Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference And Troubleshooting Guide

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 1-3
Figure 1-1.  Removing a Device From the Media Bay
NOTICE: If you wish to insert another media bay device, insert the device 
before you dock and turn on the computer.
3. Insert the device into the media bay and push in the device until you see and hear 
the latch release click.
4. Turn on the computer.
Swapping Devices Using Softex BayManager
Softex BayManager is a utility that makes it possible to swap media bay devices with-
out turning off the computer.
NOTICE: If you attempt to remove a device using the Softex BayManager 
utility and the computer is docked, you see an error message stating that 
the operation cannot be performed. 
1. Right-click the Softex BayManager icon on the Microsoft
® Windows® taskbar.
2. Click the appropriate option—
Remove/Swap or
 Insert a Device.
bottom of computer
optional device 
in media bay latch release
3959ubk1.book  Page 3  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							1-4 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
3. Follow the instructions on the display.
When the display is blank and the power indicator light flashes, it is safe to 
remove or swap devices.
Installing an Internal Hard-Disk Drive
NOTICE: Hard-disk drives are extremely fragile and must be handled care-
fully. Even a slight jar or bump can damage the spinning heads and plates, 
rendering the drive inoperable.
CAUTION: The hard-disk drive may be 
hot to the touch. 
Do not touch the 
metal housing of the hard-disk drive if you remove the drive from the com-
puter when the drive is hot.
NOTES: You need the Microsoft Windows Installation CD and the System Software 
CD to install the Microsoft Windows operating system as well as device drivers and 
utilities on the new hard-disk drive.
The basic input/output system (BIOS) may not support hard-disk drives obtained from 
vendors other than Dell. Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for 
hard-disk drives obtained from other sources.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer before removing or 
installing a hard-disk drive. Do not remove the hard-disk drive if the com-
puter is in standby mode or hibernate (save-to-disk suspend) mode, or if 
the hard-disk drive access indicator is lit.
To install an internal hard-disk drive, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer.
2. Remove all installed batteries and peripherals, and disconnect the AC adapter 
cable from the computer.
3. Turn the computer over, and remove the screw securing the hard-disk drive cover 
as shown in Figure 1-2.
NOTICE: When the hard-disk drive is not in the computer, protect the drive 
from exposure to static electricity by storing it in protective antistatic 
packaging.
3959ubk1.book  Page 4  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 1-5
Figure 1-2.  Removing the Internal Hard-Disk Drive
4. Slide out the hard-disk drive.
5. Remove the new hard-disk drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging to use when storing or shipping the hard-disk drive.
CNOTICE: You may notice some resistance as the drive connects to its inter-
face connector at the back of the hard-disk drive bay. Use firm, even 
pressure to slide the drive into place. Do not force the drive into place.
6. Slide the new drive into place.
7. Tighten the screw you loosened in step 3.
8. Test the drive by running the 
IDE Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
For information on running the diagnostics, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in 
Chapter 2.
9. Install the Dell-provided operating system as well as the drivers and utilities.
See Chapter 3, “Installing System Software,” for instructions.
Returning a Hard-Disk Drive to Dell
To return your hard-disk drive to Dell, you must ship it in its original foam packaging. 
Other wise, the hard-disk drive may be damaged in transit.
hard-disk drive bottom of computer
screw
3959ubk1.book  Page 5  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							1-6 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
I
Figure 1-3.  Repackaging the Hard-Disk Drive
Installing Memory Modules
NOTE: Your computer has two memory module sockets. All Dell memory modules 
(except the 192-MB capacity module) can be installed in either socket.
NOTICE: The 192-MB memory modules are socket-specific. Before install-
ing a 192-MB memory module, refer to the markings on the memory 
module to determine which socket accepts the module.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read “Protecting Against 
Electrostatic Discharge” found in the “Safety Instructions” at the front of 
this guide.
NOTICE: Do not install or remove a memory module when the computer is 
turned on, in standby mode, or in hibernate (save-to-disk suspend) mode.
To install a memory module, perform the following steps:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down 
the computer.
2. Remove all installed batteries and peripherals, and disconnect the AC adapter 
cable from the computer.
3. Ground yourself by touching a metal input/output (I/O) connector on the back of 
the computer.
4. Turn the computer over as shown in Figure 1-4, remove the screws, and lift up 
the memor y module cover.
hard-disk drive
3959ubk1.book  Page 6  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 1-7
Figure 1-4.  Removing the Memory Module Cover
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the computer, do not use tools to spread the 
inner metal tabs of the socket when you are installing or removing a mem-
ory module.
5. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the installed memory module.
NOTES: The 192-MB memor y modules are socket-specific. If you install a 
192-MB memor y module, refer to the markings on the memor y module to deter-
mine which socket will accept the module.
If a single memory module is installed and you are adding an additional memory 
module, put the additional module in the available socket. You must remove a 
memory module only to replace a module.
6. Using your fingernails, carefully spread apart the inner metal tabs of the memor y 
module socket just far enough for the memor y module to disengage from the 
socket (the module should pop up slightly). Then lift the memory module away 
from the socket.
bottom of computer
memory module 
cover
3959ubk1.book  Page 7  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							1-8 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Figure 1-5.  Removing a Memory Module
7. Insert the memory module as shown in Figure 1-6:
a. Align the notch in the edge connector with the slot in the center of the mem-
ory module socket.
b. Press the memory module edge connector firmly into the socket.
c. Pivot the module down until it clicks.
Figure 1-6.  Installing a Memory Module
8. Replace the memory module cover screws.
9. Reinstall the battery in the battery bay.
10. Reconnect peripherals to your computer, and connect your computer and periph-
erals to electrical outlets.
11. Turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, the system setup program detects the additional mem-
or y and automatically updates the system configuration information.
memory 
module
memory 
module
3959ubk1.book  Page 8  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							support.dell.comOptions and Upgrades 1-9
12. Confirm that the system configuration information reflects the newly installed 
memor y by checking the 
System Memory value and the 
Extended Memory 
value on the 
Main menu of the system setup program.
To enter the system setup program, press  while the computer is booting. 
The 
Main menu appears. If the 
System Memory value plus the 
Extended 
Memory value does not equal the approximate total of the installed memory, the 
modules may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 12 until the mem-
ory total is correct.
NOTES: The memory total shown in the system setup program may be approxi-
mately 384 KB less than the total amount of installed memor y.
If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer will not boot. No 
error message indicates this failure.
13 . Ru n  t h e  
System Memory test in the Dell Diagnostics to confirm that the 
installed memory modules operate correctly.
For instructions, see “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 2.
14. If you add additional memory to your computer, you must delete and recreate the 
hibernate (save-to-disk suspend) file on your hard-disk drive to accommodate the 
new memor y.
For instructions, see “Recreating the Hibernate (Save-to-Disk Suspend) File” in 
Chapter 3.
Connecting Other External Devices
For instructions, see “Connecting External Devices” in the system Help. To open the 
Help, click the 
Start button, point to 
Programs—> 
Dell Accessories, and click 
System Help.
Using a Port Replicator
If you purchased a port replicator from Dell, see the Port Replicator User’s Guide for 
operating instructions.
3959ubk1.book  Page 9  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							1-10 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
3959ubk1.book  Page 10  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							support.dell.comTroubleshooting 2-1
CHAPTER 2
Troubleshooting
This chapter helps you to solve some typical computer problems. Complete the steps 
in this chapter before you call Dell for technical assistance. If you find that you need 
technical assistance to solve your problem, record your findings on a copy of the 
Diagnostics Checklist (see Figure 4-1) before you call Dell.
NOTE: Before you begin any of the troubleshooting procedures, ensure that 
Quiet Boot is set to 
Disabled in the 
Main menu of the system setup program. See 
Appendix B, “Using the System Setup Program.”
CAUTION: To help prevent the risk of electrical shock, disconnect all exter-
nal devices, remove the battery, and disconnect the AC adapter from the 
computer before installing or replacing the hard-disk drive and memory 
modules.
Checking the Basics
NOTE: If your computer is wet or damaged, proceed directly to “Dry Out a Wet Com-
puter” or “Test a Dropped or Damaged Computer” found later in this chapter.
If the problem you are experiencing began after making a change to your computer, 
such as installing new hardware or software, undo the change if possible. If undoing 
the change resolves the problem, review the documentation and any updates or sup-
plements (for example, readme files) for the software or hardware that you changed. 
Typically, readme files provide installation information, describe new product enhance-
ments or corrections that have not yet been documented, and list known problems.
If you were trying to install new hardware, ensure that you changed the appropriate 
settings in the system setup program for the new hardware configuration (refer to 
Appendix B, “Using the System Setup Program”).
NOTE: DellWare
™ products are supported by the product manufacturer. Refer to the 
manufacturer’s documentation that accompanies the item.
3959ubk1.book  Page 1  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM 
						

							2-2 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Check Connections
Be sure the following items are properly connected or installed:
AC adapter and AC power cable
Second battery or other optional device in the media bay
Cables that connect external devices through the input/output (I/O) connectors 
and ports on the computer.
NOTE: See “System Features” in the system Help for the location of the external con-
nectors and controls.
Loose or improperly connected cables are likely sources of problems for your com-
puter, external monitor, or other peripherals (such as a printer, external keyboard, or 
mouse). A quick check of all cable connections can easily solve these problems. If the 
connector has two small thumbscrews, ensure that the screws are tight. In addition, 
check for damaged or frayed cables and for bent pins on connectors.
Evaluate Environmental Factors
A number of external factors, including temperature extremes and humidity, magnetic 
influences, sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and poor input power or 
signal quality, can interfere with the performance of your computer and attached 
devices. Monitors are especially susceptible to environmental factors. The following 
items can adversely affect the performance of a computer:
Inadequate ventilation from operating the computer in a confined space, such as 
a desk enclosure
Direct sunlight
Power sags and surges
Substandard electrical wiring
Excessive telephone line noise
High-voltage electrical appliances on the same circuit or placed in close proximity 
to the computer
Generation of magnetic fields by speakers (especially a subwoofer) or a tele-
phone placed too close to the monitor
Fluorescent lights
Use of electrical extension cords and keyboard and mouse extension cables
Use of an overloaded power strip or multiple power strips from one electrical outlet
Presence of electrical conduits in an adjoining wall or elevators on the other side 
of the wall
Presence of large metal beams inside the wall behind the computer
To alleviate the effects of these factors, tr y removing the potential problem source or 
move the computer to another location.
3959ubk1.book  Page 2  Monday, March 20, 2000  4:52 PM