Dell Inspiron N073F User manual

SETUP GUIDE
INSPIRON™

Model PP25L
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, 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 other countries; Microsoft , Windows , 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.
Model PP25L July 2008 P/N N073F Rev. A01

3
INSPIRON
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
Windows Vista®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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Computer Base and Keyboard
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Media Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Removing and Replacing
the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using the Optical Disc Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 28
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Hardware Troubleshooter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Contents

4
Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .36
System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . . 39
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Technical Support and
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
DellConnect™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
AutoTech Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Returning Items for Repair
Under Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Finding More Information
and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Basic Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

5
INSPIRON
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
This section provides information about setting
up your Inspiron 1318 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

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
Windows Vista®Setup
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with
Windows Vista. To set up Windows Vista 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). Your ISP will offer one
or more of the following Internet connection
options:
DSL connections that provide high-speed•
Internet access through your existing
telephone line or cellular telephone service.
With a DSL connection, you can access the
Internet and use your telephone on the same
line simultaneously.
Cable modem connections that provide•
high-speed Internet access through your
local cable TV line.
Satellite modem connections that provide•
high-speed Internet access through
a satellite television system.

9
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Dial-• up connections that provide Internet
access through a telephone line. Dia-up
connections are considerably slower
than DSL and cable (or satellite) modem
connections. Your computer does not have
an integrated modem. An optional USB
modem must be used for dialup service
with this computer.
Wireless LAN• connections that provide
Internet access using WiFi 802.11
technology. Wireless LAN support requires
optional internal components that may or
may not be installed in your computer based
on decisions made at the time of purchase.
NOTE: If an external USB modem or
WLAN adapter is not part of your original
order you can purchase one from the
Dell website at dell.com.
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.
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
Before you can use your wireless Internet
connection, you need to connect to your
wireless router. To set up your connection to
a wireless router:
Save and close any open files, and exit any1.
open programs.
Click2. Start →Connect To.
Follow the instructions on the screen to3.
complete the setup.

10
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an Internet connection with a provided
ISP desktop shortcut:
Save and close any open files, and exit any1.
open programs.
Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft2. ®
Windows®desktop.
Follow the instructions on the screen to3.
complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop
or if you want to set up an Internet connection
with a different ISP, perform the steps in the
following section.
NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet
but have successfully connected in the
past, the ISP might have a service outage.
Contact your ISP to check the service
status, or try connecting again later.
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready.
If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to
the Internet wizard can help you get one.
Save and close any open files, and exit any1.
open programs.
Click2. Start →Control Panel.
Under3. Network and Internet, click Connect
to the Internet.
The Connect to the Internet window appears.

11
Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop
Click either4. Broadband (PPPoE) or Dial-up,
depending on how you want to connect:
Choosea. Broadband if you will use a DSL,
satellite modem, cable TV modem,
or Bluetooth®wireless technology
connection.
Choseb. Dial-up if you will use an optional
USB dial-up modem or ISDN.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of
connection to select, click Help me choose
or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and5.
use the setup information provided by your
ISP to complete the setup.

INSPIRON
12
Your Inspiron 1318 has several indicators,
buttons, and features that provide information
at-a-glance and time-saving shortcuts for
common tasks.
Device Status Lights
The device status lights located to the left of the
power button provide information for wireless
communication and keyboard input options.
1 2 3 4 5
1Num Lock light – Turns on when
the numeric keypad (Num Lock key)
is enabled.
2Caps Lock light – Turns on when
the uppercase letter (Caps Lock key)
is enabled.
3Scroll Lock light – Turns on when
the scroll lock function is enabled.
Using Your Inspiron Laptop

13
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
4WiFi status light – Turns on when
wireless networking is enabled.
Use the wireless switch located at
the front, right side of the computer to
quickly turn all wireless communication
On and Off.
Using The Wireless Switch
To turn on the wireless switch, slide it
away from the front of the computer until it
clicks into place.
- Off - On
5Bluetooth®status light
(optional) – Turns on when a card with
Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled.
NOTE: The card with Bluetooth
wireless technology is an optional
feature.
To turn off Bluetooth wireless, right-click
the bluetooth icon in the notification area of
your desktop, and click Disable Bluetooth
Radio or use the wireless switch.

14
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Right Side Features
1
2
3
4
5
1Wireless On/Off switch – Use this
switch to rapidly turn all wireless devices
Off or On such as WLAN cards and internal
cards with Bluetooth wireless technology.
The wireless switch may be in the Off
position when your computer is shipped to
you. To turn the switch On, slide the switch
away from the front of the computer until it
clicks into place.
- Off - On
NOTE: This switch can be deactivated
through Dell QuickSet or the BIOS
(system setup program).
2ExpressCard slot – Supports one
ExpressCard. The computer ships with
a plastic blank installed in the slot.

15
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
3Optical Drive – Plays or burns only
standard-size and shape (12 cm) CDs, and
DVDs. Ensure that the side with print or
writing is facing upward when inserting
discs.
NOTE: Do not use non-standard-size
or shape discs (including mini-CDs
and mini-DVDs) or you will damage
the drive.
4USB 2.0 connector – Connects a
USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard,
printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
5Security cable slot – Used to attach
a commercially available antitheft device
to the computer.
NOTE: Before you buy an antitheft
device, ensure that it works with the
security cable slot on your computer.

16
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Left Side Features
12
34
5
1AC adapter connector – Connects to
the AC adapter to power the computer and
charge the battery when the computer is
not in use.
2VGA connector – Connects to
a monitor or projector.
3Network connector – If you are
using a cabled network signal, this
connects your computer to a network
or broadband device.
4USB connector – Connects to a
USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard,
printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
5IEEE 1394 connector – Connects to
high-speed serial multimedia devices,
such as digital video cameras.

17
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Front Side Features
2
1
3
1Audio Out/ Headphone connector –
Connects one pair of headphones, or
sends audio to a powered speaker or
sound system.
2Audio In/ Microphone connector –
Connects to a microphone or input signal
for use with audio programs.
3
8-in-1 Media card reader – Provides
a fast and convenient way to view and
share digital photos, music, videos, and
documents stored on the following digital
memory cards:
Secure digital (SD) memory card•
SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) card•
Multi Media Card (MMC)•
Memory Stick•
Memory Stick PRO•
xD-Pictur• e Card (type - M and type - H)

18
Using Your Inspiron Laptop
Computer Base and Keyboard
Features
2
3
1
4
1Touch pad – Provides the functionality of
a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move
selected items, and left-click by tapping
the surface.
2Touch pad buttons – Provide left- and
right-click functions those on like a mouse.
3Keyboard – The settings for this keyboard
can be personalized by using Dell
QuickSet. For more information, see the
Dell Technology Guide.
4Media Controls – Controls CD, DVD, and
media playback.