Dell Inspiron 7500 Reference And Troubleshooting Guide

Dell™ Inspiron™ 7500 System
REFERENCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
BE DIRECTwww.dell.com™ ™ 

Notes, Notices, and CautionsThroughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic type. 
These blocks are notes, notices, and cautions, and they are used as follows:
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer system.NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you 
how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,...

vSafety Instructions
As you use your computer, observe the following safety guidelines:•
Do not attempt to service the computer yourself. Always follow installation 
instructions closely.•
Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal 
objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting 
excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in 
damage from burns.•
Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s...

vi•
If you use an extension cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere 
rating of the products plugged in to the extension cable does not exceed the 
ampere rating of the extension cable.•
To remove power from the computer, turn it off, remove the battery pack, and 
disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.•
If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect 
the modem cable during an electrical storm to avoid the remote risk of electric 
shock from...

vii•
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not 
on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid 
bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both 
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.•
Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by 
its edges, not its pins.•
When removing a memory module from the system board or disconnecting a 
peripheral device from the computer,...

viii
For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting 
up and using your computer:•
When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.•
Position your computer directly in front of you as you work.•
Adjust the tilt of the computer’s display, its contrast and/or brightness settings, 
and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the 
curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on            
the...

ixWhen Removing or Installing Memory 
Modules             
Before removing or installing memory modules, perform the following steps in the 
sequence indicated. NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer 
is when you are installing memory modules.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting 
a peripheral device or removing a memory module to help prevent 
possible damage to the system board.
1.Turn off your computer and any attached...

x
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge 
(ESD):•
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not 
remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to 
install the component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure 
to discharge static electricity from your body.•
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container 
or packaging.•
Handle all sensitive...

xiPreface
About This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who uses a Dell portable computer. It can be used 
by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the 
features of the computer. This guide also provides basic troubleshooting procedures 
and instructions for using the Dell Diagnostics to test your computer and its 
components. 
Summaries of the chapters and appendixes of this guide follow:•
Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides an overview of the computer features and...

xiiWarranty and Return Policy Information
Dell Computer Corporation (“Dell”) manufactures its hardware products from parts 
and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-
standard practices.
For information about the Dell warranty and return policy, see Appendix E, “Warranty, 
Return Policy, and Year 2000 Statement of Compliance.”Other Documents You May Need
In addition to this Reference and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is 
included with your...