Dell XPS 15z User manual

SETUP GUIDE

SETUP GUIDE
Regulatory model: P12F Regulatory type: P12F001

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your
computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and
tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or
death.
If you purchased a Dell™n Series computer, any references in this document to the Microsoft®Windows®operating systems are
not applicable.
__________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2011 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, XPS™, and DellConnect™ are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel®is a registered
trademarks and Core™ is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft®, Windows®, and the
Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries; Blu‑ray Disc™ is a trademark of the Blu‑ray Disc Association; 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.
January 2011 Rev. A00

3
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop . . . . . . . .5
Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . 5
Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Connect the Network Cable
(Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Set Up Microsoft Windows . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Create System Recovery Media
(Recommended). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional). . . 12
Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) . . . . . 14
Set Up 3D TV (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connect to the Internet (Optional). . . . . 18
Using Your XPS Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . 20
Right View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Left View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Back View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Computer Base and Keyboard
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Touch Pad Gestures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Multimedia Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Status Lights and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . .40
Disabling Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . .42
Using the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
NVIDIA 3DTV Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
NVIDIA Optimus Technology. . . . . . . . . .48
Dell DataSafe Online Backup. . . . . . . . . .50
Dell Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Free Fall Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Contents

4
Contents
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . 57
Using Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Restoring Your Operating
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
System Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . .65
System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . .68
Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Technical Support and Customer
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Online Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Automated Order‑Status Service . . . . . . 73
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Finding More Information and
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico). . . . 87
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

5
This section provides information about
setting up your Dell XPS laptop.
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 laptop may
cause it to overheat. To prevent overheating
ensure that you leave a minimum of 5.1 cm
(2 inches) on the right and left sides. You
should never place your computer in an
enclosed space, such as a cabinet or drawer
while it is powered on.
WARNING: Do not block, push objects
into, or allow dust to accumulate in
the air vents. Do not place your Dell
computer in a low-airflow environment,
such as a closed briefcase, or on fabric
surfaces, such as carpets or rugs, while
it is powered on. Restricting the airflow
can damage the computer, deteriorate
the computer performance, 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.
CAUTION: Placing or stacking heavy
or sharp objects on the computer may
result in permanent damage to the
computer.
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop

6
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Connect the AC Adapter
Connect the AC adapter to the computer and then plug it into an electrical outlet or surge
protector.
WARNING: 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
permanent damage to your computer.

7
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
To use a wired network connection, connect the network cable.

8
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Press the Power Button

9
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Set Up Microsoft Windows
Your Dell computer is preconfigured with the 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 some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several
procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an
Internet connection.
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render
your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.
NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download
and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.
NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, go to
support.dell.com/MyNewDell.

10
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set up
Microsoft Windows.
The system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it
was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data files (without the need of the
Operating System disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware,
software, drivers, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating
state.
You will require the following to create the system recovery media:
Dell DataSafe Local Backup•
USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD‑R/DVD+R/Blu‑ray Disc•
NOTE: Dell DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.

11
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
To create a system recovery media:
Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page1. 6).
Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.2.
Click3. Start → All Programs→Dell DataSafe Local Backup.
Click4. Create Recovery Media.
Follow the instructions on the screen.5.
NOTE: For information on restoring your operating system using the system recovery
media, see “System Recovery Media” on page 67.

12
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Enable or Disable Wireless (Optional)

13
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
To enable or disable wireless:
Ensure that your computer is turned on.1.
Press the <Fn><F2> keys on the keyboard.2.
The current status of the wireless radios appears on the screen.
Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
Press the <Fn><F2> keys again to switch between the wireless enabled or disabled states.3.
NOTE: Pressing the <Fn><F2> keys allows you to quickly turn off wireless radios (Wi‑Fi and
Bluetooth), such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight.

14
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Set Up Wireless Display
(Optional)
NOTE: The wireless display feature may
not be supported on all computers. For
information about the hardware and
software requirements for setting up
wireless display, go to www.intel.com.
The Intel wireless display feature allows
you to share your computer display to a TV
without the use of cables. You must connect
a wireless display adapter to your TV before
setting up wireless display.
NOTE: The wireless display adapter does
not ship with your computer and must be
purchased separately.
If your computer supports the wireless display
feature, the Intel Wireless Display icon will
be available on the Windows desktop.
To set up wireless display:
Turn on your computer.1.
Ensure that wireless is enabled (see “Enable2.
or Disable Wireless” on page 12).
Connect the wireless display adapter to3.
the TV.
Turn on the TV.4.
Select the appropriate video source5.
for your TV, such as HDMI1, HDMI2, or
S‑Video.
Double‑click the Intel Wireless Display6.
icon on the desktop.
The Intel Wireless Display window
appears.
Select7. Scan for available displays.
Select your wireless display adapter from8.
the Detected wireless displays list.
Enter the security code that appears on9.
your TV.

15
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
To enable wireless display:
Double‑click the Intel Wireless Display1.
icon on the desktop.
The Intel Wireless Display window
appears.
Select2. Connect to Existing Adapter.
NOTE: You can download and install the
latest driver for “Intel Wireless Display
Connection Manager” from
support.dell.com.
NOTE: For more information about
wireless display, see the wireless display
adapter documentation.

16
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Set Up 3D TV (Optional)
NOTE: To know if your TV supports the
3D features available on your computer,
see System Requirements at
www.nvidia.com/3dtv.
Connect your computer to the 3D TV1.
using a HDMI cable.
NOTE: The HDMI cable transmits both
audio and video signals.
Set up the HDMI 1.4 3D TV:2.
Browse to the 3D settings menu ona.
your TV.
Set the 3D mode tob. Automatic.
Set the eye order for the glasses toc.
default or normal.
NOTE: Do not change the eye order
settings when using NVIDIA 3DTV Play as
the application controls the timing of the
glasses.
NOTE: If you are unable to view the
entire Windows desktop on your TV, use
the 3D TV’s settings to reduce the display
resolution.
NOTE: For more information about
configuring the 3D settings, see the
documentation that shipped with
your TV.
Set your TV as the primary display:3.
Right‑click the desktop and selecta.
NVIDIA Control Panel.
In theb. NVIDIA Control Panel window,
click Display to expand the selection
(if not already expanded) and then click
Set up multiple display.
In thec. Verify the display configuration
section, right‑click the 3D TV and
select Make this the Windows primary
display.

17
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Set up the NVIDIA 3DTV Play application:4.
In thea. NVIDIA Control Panel window,
click Stereoscopic 3D to expand the
selection (if not already expanded) and
then click Set up stereoscopic 3D.
Select theb. Enable stereoscopic 3D
check box. The 3DTV Play setup wizard
appears.
Ensure that the 3DTV Play logo appearsc.
in the control panel.
Change the desktop resolution to match5.
the resolution of the 3D content type:
In the NVIDIA Control Panel window, click
Display to expand the selection
(if not already expanded) and then click
Change resolution.
For 3D gaming, set the resolution to•
720p, 1280x720 and refresh rate to
60/59 Hz in HD 3D mode.
For Blu‑ray 3D playback, set the•
resolution to 1080p, 1920x1080 and
refresh rate to 24/23 Hz in HD 3D mode.
NOTE: For TVs using PAL system with
refresh rates of 50 Hz or 100 Hz or NTSC
system with refresh rates of 60 Hz or
120 Hz, set the resolution to 720p and
refresh rate to 60/59 Hz.
NOTE: The performance of games may
reduce in HD 3D mode even if 3DTV Play
is disabled. To maximize performance,
select HD or SD mode when 3DTV Play
is disabled.
Check the HDMI audio on the TV by6.
playing a video, game, or music and
adjusting the volume on the TV.
NOTE: For more information on 3D TV,
see “NVIDIA 3DTV Play” on page 45.

18
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Connect to the Internet
(Optional)
To connect to the Internet, you need an
external modem or network connection and
an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
If an external USB modem or WLAN adapter
is not a part of your original order, you can
purchase one from dell.com.
Setting Up a Wired Connection
If you are using a dial‑up connection,•
connect the telephone line to the optional
external USB modem and to the telephone
wall connector 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.
To complete setting up your wired Internet
connection, follow the instructions in “Setting
Up Your Internet Connection” on page 19.
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
NOTE: To set up your wireless router,
see the documentation that shipped with
your router.
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:
Ensure that wireless is enabled on your1.
computer (see “Enable or Disable Wireless”
on page 12).
Save and close any open files, and exit any2.
open programs.
Click3. Start →Control Panel.
In the search box, type4. network, and
then click Network and Sharing Center→
Connect to a network.
Follow the instructions on the screen to5.
complete the setup.