Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Conventions Technical Overview Using the Computer Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT Technical Specifications System Setup Program System Codes and Messages Passwords and Security Ports and Connectors Power Sources Power Conservation Removing and Replacing Parts Documentation Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 1999 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Back to Contents Page AC Adapter: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Using the AC Adapter • Connecting the AC Adapter • Turning the Computer On Using the 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. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off. The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors vary among countries.
Back to Contents Page Power Management Settings: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Experimenting With Power Conservation • Using Key Combinations • Closing the Display • Suspend Mode • Standby Mode • Save-to-Disk Suspend Mode • Power Management Properties for Microsoft Windows 98 • Power Management Properties for Microsoft Windows NT Experimenting With Power Conservation In general, the lower the value you set for each power conservation feature, the longer the battery's charge lasts.
monitor is not connected, the computer's liquid crystal display (LCD) shuts off automatically. If you set the Display Close option in System Setup to Standby, the computer enters the standby mode when the display is closed. If you set the Display Option to Active, the display shuts off when it is closed and does not enter the standby mode. NOTE: If an external monitor is connected when you close the display, the computer does not activate standby mode. You can still use the external monitor.
To activate S2D, press (or on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program). On a French keyboard, press or . NOTE: With systems running under ACPI, settings for power management features, such as key combinations, External Hot Key, and S2D mode are controlled from the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel.
Back to Contents Page Batteries: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference About the Batteries • Charging a Hot Battery • Battery Usage • Installing a Battery in the Battery Bay • Installing a Second Battery • Battery Charge Gauge • First Low-Battery Warning • Second Low-Battery Warning • Charging the Battery • Detecting Battery Problems • Battery Disposal • About Battery Power • Turning the Computer On About the Batteries Your computer’s lithium ion battery provides power when an electrical outlet is not ava
l Use of the infrared port When you activate standby mode, the computer can run on battery power for approximately one week (if the battery was fully charged before activating standby mode). If you are going to store the computer, disconnect all peripheral devices and turn off the computer. Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery will drain when not in use during prolonged storage.
electrical outlet or a second battery is installed. To install a second battery, perform the following steps: 1. Save your work and close all open files and application programs. 2. If the computer is docked, undock it. 3. If your system does not have Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager, go to step 5. 4. If your system is running Microsoft Windows NT with Softex Docking Services installed or if your system is running Windows 98 with Softex BayManager installed, perform the following steps. a.
the battery before using it. To check the charge level, press the battery test button that is next to the indicators (see Figure 3). The appropriate number of indicators lights up for a few seconds to indicate the amount of charge remaining in the battery. For example, if three indicators light up, your battery has between 41 percent and 60 percent of its charge left. Figure 3.
low-battery warning. Once S2D mode is activated, no further power is consumed. NOTICE: Never turn off the computer while the drive access indicator is on. Doing so could cause data loss. Instead, close all of your application programs before you turn off the computer. Second Low-Battery Warning The second low-battery warning—a steady amber battery indicator—occurs when you have about 5 minutes of battery life left under current conditions and the computer is not connected to an electrical outlet.
Battery Disposal When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal agency or environmental agency for advice on disposal of the computer’s lithium ion battery. CAUTION: Do not puncture or incinerate the battery. NOTES: This computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery, which is significantly less hazardous to the environment than the lithium metal technology used in some other batteries (such as watch batteries).
Back to Contents Page CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Using the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives • Caring for CDs and DVDs • Types of Supported Discs Using the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives The DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives are read-only devices that let you play most commercially available 8- or 12-centimeter (cm) sound and video CDs on the computer. In addition to playing most CDs, the DVD-ROM drive can also play DVDs.
Your computer's CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives are able to play the following types of disc formats: l CD-ROM red-book audio discs (CD-DA) l CD-ROM yellow-book mode-1 and mode-2 data discs l CD-ROM XA (mode-2 form 1 and form 2; without Adaptive Differential Pulse Code modulation [ADPCM]) l CD-I (mode-2 form 1 and form 2) l CD-I Ready l CD-Bridge l Photo CD, CD-recordable (CD-R) (single and multisession) l Video CD l l CD-rewritable (CD-RW) (the 24x CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives support reading CD-R
Back to Contents Page Using the Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Storage Devices Dell DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives PC Cards Audio Devices Display Embedded Numeric Keypad Extended Desktop Key Combinations Storage Devices Using the Media Bay Your computer comes with a diskette drive installed in the media bay. You can also install a battery, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, a SuperDisk LS-120 drive module, or second hard-disk drive in the media bay.
8. Click OK. Then click OK again to close the Softex window. For the latest information on these services and their use, and to view the Softex software user’s guides, see the Web site at http://www.dell.com/us/en/bsd/topics/products_latit_softex.htm. Installing Devices in the Media Bay Without Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager To install a device in the media bay, perform the following steps: 1. Verify that the Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program is set to Any Time. 2.
Setting up a Second Hard-Disk Drive The first time you install a second hard-disk drive in the media bay, you must format that drive. For instructions, see the documentation that came with the device. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives Using the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives The DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives are read-only devices that let you play most commercially available 8- or 12-centimeter (cm) sound and video CDs on the computer. In addition to playing most CDs, the DVD-ROM drive can also play DVDs.
l CD-ROM red-book compact disc-digital audio (CD-DA) l CD-ROM yellow-book mode-1 and mode-2 data discs l CD-ROM Extended Architecture (CD-ROM/XA) (mode-2 form 1 and form 2; without Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation [ADPCM]) l CD-Interactive (CD-I) (mode-2 form 1 and form 2) l CD-I Ready l CD-Bridge l Photo CD, CD-recordable (CD-R) (single and multisession) l Video CD l l CD-rewritable (CD-RW) (the 24x CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives support reading CD-RW discs—this format is supported
Toggles the embedded numeric keypad off Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables the lowercase characters/functions of the keyboard Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables the uppercase characters/functions of the keyboard Temporarily enables a cursor-control key in the embedded numeric keypad When Keypad Is Off Function Toggles the embedded numeric keypad on Temporarily enables
Turns off the display* Turns off the hard-disk drive* Activates sleep or standby mode or on French keyboards Activates save-to-disk suspend (S2D) mode or hibernate mode(ACPI only)* * This key combination does not function with ACPI if the settings have not been configured with the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel. See Power Conservation.
NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions. To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program. To eject the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM tray, press . Dell™ DualPoint™ Integrated Pointing Device Cursor Pointing Devices Your computer is equipped with the unique Dell DualPoint integrated pointing device.
To best use the track stick, use the following techniques: l l l l To move the cursor, apply pressure to the track stick with your right or left index finger. Press up or down to move the cursor to the top or bottom of the display screen. Press left or right to move the cursor to the left or right of the display screen. To select an object, tap once on the track stick or use your thumb to press the left track stick button. The track stick buttons perform standard mouse functions.
About PC Cards The computer has a slot into which you can install up to two PC Cards if the PC Cards comply with Release 2.01 of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard and Release 4.2 of the Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA) standard. The computer supports type I, type II, and type III PC Cards (including memory cards) and advanced technology attachment (ATA) cards that emulate integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard-disk drives.
operation of the card before you remove it. If you do not remove the card in the configuration utility, you could lose data from open application programs. To remove a PC Card (see Figure 8), perform the following steps: 1. Press the PC Card eject button. The PC Card or blank protrudes from the slot slightly. It does not come out all the way. 2. Gently remove the card. Figure 8. Removing a PC Card To protect the PC Card connectors, install a blank if you are not going to use the connector.
When using the integrated keyboard, you press and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions. To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program. Expanded Video Mode When working in text mode, you can select the font used to display text. Press to toggle between a regular serif font and a serif font with extra leading.
12. Click Apply. 13. Click OK. 14. Click Yes. 15. Click OK to close the Display Properties dialog box. NOTE: True Simul-mode (the ability to simultaneously display video of the same content and resolution on both the computer display screen and the external monitor) is not supported if the computer is booted to MS-DOS, using a fullscreen MS-DOS session under a Microsoft Windows operating system, or the ATI Mobility M1 video driver is not loaded.
Back to Contents Page Contacting Dell: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Overview • International Dialing Codes • Americas Contact Numbers • Europe Contact Numbers • Asia and Other Regions Contact Numbers Overview When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers, codes, and electronic addresses provided in the following sections. "International Dialing Codes" provides the various codes required to make long-distance and international calls.
Japan (Kawasaki) 001 Korea (Seoul) 001 82 2 00 352 — Macau — 853 Not required Malaysia (Penang) 00 60 4 Mexico (Colonia Granada) 95 52 5 Netherlands (Amsterdam) 00 31 20 New Zealand 00 64 — Norway (Lysaker) 095 47 Not required Poland (Warsaw) 011 48 22 Luxembourg Singapore (Singapore) 81 44 005 65 Not required 09/091 27 11 07 34 91 009 46 8 00 41 22 Taiwan 002 886 — Thailand 001 66 — U.K. (Bracknell) 010 44 1344 U.S.A.
assistance. SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4600 728-3772 Mexico (Colonia Granada) Automated Order-Status System (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-0685 AutoTech (Automated technical support) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) NOTE: Customers in Customer Technical Support Mexico call the U.S.A. for access Sales to the Automated Order-Status System and Customer Service AutoTech. Main 512 728-0686 525 228-7870 525 228-7811 toll free: 91-800-900-37 toll free: 91-800-904-49 525 228-7878 U.S.A.
E-mail: tech_support_germany@dell.com Belgium (Brussels) Technical Support 02 481 92 88 Customer Care 02 481 91 19 Home/Small Business Sales toll free: 0800 16884 Corporate Sales 02 481 91 00 Fax 02 481 92 99 Switchboard 02 481 91 00 Technical Support 02 22 83 27 27 Customer Care 02 22 83 27 11 Fax 02 22 83 27 14 TechFax 02 22 83 27 28 Switchboard 02 22 83 27 11 Web site: http://support.euro.dell.com/be E-mail: tech_be@dell.
TechConnect BBS 06103 971-666 Switchboard 06103 971-0 Web site: http://www.dell.de/support E-mail: tech_support_germany@dell.com Ireland (Bray) Technical Support NOTE: Customers in Ireland call the U.K. for Home/Small Business customer assistance. Home/Small Business Customer Care (Bracknell, U.K.
Web site: http://support.euro.dell.com/no E-mail: nor_support@dell.com Poland (Warsaw) Technical Support 22 60 61 999 Customer Care 22 60 61 999 Sales 22 60 61 999 Switchboard 22 60 61 999 Fax 22 60 61 998 Web site: http://support.euro.dell.com/pl E-mail: pl_support@dell.
Brunei NOTE: Customers in Brunei call Malaysia for customer assistance.
Sales 0800 441 567 Fax Singapore (Singapore) NOTE: Customers in Singapore call Malaysia for customer assistance. South Africa (Johannesburg) 0800 441 566 Technical Support Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) toll free: 800 6011 051 04 810 4949 Transaction Sales toll free: 800 6011 054 Corporate Sales toll free: 800 6011 053 Technical Support 011 709 7710 Customer Care 011 709 7710 Sales 011 706 7700 Fax 011 709 0495 Switchboard 011 709 7700 Web site: http://support.euro.dell.
Back to Contents Page Conventions: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Notes, Notices, and Cautions Typographical Conventions Notes, Notices, and Cautions Throughout 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.
Back to Contents Page Customizing Your Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Using the System Setup Program System Setup Options Power Management Settings Save-to-Disk Suspend Utility Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Dell™ Diagnostics: Dell Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Overview • Features of the Dell Diagnostics • When to Use the Dell Diagnostics • Starting the Dell Diagnostics • Dell Diagnostics Main Screen Overview • Confirming the System Configuration Information • How to Use Dell Diagnostics Overview Unlike many diagnostic programs, the Dell Diagnostics helps you check your computer's hardware without any additional equipment and without destroying any data.
8. Turn the computer on. The system restarts and automatically begins to run the Dell Diagnostics. 9. When you have completed running diagnostics, remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM drive. To change the boot sequence, repeat steps 1 through 5, customizing the boot sequence to fit your needs. Then restart your system. NOTE: Before you read the rest of this subsection, you may want to start the Dell Diagnostics so that you can see it on your display.
Confirming the System Configuration Information When you boot your computer from your diagnostics diskette, the diagnostics checks your system configuration information and displays it in the Device Groups area on the main screen.
Device Group Category The Device Group Help category describes the test group that is presently highlighted in the Device Groups list on the main menu screen. It also provides reasoning for using some tests. Device Category The Device Help category is the educational section of online Help. It describes the function and purpose of the highlighted device in the Device Groups.
Back to Contents Page Diskette Drive: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Your computer was shipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive (see Figure 1) in the media bay. To use another device in the media bay, first remove the diskette drive. For detailed instructions on installing devices in the media bay, see "Using the Media Bay." NOTE: If the computer is docked to the Inspiron 3700 Advanced Port Replicator (APR), turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a diskette drive.
Back to Contents Page Display: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Adjusting the Brightness • Expanded Video Mode • Video Drivers and Video Resolution • Customizing Video Resolution • Simul-mode • If You Have Display Problems Adjusting the Brightness To accommodate local lighting conditions or video output from the software you are using, you can use the key combinations shown in Table 1.
640 x 480 (VGA) 4.2 B (32-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60 Hz NTSC, 50 Hz PAL 256 (8-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60 Hz NTSC, 50 Hz PAL 800 x 600 (SVGA) 65 k (16-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60 Hz NTSC, 50 Hz PAL 800 x 600 (SVGA) 16 M (24-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60 Hz NTSC, 50 Hz PAL 800 x 600 (SVGA) 4.
800 x 600 (16 bit) 32 32 32 32 1024 x 768 (16 bit) 32 32 32 32 1280 x 1024 (16 bit) 32 32 32 32 1600 x 1200 (16 bit) 32 32 24 24 640 x 480 (24 bit) 32 32 32 32 800 x 600 (24 bit) 32 32 32 32 1024 x 768 (24 bit) 32 32 32 32 1280 x 1024 (24 bit) 32 32 32 24 1600 x 1200 (24 bit) 24 24 16 8 640 x 480 (32 bit) 32 32 32 32 800 x 600 (32 bit) 32 32 32 32 1024 x 768 (32 bit) 32 32 32 24 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) 32 32 24 16 1600 x 1200 (32 bit) 8 8 --
13. Click the display that is grayed out. When asked if you want to enable this display, click Yes, and then click Apply. NOTE: True Simul-mode (the ability to simultaneously display video of the same content and resolution on both the computer display screen and the external display) is not supported if the system is booted to MS-DOS, using a full-screen MS-DOS session under a Microsoft Windows operating system, or the ATI Mobility M1 video driver is not loaded.
Back to Contents Page Documentation: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Printed Documentation Online Documentation Printed Documentation You must right-click the link for a portable document format (PDF) file and save the file to your hard-disk drive. Attempting to open large PDF files through your browser causes your system to freeze. To save PDF files (files with an extension of .
Back to Contents Page Drivers: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Installing the Microsoft® Windows® 98 Operating System Drivers Installing the Microsoft® Windows NT® Operating System Drivers NOTE: For more information on using the operating system installed on your computer by Dell, see the operating system user's guide that came with your computer.
Back to Contents Page Error Messages and Flash Codes: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Error Messages • System Flash Codes • Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts • Memory Allocations • I/O Memory Map Error Messages Your application programs, operating system, and the computer itself can identify problems and alert you to them. When this occurs, a message may appear on the computer's display or on an external monitor (if one is attached), or a flash code may be emitted.
computer from a bootable diskette. Then turn off the computer, reinstall the drive, and reboot the computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. configuration error Hard-disk drive controller failure 0 The hard-disk drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Turn off the computer, remove the drive, and boot the computer from a bootable diskette. Then turn off the computer again, reinstall the drive, and reboot the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive.
No timer tick interrupt A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics. Non-system disk or disk error The diskette in drive A or your hard-disk drive If you are trying to boot from the diskette, replace it with one does not have a bootable operating system that has a bootable operating system. installed on it. Not a boot diskette There is no operating system on the diskette. Boot the computer with a diskette that contains an operating system.
you are unable to resolve the problem, use the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, call Dell for technical assistance. Table 2. Flash Codes and Corrective Actions Message Cause Action 1-1-3 NVRAM write/read failure. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics. If the program does not load, call Dell for technical assistance. 1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
IRQ2 Reserved; generated internally by the interrupt controller to enable IRQ8 through IRQ15 IRQ3 Available for use by a PC Card unless the integrated serial port or infrared port is configured for COM2 or COM4 IRQ4 Available for use by a PC Card unless the integrated serial port or infrared port is configured for COM1 (the default) or COM3 IRQ5 Available for use by the audio controller IRQ6 Generated by the diskette drive controller to indicate that the diskette drive requires the attention of the
determine if the memory address of an external peripheral (such as a PC Card) conflicts with a memory address reserved by the system. Check the documentation of the external I/O device to determine its memory address. If there is a conflict with a memory address reserved by the system, change the address of the device. NOTE: To view I/O addresses in Windows 98, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. Double-click the System icon.
Back to Contents Page Connecting External Devices: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Connectors • Audio • S-Video TV-Out • Keyboard • Keypad • Mouse • Connecting an External Monitor • Using an External Monitor Connectors Use Figure 1 to locate the connectors on the back of the computer. NOTICE: When disconnecting external devices from the back of the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you disconnect a device to avoid possible damage to the system board. Figure 1.
You can connect a television with an S-Video connector to your computer. Figure 2 shows the location of the S-Video connector. To connect the cables, follow these guidelines: l l If your television uses an S-Video cable for video input, connect one end of that cable directly to your computer's S-Video TV-out connector and the other end into your television's S-Video connector.
NOTE: If the computer is in standby mode or save-to-disk suspend mode when you attach an external mouse, the device is recognized immediately by the computer when it resumes normal operation. However, programs that were already running may need to be restarted in order to recognize the mouse. When you attach a PS/2 mouse to the computer, the DualPoint™ integrated pointing device is automatically disabled.
If the external monitor is turned off when you boot your computer, the computer still sends the video image to the external monitor. In this case, you will not see an image on either the computer's display or the external monitor. To see an image, turn on the external monitor or switch the video image to the computer’s display by pressing on the keyboard or on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.
Back to Contents Page Getting Help: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Help Overview Contacting Dell Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Help Overview: Dell Inspiron 3700 System Reference Technical Assistance • Help Tools • Problems With Your Order • Product Information • Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit •Before You Call Technical Assistance If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps: 1. Run the Dell Diagnostics as described in "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 2. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist and fill it out. 3.
l Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) ftp.dell.com/ Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password. l Electronic Support Service support@us.dell.com apsupport@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only) support.euro.dell.com (for Europe only) l Electronic Quote Service sales@dell.com apmarketing@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only) l Electronic Information Service info@dell.
http://www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, see "Contacting Dell." Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows: 1. Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your region. 2. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return. 3.
computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.
Back to Contents Page Introduction: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Overview • Hardware Features • Software Features • Available Options • Getting Help Overview The Dell computers are expandable multimedia systems using the latest Intel® Pentium® or Celeron™ technologies. The computer includes the Dell DualPoint™ integrated pointing device, which provides a touch pad and a track stick to control the cursor on the display screen.
1 Speaker 2 Security cable slot 3 Hard-disk drive 4 PC Card slots (2) 5 Infrared port 6 AC adapter connector 7 Serial connector 8 PS/2 connector 9 USB connector 10 Docking connector 11 Status indicator panel 12 Parallel connector 13 Video connector 14 Fan Hardware Features Your computer includes the following hardware features: l l l l An Intel mobile microprocessor incorporating the latest processor technology.
l l l l Ultra direct memory access (DMA)/33 data transfer protocol for Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)/integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard-disk drive interface. Ultra DMA/33 allows data transfer rates of up to 33 MB/second. An integrated keyboard that includes two special keys that support the Windows operating systems.
Customizing Your System Configuration As the computer environment changes, you may want to use the System Setup program to customize the configuration of your computer. The System Setup program lets you control the hardware and software features of the computer. It also helps you reduce power consumption when the computer is running on battery power. Refer to Appendix B, "Using the System Setup Program," in the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide for information on using the System Setup program.
Back to Contents Page I/O Connectors: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference About the I/O Connectors • Video Connector • Parallel Connector • Docking Connector • USB Connector • PS/2 Connector • Serial Connector • AC Power Connector • Infrared Port About the I/O Connectors You can connect external devices to the input/output (I/O) connectors. The computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) detects the presence of external devices when you boot (start) or reboot your computer.
USB Connector The USB connector supports the use of a USB hub device to attach multiple devices. USB devices are typically low-speed peripherals such as mice, keyboards, printers, and computer speakers. The Inspiron 3700 APR docking solution has two USB connectors. NOTE: If you are using a USB external keyboard, do not enter the System Setup program by using a keyboard command on the external keyboard. Instead, press on the computer's keyboard.
Back to Contents Page Keyboard: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Embedded Numeric Keypad • Display Key Combinations • Power Conservation Key Combinations • Processing Speed Key Combinations • Speaker Key Combinations • System Function Key Combinations • CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drive Key Combinations Embedded Numeric Keypad As you work, you may want to use the embedded numeric keypad (see Figure 1) to enter numbers in spreadsheet or financial programs.
+ up arrow Incrementally increases brightness. + right arrow Decreases contrast, which has no effect on an active-matrix display. + left arrow Increases contrast, which has no effect on an active-matrix display. Toggles the computer's display between regular video mode and reverse video mode (white on black). This key combination works only if the computer is in text mode; it has no effect if the computer is running a graphical operating system or application program.
Speaker Key Combinations NOTE: On an external keyboard, use with the appropriate keys if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program. Use the key combinations in Table 5 to adjust the computer's speaker volume and to enable and disable the speakers. Table 5.
Link Verification Results Print Date: 10/7/99 Source Documents with Failed Links l l l l l l C:\TEMP\Cypress\r_r.htm (failed links : 6) C:\TEMP\Cypress\battery.htm (failed links : 2) C:\TEMP\Cypress\error.htm (failed links : 2) C:\TEMP\Cypress\specs.htm (failed links : 2) C:\TEMP\Cypress\win9x.htm (failed links : 2) C:\TEMP\Cypress\docs.htm (failed links : 3) C:\TEMP\Cypress\r_r.htm Link: file:///A:/5169ttb0.htm#14434 Full URL: file:///A:/5169ttb0.
Link: #footnote1 Full URL: C:\TEMP\Cypress\specs.htm#footnote1 Status: Document found, but internal link does not exist Link: #footnote2 Full URL: C:\TEMP\Cypress\specs.htm#footnote2 Status: Document found, but internal link does not exist C:\TEMP\Cypress\win9x.htm Link: #installing_audio_drivers Full URL: C:\TEMP\Cypress\win9x.htm#installing_audio_drivers Status: Document found, but internal link does not exist Link: #installing_video_drivers Full URL: C:\TEMP\Cypress\win9x.
Back to Contents Page Media Bay: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Using the Media Bay • Installing Devices in the Media Bay With Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager Software • Installing Devices in the Media Bay Without Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager Software • Setting Up a Second Hard-Disk Drive Using the Media Bay Your computer comes with a diskette drive installed in the media bay.
Installing Devices in the Media Bay Without Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager Software To install a device in the media bay, perform the following steps: 1. Verify that the Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program is set to Any Time. 2. Save your work and close all open files and application programs. 3. Turn your computer off. 4. If the computer is docked, undock it. 5. If the media bay contains a device, remove the device as follows: a.
Back to Contents Page Technical Overview: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference System Features IRQ Line Assignments Video Memory System Features This section describes the major hardware and software features of your computer. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the front and back view of the computer, respectively. Figure 1.
3 Hard-disk drive 10 Docking connector 4 PC Card slot 11 Device access/status indicators 5 Infrared port 12 Parallel port connector 6 AC adapter connector 13 Video connector 7 Serial port connector 14 Fan Hardware Features l l l l An Intel® mobile microprocessor incorporating the latest processor technology. An internal, Level 1 (L1) cache consisting of 64 kilobytes (KB) of high-speed memory that resides in the processor core.
NOTE: Windows NT does not support zoomed video functions. l One high-performance serial port connector. l One parallel port connector that can be set to AT, PS/2, enhanced parallel port (EPP), or extended capabilities port (ECP) mode. l One PS/2 keyboard/mouse port connector. l One docking connector for the optional advanced port replicator (APR). l A security cable connector to which you can attach a commercially available security cable to prevent unauthorized removal of the computer.
l Carrying case Instructions for connecting or installing these options are included in the upgrade kit you receive from Dell. Video The Dell-installed video drivers work with the operating system to let you customize the video resolution and number of screen colors on your display. NOTE: The Dell-installed video drivers are designed to offer the best performance on your computer. Dell recommends that you use only these drivers with your factory-installed operating system.
column and move across the row to the right under the corresponding second resolution. Table 2.
IRQ10 Available for use by a PC Card or audio controller unless the APR is attached IRQ11 Generated by USB, PC Card, and audio controllers; available for use by a PC Card IRQ12 Reserved; generated by the keyboard controller to indicate that the output buffer of the DualPoint integrated pointing device or the external PS/2 mouse is full IRQ13 Reserved; generated by the math coprocessor IRQ14 Reserved; generated by the hard-disk drive to indicate that the drive requires the attention of the microproc
Address Device 0000-001F DMA controller #1 0020-003F Interrupt controller #1 0040-005F System timers 0060-006F Keyboard controller 0070-007F RTC and nonmaskable interrupt (NMI) enable 0080-009F DMA page registers 00A0-00BF Interrupt controller #2 00C0-00DF DMA controller #2 00F0-00FF Math coprocessor 0170-0177 CD-ROM drive controller 01F0-01F7 Hard-disk drive controller 0210-0217 Audio controller 0220-022F Audio controller 0270-0277 Fast IR 0376-0376 Integrated drive electroni
Back to Contents Page Passwords and Security: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference About Passwords Using a Hard-Disk Drive Password Using a Primary Password Physically Securing the Computer and the Hard-Disk Drive Using an Administrator Password Asset Tag Utility About Passwords A primary password prevents unauthorized access to the computer at start-up. An administrator password can be used in place of the primary password.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled. Using a Hard-Disk Drive Password The hard-disk drive password helps protect the data on your hard-disk drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for the modular hard-disk drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard-disk drive.
NOTE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before purchasing such a device, make sure that it will work with the security cable slot in your computer. Asset Tag Utility Dell has installed the Asset Tag utility on your computer. The Asset Tag utility allows you to enter an asset tag number that you or your company assigns to the computer. The default System Setup screens do not show the asset tag number unless you enter one by using this utility.
asset /o ABC Company 4. When the system prompts you to verify the owner tag, type y and press . The system displays the new owner tag. Deleting an Owner Tag To delete the owner tag without assigning a new one, perform the following steps: 1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and click MS-DOS Prompt. 2. Type CD c:\Dell\Util and press . 3. Type asset /o /d and press .
Back to Contents Page PC Cards: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference About PC Cards • Installing PC Cards • Removing PC Cards • Configuring PC Cards About PC Cards The computer has a slot into which you can install up to two PC Cards if the PC Cards comply with Release 2.01 of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard and Release 4.2 of the Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA) standard.
Save the blank to use whenever you do not have a PC Card installed. The blank protects the PC Card connector from dust and other particles. Removing PC Cards NOTICE: If you are using Windows 98, use the PC Card configuration utility on the taskbar to select and stop a card before you remove it. If you do not remove the card in the configuration utility, you could lose data from open application programs. To remove a PC Card (see Figure 2), perform the following steps: 1. Press the PC Card eject button.
Back to Contents Page Ports and Connectors: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference About the I/O Connectors USB Connector Audio Connectors PS/2 Connector Video Connector Serial Port Connector Parallel Port Connector AC Power Connector Docking Connector Infrared Port About the I/O Connectors You can connect external devices to the input/output (I/O) connectors. The computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) detects the presence of external devices when you boot (start) or reboot your computer.
1 Microphone-in connector 2 Line-out connector 3 Line-in connector 4 TV-out S-video connector TV-Out S-Video Connector You can connect a television with an S-video connector to your computer. Figure 2 shows the location of the TV-out S-video connector on your computer.
NOTE: If you are using the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system, you can use an external monitor as an extension of your display. For more information, see the Windows 98 documentation or "Extended Desktop." Using an External Monitor When an external monitor is connected to the computer, the video image automatically appears on the external monitor's screen when you boot your computer.
NOTE: If the computer is in standby mode or save-to-disk-suspend (S2D) mode when you attach an external mouse, the device is recognized immediately by the computer when it resumes normal operation. However, programs that were already running may need to be restarted in order to recognize the mouse. When you attach a PS/2 mouse to the computer, the DualPoint integrated pointing device is automatically disabled.
Infrared Port The computer’s infrared (IR) port is compatible with Infrared Data Association (IrDA) 1.1 (Fast IR) and 1.0 (Slow IR) standards. An infrared port lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections. An infrared data stream is transmitted through a lens in the computer up to a distance of 1 meter (m) (3.3 feet [ft]). This light is received by a compatible computer, printer, mouse, or remote control.
Back to Contents Page Power Sources: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference AC Adapter Batteries AC Adapter Using the 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. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off. The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors vary among countries.
second battery in the media bay. Lithium-ion batteries do not have the "memory effect" that is exhibited by nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickelcadmium (NiCD) batteries. You do not need to drain a lithium-ion battery completely before recharging it. A lithium-ion battery will not "forget" at which point it is fully charged. NiMH and NiCD batteries may not charge fully if they are partially drained then recharged.
If necessary, print these instructions for reference before proceeding. Figure 2. Installing a Battery 1. Save your work and close all open files and application programs. 2. If the computer is docked, undock it. 3. If the battery bay contains a battery and your system is off, go to step 5. 4. If the only battery in the computer is in the battery bay and that is the battery you want to replace, preserve your data in one of these ways, and then proceed to step 5: l Use the standby mode.
Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program). l Use the save-to-disk suspend (S2D) mode. Place the computer in S2D mode by pressing (or on a French keyboard). When the green power indicator turns off, continue to step 6. 6. Remove any device that may be installed in the media bay (see Figure 3). a. Close the computer display and turn the computer over. b. Slide the media bay latch toward the Unlock icon to release the device in the bay.
If the battery is experiencing a permanent failure, when you press the battery test button, you will see no indicators. If you install such a battery into the computer, the amber battery status indicator on the computer flashes rapidly. To purchase a new battery, call Dell or access the Dell World Wide Web site at http://www.dell.com. Dispose of the old battery properly.
When installed in a computer connected to an electrical outlet, the battery immediately starts charging. The green power indicator remains steady while the AC adapter charges the battery. The indicator starts blinking when the express charge cycle is complete. While the indicator is blinking, the AC adapter provides a trickle charge to bring the battery to full capacity. The indicator continues to blink until you remove the battery or disconnect the computer from its electrical outlet.
Other power conservation features, such as standby mode, stop almost all system activity. They allow you to maximize power conservation when your work is interrupted. Experiment with power conservation features to achieve the optimum power conservation for your work environment. Turning the Computer On To turn on the computer, press the power button.
Back to Contents Page Power Conservation: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Experimenting With Power Conservation Standby Mode Using Key Combinations Power Management Properties for Microsoft Windows 98 Closing the Display Power Management Properties for Microsoft Windows NT Suspend Mode Save-to-Disk Suspend Mode Experimenting With Power Conservation In general, the lower the value you set for each power conservation feature, the longer the battery's charge lasts.
Closing the Display One way to conserve power on the computer is to close the display when the computer is not in use. When you close the display and an external monitor is not connected, the computer's liquid crystal display (LCD) shuts off automatically. If you set the Display Close option in System Setup to Standby, the computer enters the standby mode when the display is closed. If you set the Display Option to Active, the display shuts off when it is closed and does not enter the standby mode.
To access the Power Management Properties window and set the power management features, perform the following steps in Windows 98: 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: l Power Scheme — Allows you to select one of three power mode settings.
on the S2D diskette that came with your computer. Save-to-Disk Suspend Utility The S2D utility allows you to manage the S2D partition in your file system as your computing needs change. For instance, you can remove the S2D partition if you need the space on the hard-disk drive for other purposes, or you can use the S2D utility to create the partition if you have removed it.
Back to Contents Page Preface: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference About This Guide • Warranty and Return Policy Information • Other Documents You May Need • Notational Conventions • Typographical Conventions About This Guide This guide is intended for anyone who uses the Dell Inspiron 3700 computer. It can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the features of the computer.
Notational Conventions The following subsections list notational conventions used in this document. Notes, Notices, and Cautions Throughout 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.
Temporary file. Delete before release.
Back to Contents Page Removing and Replacing Parts: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform the procedures for removing and replacing parts. The warranty on the computer becomes void if anyone other than a certified technician performs these procedures. Overview Microprocessor Module Recommended Tools Display Assembly Preparing to Work Inside the Computer Display Assembly Bezel Screw Identification and Tightening 14.
Recommended Tools Most of the procedures in this document require the use of one or more of the following tools: l # 1 magnetized Phillips-head screwdriver l Small flat-blade screwdriver l Small plastic scribe l Processor extractor Preparing to Work Inside the Computer Before you start to work on the computer, perform the following steps. NOTICE: Failure to perform the following steps could result in damage to the computer.
also included in the illustration. Examples are shown in Figure 3. Match the actual screw to the graphic in the illustration to check for correct length. Figure 3. Screw Identification NOTICE: When reinstalling a screw, you must use a screw of the correct diameter and length. Otherwise, hardware damage could result. Make sure that the screw is properly aligned with its corresponding hole, and avoid overtightening.
3. While holding the cable in place, close the ZIF connector. 4. To ensure a firm connection, make sure the ZIF connector is completely closed. Removing Field-Replaceable Parts and Assemblies Figure 5. Exploded View — Computer 1 System board 2 Bottom case assembly 3 Media bay device 4 Main battery 5 Hard-disk drive assembly 6 Palmrest assembly 7 Keyboard 8 Display assembly The following sections provide instructions for removing and replacing field-replaceable parts and assemblies.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, remove the power cable, the battery, and the second battery (if installed) before you service the computer. NOTICE: The hard-disk drive is very sensitive to shock. Handle the assembly by its edges (do not squeeze the top of the hard-disk drive case), and avoid dropping it. NOTICE: Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent scratching the computer cover. 1.
Memory Modules Figure 8. Memory Module Removal 1 DIMM A 2 DIMM B 3 Memory module sockets (2) 4 Inner tabs (2 per socket) To remove a memory module, perform the following steps. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, remove the power cable, the battery, and the second battery (if installed) before you service the computer. 1. Remove the memory module cover.
1 10-mm screws (7) 2. Remove the seven 10-mm screws, labeled with a "circle K," that secure the keyboard to the computer (see Figure 9). 3. Turn the computer right-side up and open the display. NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard. 4.
1 Keyboard cable 2 Track stick cable 8. Disconnect the keyboard cable from the connector on the system board. The keyboard cable is the wide, flexible cable. 9. Carefully disconnect the track stick cable from the ZIF connector on the palmrest’s flexible printed circuit (FPC). 10. Remove the keyboard assembly. To replace the keyboard assembly, perform the following steps. NOTICE: Position the track stick and keyboard cables so that they are not twisted when connected to the system board. 1.
1 Captive screws (3) 2 Thermal cooling assembly arm 3 Microprocessor module 4 White marks on the microprocessor board 5 Microprocessor shield 6 3-mm screws (2) To remove the microprocessor module, perform the following steps. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, the power cable, battery, and second battery (if installed) must be removed before you service the computer. 1. Remove the main battery. 2. Remove the keyboard assembly.
1 4-mm screws (3) 2 Snap tab 3 Bottom case assembly 4 Snap tab 5 LCD flex cable 6 Hinge cover 7 Display assembly To remove the display assembly, perform the following steps. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, the power cable, battery, and second battery (if installed) must be removed before you service the computer. NOTICE: Do not remove the palmrest before you remove the display. 1. Remove the keyboard. 2. Close the display. 3.
1 Display assembly bezel 6 Hinge cover 2 Latch 7 LCD panel 3 3-mm screws (6) 8 Plastic screw covers (2) 4 Display-assembly top cover 9 4-mm screws (6) 5 LCD flex cable 10 Rubber screw covers (4) To remove the display assembly bezel, perform the following steps. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, remove the power cable, the battery, and the second battery (if installed) before you service the computer. 1.
To remove the 14.1-inch display LCD panel, perform the following steps. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, remove the power cable, the battery, and the second battery (if installed) before you service the computer. 1. Remove the main battery. 2. Remove the keyboard. 3. Remove the display assembly. 4. Remove the display assembly bezel. 5. Remove the three 3-mm screws on the left side of the LCD panel and the three 3-mm screws on the right side of the LCD panel (see Figure 14). 6.
1 Display assembly bezel 2 Back-light plug 3 Latch 4 Inverter 5 ZIF connector 6 3-mm screws (3) 7 Display assembly top cover 8 LCD flex cable 9 LCD panel 10 5-mm screws (4) 11 Plastic screw covers (2) 12 4-mm screws (6) 13 Rubber screw covers (4) Removing the 12.1-Inch Display LCD Panel To remove the 12.1-inch display LCD panel, perform the following steps.
1. Remove the 4-mm screw securing the metal cable clip to the left hinge of the display-assembly top cover (see Figure 15). 2. Remove the cable out from under the plastic strain-relief retainer located on the bottom of the display-assembly hinge cover. 3. Remove the flex-cable clip from the bottom of the hinge cover located at the bottom of the display assembly. 4. Pry the hinge-cover assembly apart from the display assembly, allowing just enough space for the flex cable to pass through the opening. 5.
1 Backlight connector 2 Label 3 Inverter 4 Jumpers 5 ZIF connector 3. Place the inverter in the cover top. 4. Reinstall the three 3-mm screws that secure the inverter to the top cover. 5. Connect the LCD flex cable to the ZIF connector on the inverter. Replacing the 12.1-Inch LCD Panel 1. Find the manufacturer’s name on the back of the LCD panel that is to be installed. The manufacturer is either Torisan or Sharp. 2.
palmrest disconnects the reserve battery and causes the computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified parameters in NVRAM. If possible, make a copy of this information before you disconnect the reserve battery. Figure 18. Removing the Palmrest Assembly Screws 1 20-mm screws (5) NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, remove the power cable, the battery, and the second battery (if installed) before you service the computer. 1. Remove the main battery. 2.
1 Palmrest flexible cable 2 Bottom case assembly 3 Touch-pad connector 4 Palmrest assembly 9. Carefully remove the palmrest assembly from the bottom case assembly (see Figure 19). Reserve Battery To remove the reserve battery, perform the following steps. NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer’s RTC and NVRAM when the computer is turned off. Removing the battery causes the computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified parameters in NVRAM.
1 Bay latches (2) 2 Springs (2) 3 Bottom case assembly 4 Bay latch buttons (2) 5 Location of snap tabs (2) 6 Sliders (2) To remove the bay latch assemblies, perform the following steps: 1. Remove the main battery. 2. Remove the device from the media bay. 3. Remove the keyboard assembly. 4. Remove the display assembly. 5. Remove the palmrest assembly. 6. Remove the left bay-latch button from the outside of the bottom case assembly by carefully squeezing the snap tabs to unsnap the latch.
4. Remove the display assembly. 5. Remove the palmrest assembly. 6. Remove the microprocessor module. 7. Remove any PC Cards or plastic blanks from the PC Card slot. 8. Verify that the PC Card ejectors do not extend from the PC Card slot. 9. Remove the following two screws from the system board assembly (see Figure 22): l l The 4-mm screw with captive washer located on the far left side of the computer between the hard-disk drive assembly and the PC Card slot.
1 4-mm screws (2) 2 Thermal cooling assembly and exhaust fan To remove the thermal cooling assembly, perform the following steps. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, remove the power cable, the battery, and the second battery (if installed) before you service the computer. 1. Remove the main battery. 2. Remove the device from the media bay. 3. Remove the keyboard assembly. 4. Remove the display assembly. 5. Remove the palmrest assembly. 6. Remove the microprocessor module. 7.
Back to Contents Page Save-to-Disk Suspend Utility: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Save-to-Disk Suspend Utility • Removing the S2D Partition • Creating the S2D Partition Save-to-Disk Suspend Utility The save-to-disk suspend (S2D) utility allows you to manage the S2D partition in your file system as your computing needs change.
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Back to Contents Page Securing Your Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference About Passwords • Using a Primary Password • Using an Administrator Password • Using a Hard-Disk Drive Password • Physically Securing the Computer and the Hard-Disk Drive • Asset Tag Utility About Passwords A primary password prevents unauthorized access to the computer at start-up. An administrator password can be used in place of the primary password.
The hard-disk drive password helps protect the data on your hard-disk drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for the modular hard-disk drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard-disk drive. NOTE: Only hard-disk drives purchased from Dell for use with the Inspiron 3700 portable computers support the hard-disk drive password option.
Asset Tag Utility Dell has installed the Asset Tag utility on your computer. The Asset Tag utility allows you to enter an asset tag number that you or your company assigns to the computer. The default System Setup screens do not show the asset tag number unless you enter one by using this utility. You can also use the Asset Tag utility to enter an owner tag that appears in the system log-on screen and with the primary password prompt.
NOTE: For security, you cannot set, change, or delete the owner tag if the primary or administrator password is set. Table 1 lists the command-line options you can use with the Asset Tag utility. To use one of these options, open an MS-DOS® prompt, type asset and a space followed by the option, and then press . Table 1.
Back to Contents Page System Setup Program: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Overview Page 2 Options Entering the System Setup Program Page 3 Options Using the System Setup Program Page 4 Options Page 1 Options Overview Each time you turn on your computer, it compares the installed hardware with the system configuration information stored in nonvolatile randomaccess memory (NVRAM). If the system detects a discrepancy, it generates an error message for each incorrect configuration setting.
l Options The box on the left half of screens 1, 2, and 4 lists options that define the installed hardware in your computer and the power conservation and security features for your computer. Fields next to the options contain settings or values. You can change those values that appear bright on the screen. Options or values that you cannot change (because they are determined or calculated by the computer) appear less bright.
Diskette Reconfig Allows application programs that access the diskette drive to run at their optimum speed. Settings are At Reboot Only and Any Time. When Diskette Reconfig is set to Any Time (the default), you do not have to reboot after you install a diskette drive in the media bay or attach a diskette drive to the parallel connector on the back of the computer.
None I3700 APR NIC — Causes your computer to attempt first to boot from a network source. For a change in the Boot Second device option to take effect, you must reboot your computer. Boot Third device If the computer cannot find the software it needs to start the operating system on the drive identified in Boot Second device, it will search the device named in Boot Third device.
Infrared Data Port Allows you to avoid resource conflicts by remapping the address of the infrared ports or disabling the port. The COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4 settings allow you to take advantage of the computer's Fast IR support.
in keyboard. Set this option to Scroll Lock (the default) if you are using an external keyboard. Set this option to Not Installed to disable this function on the external keyboard. Primary Password (System Security) Displays the current status of the primary password and allows you to assign or change this password.
Table 3. Page 3 Options of the System Setup Program Option Function Battery Status Displays the charge status of the installed batteries. -Left Battery -Right Battery NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the system Help. Page 4 Options See Figure 4 and Table 4 for an explanation of the options and settings on Page 4 of the System Setup program. Figure 4. Page 4 of the System Setup Program Table 4.
A change in this option takes effect immediately. S2D Time-out When the Power Management option is set to Enabled, you may set the S2D Time-out option. This option determines how long the computer is inactive before it copies all system information to a file on the hard-disk drive. This setting has no effect when the computer is docked. Settings for this option are Disabled, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, or 12 hours. A change in this option takes effect immediately.
Back to Contents Page System Setup Options: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference AC • Admin Password • Alarm Resume • Asset Tag • Audio Mode • Battery • Battery Status • BIOS Version • Boot First Device • Boot Second Device • Boot Third Device • Boot Speed • Brightness • Click Volume • Configure Setup • Date • Disk Time-Out • Diskette Drive A • Diskette Drive B • Diskette Reconfig • Display Close • Display Time-out • Docking Ethernet • Docking IRQ • Docking Status • External Hot Key • Hard-disk Drive Pass
Battery Battery, an option of Power Management, allows you to set different time-outs for the following options when you operate your computer from battery power: Display Time-out, Disk Time-out, Suspend Time-out, S2D Time-out, Smart CPU Mode, Display Close, and Brightness. A change to the Battery option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).
Boot Third Device If the computer cannot find the software it needs to start the operating system on the drive identified in Boot Second device, it will search the device named in Boot Third device.
Disk Time-out Disk Time-out lets you determine how long your hard-disk drive remains idle before the drive motor turns off to conserve battery power. NOTE: This feature does not function with the ACPI. The AC option is set to Disabled. No user-selectable settings are available for this option.
NOTE: With systems running under ACPI, settings for these features are controlled from the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel. Under ACPI, standby mode is referred to as sleep mode. Activate the sleep mode by selecting Sleep from the Power Management Properties window. Display Time-out Display Time-out lets you decide how long the computer operates with no input/output (I/O) activity before turning off the display to conserve battery power.
l Dock Media Bay Password Hard-disk drive password(s) displays the current status of the primary hard-disk drive password and allows you to assign or change this password. You can set a primary password for the system, the system media bay, and the dock media bay.
Microprocessor Microprocessor displays the type and speed of the microprocessor installed on your computer's system board. No user-selectable settings are available for this option. Num Lock Num Lock determines if the system boots with the Num Lock enabled or disabled when an external keyboard is attached. Settings for this option are: l Disabled (the default) l Enabled A change to the Num Lock option has no effect when the system is booted unless an external keyboard is attached.
Primary Password displays the current status of the primary password and allows you to assign or change this password. Settings for this option are: l Disabled (the default) — Indicates that no primary password is assigned l Enabled — Indicates that a primary password is currently assigned If you assign a primary password, the computer prompts you for the password each time you boot the computer. NOTICE: The password features provide a high level of security for the data in your computer.
resume from S2D mode. Serial Port Serial Port allows you to map the address of the serial port or to disable the serial port.
l Disabled l 5 Minutes l 1 Minute l 10 Minutes (default) l 2 Minutes l 15 Minutes l 3 Minutes l 30 Minutes l 4 Minutes l 1 Hour To increase battery operating time, set the Suspend Time-out option to a lower number of minutes. NOTE: Set the Suspend Time-out option to Disabled if using it causes compatibility problems with your software. A change to the Suspend Time-out option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).
Wakeup on LAN Wakeup on LAN enables the computer to power up when triggered by a special local area network (LAN) signal. A change to the Wakeup on LAN option takes effect immediately.
Back to Contents Page Technical Specifications: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Microprocessor 14.1-Inch Display Chip Set and Bus Keyboard PC Cards Battery Memory AC Adapter Connectors Physical Audio Environmental (Computer) Video Touch Pad 12.
Maximum RAM 512 MB Memory clock speed 100 MHz Memory access time CL2 or CL3 NOTE: CL3 indicates a CAS latency of 3 clocks. BIOS address F000:0000-F000:FFFF Connectors Serial (DTE) 9-pin connector; 16,550-compatible, 16-byte buffer Parallel 25-hole connector; unidirectional, bidirectional, EPP 1.9, or ECP Video 15-hole connector PS/2 6-pin mini-DIN connector Infrared IrDA 1.
Response time (typical) 30-ms rise/20-ms fall Operating angle 0° to 180° Viewing angles: Horizontal ± 45° from center Vertical +10° and -30° from center Dot pitch 0.308 mm (horizontal and vertical) Power consumption: Panel (typical) 0.85 W Backlight 1.89-W minimum to 3.78-W maximum Controls brightness can be controlled through a key combination 14.1-Inch Display Type XGA, active-matrix color (TFT) Dimensions (active area): Height 214.3 mm (8.4 inches) Width 285.7 mm (11.
Depth 88.5 mm (3.48 inches) Width 139.0 mm (5.47 inches) Weight 0.39 kg (0.87 lb) Voltage 14.8 VDC Capacity 53 WH Charge time (approximate):1 Computer on 2.5 hours Computer off 1 hour Life span (approximate)1 500 discharge/charge cycles Temperature range: Charge 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140°F) AC Adapter Input voltage 90 to 135 VAC and 164 to 264 VAC Input current (maximum) 1.5 A Input frequency 47 to 63 Hz Output current 4.
Temperature: Operating 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140°F) Relative humidity (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration: Operating 0.9 GRMS using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment Storage 1.3 GRMS using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates air/truck shipment Maximum shock:3 Operating 152.4 cm/sec (60.0 inches/sec) (equal to a half-sine pulse width of 2 ms) Storage 203.
ESD in accordance with IEC-801-2 1 Battery performance features such as charge time and life span can vary according to the conditions under which the computer and battery are used. 2 Weights are shown with a hard-disk drive, a battery in the battery bay, and a travel module, diskette drive, or a CD-ROM drive in the media bay. Your computer might weigh more or less, depending on its configuration. 3 Measured with the hard-disk drive in head-parked position.
Back to Contents Page System Codes and Messages: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Error Messages System Flash Codes Error Messages Your application programs, operating system, and the computer itself can identify problems and alert you to them. When this occurs, a message may appear on the computer's display or on an external monitor (if one is attached), or a flash code may be emitted. If an error message appears on the display or external monitor, make a note of the message.
operation requires a diskette in the drive or a hard-disk drive in the bay before it can continue. disk drive in the media bay. Error reading PCMCIA card The computer cannot identify the PC Card. Reseat the card or try another PC Card that you know works. Extended memory size has changed The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Reboot the computer. If the error appears on the display again, call Dell for technical assistance.
Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value An installed memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reseat the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value An installed memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reseat the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. No boot device available The computer cannot find the diskette or hard-disk drive.
1 Scroll lock indicator 2 Capitals lock indicator 3 numbers lock indicator When the computer emits a flash code, write it down on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist and then look up its cause and meaning in Table 2. If you are unable to resolve the problem, use the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. See "Running Dell Diagnostics" in Chapter 3 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, call Dell for technical assistance.
Back to Contents Page Setup and Operation: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference AC Adapter Batteries CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives Display Diskette Drive Keyboard PC Cards Media Bay Dell™ DualPoint™ Integrated Pointing Device Securing Your Computer Connecting External Devices I/O Connectors Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Dell™ DualPoint™ Integrated Pointing Device: Dell Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Cursor Pointing Devices • Using the Touch Pad • Using the Track Stick • Customizing the DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device • Changing the Track Stick Cap Cursor Pointing Devices Your Dell portable computer is equipped with the unique Dell DualPoint integrated pointing device.
To best use the track stick, use the following techniques: l l l l To move the cursor, apply pressure to the track stick with your right or left index finger. Press up or down to move the cursor to the top or bottom of the display screen. Press left or right to move the cursor to the left or right of the display screen. To select an object, tap once on the track stick or use your thumb to press the left track stick button. The track stick buttons perform standard mouse functions.
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Back to Contents Page Traveling With Your Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Identifying Your Computer • Preparing Your Computer for Travel • Travel Tips Identifying Your Computer As an antitheft measure, assign a primary password and a hard-disk drive password to prohibit unauthorized access to the computer.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable's connector, not the cable itself, and pull gently but firmly to avoid damaging the cable. 5. Disconnect the AC adapter. NOTICE: When the display is closed, items left on the keyboard could damage the display. 6. Make sure that there is nothing on the keyboard and palmrest that can damage the display when you close it. Then close the display. 7. Pack all your computing accessories.
l l Pack the computer so that it does not slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead storage compartment. If you are carrying a second hard-disk drive separately, protect the drive from exposure to static electricity by placing the drive in an antistatic bag or wrapping it in a nonconductive fabric. Travel Tips l l l l Consider changing the settings of your power management options to maximize battery life if you will be using battery power for extended periods.
Back to Contents Page Troubleshooting Your Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Dell Diagnostics Error Messages and Flash Codes Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft® Windows® 98: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Overview Installing Softex BayManager Installing the Video Drivers Enabling Microsoft Infrared Support Installing the Audio Drivers Installing the System Utilities Installing the Docking Drivers Installing the Software DVD Decoder Installing the Dell DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device Drivers Installing the System Help Overview All of your computer’s drivers for Dell-installed devices a
4. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon. 5. Double-click the Win98 folder. 6. Double-click the Updated folder. 7. Double-click the Axx folder, where xx is the video driver revision. 8. Double-click the setup.exe file. 9. Follow the instructions on your display. 10. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, click Finish to restart your computer. After installing the video drivers and restarting your computer, perform the following steps to set the display parameters: 1.
2. Save your work in all open application programs because you will need to restart your computer at the end of this procedure to complete the installation. 3. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive. 4. Double-click the My Computer icon. 5. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon. 6. Double-click the Win98 folder. 7. Double-click the Dockquik folder. 8. Double-click the Axx folder, where xx is the video driver revision. 9. Double-click the setup.exe file. 10. Follow the instructions on your display.
installation. 2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive. 3. Double-click the My Computer icon. 4. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon. 5. Double-click the Win98 folder. 6. Double-click the Baymgr folder. 7. Double-click the Axx folder, where xx is the video driver revision. 8. Double-click the setup.exe file. 9. Follow the instructions on your display. 10. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, click Finish.
7. Copy each of the utilities on the System Software CD to the c:\dell directory on your hard-disk drive. The utilities have the following filenames: mks2d.exe, rms2d.exe, asset.com, and readme.s2d. For more information on copying files, see the documentation that came with the operating system. After you copy the utilities to your hard-disk drive, you must restart your computer in the MS-DOS® mode to use the utilities. See the readme.
15. Double-click the 3700help icon to access the system Help. Downloading Help From the Support Web Site To download the system Help from http://support.dell.com, see "Online Documentation" for instructions.
Back to Contents Page Installing Microsoft® Windows® 98 Operating System Drivers: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Overview • Installing Operating System Updates • Installing Docking Drivers • Installing Video Drivers • Installing Audio Drivers • Installing the DualPoint™ Integrated Pointing Device Drivers • Enabling Microsoft Infrared Support • Installing System Utilities • Installing the Software DVD Decoder • Installing System Help Overview All of your computer’s drivers for Dell-installed devices
Installing Docking Drivers (Optional) NOTE: If your computer uses Windows 98, the computer is already configured to work with the Dell Inspiron 3700 Advanced Port Replicator (APR). To successfully install docking drivers for your computer, you must run the Dock QuickInstall program before you install the docking drivers. Running Dock QuickInstall To run Dock QuickInstall, perform the following steps: 1.
3. Click the Start button, and then click Run.... The Run dialog box appears. 4. Click the Browse button. 5. Select the appropriate drive for your CD-ROM. 6. Locate the setup.exe file for video drivers. 7. Click OK or press . 8. Follow the instructions on your display. 9. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, click Finish to restart your computer. After installing the video drivers and restarting your computer, perform the following steps to set the display parameters: 1.
4. Click the Browse button. 5. Select the appropriate drive for your CD-ROM. 6. Locate the setup.exe file for DualPoint Integrated Pointing device drivers. 7. Click OK or press . 8. Follow the instructions on your display. 9. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, click Finish to restart your computer. Enabling Microsoft Infrared Support You must enable Microsoft infrared support for Windows 98 before you can use infrared features.
The DVD-ROM drive letter is usually D. 4. Click OK. 5. The Welcome window appears. Click Next>. 6. At the Choose Destination Location screen, click Next>. 7. At the Select Program Folder screen, click Next>. 8. At the Start Copying Files screen, click Next>. 9. At the Setup Complete screen, be sure that the Yes, I want to restart my computer now radio button is selected, and then click Finish. The first time you play a DVD after installing this driver, you may be prompted to change the region setting.
Back to Contents Page Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft® Windows NT®: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference Overview Installing Softex Docking Services Installing the System Utilities Installing the Audio Drivers Installing the Video Drivers Installing the Dell DualPoint™ Integrated Pointing Device Drivers Installing the Power Management Utility Installing the System Help Installing the PC Card Utility Overview This section explains how to reinstall device drivers and utilities on your Dell port
Installing the Video Drivers The video driver controls features such as video resolution and the color palette. NOTE: If you need to use extended video modes, check the documentation that came with the application program to determine if the drivers are provided. If the drivers are not provided, contact the software manufacturer to get the necessary drivers. To install the video driver for Windows NT 4.0, perform the following steps: 1.
7. Double-click the Axx folder, where xx is the video driver revision. 8. Double-click the setup.exe file. 9. Follow the instructions on your display. 10. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, click Finish to restart your computer. Installing the PC Card Utility Dell provides a PC Card utility that allows you to view and configure settings for your PC Card(s). To install the PC Card utility, perform the following steps: 1.
Installing the Audio Drivers Dell provides audio drivers so that you can customize the sound features of your computer. To install the audio drivers, perform the following steps: 1. Save your work in all open application programs, because you will need to restart your computer at the end of this procedure to complete the installation. 2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive. 3. Double-click the My Computer icon. 4. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon. 5. Double-click the Nt4 folder. 6.
3. Double-click the Guide folder, and then double-click the appropriate language folder for the version of the Help you want to install. 4. Right-click and hold 3700help and drag it to the Windows desktop. 5. Release the right mouse button. 6. Left-click Copy Here. 7. Double-click the 3700help icon to access the system Help. Downloading Help From the Support Web Site To download the system Help from http://support.dell.com, see "Online Documentation" for instructions.
