Dell XPS L501 SERIES User manual
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.
© 2010 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, Solution Station,and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel,
Pentium,and Centrino are 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.
July 2010 P/N N0KR7 Rev. A00
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
3
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop . . . . . . . .7
Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . 7
Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connect the Network Cable
(Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Set Up Microsoft Windows . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Create System Recovery Media
(Recommended). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Install the SIM Card (Optional) . . . . . . . . 14
Enable or Disable Wireless
(Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) . . . . . 18
Set Up the TV Tuner (Optional) . . . . . . . . 19
Connect to the Internet (Optional). . . . .20
Using Your XPS Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . 22
Right View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Left View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Front View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Back View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Computer Base and Keyboard
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Status Lights and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . .34
Disabling Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Touch Pad Gestures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Multimedia Control Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Control Strip Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Using the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Touch Screen Gestures (Optional) . . . . .46
Contents
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
4
Contents
Removing and Replacing the
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Dell DataSafe Online Backup. . . . . . . . . . 51
Dell Stage (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
NVIDIA Optimus Technology. . . . . . . . . .54
Free Fall Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Dell Dock (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Beep Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Touch Screen Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . .62
Using Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Dell Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Restoring Your Operating
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
System Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Dell DataSafe Local Backup. . . . . . . . . . . 74
System Recovery Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
5
Contents
Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Technical Support and Customer
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Online Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Automated Order‑Status Service . . . . . .82
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Returning Items for Repair Under
Warranty or for Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Before You Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Contacting Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Finding More Information and
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Macrovision Product Notice . . . . . . . . . . 97
Information for NOM, or Official
Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico). . . .98
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
7
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
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
8
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.
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
11
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.
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
12
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.
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
13
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. 8).
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 76.
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
14
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Install the SIM Card (Optional)
NOTE: Installing a SIM card is not required if you are using an EVDO card to access the
Internet.
NOTE: Installing a mini B‑CAS card into the SIM card slot is required to set up and view
ISDB‑T digital TV in Japan.
Installing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card on your computer allows you to connect to
the Internet. To access the Internet you must be within the network of your cellular service
provider.
To install the SIM card:
Turn off your computer.1.
Remove the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page2. 48).
In the battery bay, slide the SIM card into the SIM card slot.3.
Replace the battery (see “Removing and Replacing the Battery” on page4. 48).
Turn on your computer.5.
To remove the SIM card, press and eject the SIM card.
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
17
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
To enable or disable wireless:
Ensure that your computer is turned on.1.
Press the wireless key2. on the function key row on the keyboard.
The current status of the wireless radios appears on the screen.
Wireless enabled
Wireless disabled
Press the wireless key3. again to switch between the wireless enabled or disabled states.
NOTE: The wireless key 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.
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
18
Setting Up Your XPS Laptop
Set Up Wireless Display
(Optional)
NOTE: Wireless display may not be
supported on all computers.
Wireless display can only be set up on
computers with:
Processor Intel®Core™ i3‑3xx to i7‑6xx
Video
controller
Intel HD Graphics
WLAN card Intel Centrino®
6100/6200/6300 or Intel
Centrino Advanced‑N +
WiMAX 6250
Operating
system
Windows 7 Home Premium,
Professional, or Ultimate
Driver Download and install the
latest driver for “Intel Wireless
Display Connection Manager”
available at support.dell.com.
To set up wireless display on your computer:
Ensure that your computer is turned on.1.
Ensure that wireless is enabled (see “Enable2.
or Disable Wireless” on page 16).
Connect the wireless display adapter to3.
the TV.
NOTE: The wireless display adapter does
not ship with your computer and must be
purchased separately.
Turn on the TV and the wireless display4.
adapter.
Select the appropriate video source5.
for your TV, such as HDMI1, HDMI2, or
S‑Video.
Double‑click the Intel6. ®Wireless Display
icon on the desktop.
The Intel®Wireless Display window
appears.
Downloaded from LpManual.com Manuals
Table of contents
Other Dell Laptop manuals
Dell
Dell Latitude LS User guide
Dell
Dell XPS 17 9720 User manual
Dell
Dell XPS L501X User manual
Dell
Dell Venue 11 Pro User manual
Dell
Dell Vostro 1320 User manual
Dell
Dell Inspiron N4030 User manual
Dell
Dell Inspiron 14 5410 User manual
Dell
Dell Inspiron 7306 2-in-1 Operation and maintenance manual
Dell
Dell P117F003 User manual
Dell
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Operation and maintenance manual
Dell
Dell Networking 8100 Series User manual
Dell
Dell Inspiron 3505 Operation and maintenance manual
Dell
Dell Precision M6500 User manual
Dell
Dell Latitude 3301 User guide
Dell
Dell P26S User manual
Dell
Dell Latitude Z600 Owner's manual
Dell
Dell XPS L511z User manual
Dell
Dell Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chrome Operation and maintenance manual
Dell
Dell 3330 User manual
Dell
Dell 1537 - Studio Core 2 Duo T6400 2.0GHz 4GB... User manual
