Dell Inspiron 7500 Reference And Troubleshooting Guide

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Table 3-1.Boot Routine Indications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Table 3-2.Default IRQ Line Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Table 5-1.International Dialing Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Table 5-2.Dell Contact Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Table A-1.Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Table B-1.Main Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3
Table B-2.System Devices Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5
Table B-3.Security Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7
Table B-4.Power Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9
Table B-5.Boot Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-11
Table B-6.Exit Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13
Table C-1.System Error Messages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
Table C-2.Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-4 
						

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							support.dell.comIntroduction1-1CHAPTER 1
Introduction
This chapter provides information about the major hardware and software features of 
your computer, as well as available upgrades.Hardware Features
Your Dell™ Inspiron™ computer has the following hardware features:•
An Intel® microprocessor incorporating the latest processor technology. •
An ATI video controller with an accelerated graphics port (AGP 2X), 4 or 
8megabytes (MB) of video memory, 3D assist, Motion Pictures Experts Group 
(MPEG)-2 assist, and a flicker-free TV-out S-video connector.•
An active-matrix extended graphics array (XGA) or super extended graphics array 
(SXGA) color display. •
Extended battery power with a lithium-ion main battery in the MegaBay™ and an 
optional second battery that you can use in the media bay to double battery life.
You can expect 2.0 to 3.5 hours of battery life with a single battery, or 4 to 7 hours 
of battery life with two batteries.    
NOTES: Battery performance features such as charge time, operating time, and 
life span can vary according to the conditions under which the computer and 
battery are used.
The battery is designed to work only with Dell Inspiron 7500 computers. Do not 
attempt to use the battery with other computers.CAUTION: Do not puncture or incinerate the battery. When your battery 
no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal agency or 
environmental agency for advice on disposing of the computer’s 
lithium-ion battery. The lithium-ion technology used in the battery is 
significantly less hazardous to the environment than the lithium-metal 
technology used in some other batteries (such as watch batteries).
•
Cache memory that enhances the speed of many microprocessor operations by 
storing the most recently accessed contents of system memory. Your computer 
has 32 kilobytes (KB) of internal Level 1 (L1) cache on the microprocessor, and  
						

							1-2Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
128 or 256 KB of external static random-access memory (SRAM) level 2 (L2) 
cache, depending on your microprocessor.•
A minimum of 32 MB of memory, which you can increase up to 512 MB by 
installing a combination of 32-, 64-, 128-, 192-, or 256-MB 3.3-volt (V) small-
outline, dual in-line memory modules (SODIMMs) in the two memory module 
sockets on the system board.•
Power conservation modes, standby (sleep) mode and save-to-disk suspend 
(hibernate) mode, which help you conserve battery power. The standby mode 
enables you to conserve battery power without shutting down application 
programs or files. If the batteries run out of power, save-to-disk suspend mode 
prevents data loss by copying all system data to the hard-disk drive and turning 
off the computer. •
A special media bay and a variety of combination modules that extend the 
functionality of your computer. You can select a CD-ROM drive/diskette drive
 module, a DVD-ROM drive/diskette drive module, a DVD-ROM drive/LS-120 
drive, an optional second battery, or an optional third hard-disk drive. 
NOTE: The optional media bay hard-disk drive is not bootable.•
A MegaBay, in which you can use a battery, a second hard-disk drive, or a Zip 
drive.
NOTE: The optional MegaBay hard-disk drive and the Zip drive are not bootable.•
Sixteen-bit stereo audio with Dolby AC3 decode, hardware wavetable, 3D 
surround sound, and integrated speakers and microphone. Connectors for 
attaching external speakers, headphones, or a microphone to your computer      
are also included.
NOTE: The Dolby AC3 decode can only be used with the optional port replicator.•
Support for up to two 3.3-V or 5-V PC Cards. The computer supports up to two 
Type I or Type II cards (in any combination) or one Type III card. Dell-installed 
device drivers on the hard-disk drive support the operation of many standard         
PC Cards. •
A basic input/output system (BIOS) that resides in flash memory and can            
be upgraded by diskette. You can obtain a BIOS upgrade, if required, on                  
diskette from Dell or you can download the upgrade from Dell’s Web site at                 
http://support.dell.com. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for more information 
on Dell’s online services.•
High-performance parallel and serial ports, and a multipurpose Personal System/2 
(PS/2) connector for attaching external devices.•
A video connector allows you to attach an external monitor to your computer. •
A PS/2-compatible touch pad that gives your computer full mouse functionality.     •
An infrared port for use with compatible external devices. The infrared port 
permits file transfers without using cable connections. Fast infrared technology is 
also available. 
						

							support.dell.comIntroduction1-3•
Universal Serial Bus (USB) capability, which provides a single connection point   
for multiple USB-compliant devices. You can also connect and disconnect      
USB-compliant devices while the system is running.
NOTE: If you attach a USB device that was not included in your original system 
configuration, you may need to install a specific driver for that device to obtain its 
full functionality. Contact the USB device manufacturer for more information.•
A TV-out S-video connector for connecting any device with an S-video port. A 
composite TV-out adapter cable allows you to use a television with the computer.•
A docking connector for attaching the computer to the optional port replicator.Front View of the Computer
Figure 1-1.  Front View of the Computer 
The following components are visible from the front of the computer, as illustrated in 
Figure 1-1:•
Keyboard status indicators — The Num Lock indicator is green when you press 
the  key. The Caps Lock indicator is green when you press the  key. The Scroll Lock indicator is green when you press the  
key combination.
display
speakers (2)
touch pad 
buttons (2)keyboard status 
indicatorsdisplay locking tabs (2)
keyboard
touch padpower button
media bay
MegaBay
display close/
suspend button
microphone
display latch
air intakesecurity cable slot
optional modem connector 
device access 
indicators 
						

							1-4Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide•
Display close/suspend button — When you close the display, this button 
activates standby mode. Do not press this button with your finger.•
Microphone — Allows you to record from a distance of 1 meter (m) (3.3 ft) in a 
normal tone of voice.•
Power button — Under normal circumstances, you should use the power button 
only to turn on the computer or to resume operation from save-to-disk suspend 
mode. To shut down the computer, click the Start button in the Microsoft
® 
Windows® operating system, and then click Shut Down.
NOTE: If your operating system is locked up—that is, it does not respond to 
commands—press and hold down the power button for at least five seconds.•
Keyboard — The keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad and two 
special keys that support Windows 98 Second Edition.•
Touch pad and buttons — The PS/2-compatible touch pad gives the computer 
full mouse functionality. Use the touch pad buttons in the same way that you 
would use mouse buttons.•
Media bay — The standard configuration of your computer includes a CD-ROM 
drive/diskette drive combination module. You can also use a DVD-ROM drive/
diskette drive combination module, a DVD-ROM drive/LS-120 drive combination 
module, a second battery, or a third hard-disk drive in the media bay. You remove 
and install all devices in the same way.
NOTE: Because the Microsoft Windows NT
® operating system does not support 
DVD technology, the DVD-ROM/diskette drive combination module and the 
DVD-ROM drive/LS-120 drive combination module are available only on 
computers running Windows 98 Second Edition.•
MegaBay — The computer is shipped with a partially charged battery in the 
MegaBay.
NOTE: Dell recommends connecting an AC adapter to the computer and fully 
charging the battery as soon as possible after unpacking the computer.
You can also use a Zip drive or a second hard-disk drive in the MegaBay.•
Display — The computer has an active-matrix XGA or SXGA color display.•
Speakers — You can enable or disable the integrated stereo speakers or external 
speakers by pressing  . You can increase speaker volume by pressing 
 and decrease speaker volume by pressing .
NOTES: Certain audio utilities installed on your computer also allow you to 
control speaker volume.
If no sound comes from the speakers, press  and make sure the 
volume control is not set to Mute by clicking the volume icon in the Microsoft 
Windows desktop taskbar. Also check the volume control wheel to make sure          
it is not turned down.•
Air intake — The air intake works with the fan as part of the computers 
automatic thermal management system. When operating conditions make it 
necessary, a small internal fan turns on and helps draw air through the air intake. 
						

							support.dell.comIntroduction1-5NOTICE: Do not push objects into the air intake. Keep the opening free 
from dust and other foreign particles. When using the computer, do not 
block the air intake.
NOTE: The fan spins at a very high rotational speed and makes a whirring sound. 
This phenomenon is normal and does not indicate a problem with the computer.•
Security cable slot — To prevent unauthorized removal of the computer, use a 
security cable to attach the computer to an immovable object.Back View of the Computer
Figure 1-2.  Back View of the Computer
The following components are visible from the back of the computer, as illustrated in 
Figure 1-2:•
Fan exhaust — Works with the air intake as part of the computers automatic 
thermal management system. When operating conditions make it necessary, the 
small internal fan turns on and helps draw air through the air intake.NOTICE: Do not push objects into the fan opening. Doing so can cause 
fire or electric shock to the interior components. Keep the opening free 
from dust and other foreign particles. When using the computer, do not 
block the fan opening.
NOTE: The fan spins at a very high rotational speed and makes a whirring sound. 
This phenomenon is normal and does not indicate a problem with the computer.•
Parallel port connector — Use the parallel port connector to attach a parallel 
device to the computer. The parallel port connector is used primarily for printers.
volume control serial port connector
video connectorinfrared port
docking connector
audio connectors 
USB connector parallel port connector
PS/2 connectorAC adapter connector
PC Card slot fan exhaustTV-out S-video connector 
						

							1-6Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide•
Serial port connector — Use the serial port connector to attach a serial device to 
the computer.•
Video connector — Use the video connector to attach an external monitor to the 
computer.•
TV-out S-Video connector — This connector allows you to connect your 
computer to a television. If your television has an S-video cable, you can plug it 
directly into the computer. If your television has a composite cable, use the cable 
that came with your computer to convert from S-video to composite video. 
NOTE: Refer to the user manual that came with your television for instructions on 
connecting a composite cable or an S-video device.•
Docking connector — Use this connector to attach the computer to the optional 
port replicator.•
USB connector — Use the USB connector to attach a USB device, such as a 
mouse, a digital camera, or speakers to the computer. USB is a peripheral bus 
standard that enables automatic detection of USB-compliant peripheral devices.•
PS/2 connector — Use this connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as 
a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.
NOTES: If the computer is in standby or save-to-disk suspend mode when you 
attach a mouse, you can use the mouse when the computer resumes normal 
operation. 
While the mouse is attached to the computer, the touch pad is still enabled.•
Infrared port — The infrared port lets you transfer files from the computer to 
another infrared device without using cable connections.•
Modem connector (optional) — If you ordered the optional internal modem, use 
this connector to plug in the telephone connector. This option may not be avail-
able in all regions.•
PC Card slot — The PC Card slot has two connectors that support Type I, Type II, 
and Type III PC Cards.•
Audio connectors — Connect headphones or speakers to the line-out connector 
(the connector closest to the volume control wheel). Connect a microphone to 
the microphone-in connector in the middle. Connect record/playback devices 
such as cassette players and CD players to the line-in connector (the connector 
closest to the AC adapter connector).•
AC adapter connector — Use this connector to attach an AC adapter to the 
computer. 
						

							support.dell.comIntroduction1-7Software Features
In addition to the operating system, the following software is included with your 
computer: •
The Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition operating system, or the Microsoft 
Windows NT operating system.•
A Setup program that lets you customize the operation of your computer. For 
more information, see Appendix B, “Using the Setup Program.”•
Drivers that tell your computer how to communicate with various types of 
hardware devices, such as CD-ROM drives or speakers. If you need to reinstall 
these drivers, or if you installed your own operating system, use the System 
Software CD that accompanied your computer. Instructions for installing the 
drivers are provided in Chapter 4, “Installing System Software”. 
NOTE: The drivers on the System Software CD are the ones Dell installed on your 
hard-disk drive before shipping the computer to you. To download the latest 
version of these drivers from the following Dell Web site, http://www.dell.com/
support, click File Library, and then select your computer model.•
Optional software DVD decoder driver on systems that use the Microsoft 
Windows 98 Second Edition operating system. (Windows NT does not support 
the DVD decoder driver.)•
The Dell Diagnostics for evaluating your computer’s components and devices. 
This program is on the Dell Diagnostics Diskette that accompanied your          
computer. For information on using this program, see “Running the Dell          
Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.•
McAfee VirusScan virus-scanning software with systems that use Windows 98 
Second Edition.Available Options and Upgrades
Dell offers the following upgrade options:•
Internal 56-KB/second digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD) telephony 
modem•
DVD-ROM drive and diskette drive combination module•
DVD-ROM drive and LS-120 drive combination module•
Zip drive module for the MegaBay•
External devices, such as pointing devices, printers, external monitors, external 
keyboards, and numeric keypads, that connect to ports on the back of the 
computer •
AC adapter•
Extra batteries•
Hard-disk drives 
						

							1-8Dell Inspiron 7500 System Reference and Troubleshooting Guide•
Advanced port replicator with a network interface controller (NIC)•
Memory modules (32-, 64-, 128-, 192-, and 256-MB capacities)•
Leather and nylon carrying cases•
Microphone, external speakers, headphones•
Network PC Cards
To order any of these upgrades, call Dell. For instructions, refer to Chapter 5,          
“Getting Help,” or to the “Contacting Dell” section of the system Help.
Instructions for connecting or installing these options are included in Chapter 2, 
“Options and Upgrades.”Getting Help
If at any time you do not understand a procedure described in this guide, or if your 
computer does not perform as expected, Dell provides a number of tools to help you. 
For more information, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”