Page 1 Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Page 2: Conventions: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Conventions: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page Conventions: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 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.
Page 3 Conventions: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Keycaps are labels that appear on the keys on a keyboard. They are enclosed in angle brackets. Example: <Enter> Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed simultaneously (unless otherwise indicated) to perform a single function.
Page 4: Technical Overview: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page Technical Overview: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 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...
Page 5 Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 1 Speaker 9 PS/2 connector 2 Security cable slot 10 USB connector 3 Hard-disk drive 11 Docking connector 4 PC Card slot 12 Device access/status indicators 5 Security cable slot 13 Parallel port connector...
Page 6 A lithium-ion battery or nickel-metal hydride battery in the battery bay, with support for a second battery in the media bay. The Dell ExpressCharge™ technology charges a single lithium-ion battery in approximately 1 hour (when the computer is off or in save-to- disk suspend [S2D] mode).
Page 7 Internal modem software capable of communicating up to a speed of 56K. DualPoint integrated pointing device software (for use with the optional Dell integrated pointing device), which allows you to set the default for the type of cursor pointing device that you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag-and-drop features of both the touch pad and track stick.
Page 8 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.
Page 9 Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 800 x 600 (SVGA) 16 M (24-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 800 x 600 (SVGA) 4.2 B (32-bit) 60, 75, 85 Hz 60-Hz NTSC, 50-Hz PAL 1024 x 768 (extended graphics array [XGA])
Page 10: Irq Line Assignments
Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 800 x 600 (8 bit) 1024 x 768 (8 bit) 1280 x 1024 (8 bit) 1600 x 1200 (8 bit) 640 x 480 (16 bit) 800 x 600 (16 bit) 1024 x 768 (16 bit)
Page 11 Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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...
Page 12 Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Table 5. Upper Memory Map Address Range 0009FC00-0009FFFF PS/2-mouse data area 000A0000-000BFFFF Video random-access memory (RAM) 000C0000-000CFFFF Video BIOS 000CC000-000CDFFF Reserved for PC Card 000F0000-000FFFFF System BIOS 00100000-03FFFFFF High memory area FD000000-FDFFFFFF Video RAM...
Page 13 Technical Overview: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 01F0-01F7 Hard-disk drive controller 0210-0217 Audio controller 0220-022F Audio controller 0270-0277 Fast IR 0376-0376 Integrated drive electronics (IDE) controller 0378-037F LPT1 0388-038B Audio controller 038B-03BB Video graphics array (VGA) 03C0-03DF 03E0-03E1 PC Card controller...
Page 14: Using The Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page Using the Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference Storage Devices Touch Pad and Track Stick CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM Drives PC Cards Audio Devices Display Embedded Numeric Keypad...
Page 15 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 16 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 17 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Figure 1. Diskette Drive Installed in Computer To use the diskette drive, insert a 3.5-inch diskette into the drive (label side up and metal end first). Push the diskette into the drive until the eject button extends outside the drive casing.
Page 18 The DVD-ROM drive can also play DVDs. CD-RW drives are read-writable devices that let you play CDs, and allow you to write information to a CD- RW disc. Dell installed the appropriate CD-ROM drive device drivers on your hard-disk drive.
Page 19 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference NOTICE: Protect the CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM drives when they are not in the media bay. Do not squeeze the drive or place objects on top of it; doing so could damage the drive motor. Keep the drive as clean as possible.
Page 20: Audio Devices
You can connect speakers, a microphone, headphones, and record/playback devices such as cassette players, CD players, and VCRs to the audio connectors on the computer. The connectors are located on the right side of the computer. Dell recommends using amplified speakers for the best sound.
Page 21: Embedded Numeric Keypad
Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference disable both the integrated and external speakers. NOTE: If no sound comes from the speakers, make sure that the sound is not disabled. Press <Fn><End> and check the volume control dial. "Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98,"...
Page 22: Key Combinations
Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference <Num Lk> Toggles the embedded numeric keypad off <Fn><key> Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables the lowercase characters/functions of the keyboard <Fn><Shift><key> Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables the uppercase characters/functions of the keyboard <Shift><cursor key>...
Page 23 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference <Fn><F8> Switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the display, an external monitor, or both the display and the monitor simultaneously. This key combination may not be supported under certain conditions.
Page 24 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Use the key combinations in Table 4 to change the computer's processing speed. Table 4. Processing Speed Key Combinations Key Combinations Function <Fn><\> Switches between the microprocessor's maximum speed and a slower compatibility speed <Ctrl><\>...
Page 25 Click-and-drag buttonless functions are also supported. An optional Dell™ DualPoint™ integrated pointing device is available, which provides a track stick in addition to the PS/2-compatible touch pad. The DualPoint option also includes a second set of left and right buttons, located above the touch pad (see...
Page 26 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference NOTES: When enabled, the DualPoint integrated pointing device (whether touch pad only, track stick only, or both) uses interrupt request (IRQ) 12. No other device can use IRQ12 while the DualPoint integrated pointing device is enabled.
Page 27 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The track stick detects the pressure and direction that you move your finger when touching the track stick cap located near the center of the keyboard. The two buttons located between the touch pad and the space bar on the keyboard correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Page 28 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 3. Select the settings that work best for you and click Apply. 4. Click OK to save the settings and close the window. You can also click the touch pad icon on the taskbar and click Touch Pad Properties to open the Mouse Properties control panel.
Page 29 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 30 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 31 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference To protect the PC Card connectors, install a blank if you are not going to use the connector. Configuring PC Cards The PC Card configuration utility performs the following functions: Notifies you whenever a PC Card is inserted and tells you how the card is configured...
Page 32 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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 NOTE: When you run the computer on battery power, set your computer's brightness control to the lowest setting that affords comfortable viewing.
Page 33: Extended Desktop Mode
Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Customizing Video Resolution 1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. 2. Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties window appears. 3. Click the Settings tab, and then set the resolution by dragging the slider in the Screen Area box. In the Colors box, choose the number of colors from the menu provided.
Page 34 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 2. Connect the external monitor, TV, or projector to the computer. 3. Turn your computer on. 4. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 5. Double-click the Display icon, and then click the Settings tab.
Page 35 Using the Computer: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/3800/computer.htm (22 of 22) [2/28/2004 6:58:51 AM]...
Page 36: Utilities And Drivers For Microsoft® Windows® 98: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Pointing Device Drivers Overview All of your computer’s drivers for Dell-installed devices are operative when you receive the computer. No further installation or configuration is needed. However, if you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, the driver files are provided on the System Software CD. For instructions on reinstalling a particular driver, see the following subsection that corresponds to that driver.
Page 37 NOTE: You can also run the system utilities directly from the System Software CD. 1. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive. 2. Copy each of the following utilities on the System Software CD to the c:\dell directory on file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/3800/win98.htm (2 of 13) [2/28/2004 6:58:53 AM]...
Page 38: Installing The Video Driver
Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference your hard-disk drive: mks2d.exe, rms2d.exe, 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®...
Page 39 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference After installing the video drivers and restarting your computer, perform the following steps to set the display parameters: 1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Page 40 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. 6. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer.
Page 41 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 7. When the CMD PCI IDE Driver Setup Utility window appears, click Yes to continue. 8. When prompted to restart the Windows operating system, remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM drive, and then click Yes.
Page 42: Installing The Dualpoint™ Integrated Pointing Device Drivers
1. If the computer has never been turned on, turn it on now while it is undocked and complete the operating system setup. Then go to step 2. For setup instructions, see the Dell Inspiron Systems Setup Guide that came with the computer.
Page 43 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive. 3. Click the Start button, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears. 4. Type x:\win98\touchpad\dual\setup, where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive, and click OK or press <Enter>.
Page 44 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference the CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer. Installing the DVD Decoder Driver (Optional) The DVD decoder driver allows you to play DVD movies on the computer.
Page 45 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference you run your computer from the battery instead of AC power. SpeedStep reduces the processor speed when using the battery and resumes maximum processor speed when plugged into an electrical outlet.
Page 46: Installing The System Help
Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 4. Type x:\win98\cdrom\setup. 5. Click OK or press <Enter>. 6. Follow the instructions on the screen. 7. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer.
Page 47 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The Dell Inspiron system Help is available on the System Software CD. You can also access it from Dell’s support Web site (http://support.dell.com). Installing Help From the CD To install the system Help from the System Software CD, perform the following steps: 1.
Page 48 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 14. Left-click Copy Here. 15. Double-click the 3800help 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...
Page 49: Utilities And Drivers For Microsoft® Windows Nt®: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Installing the System Help Overview All of your computer’s drivers for Dell-installed devices are operative when you receive the computer. No further installation or configuration is needed. However, if you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, the driver files are provided on the System Software CD. For instructions on reinstalling a particular driver, see the following subsection that corresponds to that driver.
Page 50 Verify that the driver you are loading is under your operating system subdirectory. Dell recommends that you print these procedures before you begin. If you need to reinstall drivers on your computer, reinstall them in the order presented here.
Page 51: Installing The Video Driver
NOTE: You can also run the system utilities directly from the System Software 1. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive. 2. Copy each of the following utilities on the System Software CD to the c:\dell directory on your hard-disk drive: mks2d.exe, rms2d.exe, and readme.s2d.
Page 52 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 4. Type x:\winnt4\video\setup, where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive, and click OK or press <Enter>. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. 6. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer.
Page 53 CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer. Installing the Power Management Utility Dell provides a power management utility that helps you conserve battery power and view available power levels. To install the power management utility, perform the following steps: 1.
Page 54 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 55: Installing The Dualpoint™ Integrated Pointing Device Drivers
Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 2. Insert the System Software CD into the CD-ROM drive. 3. Click the Start button, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears. 4. Type x:\winnt4\docking\setup, where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive, and click OK or press <Enter>.
Page 56 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. 6. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer.
Page 57 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference speed when using the battery and resumes maximum processor speed when plugged into an electrical outlet. To install SpeedStep, 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.
Page 58 CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer. Installing the System Help The Dell Inspiron system Help is available on the System Software CD. You can also access it from Dell’s support Web site (http://support.dell.com). NOTE: You must install Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 from the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5 CD prior to installing the system Help.
Page 59 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference instructions. Back to Contents Page file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/3800/winnt.htm (11 of 11) [2/28/2004 6:58:54 AM]...
Page 60 Pointing Device Drivers Overview All of your computer’s drivers for Dell-installed devices are operative when you receive the computer. No further installation or configuration is needed. However, if you ever need to reinstall any of these drivers, the driver files are provided on the System Software CD. For instructions on reinstalling a particular driver, see the following subsection that corresponds to that driver.
Page 61 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 2000: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Microsoft Windows 2000 CD NOTE: Your System Software CD contains drivers for operating systems that may not be on your computer. Verify that the driver you are loading is under your operating system subdirectory.
Page 62 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 2000: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 4. Type x:\win2000\video\setup, where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive, and click OK or press <Enter>. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. 6. After the files are copied to your hard-disk drive, remove the System Software CD from the CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer.
Page 63 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 2000: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 3. Click the Start button, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears. 4. Type x:\win2000\audio\setup, where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive, and click OK or press <Enter>.
Page 64 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 2000: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference the CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer. Installing the Touch Pad Drivers Touch pad drivers and associated utilities allow you to use and customize the integrated touch pad or external mouse.
Page 65 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 2000: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 66 CD-ROM drive, and click Finish to restart your computer. Installing the System Help The Dell Inspiron system Help is available on the System Software CD. You can also access it from Dell’s support Web site (http://support.dell.com). Installing Help From the CD To install the system Help from the System Software CD, perform the following steps: 1.
Page 67 Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 2000: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 10. Double-click the My Computer icon, and then double-click the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM icon. 11. Double-click the Guide folder, and then double-click the appropriate language folder for the version of the Help you want to install.
Page 68: Technical Specifications: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page Technical Specifications: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference Microprocessor Display Chip Set and Bus Keyboard PC Cards Batteries Memory AC Adapter Connectors Physical Modem Environmental (Computer) Audio Touch Pad Video...
Page 69 Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference System chip set Intel Mobile 440BX AGP set Microprocessor data bus width 64 bits DRAM bus width 64 bits Address bus width 32 bits Flash EPROM 4 Mb AGP bus 133 MHz PCI bus...
Page 70 Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Minimum RAM 32-MB memory module 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;...
Page 71 Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Audio Audio type DirectX/PCI Sound Blaster emulation Audio controller ESS Maestro 3I Stereo conversion 16 bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog) Interfaces: Internal PCI bus/AC97 External microphone in; line-in; line-out Speakers two 8-ohm speakers Internal speaker amplifier...
Page 72 Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 14.1-inch display 1024 x 768 pixels Maximum colors 262,144-color display Response time (typical) 30 ms rise/20 ms fall Operating angle 0° to 180° Dot pitch 0.30 mm Power consumption: Panel (typical) 0.7 W Backlight 1.6 W maximum...
Page 73 Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Width 139.0 mm (5.47 inches) Weight lithium ion—0.39 kg (0.87 lb) nickel-metal hydride—0.46 kg (1.01 lb) Voltage lithium ion—14.8 VDC nickel-metal hydride—9.6 VDC Capacity lithium ion—53 WH nickel-metal hydride—32 WH Charge time (approximate): Computer on 2.5 hours...
Page 74 Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Height 27.94 mm (1.1 inches) Width 58.42 mm (2.3 inches) Depth 133.35 mm (5.25 inches) Weight (with cables) 0.4 kg (0.9 LB) Temperature range: Operating 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140°F)
Page 75: Touch Pad
Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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...
Page 76 Technical Specifications: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Weight 9.02 g (0.29 oz) Power: Supply voltage 5 V ± 10% Supply current 25 mA (maximum operating for track stick and touch pad combined) in accordance with IEC-801-2 Track Stick Interface PS/2-compatible X/Y position resolution 250 counts/sec.@100gf...
Page 77: System Setup Program: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
You must reboot for the new setting to take effect. After you set up your computer, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. Dell recommends that you write down the information file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/3800/setup.htm (1 of 5) [2/28/2004 6:58:57 AM]...
Page 78: Entering The System Setup Program
System Setup Program: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference for future reference. NOTE: If the computer uses the Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0 or Windows® 98 operating system, you must use the System Setup program to view and change your system configuration.
Page 79 System Setup Program: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The System Setup screens display the current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your computer. Information on the screens is organized in five boxed areas: Title The box at the top of all screens lists the page number, system name, and version number of the basic input/output system (BIOS).
Page 80 System Setup Program: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Page 2 Options Page 3 Options file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/3800/setup.htm (4 of 5) [2/28/2004 6:58:57 AM]...
Page 81 System Setup Program: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Page 4 Options Back to Contents Page file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/3800/setup.htm (5 of 5) [2/28/2004 6:58:57 AM]...
Page 82: System Error Messages: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
When Table 1 suggests that you run a Dell Diagnostics test, refer to "Running the Dell Diagnostics" in Chapter 3 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide for instructions.
Page 83 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Auxiliary device failure The touch pad, track stick, If you are using an external or external Personal mouse only, check the System/2 (PS/2) mouse connection for a loose or may be faulty.
Page 84 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Disk C: failed The hard-disk drive failed Run the IDE Devices tests initialization initialization. in the Dell Diagnostics. Diskette drive 0 seek A cable may be loose, or Run the Diskette tests in...
Page 85 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference General failure The operating system is This message is usually unable to carry out the followed by specific command. information—for example, Printer out of paper. Respond by taking the appropriate action. Hard-disk drive...
Page 86 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Hard-disk drive read The hard-disk drive may Turn off the computer, failure be faulty. remove the drive, and boot the computer from a bootable diskette. Then turn off the computer again, reinstall the drive, and reboot the computer.
Page 87 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Keyboard stuck key If an external keyboard or Run the PC-AT failure keypad is being used, a Compatible Keyboards cable or connector may be test in the Dell Diagnostics. loose or the keyboard may be faulty.
Page 88 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference No boot device available The computer cannot find If the diskette drive is your the diskette or hard-disk boot device, make sure that drive. there is a bootable diskette in the drive. If the hard-disk...
Page 89 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Seek error The operating system If the error is on the diskette cannot find a specific track drive, try another diskette in on the diskette or hard-disk the drive. drive. Shutdown failure...
Page 90 System Error Messages: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Warning: Battery is The battery is running out Replace the battery, or critically low. of charge. connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Otherwise, activate save-to-disk suspend (S2D) mode or turn off the computer.
Page 91: Passwords And Security: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
PC Cards with encryption features. If you forget any of your passwords, call Dell. For your protection, Dell’s technical support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to make sure that an unauthorized person is not trying to use the computer.
Page 92: Using A Primary Password
Passwords and Security: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Using a Primary Password The primary password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer.
Page 93: Using A Hard-Disk Drive Password
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 your Dell computer support the hard-disk drive password option.
Page 94 Passwords and Security: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference [Press Enter to retry] If the correct password is not entered in three attempts, the computer tries to boot from another bootable device if the Boot First device option in the System Setup program is set to allow it. If the Boot First device option is not set to allow booting from another device, the computer returns to the state it was in when you turned it on—standby mode.
Page 95: Asset Tag Utility
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.
Page 96 Passwords and Security: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 2. Type cd c:\dell\util and press <Enter>. 3. Type asset and press <Enter>. Assigning an Asset Tag Number An asset tag number can have up to ten characters; any combination of characters excluding spaces is valid.
Page 97 Passwords and Security: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 3. Type asset /o and a space followed by the new owner tag, and press <Enter>. For example, type the following command line and press <Enter>: asset /o ABC Company 4. When the system prompts you to verify the owner tag, type y and press <Enter>. The system displays the new owner tag.
Page 98: Ports And Connectors: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page Ports and Connectors: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 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...
Page 99: Audio Connectors
Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Mini-Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) PS/2 1 Video connector connector 2 Parallel port connector 6 Serial port connector 3 Docking connector 7 AC adapter connector 4 USB connector 8 Infrared port NOTES: Some external devices require you to load software called device drivers into system memory before the devices will work.
Page 100 Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 101: Video Connector
Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Video Connector Use the 15-hole video connector to attach an external monitor to the computer. Connecting an External Monitor The computer's video connector is used to connect an external monitor to the computer. To attach an external monitor, perform the following steps.
Page 102: Parallel Port Connector
Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 103: Docking Connector
Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference network adapter. The computer's integrated parallel port is designated as LPT1. The Microsoft Windows 98 operating systems automatically recognize the parallel device and configure it correctly. The parallel port can also be configured for compatibility with the PS/2 standard.
Page 104 Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Figure 4. Connecting an External Mouse 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.
Page 105 Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference NOTE: If the computer is in standby mode or save-to-disk suspend (S2D) mode when you attach an external keyboard, the device is recognized immediately by the computer when it resumes normal operation.
Page 106: Serial Port Connector
Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Serial Port Connector To attach a serial device to the computer, use the 9-pin serial port connector. The serial port passes data in serial format (one bit at a time over one line). This port supports a variety of devices that require serial data transmission, including a serial mouse, serial printer, plotter, or external modem.
Page 107 Ports and Connectors: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference For more information about using an infrared device, see the documentation that came with your operating system. The Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system does not support the use of infrared devices.
Page 108: Power Sources: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page Power Sources: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 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.
Page 109 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Figure 1. Connecting the AC Adapter 1 AC adapter power cable 2 AC adapter 3 AC adapter cable Turning the Computer On To turn on the computer, press the power button. NOTE: If your computer's operating system is "locked up"—that is, it does not respond to commands—press and hold down the power button for at least 5 seconds to shut it off.
Page 110 Battery Usage The battery is partially charged when you receive it. Dell recommends that you charge your battery to full capacity before using it to power the computer. If you are powering the computer from a battery, try to conserve battery power. A number of factors affect battery operating time:...
Page 111 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 112 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Place the computer in standby mode by pressing <Fn><Esc> (or <Scroll Lock><Esc> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program). Use the save-to-disk suspend (S2D) mode.
Page 113 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 3. Remove any device that may be installed in the media bay (see Figure 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.
Page 114 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The Softex BayManager window appears for Windows 98. The Docking Services window appears for Windows NT. 4. Click the Remove/Swap button. 5. Preserve your data in one of the following ways: 1. Place the computer in standby mode by pressing <Fn><Esc> (or by pressing <Scroll><Esc> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program).
Page 115 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.
Page 116 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The first low-battery warning—a blinking amber battery status indicator—occurs when you have about 15 minutes of battery life left under current conditions and the computer is not connected to an electrical outlet. Figure 5 shows the battery status indicator.
Page 117 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The second low-battery warning—a steady amber battery status 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. After the second low-battery warning, if no further I/O activity occurs within 15 seconds, the computer activates S2D mode. If there is no S2D partition, the computer enters standby mode.
Page 118 Detecting Battery Problems A battery problem may prevent the battery from being charged to its full potential and can lead to unpredictable operation. To obtain a new battery, call Dell or access the Dell World Wide Web site at http://www.dell.com.
Page 119 Contact local authorities for the location of a chemical waste collection program nearest you. To purchase a new battery, call Dell or access the Dell World Wide Web site at http://www.dell.com.
Page 120: Power Conservation: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference
Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Back to Contents Page Power Conservation: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference Experimenting With Power Conservation Standby Mode Using Key Combinations Power Management Properties for Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows 2000 Closing the Display...
Page 121 Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Table 1 identifies the power management key combinations. NOTE: To use key combinations on an external keyboard, enable the External Hot Key option in the System Setup program, and press <Scroll Lock> instead of <Fn>.
Page 122: Closing The Display
Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Save-to-disk suspend To activate, press <Fn><a>. (On a French keyboard, press mode <Fn><q>.)* To deactivate, press the power button. * These key combinations may not function with the ACPI if the settings have not been activated with the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel.
Page 123: Standby Mode
Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference If your computer is running the Microsoft Windows NT® operating system, suspend mode stops almost all computer activity, but leaves the computer ready to resume operations immediately in about 20 to 30 seconds. Use suspend mode whenever you leave the computer unattended.
Page 124 Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference from standby mode, the desktop is restored exactly as it was before entering standby mode. NOTICE: Windows 98 and Windows 2000 save data to random-access memory (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.
Page 125 Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The Power Schemes tab allows you to select the power scheme (Always On, Home/Office Desktop, and Portable/Laptop) and power mode settings for your computer. For Windows 2000, the Power Schemes tab allows you to select the battery settings for your computer. The following power scheme settings are available.
Page 126 Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Power Management Properties for Microsoft Windows NT Dell provides Softex software compatible with the Power Management Controller, which allows you to suspend and resume operation of your portable computer without affecting your ability to use the docking station or its media bay.
Page 127 S2D file if you removed it. For more information about altering or creating an S2D file, see the readme.S2D file, which can be found in the Dell Utilities folder on your hard-disk drive or on the S2D diskette that came with your computer.
Page 128 For instructions, see your Advanced Port Replicator User's Guide. 4. Turn on the computer. 5. Press <F2> at the Dell BIOS splash screen to access the System Setup menu. 6. Press the down-arrow key to move through the field, and press the left- or right-arrow key to change the device setting.
Page 129 To create an S2D partition, perform the following steps. NOTE: If you are creating the partition on a new hard-disk drive, if Dell did not install MS-DOS on your hard-disk drive, or if you are using an operating system that is not compatible with MS-DOS, read the readme.s2d file before...
Page 130 Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 4. Turn on the computer. 5. Press <F2> at the Dell BIOS splash screen to access the System Setup menu. 6. Press the down-arrow key to move through the field, and press the left- or right-arrow key to change the device setting.
Page 131 Power Conservation: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference NOTE: After you remove the S2D partition, the computer cannot activate S2D mode until you recreate the partition. If you try to activate S2D mode and receive the message No Save-To-Disk Suspend partition available, you must create an S2D partition.
Page 132 Overview This section provides instructions for removing and replacing field-replaceable components, assemblies, and subassemblies in the Dell Inspiron 3800 portable computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this document assumes the following conditions: The computer and any attached peripherals are turned off, and the peripherals are disconnected from the input/output (I/O) panel on the back of the computer.
Page 133: Recommended Tools
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference the display assembly with respect to the bottom case should never be allowed to exceed 180 degrees. Also, when performing the procedures in this document, the locations or directions relative to the computer are as shown in Figure 1 unless otherwise specified.
Page 134 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 135: Screw Identification And Tightening
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Screw Identification and Tightening The illustrations in the following removal procedures provide the correct screw length as part of the screw’s label. A graphic for that length screw is also included in the illustration. Examples are shown in Figure 3.
Page 136: Removing Field-Replaceable Parts And Assemblies
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 1 Movable part of connector (do not remove) NOTICE: The ZIF connectors are fragile. To avoid damage, do not apply too much pressure to the movable part of the connector. To disconnect an interface cable from a ZIF connector, perform the following steps: 1.
Page 137: Hard-Disk Drive Assembly
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 4 Case plug for modem (may not apply to your computer) 5 Media bay device 6 Main battery 7 Hard-disk drive assembly 8 Palmrest assembly 9 Keyboard 10 Display assembly The following sections provide instructions for removing and replacing field-replaceable parts and assemblies.
Page 138: Media Bay Devices
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 1 5-mm screw 2 Hard-disk drive bezel To remove the hard-disk drive 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.
Page 139: Memory Module Cover
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Unlock icon 2 Media bay latch To remove a media bay device, perform the following steps. NOTICE: Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent scratching the computer cover. 1. Close the display and turn the computer over.
Page 140 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 141: Keyboard Assembly
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Keyboard Assembly To remove the keyboard 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.
Page 142 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 1 Scalloped edge if blank key 2 Palmrest 3 Keyboard 4 Track stick 5. Lift the keyboard out of the palmrest. 6. Rotate the keyboard over its left edge. 7. Rest the key face of the keyboard on the left side of the computer (see Figure 11).
Page 143 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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).
Page 144: Microprocessor Module
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference The keys should be flush with the left and right surfaces of the palmrest. 7. Reinstall the seven 10-mm screws. Start by installing the outermost screws on the left and right sides of the computer, and then work inward to the center.
Page 145: Display Assembly
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 4. Loosen the three captive screws securing the microprocessor shield to the microprocessor module. 5. Remove the microprocessor shield. 6. Rotate the arm of the thermal cooling assembly up and away from the microprocessor module.
Page 146 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 147: Display Assembly Bezel
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 7. Pry the hinge cover loose at the seam from the snap tabs on the bottom assembly (see Figure 13). Display Assembly Bezel Figure 14. 14.1-Inch Display Assembly 1 Display assembly bezel 6 Hinge cover...
Page 148 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 2 Latch 7 LCD panel 3 3-mm screws (6) 8 Plastic screw covers (2) 4 Display-assembly top 9 4-mm screws (6) cover 5 LCD flex cable 10 Rubber screw covers (4) To remove the display assembly bezel, perform the following steps.
Page 149 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 6. Lift and rotate the top of the LCD panel out of the top cover. 7. Disconnect the ZIF connector and the display-assembly interface cable connector (see Figure 8. Lift the LCD panel out of the top cover.
Page 150 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 7 Display- assembly top cover 8 LCD flex cable 9 LCD panel 10 5-mm screws 11 Plastic screw covers (2) 12 4-mm screws 13 Rubber screw covers Removing the 12.1-Inch Display LCD Panel To remove the 12.1-inch display LCD panel, perform the following steps.
Page 151 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 3. Remove the display assembly. 4. Remove the display assembly bezel. 5. Remove the four 5-mm screws securing the LCD panel to the top cover (see Figure 15). 6. Disconnect the two-wire backlight plug from the connector on the inverter.
Page 152 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference NOTICE: The LCD flex cable must be folded correctly before the cable connector can be attached to the connector on the LCD panel. 7. Fold the LCD flex cable at the crease shown in Figure 16, so that the name of the LCD panel manufacturer faces up.
Page 153 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 154: Display Assembly Latch
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference can see the key slot, the plug is not in the connector correctly. Pull the plug out, turn the plug over, and reinsert it into the connector. 8. Reinstall the four 5-mm screws to secure the LCD panel to the top cover.
Page 155 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 156: Reserve Battery
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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.
Page 157 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 9. Disconnect the reserve battery cable from the connector on the palmrest bracket. 10. Remove the reserve battery from the palmrest bracket: a. Tear the reserve battery free from the foam pad. b. Remove the remnants of the foam pad from the palmrest bracket.
Page 158 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference to unsnap the latch. Keep pressure applied to the bay latch and spring while unsnapping the snap tabs to prevent the bay latch assembly from coming loose from the case. If the bay latch assembly does come loose from the case, perform the following steps: a.
Page 159: System Board Assembly
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 1 Modem 2 Case plug for modem 3 System board connector for modem Replacing the Modem Assembly 1. Press the RJ11 connector of the modem assembly into the hole in the bottom case assembly.
Page 160: Thermal Cooling Assembly
Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference 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 23): 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.
Page 161 Power Sources: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Figure 24. Thermal Cooling Assembly 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.

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