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate
in the air vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
1 modem connector 5 air vents (for Inspiron 2650
only)
2 USB connectors (2) 6 parallel connector
3 PS/2 connector 7 AC adapter connector
4 video connector 8 air vents
Modem Connector
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Connect the telephone line to the modem connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem
documentation supplied with your computer.
USB Connectors
Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
PS/2 Connector
HINT: You can use the integrated keyboard and an external keyboard at the
same time. When you attach a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2numeric keypad, the
integrated keypad is disabled.
Connects PS/2-compatible devices, such as a mouse, keyboard,
or external numeric keypad.
Shut down the computer before attaching or removing a PS/2-
compatible device. If the device does not work, install the
device drivers from the floppy disk or CD that came with the
device, and restart the computer.
Video Connector
Connects an external monitor.
Air Vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents,
which prevents the computer from overheating.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate
in the air vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
HINT: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans
may make noise, which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans
or the computer.
Parallel Connector
Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.
AC Adapter Connector — Allows you to attach an AC adapter to the computer. The
AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can
connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
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 the
power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.
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.
Bottom View
1 battery lock
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A Tour of Your Computer: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
2 battery release latch
3 battery
4 memory module cover
5 air vents
Battery Lock — Secures the battery.
Battery Release Latch — Press the release latch to remove the battery.
Battery — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting
it to an electrical outlet.
Memory Module Cover — Covers the compartment that contains the memory
module(s). See "Memory Module"for information on replacing and installing memory
modules.
Air Vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents,
which prevents the computer from overheating.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate
in the air vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
HINT: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans
may make noise, which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans
or the computer.
Back to Contents Page
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Back to Contents Page
Solving Problems
Dell™ Inspiron™ 2600 and 2650
Accessing Help
Power Problems
Error Messages
Video and Display Problems
Sound and Speaker
Problems
Printer Problems
Modem and Internet
Connection Problems
Scanner Problems
PC Card Problems
Touch Pad or Mouse
Problems
External Keyboard Problems
Unexpected Characters
Drive Problems
Network Problems
General Program Problems
E-Mail Problems
If Your Computer Gets Wet
If You Drop or Damage Your
Computer
Resolving Other Technical
Problems
Accessing Help
To access the Tell Me How help file
Microsoft®Windows®XP
1. Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.
2. Click User and system guides and then click User's guides.
3. Click Tell Me How.
Windows 2000
1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and point to User's
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Guides.
2. Click Tell Me How.
To access Help in Windows XP
1. Click the Start button and then click Help and Support.
2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click the
arrow icon.
3. Click the topic that describes your problem.
4. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
To access Help in Windows 2000
1. Click the Start button and then click Help.
2. Click the Search tab.
3. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and then click List
Topics.
4. Click the topic that describes your problem and then click Display.
5. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Power Problems
HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on standby mode (see
"Accessing Help").
Check the power light — When the power light is lit or blinking, the
computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in
standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode. If the light is
off, press the power button to turn on the computer.
Charge the battery — The battery charge may be depleted.
1. Reinstall the battery.
2. Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3. Turn on the computer.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Check the battery status light — If the battery status light flashes
orange or is a steady orange, the battery charge is low or depleted.
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
If the battery status light is off, the battery is too hot to charge. Turn off
the computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet, and then
let the battery and computer cool to room temperature.
If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be
defective. for technical assistance (see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's
Manual that came with your computer).
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by
testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the
AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power
protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the
computer turns on.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent
lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
Adjust the power properties — See the Tell Me How help file or search
for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center (Help in Windows
2000). See "Accessing Help."
Reseat the memory modules — If your computer has 192 MB or more of
RAM and the computer power light turns on but the display remains blank,
reseat the memory modules. If your computer has less than 192 MB of
RAM, you do not need to reseat the module.
To check how many MB of RAM your computer has:
●In Windows XP, click Computer Information.
●In Windows 2000, right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop,
and then click the General tab.
Error Messages
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the
program that was running at the time the message appeared.
Decreasing available memory — Your memory module may be faulty or
improperly seated. If your computer has 192 MB or more of RAM, reseat
the memory modules and, if necessary, replace it. If your computer has
less than 192 MB of RAM, you do not need to reseat the module.
To check how many MB of RAM your computer has:
●In Windows XP, click Computer Information.
●In Windows 2000, right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop,
and then click the General tab.
The file being copied is too large for the destination drive — The file
that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too
full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.
Insert bootable media — The operating system is trying to boot to a
nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
Non-system disk or disk error — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive.
Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
Operating system not found — Contact Dell for technical assistance
(see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual that came with your
computer).
A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to
open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program.
Microsoft® Windows® XP
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Select the program you want to remove.
5. Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
6. See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Windows 2000
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
Panel.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
3. Select the program that you want to remove.
4. Click Change or Remove Programs and follow the prompts on the
screen.
5. See the program documentation for installation instructions.
x:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — Insert a disk into the
drive and try again.
Video and Display Problems
If the display is blank
HINT: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your
computer supports, Dell recommends that you attach an external monitor to
your computer.
Check the light — When the light is blinking, the computer has
power.
If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the
power button to exit standby mode.
If the light is off, press the power button.
If the light is on, your power management settings may have caused
the display to turn off. Try pressing any key or move the cursor to exit
standby mode.
Check the battery — If you are using a battery to power your computer,
the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical
outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by
testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
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Solving Problems: Dell Inspiron 2600 and 2650
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the
AC adapter has a light, ensure that it is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power
protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the
computer turns on.
Adjust the Power Properties — See the Tell Me How help file or search
for the keyword standby in the Help and Support Center (Help in Windows
2000). See "Accessing Help."
Switch the video image — If your computer is attached to an external
monitor, press to switch the video image to the display.
If the display is difficult to read
Adjust the brightness — See the Tell Me How help file for instructions on
adjusting the brightness (see "Accessing Help").
Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor — If your
external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is
at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent
lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
Rotate the computer to face a different direction — Eliminate sunlight
glare, which can cause poor picture quality.
Adjust the Windows display settings
Windows XP
1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.
4. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
Windows 2000
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
Panel.
2. Double-click the Display icon and then click the Settings tab.
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