Dell Inspiron 1546, Setup Manual

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Page 3: ...SETUP GUIDE Regulatory Model P02F Regulatory Type P02F001 INSPIRON ...

Page 4: ...ithout the written permission of Dell Inc is strictly forbidden Trademarks used in this text Dell the DELL logo Inspiron YOURS IS HERE Dell On Call and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc AMD AMD Athlon AMD Turion AMD Sempron and ATI Radeon are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices Inc Microsoft Windows Windows Vista and Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered tradema...

Page 5: ...ht Side Features 16 Left Side Features 18 Front Side Features 20 Computer Base Features 24 Touch Pad Gestures 26 Media Controls 28 Using the Optical Drive 30 Display Features 32 Removing and Replacing the Battery 34 Software Features 36 Dell Dock 39 Solving Problems 40 Beep Codes 40 Network Problems 41 Power Problems 41 Memory Problems 43 Lockups and Software Problems 44 Using Support Tools 47 Del...

Page 6: ...nd Customer Service 63 DellConnect 63 Online Services 64 Automated Order Status Service 65 Product Information 65 Returning Items for Repair Under Warranty or for Credit 66 Before You Call 67 Contacting Dell 69 Finding More Information and Resources 70 Basic Specifications 72 Appendix 77 Macrovision Product Notice 77 Information for NOM or Official Mexican Standard Only for Mexico 78 Index 79 ...

Page 7: ...abinet or drawer when it is powered on WARNING Do not block push objects into or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents Do not store your Dell computer in a low airflow environment such as a closed briefcase while it is powered on Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a p...

Page 8: ... 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 ...

Page 9: ...7 Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Connect the Network Cable Optional To use a wired network connection connect the network cable ...

Page 10: ...8 Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Press the Power Button ...

Page 11: ...ws 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 in...

Page 12: ...10 Setting Up Your Inspiron Laptop Enable or Disable Wireless Optional ...

Page 13: ... of your selection appears on the screen Wireless enabled Wireless disabled To disable wireless Press the wireless key on the keyboard again to turn off all radios NOTE The wireless key allows you to quickly turn off all wireless radios WiFi and Bluetooth on your computer such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight ...

Page 14: ...ll website at www 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 I...

Page 15: ...e Wireless on page 10 Save and close any open files and exit any 2 open programs Click 3 Start Connect To Follow the instructions on the screen to 4 complete the setup Microsoft Windows 7 Ensure that wireless is enabled on your 1 computer see Enable or Disable Wireless on page 10 Save and close any open files and exit any 2 open programs Click 3 Start Control Panel Network and Internet Network and...

Page 16: ...ou get one To set up your Internet connection Windows Vista NOTE The following instructions are applicable for the Windows default view so they may not apply if you set your computer to the Windows Classic view Save and close any open files and exit any 1 open programs Click 2 Start Control Panel Click 3 Network and Internet Network and Sharing Center Set up a connection or network Connect to the ...

Page 17: ...Network and Sharing Center Set up a new connection or network Connect to the Internet The Connect to the Internet window appears 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 and 4 use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup ...

Page 18: ...16 Using Your Inspiron Laptop This section provides information about the features available on your Inspiron laptop Right Side Features 1 2 3 4 INSPIRON ...

Page 19: ...protect unused slots from dust and other particles Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the slot blanks from other computers may not fit your computer 2 Optical drive Plays or records CDs and DVDs Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing upward when placing discs on the optical drive tray 3 Eject button Ejects the optical drive tray when pressed 4 USB 2 0 connecto...

Page 20: ...18 Using Your Inspiron Laptop Left Side Features 1 2 3 4 5 ...

Page 21: ... cable slot on your computer 2 AC adapter connector Connects to an AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery 3 USB 2 0 connectors 2 Connects to USB devices such as a mouse keyboard printer external drive or MP3 player 4 VGA connector Connects to a monitor or projector 5 Network connector Connects your computer to a network or a broadband device if you are using a wired network ...

Page 22: ...20 Using Your Inspiron Laptop Front Side Features 1 2 3 4 5 ...

Page 23: ...90 Breathing white standby charging off off hibernate 90 Battery Solid white on 10 Breathing white standby 10 Solid amber on standby 10 off off hibernate n a NOTE The battery is charging when the computer is powered using an AC adapter 2 Analog microphone If you do not have the optional built in camera with dual microphones this single microphone is used for conferencing and chat 3 Audio out Headp...

Page 24: ...ored on the following digital media cards Secure Digital SD memory card Memory Stick Secure Digital High Capacity SDHC card Memory Stick PRO Multi Media Card MMC xD Picture Card type M and type H MMC NOTE Your computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the media card slot Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles Save the blank for use when no media card is installed in the s...

Page 25: ...23 Using Your Inspiron Laptop ...

Page 26: ...24 Using Your Inspiron Laptop Computer Base Features 2 3 1 ...

Page 27: ...ort dell com manuals 2 Touch pad buttons 2 Provide left and right click functions like those on a mouse 3 Touch pad Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor drag or move selected items and left click by tapping the surface It supports the Scroll and Zoom features For more information see Touch Pad Gestures on page 26 ...

Page 28: ...er right or left in the horizontal scroll zone extreme bottom of the touch pad Circular Scroll Allows you to scroll up and down or right and left To scroll up and down Move a finger in the vertical scroll zone extreme right of the touch pad in a counter clockwise circular motion to scroll up or clockwise circular motion to scroll down To scroll right and left Move a finger in the horizontal scroll...

Page 29: ...ase the magnification of the screen content The zoom feature includes One finger zoom Allows you to zoom in or out To zoom in Move a finger up in the zoom zone extreme left of the touch pad To zoom out Move a finger down in the zoom zone extreme left of the touch pad ...

Page 30: ... Function Key Behavior select Multimedia Key First or Function Key First Multimedia Key First This is the default option Press any multimedia key to perform the associated action For function key press Fn the required function key Function Key First Press any function key to perform the associated action For multimedia key press Fn the required multimedia key NOTE Multimedia Key First option is ac...

Page 31: ...29 Using Your Inspiron Laptop Mute the sound Play or pause Decrease the volume level Play the next track or chapter Increase the volume level Eject the disc Play the previous track or chapter ...

Page 32: ...ing or recording a disc The optical drive plays or records CDs and DVDs Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing upward when placing discs on the optical drive tray To place a disc in the optical drive Press the eject button on the optical drive 1 Pull out the tray 2 Place the disc label side up in the center of the optical drive tray and snap the disc onto 3 the spindle Push the tray ...

Page 33: ...31 Using Your Inspiron Laptop 1 3 4 2 1 disc 2 spindle 3 optical drive tray 4 eject button ...

Page 34: ...32 Using Your Inspiron Laptop Display Features The display panel holds an optional camera and accompanying dual digital microphones 1 4 3 5 2 ...

Page 35: ...r your computer may or may not include a camera 3 Camera optional Built in camera for video capture conferencing and chat Based on selections you made when purchasing your computer your computer may or may not include a camera 4 Right digital array microphone optional Provides high quality sound for video conferencing and voice recording 5 Display For more information about displays see the Dell T...

Page 36: ...uter should only use a battery purchased from Dell Do not use batteries from other computers WARNING Before removing the battery shut down the computer and remove external cables including the AC adapter To remove the battery Turn off the computer and turn it over 1 Slide the battery release latch to the unlock 2 position until it clicks into place Slide the battery out of the battery bay 3 To rep...

Page 37: ...35 Using Your Inspiron Laptop 2 3 1 1 battery 2 battery bay 3 battery release latch ...

Page 38: ...nstalled on your computer After connecting to the Internet you can access websites setup an e mail account and upload or download files Entertainment and Multimedia You can use your computer to watch videos play games listen to music and Internet radio stations You can download or copy pictures and video files from portable devices such as digital cameras and cell phones Optional software applicat...

Page 39: ...out your customization options Customizing Your Energy Settings You can use the power options in your operating system to configure the power settings on your computer The Microsoft Windows operating system installed on your Dell computer provides three default options Balanced Dell Recommended Offers full performance when you need it and saves power during periods of inactivity Power saver Saves ...

Page 40: ...Panel In the search box type 2 Transfer and then click Transfer files from another computer Follow the instructions on the 3 Windows Easy Transfer wizard Backing Up Your Data It is recommended that you periodically back up files and folders on your computer To back up files Windows Vista Click 1 Start Control Panel System and Maintenance Backup and Restore Center Backup files If the User Account C...

Page 41: ...click the Dock click 1 Add Category The Add Edit Category window is displayed Enter a title for the category in the 2 Title field Select an icon for the category from the 3 Select an image box Click 4 Save Add an Icon Drag and drop the icon to the Dock or a category Remove a Category or Icon Right click the category or icon on the Dock 1 and click Delete shortcut or Delete category Follow the inst...

Page 42: ...l on page 69 WARNING Only trained service personnel should remove the computer cover See the Service Manual at support dell com manuals for advanced service instructions NOTE To replace parts see the Service Manual at support dell com manuals Beep Code Possible Problem One Possible motherboard failure BIOS ROM checksum failure Two No RAM detected NOTE If you installed or replaced the memory module...

Page 43: ...nections If the network connection is lost The cable is loose or damaged Check the cable to ensure it is plugged in and not damaged Power Problems If the power light is off The computer is either turned off is not receiving power or in hibernate state Press the power button The computer resumes normal operation if it is off or in hibernate state Reseat the power cable into both the power connector...

Page 44: ...nd then turn it back on If the problem persists contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 69 If the power light is breathing white and the computer is not responding The computer is in standby state or the display may not be responding Press a key on the keyboard move the connected mouse or a finger on the touch pad or press the power button to resume normal operation If the display is not respondi...

Page 45: ...tension cables Too many devices connected to a power strip Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet Memory Problems If you receive an insufficient memory message Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements Reseat the memory module s into the connect...

Page 46: ...ously 1 Click 2 Applications Select the program that is no longer 3 responding Click 4 End Task If a program crashes repeatedly Check the software documentation If necessary uninstall and then reinstall the program NOTE Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on the CD If the computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears WARNING You might lose data if...

Page 47: ... Wizard The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to an earlier version of Microsoft Windows operating system environments Windows Vista Click 1 Start Control Panel Programs Use an older program with this version of Windows In the welcome screen click 2 Next Follow the instructions on the screen 3 Windows 7 Click 1 Start In the search box type ...

Page 48: ... contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software See the software documentation for information Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly Verify that the device drivers do not con...

Page 49: ...s to access Self Help Troubleshooting Security System Performance Network Internet Backup Recovery and Windows operating system Alerts technical support alerts relevant to your computer Assistance from Dell Technical Support with DellConnect Customer Service Training and Tutorials How To Help with Dell on Call and Online Scan with PC CheckUp About Your System System Documentation Warranty Informat...

Page 50: ...ell com manuals or contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 69 for assistance No boot device available No bootable partition on hard drive the hard drive cable is loose or no bootable device exists If the hard drive is your boot device ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence ...

Page 51: ...oblem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems on page 44 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance NOTE Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers NOTE The Drivers and Utilities disc is optional and may not ship with your computer Ensure ...

Page 52: ...s Enter This may invoke the Pre Boot System Assessment PSA on your computer NOTE If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop then shut down your computer and try again NOTE If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities disc If PSA i...

Page 53: ...screen Write down the error code and problem description and contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 69 NOTE The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen The Service Tag helps you identify your computer when you contact Dell When the tests complete close the test 3 screen to return to the Choose An Option window To exit the Dell Diagnostics and to restart the 4 comp...

Page 54: ...ions are listed select the version appropriate for your computer Select the test you want to run 7 If you encounter a problem during a test 8 a message with the error code and a description of the problem will appear on your screen Write down the error code and problem description and contact Dell see Contacting Dell on page 69 NOTE The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each t...

Page 55: ...tore did not resolve your problem Dell Factory Image Restore returns your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer This procedure permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs installed after you received the computer Use Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem If you received an Op...

Page 56: ...files System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them NOTE The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view Starting System Restore Click 1 Start In the 2 Start Search box type System Restore and press Enter NOTE The User Account Control window may appear If you are an administr...

Page 57: ... 3 Undo my last restoration and click Next Dell DataSafe Local Backup NOTE Dell DataSafe Local Backup may not be available in all regions Dell DataSafe Local Backup is a backup and recovery application that restores your computer if you lose data due to a virus attack accidentally delete critical files or folders or if the hard drive crashes This application allows you to Restore files and folders...

Page 58: ...he power cable Turn on your computer 3 When the Dell logo appears press F8 4 several times to access the Advanced Boot Options window NOTE If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop then shut down your computer and try again Select 5 Repair Your Computer Select 6 Dell Factory Image Recovery and DataSafe Options and follow...

Page 59: ...ng system This option restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer Any programs or files added since you received your computer including data files are permanently deleted from the hard drive Data files include documents spreadsheets e mail messages digital photos music files and so on If possible back up all data before using Dell Factory Image Restor...

Page 60: ...ell Factory Tools then Dell Factory Image Restore Click 7 Next The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears NOTE If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore click Cancel Select the check box to confirm that you 8 want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition then click Next The restore process begins and may take five or more minut...

Page 61: ...s Device Manager Right click the device for which the new 4 driver was installed and click Properties Click the 5 Drivers tab Roll Back Driver If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver CAUTION Before performing the installation back up all data files on y...

Page 62: ...hich you ordered your computer or whether you requested the disc the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc and Operating System disc may not ship with your computer Reinstalling Microsoft Windows The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete After you reinstall the operating system you must also reinstall the device drivers virus protection program and other software Save and close any op...

Page 63: ...s desktop then shut down your computer and try again NOTE The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only On the next start up the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program When the boot device list appears highlight 6 CD DVD CD RW Drive and press Enter Press any key to 7 Boot from CD ROM Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installati...

Page 64: ...for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics Fill out the Diagnostic Checklist 4 on page 68 Use Dell s extensive suite of online services 5 available at Dell Support support dell com for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures See Online Services on page 64 for a more extensive list of Dell Support online If the preceding steps have not resolved the 6 problem see Before You Call on ...

Page 65: ...ormation on availability Technical Support and Customer Service Dell s support service is available to answer your questions about Dell hardware Our support staff use computer based diagnostics to provide fast accurate answers To contact Dell s support service see Before You Call on page 67 and then see the contact information for your region or go to support dell com DellConnect DellConnect is a ...

Page 66: ...nd e mail addresses Dell Support websites support dell com support jp dell com Japan only support euro dell com Europe only Dell Support e mail addresses mobile_support us dell com support us dell com la techsupport dell com Latin America and Caribbean countries only apsupport dell com Asian Pacific countries only Dell Marketing and Sales e mail addresses apmarketing dell com Asian Pacific countri...

Page 67: ...on page 69 If you have a problem with your order such as missing parts wrong parts or incorrect billing contact Dell for customer assistance Have your invoice or packing slip handy when you call For the telephone number to call your region see Contacting Dell on page 69 Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell or if you would like to place an order ...

Page 68: ...telephone number to call your region see Contacting Dell on page 69 Include a copy of the invoice and a letter 2 describing the reason for the return Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist see 3 Diagnostic Checklist on page 68 indicating the tests that you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics see Dell Diagnostics on page 49 Include any accessories that belong with ...

Page 69: ...hen you call The code helps Dell s automated support telephone system direct your call more efficiently You may also be asked for your Service Tag Locating Your Service Tag The Service Tag for your computer can be found on a label at the bottom of your computer 1 1 Service Tag ...

Page 70: ...ations or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer itself Ensure that the computer documentation is available Diagnostic Checklist Name Date Address Phone number Service Tag bar code on the back or bottom of the computer Express Service Code Return Material Authorization Number if provided by Dell support technician Operating system and version Devices Expansion cards Are you ...

Page 71: ...DELL 800 999 3355 NOTE If you do not have an active Internet connection you can find contact information on your purchase invoice packing slip bill or Dell product catalog Dell provides several online and telephone based support and service options Availability varies by country and product and some services may not be available in your area To contact Dell for sales technical support or customer ...

Page 72: ...g system maintaining peripherals Internet Bluetooth networking and e mail the Dell Technology Guide available on your hard drive or at support dell com manuals upgrade your computer with new or additional components like a new hard drive reinstall or replace a worn or defective part the Service Manual at support dell com manuals NOTE In some countries opening and replacing parts of your computer m...

Page 73: ...pliance find your Service tag Express Service Code You must use the service tag to identify your computer on support dell com or to contact technical support the back or bottom of your computer the Dell Support Center To launch the Dell Support Center click the icon in the taskbar find drivers and downloads access technical support and product help check on your order status for new purchases find...

Page 74: ...ation regarding the configuration of your computer click Start Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer Basic Specifications Computer Model Dell Inspiron 1546 Computer Information Processor types AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual Core AMD Turion X2 Dual Core AMD Athlon X2 Dual Core AMD Sempron System chipset AMD RS780M SB700 Memory Memory type 800 MHz DDR2 SO DIMM Memo...

Page 75: ...n 640 x 480 at 30 fps maximum Connectors Audio one microphone in connector one stereo headphone speaker connector Connectors Mini Card one half size Mini Card slot Network adapter one RJ45 connector USB three four pin USB 2 0 compliant connectors Video one 15 hole connector Display Type active matrix TFT 15 6 inch HD WLED with TrueLife Dimensions Height 193 5 mm 7 62 inches Width 344 2 mm 13 55 in...

Page 76: ... 0 78 inches Width 205 1 mm 8 07 inches Weight 0 35 kg 0 77 lb Voltage 11 1 VDC Battery Charge time approximate 4 hours when the computer is turned off Operating time varies depending on operating conditions Coin cell battery CR 2032 AC Adapter NOTE Use only AC adapters specified for use with your computer See the safety information that shipped with your computer Input voltage 100 240 VAC Input c...

Page 77: ...with cables 0 345 kg 0 76 lb Temperature range Operating 0 to 35 C 32 to 95 F Storage 30 to 65 C 22 to 149 F Physical Height 25 9 mm to 37 8 mm 1 02 inches to 1 49 inches Width 373 5 mm 14 70 inches Depth 244 0 mm 9 60 inches Weight with 6 cell battery configurable to less than 2 7 kg 6 lb Computer Environment Temperature range Operating 0 to 35 C 32 to 95 F Storage 40 to 65 C 40 to 149 F ...

Page 78: ...ting 1 3 GRMS Maximum shock for operating measured with Dell Diagnostics running on the hard drive and a 2 ms half sine pulse for non operating measured with the hard drive in head parked position and a 2 ms half sine pulse Operating 110 G Non Operating 160 G Computer Environment Altitude maximum Operating 15 2 to 3048 m 50 to 10 000 ft Storage 15 2 to 10 668 m 50 to 35 000 ft Airborne contaminant...

Page 79: ...nd 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 INSPIRON ...

Page 80: ...ter Dell México S A de C V Paseo de la Reforma 2620 Flat 11 Col Lomas Altas 11950 México D F Regulatory model number Voltage Frequency Electricity consumption Output voltage Output intensity P02F 100 240 VAC 50 60 Hz 1 5 A 19 5 1 VDC 4 62 A For details read the safety information that shipped with your computer For additional safety best practices information see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage...

Page 81: ...bilities 36 computer setting up 5 conserving energy 37 Contacting Dell online 69 customer service 63 customizing your desktop 37 your energy settings 37 D damage avoiding 5 data backing up 38 DellConnect 63 Dell DataSafe Local Backup 55 Dell Diagnostics 49 Dell Factory Image Restore 53 Dell Support Center 47 Dell Support Website 64 Index INSPIRON ...

Page 82: ... addresses for technical support 64 energy conserving 37 F finding more information 70 FTP login anonymous 64 H hardware problems diagnosing 49 Hardware Troubleshooter 49 help getting assistance and support 62 I Internet connection 12 ISP Internet Service Provider 12 M memory problems solving 43 memory support 72 N network connection fixing 41 ...

Page 83: ...mage 57 S setup before you begin 5 shipping products for return or repair 66 software features 36 software problems 44 specifications 72 support email addresses 64 support sites worldwide 64 System Messages 48 System Restore 53 V ventilation ensuring 5 W warranty returns 66 Windows reinstalling 59 wired network connection 7 wireless network connection 13 ...

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