Dell Inspiron 8000 User Manual

www.dell.comsupport.dell.comDell™ Inspiron™ 8000 SystemSOLUTIONS GUIDE

10 Safety Instructionswww.dell.com | support.dell.com• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window cleaner that does not contain

Safety Instructions 11• Handle memory modules with care. Don’t touch the components on a module. Hold a module by its edges. CAUTION: There is a dange

12 Safety Instructionswww.dell.com | support.dell.com

www.dell.com | support.dell.comSECTION 1Setting Up Connecting a PrinterTurning Off the ComputerUsing the Media BaySetting Up the Dolby HeadphoneSettin

14 Setting Upwww.dell.com | support.dell.comConnecting a PrinterSee the documentation that came with the printer for any recommended preparation proce

Setting Up 153 Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard window appears, click Cancel.4 Install the printer dr

16 Setting Upwww.dell.com | support.dell.comTurning Off the Computer NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must perform the Windows shutdown procedure to

Setting Up 17Using the Media BayDell ships your computer with a floppy drive installed in the media bay. The media bay also supports the following dev

18 Setting Upwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSwapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs,

Setting Up 19 NOTICE: Insert devices before you dock and turn on the computer.5 Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click

Hints, Notices, and Cautions HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates

20 Setting Upwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSetting Up the Dolby Headphone HINT: The Dolby headphone feature is available only if your computer has a

Setting Up 217 Click Finish when Windows displays a message that the driver is installed.8 Click Yes to restart the computer.After the computer restar

22 Setting Upwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

www.dell.com | support.dell.comSECTION 2Solving Problems Finding SolutionsAccessing Help FilesPower ProblemsStart-Up Error MessagesVideo and Display P

24 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comFinding SolutionsSometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to q

Solving Problems 25See page 28.See page 29.See page 30.See page 31.See page 32.See page 37.See page 33.See page 39.See page 33.See page 38.See page 40

26 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comAccessing Help FilesPower Problems HINT: See the Tell Me How help file for information on standby mo

Solving Problems 27Start-Up Error Messages CHECK THE AC ADAPTER— Be sure that the power cable is firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the gr

28 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comVideo and Display ProblemsIf the display is blankIf the display is difficult to readCHECK THE POWER

Solving Problems 29Sound and Speaker ProblemsIntegrated SpeakersExternal Speakers HINT: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows v

Contents 3ContentsSafety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7When Using Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

30 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comPrinter ProblemsIf you cannot print to a parallel port printerADJUST THE SPEAKER CONTROLS—Adjust the

Solving Problems 31If you cannot print to a USB printerModem Problems NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting the

32 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comScanner ProblemsCONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK— If you have other telephone d

Solving Problems 33Touch Pad ProblemsExternal Keyboard ProblemsUnexpected CharactersREINSTALL THE SCANNER DRIVER—See the scanner documentation for ins

34 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comDrive Problems HINT: For information on saving files to a floppy disk, see the Tell Me How help file

Solving Problems 35If you cannot play a music CD or install a program from a CD HINT: High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. Thi

36 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIf the CD-RW drive stops writing HINT: If you must disable standby mode to write to a CD-RW drive, r

Solving Problems 37Network ProblemsWindows Error MessagesCHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR—Ensure that the network cable connector is firmly connected

38 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comGeneral Program ProblemsA program crashesA program stops respondingA REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUN

Solving Problems 39A solid blue screen appearsInternet Connection ProblemsTURN THE COMPUTER OFF—If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a p

4 ContentsPower Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Start-Up Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comE-Mail ProblemsIf Your Computer Gets Wet CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain

Solving Problems 4110 Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.11 Replace the memory modules, the memory mo

42 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comResolving Other Technical ProblemsReinstalling Drivers and UtilitiesThe Dell Drivers and Utilities C

Solving Problems 43The System Software screen appears, displaying a list of operating systems (Software by Operating System) and an All Software categ

44 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.com1 Turn on the computer, and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support r

Solving Problems 45type your user name and password in the appropriate fields, and then click OK. 16 If the Date/Time Properties window appears, adjus

46 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.com12 Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software window, and then click Next. 13

www.dell.com | support.dell.comSECTION 3Adding Parts Replacing the Palm RestsUsing the Advanced Port ReplicatorAdding MemoryReplacing a Hard Drive

48 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comReplacing the Palm Rests1 Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the compu

Adding Parts 49Using the Advanced Port Replicator HINT: If you receive a BIOS upgrade floppy disk with your APR, use the disk to upgrade the BIOS befo

Contents 5Internet Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39E-Mail Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comConnector Icon Connector DescriptionConnect one or two USB devices, such as a USB mouse.Connect a PS/2-s

Adding Parts 51The audio line-out connector is on the side of the APR.APR Controls and Indicatorsaudio line-out connectordocking lightundock request b

52 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comDocking the Computer NOTICE: Before you initially connect your computer to the APR, you must complete th

Adding Parts 53Undocking the Computer NOTICE: If you do not have a charged battery installed in the computer when you undock the computer, you may los

54 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comMonitor Stand HINT: Be sure that the back legs on the monitor stand engage the slots on either side of t

Adding Parts 55Adding MemoryYou can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See page 63 for information on the

56 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTICE: To prevent damage to the computer, do not use tools to spread the inner metal tabs of the conne

Adding Parts 57 NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in both connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled “JDIM (DIMMA)” befo

58 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com HINT: You need the Operating System CD to install the Windows operating system. You also need the Drive

Adding Parts 59 NOTICE: Do not force the drive into the computer. If you experience some resistance, use firm and even pressure to slide the drive int

6 ContentsContacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Contact Numbers and Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Re

60 Adding Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com

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62 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 63FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

64 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 65FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

66 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 67FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

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Appendix 69FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

Safety Instructions 7Safety InstructionsUse the following safety guidelines to help protect yourself and your computer. For comfort and efficiency, ob

70 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 71FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

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Appendix 73FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

74 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 75FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

76 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 77FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

78 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 79FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

8 Safety Instructionswww.dell.com | support.dell.com• Before you connect the computer to a power source, ensure that the voltage rating of the AC adap

80 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 81FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

82 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 83FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

84 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 85FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

86 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 87FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

88 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Appendix 89FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328Vc41.fmDELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELI

Safety Instructions 9• When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or pape

90 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION:FILE LOCATION: S:\SYSTEMS\Pong\solutions\Lavaca A01\English\7328V

Index 91IndexAadvanced port replicator, 49APRconnecting to a network, 20audio. See soundBBIOS, 68CCD drivefixing problems, 35CD-RW drivefixing problem

92 Index92 IndexMmedia baydevices, 17swapping devices (active mode), 19memoryadding, 55removing, 56messagesstart-up, 27Windows, 37modemfixing problems

Index 93troubleshooting (continued)scanner problems, 32start-up error messages, 27touch pad problems, 33unexpected characters, 33USB printer problems,

94 Index94 Index

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For questions or problems with files contact: Cathy Brown - Graphic DevelopmentDell Computer Corporation (512) 723-9330FILE NAME(S) & PAGE COUNT: