Manuals

Start the data communications software on both devices, and then begin transferring files. Read the documentation that came with your compatible device to make sure you operate it correctly.

NOTE: Make sure that there are no books, papers, or other objects between the two infrared devices and that the two devices are within the 30� cone.

For information on configuring the standard infrared drivers that came with Microsoft^� Windows^� 98, see your operating system documentation.

USB Connector

Use the USB connector to attach up to two USB devices, such as a mouse, to the computer. USB is a peripheral bus standard that enables automatic detection of USB-compliant peripheral devices.

Pin Assignments for the USB Connector

The following figure shows the pin assignments for a USB connector.

Serial Connector

Use the 9-pin serial connector to attach a serial device to the computer. The serial port passes data in serial format (one bit at a time over one line). This port supports a variety of devices, including a serial mouse, that require serial data transmission. If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the serial connector.

Pin Assignments for the Serial Connector

The following figure shows the pin assignments for a serial connector.

Parallel Connector

Use the 25-hole parallel connector to attach a parallel device to the computer. The parallel connector is used primarily for printers. The parallel port sends and receives data in parallel format, where eight data bits (one byte) are sent simultaneously over eight separate lines.

The parallel port can also be configured for compatibility with the PS/2 standard. Support for the EPP feature improves network adapter performance (adapters connect to the computer's parallel port and require the appropriate software drivers from the adapter's manufacturer).

If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the serial connector.

Pin Assignments for the Parallel Connector

The following figure shows the pin assignments for a parallel connector.

Monitor Connector

Use the 15-pin monitor connector to attach an external monitor to the computer.

Pin Assignments for the Monitor Connector

The following figure shows the pin assignments for a monitor connector.

PS/2 Connector

Use the 6-hole, miniature DIN PS/2 connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.

Pin Assignments for the PS/2 Connector

The following figure shows the pin assignments for a PS/2 connector.

1 Pin 1 2 Pin 2 3 Pin 3 4 Pin 4 5 Pin 5 6 Pin 6 7 hell

Memory

Memory Installation Guidelines

• The system can accommodate up to 256 MB of RAM.
• The system comes with a minimum of 32 MB of memory.
• To increase memory, install 32-, 64-, or 128-MB memory modules.

Valid Memory Configurations

Removing and Installing Memory

NOTICE: Ground yourself by attaching an antistatic grounding strap to your wrist and to an unpainted metal surface on the computer’s I/O panel. If an antistatic grounding strap is not available, periodically discharge static electricity from your body by touching one of the connectors on the I/O panel.

NOTICE: Do not install or remove a memory module when the computer is turned on or in save-to-disk suspend mode.

To remove or install memory, perform the following steps:

1. Save and close any open files, and exit all application programs.
2. Shut down your computer.
3. Turn off all peripherals and disconnect them from the computer. If you are using the AC adapter, detach it as well.
4. Remove any installed batteries.

   1 Battery-bay release latch (released position) 2 Battery bay 3 Battery

5. Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel on the back of the computer.
   While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
6. Turn the computer over, and remove the memory module cover.

   1 Memory door 2 4-mm screw

   
   Remove the two screws from the memory module cover. Use your finger or a flat plastic tool to lift the cover out.

   NOTICE: To prevent damage to the computer, do not use tools to spread the inner plastic tabs of the socket when you are installing or removing a memory module.

7. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing memory module(s).
   Carefully spread apart the inner plastic tabs of the memory module socket to disengage the module from the socket. The module pops up slightly. Gently pull the memory module out of the socket.

NOTE: If one memory module is already installed and you are adding a second memory module, put the second module in the available slot. Remove an existing module only if you are replacing it. Depending on how you ordered your computer, one or two modules may already be installed.

8. Install the new memory module.
   Align the notch in the edge connector with the slot in the center of the memory module socket. Press the memory module’s edge connector firmly into the socket, and push the module down until it clicks.
9. Replace the memory module cover, and replace the two screws.
10. Reinstall any batteries you removed in step 4. Reconnect the peripherals to the computer. Turn on the peripherals and then turn on the computer. If you were using the AC adapter, reattach it as well.
    As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.
11. Confirm that the system configuration information reflects the newly installed memory by checking the System Memory option on the Main menu of the Setup program.
    To enter the Setup program, press <F2> while the computer is booting. The Main menu appears. If the System Memory total is incorrect, the memory modules may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 10 until the memory total is correct.
12. Run the RAM test group in the Dell Diagnostics to confirm that the installed memory modules are operating correctly.
    For instructions on running the RAM test group in the Dell Diagnostics, see Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics," in your Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.
13. If you have added additional memory to your computer, you need to delete and re-create the save-to-disk suspend file on your hard-disk drive so that it is large enough to accommodate the new memory. For instructions, see the topic titled "Save-to-Disk Suspend File" in your online System User’s Guide.

Upper Memory Map

Conventional Memory Map

Power Sources

AC Adapter

The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. The AC adapter kit includes two cables: the AC adapter cable and an AC power cable.

1 AC adapter connector 2 AC adapter cable 3 AC adapter 4 AC power cable 5 LED

You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off.

The AC adapter works with AC power sources worldwide. However, power connectors vary among countries. Before using AC power in a foreign country, you may need to obtain a new power cable designed for use in that country.

If you are running your computer on AC power with a battery installed, the AC adapter charges the battery (if needed) and then maintains its charge.

NOTICE: The AC adapter should be in a ventilated area, such as on a desktop or on the floor, when used to power the computer or charge the battery. Do not use the AC adapter in a poorly ventilated environment, such as inside a carrying case.

NOTICE: The AC adapter is designed to work only with Dell Inspiron portable computers. Do not use adapters from other computers, and do not attempt to use this adapter with other computers.

When your computer is turned on, the green power indicator light at the top of the display is constantly lit, which indicates that the system is active. This light is on when the computer is running either on AC or battery power. If the light is amber, the computer is in Standby mode.

The battery charge indicator LED at the top of the display shows the status of the battery. When the AC adapter is connected to the computer, this light is green. When the battery is charging, this light blinks slowly. When this light stops blinking and becomes solid green, the battery is fully charged.

Battery

The battery uses lithium ion technology to power the computer when it is not connected to an AC power source. The main battery comes standard with the computer. To double battery life, you can install an optional second battery in the media bay.

You can expect 2 to 3 hours of battery life with a single fully charged battery and 4 to 6 hours of battery life with two fully charged batteries. A built-in charge gauge lets you check a battery's charge before you insert it into the computer. The battery's self-test capability alerts you to battery conditions such as low charge.

A number of factors affect battery operating time:

• The power conservation features used
• The number and type of PC Cards used
• The kinds of application programs run
• The capacity of the optional memory module installed (the higher the capacity, the more power used)
• The use of an internal Zip drive, CD-ROM drive, or DVD-ROM drive, which use more power than a hard-disk drive or a diskette drive

NOTICE: The battery is designed to work with Dell Inspiron 3500 series computers only. Do not use the battery with other computers, and do not use batteries from other computers in your computer.

See also Power Conservation.

Removing and Installing the Main Battery

To remove and install the main battery, perform the following steps:

1. Save any files you have open and exit all application programs.
2. If your computer is operating on battery power, preserve your data by connecting the AC adapter and plugging it into an electrical outlet or by shutting down your computer from the Start menu.   
3. Remove the main battery.
   Using your index finger, pull the battery bay latch (located on the side of the computer next to the battery bay) toward you. With your thumb, gently push the latch out and back until the battery pops out. Grasp the battery firmly and slide it out of the battery bay.
4. Install the new battery.
   With the battery bay latch released, slide the new battery into the battery bay until it is flush with the computer casing. You cannot fully insert the battery into the computer unless the battery bay latch is released. Close the battery bay latch by using your index finger to push it toward the front of the computer until it is flush with the computer casing. Using your thumb, push the battery bay latch in.
5. Turn on the computer.

Removing and Installing a Second Battery

To remove and install the second battery, perform the following steps:

1. Save any files you have open and exit all application programs.
2. If your computer is operating on battery power, preserve your data by connecting the AC adapter and plugging it into an electrical outlet or by shutting down your computer from the Start menu.   
3. Remove the main battery.
   Using your index finger, pull the media bay latch (located on the side of the computer next to the media bay) toward you. With your thumb, gently push the latch out and back until the battery pops out. Grasp the battery firmly and slide it out of the media bay.
4. Install the new battery.
   With the media bay latch released, slide the new battery into the media bay until it is flush with the computer casing. You cannot fully insert the battery into the computer unless the media bay latch is released. Close the media bay latch by using your index finger to push it toward the front of the computer until it is flush with the computer casing. Using your thumb, push the media bay latch in.
5. Turn on the computer.

Charging the Battery

Each time you connect the computer to AC power or install a battery in a computer that is connected to AC power, the computer checks the battery's charge and temperature. The AC adapter then charges the battery (if necessary) and maintains the battery's charge.

If two batteries are installed in the computer, the AC adapter charges the battery in the battery bay first, and then charges the second battery in the media bay. (The second battery is discharged first.)

The battery LED, located to the right of the display latch, appears as a blinking green light while the battery is charging.

The AC adapter needs from 2 to 3 hours (depending on whether the system is on or off) to fully charge a battery that has been completely discharged.

NOTE: You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery's built-in circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.

Checking a Battery's Charge Level

Use one of the following methods to check the battery's charge level:

• Check the battery charge level before you insert the battery into your computer. Once the battery is inserted into the computer, you cannot see the charge gauge. The battery has a charge gauge with five charge-level indicator lights that show how much battery charge remains. Press the battery tester (a textured square on the back of the battery) to check the charge level. Each light represents approximately 20% of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80% of its charge remaining, four of the lights come on during testing. If none of the lights come on when you press the battery tester, the battery has no charge left.
  
  NOTICE: If only one or none of the charge-level indicator lights are lit, it indicates a critically low battery state. Do not use the battery unless the computer is connected to AC power or unless you install a second charged battery.

• A low-battery warning occurs when the battery is about 90% depleted. The speaker beeps once every 15 seconds. When you hear the low-battery warning, only a few minutes of battery life remain. If both the main battery and the second battery are installed, the low-battery warning means that the combined charge of both batteries is about 90 percent depleted.
  
  NOTICE: To avoid losing data (and possibly corrupting data areas on your hard-disk drive), save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to AC power, or install a second battery in the media bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, the computer activates save-to-disk suspend mode.

• If you are using the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the Power Management icon to open the Power Management Properties window. For more information, check the documentation that came with your operating system.

• The Windows 98 battery meter displays a battery icon that shows the amount of battery charge remaining. If an AC adapter is connected to the computer, the battery meter displays a plug icon. The battery meter icons are visible in the desktop taskbar. If you move the cursor over the battery or plug icon in the desktop taskbar, a pop-up window shows the battery's current charge status percentage.

Storage Devices

When you receive your Dell Inspiron 3500 computer, a diskette drive is installed in the media bay. The media bay supports a battery, CD-ROM drive, diskette drive, DVD-ROM drive, or Zip drive as secondary devices.

Removing and Installing a Device in the Media Bay Using Softex BayManager

To install or remove a device from the media bay using Softex BayManager, perform the following steps.

1. Double-click the Softex BayManager icon, , on the taskbar.
2. Click either Remove/Swap Bay Device(s) or Insert Bay Device(s) and follow the instructions on the screen.

Removing and Installing a Device in the Media Bay Without Using Softex BayManager

To remove a device from the media bay, perform the following steps:

1. Save any files you have open.
2. From the Start menu, shut down your computer.
3. Disconnect the AC adapter.
4. Remove the currently installed device from the media bay.

   1 Optional device 2 Media-bay release latch (unlocked position)

   
   Using your index finger, pull the media bay latch (located on the side of the computer next to the media bay) toward you. With your thumb, gently push the media bay latch out and back until the device pops out. The device cannot be fully inserted into the computer unless the media bay latch is released. Grasp the device firmly and slide it out of the media bay.

5. Install the new device in the media bay.
   With the media bay latch released, slide the new device into the media bay until it is flush with the computer casing. Close the media bay latch by using your index finger to push it toward the front of the computer until it is flush with the computer casing. Using your thumb, push the media bay latch in.
6. Restart your computer by pressing the power button.

Removing and Installing a Hard-Disk Drive

NOTES: You need the Microsoft Windows 98 CD and the Dell Inspiron 3500 System Software CD to install software on the new hard-disk drive. The computer’s 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.

To install a hard-disk drive, perform the following steps.

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, shut down your computer before removing or installing your hard-disk drive. Do not remove the hard-disk drive if the computer is in save-to-disk suspend mode or if the hard-disk drive access indicator is lit.

1. Save and close any open files, and exit all application programs.
2. Shut down the computer.
3. Unplug the AC adapter.
4. Remove the battery from the battery bay.

   1 Battery-bay release latch (released position) 2 Battery bay 3 Battery

   
   The hard-disk drive is inside the computer, located beneath the battery. You must remove the battery to access the hard-disk drive.

5. Turn the computer over, and remove the screw securing the hard-disk drive to the bottom of the computer.

   1 Hard-disk drive 2 4-mm screw

   NOTICE: When the hard-disk drive is not in the computer, protect the drive from exposure to static electricity by storing it in protective packaging.

6. Remove the currently installed drive.
7. Gently pull the plastic tab on the top of the hard-disk drive to slide the hard-disk drive forward.
8. Remove the new drive from its packaging.
   Save the original packaging to use when storing or shipping the hard-disk drive.

CAUTION: While sliding the drive in, do not force it into place.

9. Slide the new drive into place.
   You may feel some resistance as the drive connects to its interface connector at the back of the bay.
10. Replace the screw you removed in step 5.
11. Test the drive by running the IDE (ATA/ATAPI) Devices test group in the Dell Diagnostics.
    For information on running the diagnostics, see Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics," in your Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.
12. Install the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system and the computer's drivers and utilities. See the Installing System Software guide for instructions.

Touch Pad

Using the Touch Pad

The PS/2-compatible touch pad detects the position of your finger over a touch-sensitive area and provides the computer full mouse functionality. The touch pad's two buttons correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the smooth sensor area. To select an object, gently tap once on the surface of the touch pad. To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap down-up-down on the touch pad. On the second down motion, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger across the surface. To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap twice.

To customize touch pad and cursor features, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   The Control Panel window appears.
2. Double-click the Mouse icon.
3. Select from among the three tabs (Buttons, Pointers, and Motion). If the Synaptics touch pad drivers have been installed, there are five additional tabs (Touch, Edge Motion, Scrolling, Button Actions, More Features) to customize your touch pad settings.
4. Make your selections. Click the Help button if you need more information.

NOTE: Keep your fingers away from the touch pad while the computer is booting or loading the operating system. If you touch the touch pad at either time, the cursor will not move until you remove your finger from the touch pad surface.

Installing the Touch Pad Driver

See Installing Utilities and Drivers for information about installing or reinstalling touch pad driver.

Audio

You can connect speakers, a microphone, headphones, and record/playback devices such as cassette players, CD players, and VCRs to the sound jacks on the computer.

1 Line-in jack 2 Microphone jack 3 Line-out jack

Dell recommends using amplified speakers for the best sound.

Connect headphones or speakers to the line-out jack on the far right of the sound jacks. Connect a microphone to the microphone jack in the middle. Connect record/playback devices such as cassette players and CD players to the line-in jack on the far left.

You can control the sound coming from the external speakers and from the computer's built-in speakers with key combinations. Press <Fn><Page Down> to lower the volume. Press <Fn><Page Up> to increase the volume. Press <Fn><End> to enable or disable both the built-in and external speakers.

NOTES: If no sound comes from the speakers, make sure that the sound is not disabled by pressing <Fn><End>. If you hear no sound output from your external speakers be sure that the connection to the sound output jack is secure. If   you are playing a DVD in the optional DVD-ROM drive and have speakers that connect to your computer through the USB port, no sound will be output to the speakers. This configuration is not supported.

See your Microsoft Windows 98 documentation for the location of sound applications such as mixers and volume control.

The MagicWave 3DX Config utility allows you to increase the microphone gain by 20 dB and configure the tone (treble, bass and 3D enhancement) settings.

To launch the utility, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   The Control Panel window appears.
2. Double-click MagicWave 3DX Config.

See Installing Utilities and Drivers for information about installing or reinstalling audio drivers.

PC Cards

About PC Cards

You can install up to two PC Cards that adhere to PCMCIA standards and release 4.2 of the JEIDA standard.

The computer supports type I, type II, and type III PC Cards, including such memory devices as SRAM cards that emulate diskettes, RAM cards, OTP ROM cards, and ATA cards that emulate IDE hard-disk drives. The computer also can support I/O cards such as modem communication cards, LAN cards, wireless LAN cards, SCSI cards, and sound cards.

You can install one type III or two type I or type II cards in the computer. You can also use extended PC Cards in the computer.

NOTICE: Take extra precautions if you use extended PC Cards in the computer. Extended cards are longer versions of standard PC Cards. They fit into, and operate correctly with, the computer. However, they extend beyond the edge of the computer when installed. If something strikes the exposed end of an installed card, the card or the system board can be damaged. Always remove an extended PC Card before you pack the computer for traveling.

NOTE: Because of space considerations, you may have trouble using two PC Cards in the computer if one of them is an extended card. Always install an extended card in the top PC Card connector.

Both PC Card slots support CardBus technology. In addition, a ZV Port is available from the lower slot (slot 0). If you ordered an MPEG -2 decoder PC Card from Dell, install it in the lower PC Card connector.

NOTES: A PC Card is not a boot device. "Type of card" refers to its thickness, not its functionality.

Installing PC Cards

The PC Card slot has two PC Card connectors and supports four combinations of cards:

• A single type I or type II card (using either the top or bottom PC Card connector)
• One type I card and one type II card (using either connector)
• Two type I cards or two type II cards
• One type III card (using the bottom connector)

The type of card refers to its thickness, not its functionality. Because a type III card is thicker than type I and type II cards, it takes up the entire PC Card slot, although it uses only one PC Card connector.

PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) to indicate which end should be inserted into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

NOTE: It is important that you complete the setup of your operating system before installing a PC Card.

You can install a PC Card while the computer is running. The PC Card is automatically detected.

Unpack the card and install it by performing the following steps:

1. If necessary, remove the blank from the connector you intend to use.
2. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up.
3. Insert the card into the slot and press in firmly until the card is completely seated in the internal PC Card connector.
   If there is too much resistance when inserting the card, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation, and try again.

NOTES: If you ejected a blank or another PC Card before you inserted the PC Card, the eject button slides out when you insert the new card. To reposition the eject button, use your fingertip to flip the button toward the front of the computer until the button is flush with the computer casing.    If the PC Card connector was empty when you inserted a PC Card, the eject button remains flush with the computer casing during and after insertion.

The computer recognizes most I/O cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver.

If you have older modem communications software that cannot use certain IRQ settings, you must disable the serial port or infrared port to use the software.

Removing PC Cards

To remove a PC Card, use your finger tip to flip the eject button out so that it is perpendicular to the computer. Push in the eject button to release the card. Gently remove the PC Card.

After you have removed a PC Card or PC Cards, you should install one or both of the PC Card blanks provided with the computer to protect the PC Card connectors.

See Installing Utilities and Drivers for information on installing or reinstalling PC Card utilities and drivers.

Configuring PC Cards

If you are using the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the PC Card icon to open the PC Card Properties window. For more information, check the documentation that came with your operating system.

You can also double-click the PC Card icon on the Windows 98 desktop.

Embedded Numeric Keypad

The embedded numeric keypad shares some of the keys on your computer's keyboard. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked on the right of the keypad keys.

To activate the embedded numeric keypad, press <Num Lock> (the Num Lock LED lights up). Press and hold <Fn> to toggle between the letter and number keys.

To deactivate the keypad, press <Num Lock>. The Num Lock LED is no longer illuminated.

Key combinations can be used when the keypad is off or on.

External Monitor

Use the 15-pin monitor connector to attach an external monitor to the computer. If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the monitor connector. Use the following procedure to connect an external monitor:

1. Turn off the external monitor and your computer.
   
   NOTICE: Do not place the monitor directly on top of your portable computer, even if it is closed. Doing so can crack the computer case, the display, or both.

   Set the monitor on a monitor stand, desktop, or other level surface near the computer.

2. Connect the external monitor's video cable to the computer.
   Plug the monitor cable connector into the matching monitor connector at the back of the computer. If the cable is not permanently attached to the monitor, connect it to the monitor also. Tighten all the screws on the monitor cable connector(s) for proper connection.
3. Connect your external monitor to a grounded electrical outlet.
   Plug the three-prong connector on one end of the monitor's power cable into a grounded power strip or some other grounded power source. If the cable is not permanently attached to the monitor, connect it to the monitor also.

The video image can be displayed on an external monitor, on the computer's display, or on both simultaneously. To toggle between the three display modes, press <Fn><F8>.

If the external monitor is turned off when you boot the computer, and if the Video Display Device category is set to CRT Mode in the Main menu of the Setup program, the computer sends the video image to the external monitor. In this case, you do not see an image on either the computer's display or on the external monitor. To resolve this situation, turn on the external monitor or press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image to the computer's display.

Whether you are using an appropriately equipped multifrequency monitor only or you are using an external monitor and the built-in display simultaneously, you can display up to 256 colors at a noninterlaced resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels.

NOTE: When the external monitor and built-in display are used simultaneously, the refresh rate is always 60 Hz. Each time you press <Fn><F8>, the computer switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the built-in display, an external monitor, both displays simultaneously.

External Keyboard, Keypad, or Mouse

You can connect a keyboard with a standard PS/2 connector to the PS/2 connector on the computer, or a USB-compatible keyboard to the USB connector. 

You can attach an external numeric keypad to the PS/2 connector on the computer, or a USB-compatible keypad to the USB connector.

NOTE: You can still use the built-in keyboard when an external keyboard or external keypad is attached to the computer.

You can attach a PS/2-compatible mouse to the PS/2 connector on the computer, or a USB-compatible mouse to the USB connector.

NOTE: Before connecting or disconnecting a serial mouse or PS/2 mouse, it is recommended that you turn off your computer.

The touch pad device drivers that Dell installed on your hard-disk drive work with a PS/2 mouse, serial mouse, or USB mouse from Dell. If you did not receive your mouse from Dell, you must install device drivers separately to use the mouse. This software is usually included with mouse installation kits.

Power Management

How to Conserve Battery Power

You automatically conserve battery power each time you attach an AC power source to the computer. When the AC adapter is attached, the battery or batteries, if installed, are being charged while the computer runs from AC power. The life expectancy of your battery is determined largely by the number of charges it receives, so use an AC power source to run the computer if one is available.

Use the Windows 98 Power Management Properties window to adjust the way the computer uses battery power. Options in the window slow or stop some internal devices when the computer is idle.

Take advantage of the computer's power management modes, set in the Windows 98 Power Management Properties window, when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time. Standby, Turn Off Monitor, and Turn Off Hard Drive allow you to maximize power conservation when your work is interrupted.

NOTE: You can also set power management modes in the Setup program's Power menu. However, the Windows 98 power management settings always override the power management selections chosen in the Setup program.

When the computer is using battery power, remove PC Cards that you are not using.

Experiment with power conservation features to achieve the optimum power conservation for your work environment.

NOTE: You might have to trade some of the computer's performance for increased battery operating time. For example, if you turn off the hard-disk drive, you may experience a delay the next time the computer tries to access the drive.

Using Microsoft Windows 98 to Conserve Battery Power

Complete the following steps in Windows 98 to access the Power Management Properties window and set the power management features:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Power Management Properties icon.
   The Power Management Properties window contains the following tabs:

• Power Schemes allows you to select one of three power mode settings.
• Alarms allows you to set the Low battery and Critical battery alarms to alert you when the system battery falls below a certain percentage. When you received your computer, the Low battery and Critical battery alarms check boxes were not checked. Dell recommends that you do not select these options.
• Power Meter allows you to view the percentage of battery life remaining when your system is operating on battery power. If your system is operating on AC power, the system displays a message.
• Advanced allows you to display the Power Meter on the Windows 98 taskbar and to display a password prompt when the computer resumes from Standby mode.

3. Select the appropriate settings for the power management features you want.

Experimenting With Power Conservation

In general, the lower the value you set for each time-out option, the longer your battery's charge lasts. On the other hand, setting high time-out values tends to optimize the computer's performance. For best results, experiment with the following conservation methods:

• Use the computer with all the options set to their defaults.
• Use the computer with all the time-out options disabled or set to Off.
• Use the computer with all the time-out options set to their minimum values.

Evaluate the way that the different time-out settings affect how long you can operate the computer on battery power versus the relative efficiency of how your software performs.

Checking the Battery Status

The battery status LED at the top of the computer's display indicates the battery's current operating status. The LED has three states:

• Flashing green, which indicates that the AC adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
• Solid green, which indicates that the AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
• No light, which indicates that the AC adapter is not connected.

Standby Mode

Standby turns off the display, stops the hard-disk drive, and turns off other internal devices so that the computer uses less battery power. When the computer resumes operation from Standby mode, the desktop is restored exactly as it was before entering Standby mode.

NOTICE: Windows 98 saves data to RAM, not to your hard-disk drive, before entering Standby mode. If the computer enters Standby mode while running on battery power, data loss from RAM can occur if the battery discharges completely.

You can activate Standby mode by pressing <Fn><Esc> or by selecting Standby from the Shutdown window. To resume operation from Standby mode, press the power button.

Turn Off Monitor

The Turn Off Monitor option turns off the display so that the computer uses less battery power. You can press any key or the touch pad to turn on the display. The desktop is restored exactly as it appeared before the display was turned off.

Turn Off Hard-Disk Drive

The Turn Off Hard-Disk Drive option turns off the hard-disk drive so that the computer uses less battery power. You can press any key or the touch pad to turn on the hard-disk drive. The desktop is restored exactly as it appeared before the hard-disk was turned off.

Save-to-Disk Suspend Mode

NOTE: Save-to-disk suspend mode is not available in Windows NT �.

Save-to-disk suspend mode copies all system data to a reserved area on the hard-disk drive and then turns off all power to the computer. When you resume normal operation, the same programs will be running and the same files will be open that were open before you activated this mode.

NOTES: Save-to-disk suspend mode helps preserve system data by quickly saving it onto the hard-disk drive if you are about to run out of battery power. Place the computer in save-to-disk suspend mode if you do not intend to store the computer for longer than 40 days. Save-to-disk suspend mode preserves the configuration information stored in NVRAM. The reserve battery maintains this information, but may run out of energy after 40 days.

To activate save-to-disk suspend mode immediately, press <Fn><A> (or <Fn><Q> on the French keyboard).

To resume using the computer after activating save-to-disk suspend mode, press the power button. It may take up to 2 minutes for the computer to return to its previous state.

Some PC Cards may not operate correctly after exiting from save-to-disk suspend mode. If you encounter problems with a card, remove and replace it.

NOTE: Save-to-disk suspend mode requires a special file on your hard-disk drive that sets aside enough disk space to store the contents of the computer's memory. Dell creates an appropriately sized save-to-disk suspend file before shipping the computer to you. If you remove the file or add memory to the computer, or if your hard-disk drive becomes corrupted, you must re-create the file before you can again use save-to-disk suspend mode.

Save-to-Disk Suspend File

NOTE: Save-to-disk suspend file is not available in Windows NT.

Save-to-disk suspend file on your hard-disk drive cannot be accessed by the operating system or application programs. When save-to-disk suspend mode is activated, all system data is stored in this file.

Use the following instructions to create a save-to-disk suspend file if you installed a new hard-disk drive, if you removed the file, or if you are rebuilding a corrupted hard-disk drive. If possible, print these instructions before you begin this procedure.

NOTE: If you installed additional memory, delete the save-to-disk suspend file and then complete this procedure. To delete the save-to-disk suspend file, type the following at an MS-DOS prompt and press <Enter>: phdisk /delete /file

1. Save and exit any application programs and files that you have open and shut down the computer.
2. Insert the Microsoft Boot Disk Windows 98 Series diskette into the diskette drive.
3. When the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears, use the down-arrow key to select Start computer with CD-ROM support and press <Enter>.
4. When A:\> appears on the screen, insert the Dell Inspiron 3500 System Software CD into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
   Your MS-DOS prompt changes from an A:\ to a D:\, assuming that D is the drive letter of your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
5. Type cd\utility and press <Enter>.
6. Type phdisk /create /file and press <Enter>.

NOTE: Make sure a space is between phdisk /create and /file.

The utility calculates the size of the file, in kilobytes, based on the amount of system memory in your computer, plus 2 MB to handle video memory and additional system requirements.

7. Follow the instructions on your screen to create the save-to-disk suspend file.
   To check the size of the save-to-disk suspend file, type phdisk /info at an MS-DOS prompt and press <Enter>.
   If you need to delete the save-to-disk suspend file, type phdisk /delete /file at an MS-DOS prompt and press <Enter>.

Passwords and Security

About Passwords

When you receive the computer, the password features are disabled so that you can assign passwords if you wish. Once you assign a password, you must enter the password to access the Setup program.

Use the Security menu in the Setup program to assign a password.

NOTICE: The password features provide a high level of security for the data in the computer. However, they are not foolproof. If your data requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs or PC Cards with encryption features.

Physically Securing the Computer

To prevent unauthorized removal of the computer, use a security cable to attach the computer to an immovable object.

The security cable slot lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.

Antitheft devices for portable computers usually include a segment of metal-stranded cable with an attached locking device and associated key. Complete instructions for installing this kind of antitheft device are usually included with the device.

To prevent unauthorized removal of the computer, loop the cable around an immovable object, insert the locking device into the security cable slot, and lock the device.

NOTE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before purchasing such a device, make sure it will work with the security cable slot in the computer.

Disabling the Serial, Infrared, and Parallel Ports

You can disable the serial port to prevent unauthorized access to the computer through an external serial device. To disable the serial port, set the Serial Port option to Off in the System Devices menu of the Setup program. In addition, you should set up a password in the Security menu of the Setup program.

You can disable the infrared port to prevent unauthorized access to the computer through an external infrared device. To disable the infrared port, set the IR Port option to Off in the System Devices menu of the Setup program.

You can disable the parallel port to prevent unauthorized access to the computer through an external parallel device. To disable the parallel port, set the Parallel Port option to Off in the System Devices menu of the Setup program.

Disabling any of these ports also prevents the unauthorized download of data from that port.