Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in
bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are
used as follows:

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer system.

 
      

  

 
  
   !     " 

  "    #

____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1999 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer
Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, BE DIRECT, and Inspiron are trademarks of
Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT 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.
August 1999 P/N 1945T Rev. A00



       

Information Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
System Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Reference and Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

      

Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Microsoft Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

       !   

Adding a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Installing PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Removing PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

" Figure 3-1. Touch Pad and Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Figure 3-2. Inserting a Disc Into the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

v
vi



 

This Setup Guide provides instructions for setting up a Dell™ Inspiron™ portable com-
puter. Both first-time and experienced computer users should complete the
instructions in Chapter 2, “Operating System Setup,” to properly configure the com-
puter for operation. Chapter 3, “Using Hardware Devices,” describes procedures for
using your computer’s hardware.

  
In addition to this guide, Dell provides other handy reference tools to help you make
the most of your computing experience.

#
The system Help allows you to search for information in multiple ways. You can
quickly access information on the following topics:

$ Hardware and software features of your system

$ Options and upgrades
$ The Microsoft® Windows® desktop, changing your wallpaper and screen saver,
creating shortcuts, and positioning icons
$ Software access, installation, and removal
$ Basic file management, such as finding, copying, deleting, and renaming files
$ Tips on using your computer hardware devices
$ Answers to commonly asked questions about your computer
$ Phone numbers for contacting Dell for help
To open the Help, click the Start button, point to Programs—> Dell Documents, and
click Dell Inspiron System Help.

You may also double-click the Dell Documentation icon on the Windows desktop,
click System Information, and then click Dell Inspiron System Help.

Introduction 1-1
 %&  '(# ) 
Your Reference and Troubleshooting Guide provides information on adding upgrades
like memory, performing basic troubleshooting procedures, and reinstalling drivers. It
also covers technical specifications, the system setup program, and system codes
and messages.

1-2 Dell Inspiron Systems Setup Guide



    

Your Dell computer has been shipped with the Microsoft Windows 98 Second
Edition operating system or the Microsoft Windows NT® Workstation operating sys-
tem already installed. Perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to
your operating system so that the software functions properly on your Dell computer.

$     "      

 
  %    
      

          

Initial setup of Windows 98 Second Edition takes about 15 minutes. The setup
process is customized according to which computer components you have.

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Operating System Setup 2-1

 To complete the initial setup of Windows 98 Second Edition on your Dell computer,
perform the following steps:

1. If you have a modem installed in your computer, connect a telephone line to it as

instructed in the Getting Started sheet that accompanied your computer.

2. Turn on your computer as instructed in the Getting Started sheet that accompanied
your computer.

The Dell Software License window appears.

3. Read the software license agreement that came with your computer and then
press any key to continue.

4. When your Express Service Code displays, press any key to continue.

NOTE: Dell’s Express Service Code may not be available in all countries.

The computer restarts automatically.

NOTE: After the computer restarts, the Windows 98 screen appears for about
1 or 2 minutes. Although it may appear as if no activity is occurring, the operating
system is actually loading program files.

5. When the Getting Started window appears, verify that the regional and
keyboard setup and layout settings are correct for your location; then click Next.
Otherwise, click the appropriate settings and then click Next.

6. When prompted, enter your name and company information and then click Next.

If your computer includes a modem, proceed to step 7. Otherwise, proceed to

step 9.

7. A modem preparation window appears that allows you to connect to Microsoft

and register your operating system. Click Skip and proceed to step 10, or enter
the requested information, click Next, and proceed to step 8.

A registration progress window appears while your modem connects to

Microsoft.

8. To send the registration information to Microsoft, enter the requested

information in the Registration Confirmation window and click Next. If you do
not want the information sent, uncheck the Please, send the information on
this screen to Microsoft box and click Next.

9. Read the license agreement, click I accept the Agreement, and then click Next.

If you do not accept the agreement, you cannot access Windows 98 Second
Edition.

10. If a screen appears that prompts you to set up your Internet access or provides
information about how to connect to the Internet, follow the instructions that
appear on the screen or click Skip to bypass Internet setup and information. If no
prompt appears, proceed to the next step.

2-2 Dell Inspiron Systems Setup Guide

11. Click Finish.

12. If the Date/Time Properties window shows the correct time and date for your
area, click Close. Otherwise, enter the correct time and date, click Apply, and
then click OK.

Windows 98 Second Edition is now set up and the Windows desktop appears on
the screen.

Windows 98 Second Edition is now completely installed on your computer. Proceed

to “Adding a Printer” for instructions on how to connect a printer and to “Information
Resources” for descriptions of reference tools that are included with your Dell
computer.

     

The initial setup of the Windows NT Workstation 4.0 operating system takes approxi-
mately 15 minutes to complete. Additional setup time may be required, depending on
your computer’s internal and external devices.

To complete the initial setup of Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on your computer,

perform the following steps:

1. Turn on your computer.

2. At the Dell Software License Agreement window, follow the directions on the
display to continue.

3. At the Technical Support Information window, follow the directions on the

display to continue.

The Technical Support Information window displays the service tag sequence
and Express Service Code for your computer. Click Next.

NOTE: Dell’s Express Service Code may not be available in all countries.

The Select Operating System menu appears. Then the Windows NT Setup
window appears.

4. At the Microsoft Software License Agreement window, click I accept this

agreement and then click Next to continue.

5. At the Windows NT Setup window, click Next>.

6. At the Name and Organization window, type your name and organization and
click Next>.

Your name and organization can each be up to 50 characters long.

7. In the Registration window, type your product ID number and click Next>.

The product ID number is a 20-digit number located on the Microsoft Certificate

of Authenticity.

Operating System Setup 2-3

 NOTE: The Certificate of Authenticity is displayed on the front cover of the
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation—Start Here booklet. The booklet is
shipped in the accessories box accompanying your computer.

8. When prompted, type the computer name and click Next>.

The computer name is the name used to identify your computer on a network
and, therefore, must be unique to the network. It can be up to 15 characters long.

The Administrator Account window appears.

9. If you want to use an administrator password, type the password in the Pass-
word field and again in the Confirm Password field, and then click Next>.

The password can be up to 14 characters long. If you do not want to use a pass-
word, leave the Password field blank.

    3   "  

 "   & 3



10. When the Windows NT Setup window appears, click Finish> to restart the
computer.

11. When prompted, press <Enter> to select the default operating system.

NOTE: The default is selected automatically after 30 seconds if no selection is

made. Do not select anything other than the default operating system.

12. At the Begin Logon window, press <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.

13. When prompted, type the password you chose in step 9 and click OK.

2-4 Dell Inspiron Systems Setup Guide



       

This chapter provides information and tips on using your computer hardware devices
(physical parts of a computer). It also includes general instructions for using a port rep-
licator. For more information on using hardware, see the system Help. See Chapter 1,
“Introduction,” for instructions on accessing the system Help.

Many of the computer devices you might want to use or connect come with their
own instructions and/or software. Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions when
connecting and using these devices.

 
%      "

          
     

     

      "    
  678   
  

NOTE: Most new printers provide installation CDs that run automatically when inserted
into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. After you complete the operating system setup
described in Chapter 2, install the software for these printers by inserting the CD into
the drive and following the instructions on your screen. It is not necessary to use the
Printer Wizard to install printers for which you have the manufacturer’s software.

Some printers come with specific instructions for the connection and installation of
necessary software and drivers. Follow the instructions that came with your printer.
If instructions are not available, perform the following general steps:

1. Turn off the computer and any attached devices.

2. Connect the printer cables.

a. Connect the data cable between the printer and the appropriate port on your
computer. The parallel port with the printer icon is LPT1 and is the most
commonly used printer port. The serial port is the COM port. If you are
unable to determine which port to use, contact the printer manufacturer.

b. Connect the power cable to an electrical outlet.

Using Hardware Devices 3-1

 3. Turn on the printer, and then turn on the computer.

4. If the printer is automatically detected by Windows, follow the instructions that

appear on your screen to complete setup of the printer.

If the printer is not automatically detected during operating system start-up,

proceed to step 5 to complete the printer setup.

5. Double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop.

6. Double-click the Printers folder, and then double-click the Add Printer icon.

7. In the Printer Wizard dialog box, click either the Local Printer option or the Net-
work Printer option and then click Next>.

8. Select the printer manufacturer and model from the list provided. If your printer is
not listed and the printer drivers are on a diskette or CD, click Have Disk... and
insert the diskette into drive A or the CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

9. Click the serial (COMn) or parallel (LPT1) port that you want to use.

Choose the computer serial or parallel port to which you connected the printer.
Verify that the port you chose is not already assigned to another device. If
necessary, add a port or configure a port by using the buttons in the Printer
Wizard dialog box.

NOTE: If you are connecting to a network printer, contact your network

administrator.

10. Type the printer name (up to 31 characters) and click Next>.

11. If prompted, indicate whether the printer will be shared with other network users
by clicking either the Shared or Not shared option.

12. Select Yes or No to indicate whether you want to print a test page.

If you choose to print a test page, follow the instructions on the screen.

13. Click Finish.

3-2 Dell Inspiron Systems Setup Guide

 
The Personal System/2 (PS/2)-compatible touch pad (see Figure 3-1) detects the posi-
tion of your finger over a touch-sensitive area and provides the computer with full
mouse functionality. The touch pad's two buttons correspond to the left and right but-
tons on a standard mouse.

touch pad

touch-pad buttons

   

Use the touch pad to perform common mouse functions as follows:

$ To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the smooth sensor area.
$ To select an object, gently tap once on the surface of the touch pad.
$ To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap
down-up-down on the touch pad. On the second down motion, leave your finger
on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger across the
surface.
$ To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap twice.
To customize touch pad and cursor features, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears.

2. Double-click the Mouse icon.

3. Make your desired selections in the Mouse Properties window. Click Help if you
need more information.

4. To incorporate your changes, click Apply.

NOTE: Keep your fingers away from the touch pad while the computer is booting or
loading the operating system. If you touch the touch pad at either time, the cursor will
not move until you remove your finger from the touch pad surface.

Using Hardware Devices 3-3

  
The PC Card slot has two PC Card connectors and supports four combinations of
cards. See the following subsections for installation and removal instructions. For
information on configuring a PC Card, refer to “PC Cards” in the system Help.

  ## *   
PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) to indicate
which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If
card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that comes with the card. You can
install a PC Card while the computer is running. The PC Card is automatically detected.

To install a PC Card, perform the following steps:

1. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot, with the top side
of the card facing up.

2. Insert the card into the slot, and press in firmly until the card is completely seated
in the internal PC Card connector.

If you encounter too much resistance when inserting the card, do not force the
card. Check the card's orientation, and try again.

The computer recognizes most input/output (I/O) cards and automatically loads the
appropriate device driver.

If your older modem communications software cannot use certain interrupt request
(IRQ) settings, you must disable the serial port or infrared port to use the software.

%! *   
To remove a PC Card from the PC Card slot, perform the following steps.

 *         -  

       
           "   
    

1. Press the eject button.

2. When the button slides out, press it again to release the card.

3. Gently remove the card.

4. Press the eject button once more until it is flush with the computer casing.

3-4 Dell Inspiron Systems Setup Guide

 !  " !  #
CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives read audio CDs and a variety of other CD formats. The
DVD-ROM drive also plays DVDs.

+   +345    

+      +345   
 3 -   -  

To use a disc in the drive, perform the following steps:

1. Press the button on the front of the drive to open the disc tray and then pull the
tray the rest of the way out.

+           

2. Place the disc in the center of the disc tray with the label side facing up.

3. Center the disc on the spindle, as shown in Figure 3-2. Then gently press the CD
or DVD down on both sides of the spindle until the disc snaps into place.

   

     "   +345

+9+345     

4. Close the tray by lightly pressing the front edge of the tray.

NOTE: High-speed CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives spin the disc at a very high rotational
speed and may be noisy. If a disc has printing on only half of the disc, or if the disc is
slightly imbalanced, the imbalance is greatly magnified by the high speed and the
noise is louder. This effect is inherent in the high-speed technology and does not indi-
cate a problem with the drive.

Using Hardware Devices 3-5

 When the drive is in use, the drive-access indicator blinks on the front of the drive
bezel.

When using a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, follow these guidelines:

$ Disable the autoplay feature while you are using the drive.
$ Never use damaged, broken, or deformed discs.
$ Do not press the open/close button while the computer is accessing a disc.
$ Keep the disc tray closed when you are not using the drive.

3-6 Dell Inspiron Systems Setup Guide