3

Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . .5

Before Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . .5
Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . .7
Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Enable or Disable Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Windows Vista® Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Connect to the Internet (Optional). . . . . . . . 10

Using Your Inspiron Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Right Side Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Left Side Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Front Side Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Computer Base and Keyboard
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Media Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Solving Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Removing and Replacing the Battery . . . . .26
Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Network Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 9
Power Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . .33

Using Support Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Dell Support Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Hardware Troubleshooter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . .41

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Dell Factory Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Operating System Reinstallation . . . . . . . . .45
Contents