Dell Inspiron 8600 Owner's Manual Page 1

www.dell.com | support.dell.comDell™ Inspiron™ 8600Owner’s ManualModel PP02X

10 Finding Informationwww.dell.com | support.dell.com• Latest drivers for my computer• Answers to technical service and support questions• Online disc

100 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comharmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off

Appendix 101Country (City)International Access Code Country CodeCity CodeDepartment Name or Service Area,Website and E-Mail AddressArea Codes,Local Nu

102 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comAustria (Vienna)International Access Code: 900Country Code: 43City Code: 1Website: support.euro.dell.comE-m

Appendix 103Canada (North York, Ontario)International Access Code: 011Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatusAutoTech (automated technical support)to

104 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comChina (Xiamen)Country Code: 86City Code: 592Technical Support website: support.dell.com.cnTechnical Support

Appendix 105Czech Republic (Prague)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 420Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: [email protected] Su

106 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comFrance (Paris) (Montpellier)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 33City Codes: (1) (4)Website: suppor

Appendix 107GreeceInternational Access Code: 00Country Code: 30Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: support.euro.dell.com/gr/en/emaildell/Technical S

108 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comIreland (Cherrywood)International Access Code: 16Country Code: 353City Code: 1Website: support.euro.dell.co

Appendix 109Japan (Kawasaki)International Access Code: 001Country Code: 81City Code: 44Website: support.jp.dell.comTechnical Support (servers)toll-fre

A Tour of Your Computer 11A Tour of Your ComputerFront ViewDISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.DISPLAY — For more information about your display,

110 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comLatin America Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)512 728-4093Customer Service (Austin, Texas

Appendix 111MexicoInternational Access Code: 00Country Code: 52Customer Technical Support001-877-384-8979or 001-877-269-3383Sales50-81-8800or 01-800-8

112 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comNorway (Lysaker)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 47Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mail: support.

Appendix 113Singapore (Singapore)International Access Code: 005Country Code: 65Website: support.ap.dell.comTechnical Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and

114 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comSpain (Madrid)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 34City Code: 91Website: support.euro.dell.comE-mai

Appendix 115Tai wa nInternational Access Code: 002Country Code: 886Website: support.ap.dell.comE-mail: [email protected] Support (OptiPlex,

116 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comU.K. (Bracknell)International Access Code: 00Country Code: 44City Code: 1344Website: support.euro.dell.comC

Appendix 117U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)International Access Code: 011Country Code: 1Automated Order-Status Servicetoll-free: 1-800-433-9014AutoTech (portab

118 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Index 119IndexAair ventsdescription, 19system view, 19audio connectorsdescription, 15system view, 15audio deviceconnecting, 47Bbatterycharge gauge, 29

12 A Tour of Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comDEVICE STATUS LIGHTSTurns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is in

120 Index120 IndexFfandescription, 20system view, 20Finding Information, 9finding solutions, 59floppy drivefixing problems, 64Hhard drivedescription,

Index 121powerfixing problems, 31protection devices, 25turning off your computer, 26power buttondescription, 11system view, 11printercable, 23connecti

122 Index122 IndexVvideo connectordescription, 19system view, 19Wwet computer, 67Windows XPDevice Driver Rollback, 70Hardware Troubleshooter, 74help,

A Tour of Your Computer 13If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:– Solid green: The battery is charging

14 A Tour of Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comKEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTSThe green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:Turn

A Tour of Your Computer 15Left ViewIEEE 1394 CONNECTOR (4-PIN)—Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digi

16 A Tour of Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comHARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially av

A Tour of Your Computer 17SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see t

18 A Tour of Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comS-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTORUSB CONNECTORS (2)NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45) NOTICE: The network conne

A Tour of Your Computer 19MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)VIDEO CONNECTORAC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer.The AC adapter converts

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

20 A Tour of Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comBottom ViewBATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See page 30.BATTERY — When a bat

Setting Up Your Computer 21Setting Up Your ComputerConnecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.To connect to the Internet

22 Setting Up Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.com4In the next window, click the appropriate option:• If you do not have an ISP and want to se

Setting Up Your Computer 23TURN OFF CALL WAITING (CATCH-PHONE)—See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjus

24 Setting Up Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.com3Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The USB

Setting Up Your Computer 25Setting Up the Docking Device to Connect to a Network NOTE: A network adapter is also referred to as a network interface c

26 Setting Up Your Computerwww.dell.com | support.dell.comUninterruptible Power Supplies NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 27Using Batteries and Module Bay DevicesUsing a Battery CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures liste

28 Using Batteries and Module Bay Deviceswww.dell.com | support.dell.com CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or expl

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 29Microsoft Windows Power MeterThe Windows power meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the pow

Contents 3ContentsFinding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 A Tour of Your ComputerFront View . . . . .

30 Using Batteries and Module Bay Deviceswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIf the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot envir

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 31Storing a BatteryRemove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery di

32 Using Batteries and Module Bay Deviceswww.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTE: All devices that you install in the module bay, except a second batter

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 33 NOTE: You do not need to install the device screw unless you want to secure the module inside the computer

34 Using Batteries and Module Bay Deviceswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIf the Device Screw Is Installed 1Save and close any open files, exit any ope

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 356Pull the device out of the module bay. NOTICE: Insert devices into the module bay before you dock and turn

36 Using Batteries and Module Bay Deviceswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIf the Device Screw Is Not Installed1Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware i

Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 37If the Device Screw Is Installed1Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar.2Click the devic

38 Using Batteries and Module Bay Deviceswww.dell.com | support.dell.com6Pull the device out of the module bay.7Insert the new device into the bay, pu

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 39Using the Keyboard and Touch PadNumeric KeypadThe keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the

4 Contents3 Using Batteries and Module Bay DevicesUsing a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Battery Perfo

40 Using the Keyboard and Touch Padwww.dell.com | support.dell.comKeyboard ShortcutsSystem FunctionsBatteryCD or DVD TrayDisplay FunctionsRadios (Incl

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 41Power ManagementSpeaker FunctionsIf no sound comes from the speakers, press <Fn> <End> and adjust the v

42 Using the Keyboard and Touch Padwww.dell.com | support.dell.comTo adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Pa

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 43Customizing the Touch PadYou can disable the touch pad or adjust their settings by using the Mouse Properties windo

44 Using the Keyboard and Touch Padwww.dell.com | support.dell.comTO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE INTEGRATED KE

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 45Using CDs, DVDs, and Other MultimediaCopying CDs and DVDs NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws whe

46 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimediawww.dell.com | support.dell.com•If you have two CD or DVD drives, select the drive into which you have inserte

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 47Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device NOTE: Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to

48 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimediawww.dell.com | support.dell.com4Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable in to the headphone connector

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 491Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to connect.2Connect the composite TV-out a

Contents 5Touch Pad or Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43External Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimediawww.dell.com | support.dell.com5Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable in to the headphone connector

Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia 516On the left side of the menu, click nView Display Mode.7Click Clone to enable the television.8Click Apply.9Cl

52 Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimediawww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Setting Up a Home and Office Network 53Setting Up a Home and Office NetworkConnecting to a Network AdapterBefore you connect your computer to a networ

54 Setting Up a Home and Office Networkwww.dell.com | support.dell.comNetwork Setup WizardThe Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Netwo

Setting Up a Home and Office Network 55Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XPYour wireless network card requires specific software

56 Setting Up a Home and Office Networkwww.dell.com | support.dell.com2Click to select the network you want to configure, and then click Connect or do

Setting Up a Home and Office Network 57Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer in the area of the wireless network, the same pop-up notifies

58 Setting Up a Home and Office Networkwww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Solving Problems 59Solving ProblemsFinding SolutionsSometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go for answers. Use this chart to quickly find the

6 ContentsDrive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive . . . . .

60 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comSee page 62.See page 41.See page 24.See page 22.See page 64.See page 54.See page 43.See page 66.See

Solving Problems 61Accessing HelpError MessagesIf the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was ru

62 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comVideo and Display ProblemsIf the display is blank NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a

Solving Problems 63If the display is difficult to readCONNECT THE COMPUTER DIRECTLY TO AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET — Bypass power protection devices, power

64 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIf only part of the display is readableScanner ProblemsDrive Problems NOTE: For information on savi

Solving Problems 65If you have problems with a hard driveENSURE THAT THE DISK IS NOT WRITE-PROTECTED — You cannot save data to a write-protected disk

66 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comPC Card ProblemsGeneral Program ProblemsA program crashes NOTE: Software usually includes installat

Solving Problems 67A program stops responding Error messages appearE-Mail ProblemsIf Your Computer Gets Wet CAUTION: Perform this procedure only afte

68 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.com8Remove the memory module(s) (see page 77).9Open the display and place the computer right-side up ac

Solving Problems 69Resolving Other Technical ProblemsDriversWhat Is a Driver?A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or

Contents 79 AppendixSpecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Standard Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . .

70 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIdentifying DriversIf you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the s

Solving Problems 71Manually Reinstalling Drivers for Windows XP NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for D

72 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.comCreating a Restore Point1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.2Click System Restore.3Fo

Solving Problems 73Enabling System RestoreIf you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is autom

74 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.com7Click Next.The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts. 8After the computer restart

Solving Problems 755Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties win

76 Solving Problemswww.dell.com | support.dell.com

Adding and Replacing Parts 77Adding and Replacing PartsThe procedures in this section require a small Phillips screwdriver.Adding MemoryYou can increa

78 Adding and Replacing Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com7Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screw from the memory module cover, and then r

Adding and Replacing Parts 798If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:aUse your fingertips to carefully spread apart the secu

8 Contents

80 Adding and Replacing Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com9Ground yourself and install the new memory module: NOTE: If the memory module is not ins

Adding and Replacing Parts 8110Replace the cover. NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover t

82 Adding and Replacing Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.comIf you ordered a Mini PCI card with your computer, the card is already installed.1Ensure t

Adding and Replacing Parts 839If a Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step 10. If you are replacing a Mini PCI card, remove the existing ca

84 Adding and Replacing Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com11Connect the antenna cables to the Mini PCI.12Replace the cover and tighten the screw.Add

Adding and Replacing Parts 858Turn the computer over, and loosen the captive screw from the Mini PCI card/modem cover.captive screwMini PCI card/modem

86 Adding and Replacing Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com9If a modem is not already installed, go to step 10. If you are replacing a modem, remove

Adding and Replacing Parts 87Replacing the Hard Drive CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the

88 Adding and Replacing Partswww.dell.com | support.dell.com7Turn the computer over, and remove the hard drive screw. NOTICE: When the hard drive is

Appendix 89AppendixSpecificationsMicroprocessorMicroprocessor type Intel® Mobile Pentium® ML1 cache 32 KB (internal)L2 cache1.3 GHz to 1.7 GHz 1 MB1.8

Finding Information 9Finding InformationWhat Are You Looking For? Find it Here• How to set up my computer Setup Diagram• Tips on using Microsoft® Wind

90 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comMemoryMemory module connector two user-accessible SODIMM socketsMemory module capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, and

Appendix 91VideoVideo type 32-bit hardware accelerated (NVIDIA GeForce FX Go 5200), 64-bit hardware accelerated (NVIDIA GeForce FX Go 5200 and ATI Mob

92 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comDisplayType (active-matrix TFT) WUXGA, WSXGA+, and WXGADimensions:Height222.5 mm (8.76 inches)Width344.5 mm

Appendix 93Touch PadX/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) 240 cpiSize:Width64.88-mm (2.55-inch) sensor-active areaHeight48.88-mm (1.92-inch) r

94 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comAC AdapterInput voltage 90–264 VACInput current (maximum) 1.7 AInput frequency 47–63 HzOutput current 3.34 A

Appendix 95Standard SettingsOverviewYou can use the system setup program as follows:• To set or change user-selectable features—for example, your comp

96 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in the system setup

Appendix 97The Boot Order page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be installed in your computer, including but not limited to th

98 Appendixwww.dell.com | support.dell.comChanging Printer Modes NOTE: Changing this setting only takes effect if your computer is connected to a doc

Appendix 99Definition of "Third-Party" Software and PeripheralsThird-party software and peripherals include any peripheral, accessory, or ap