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Dell Inspiron 4100 Service Manual

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See also: Service Manual , User Manual
Dell™ Inspiron™ 4100
A Tour of Your Computer
Conserving Power
System Specifications
Solving Problems
Using the Dell™ Diagnostics
System Setup Program
Ports and Connector Pin-Outs
Removing and Replacing Parts
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT:
A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE:
A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file (click the Start button on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, point to
Programs—> User's Guides, and click Tell Me How).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2000–2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell TravelLite, Inspiron, and AccessDirect are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered
trademarks and Intel SpeedStep is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision
Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited
viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
December 2001 Rev. A01
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  • Page 1 Intel SpeedStep is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 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: Using The Dell™ Diagnostics

    As long as the microprocessor and the display, keyboard, and CD or DVD drive are working, you can use the Dell Diagnostics. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you to resolve the problem yourself quickly without having to contact Dell for assistance.

  • Page 3: Advanced Testing

    For a quick check of your computer, select Quick Tests from the Test All Devices or Test One Device option. Quick Tests runs only the subtests that do not require user interaction and that do not take a long time to run. Dell recommends that you choose Quick Tests first to increase the odds of tracing the source of the problem quickly.

  • Page 4: Confirming The System Configuration Information

    Keys Explains the functions of all the keystrokes that can be used in the Dell Diagnostics. Device Describes the test group that is presently highlighted in the Device Groups list on the main menu screen. It also provides reasoning for using group some tests.

  • Page 5: Port Locations

    Back to Contents Page Ports and Connector Pin-Outs Dell™ Inspiron™ 4100   Port Locations   Serial Connector   Parallel Connector   Docking Connector   PS/2 Connector   USB Connector   Video Connector   S-Video TV-Out Connector Port Locations     1 air intake 6 PS/2 connector 2 serial connector 7 USB connector...

  • Page 6: Docking Connector

    Parallel Connector Use the 25-hole parallel connector to attach a parallel device to the computer. The parallel connector is used primarily for printers. The parallel connector transmits data in parallel format, where 8 data bits (one byte) are sent simultaneously over eight separate lines. The parallel connector can also be configured for compatibility with the PS/2 standard.
  • Page 7 USB_VD1- 106 DOCK_SD/MODE 156 SAD2 107 D_IRTX 157 SAD3 USB_VD2+ 108 D_IRRX 158 SAD4 USB_VD2- 109 GND 159 SAD5 DOCKOC1# 110 SPIRQB# 160 SAD6 DOC_SPKR RUN_ON# 111 SPIRQC# 161 GND DOCK_MIC 112 DAT_DDC2 162 SAD7 DOCK_LINE 113 CLK_DDC2 163 SAD8 DOCK_CDROM DOCK_SCLK 114 SPAR...

  • Page 8: Video Connector

      Signal I/O Definition EXK_MSDATA I/O External keyboard/keypad/mouse data KBD_DATA Keyboard data Signal ground EXK_MSPWR External keyboard/keypad/mouse supply voltage EXK_MSCLK External keyboard/keypad/mouse clock KBD_CLK Keyboard clock Shell N/A Chassis ground USB Connector Use the USB connector to attach one or more USB devices, such as a mouse, to the computer. USB is a peripheral standard that enables automatic detection of USB-compliant peripheral devices.

  • Page 9: S-Video Tv-Out Connector

    Red video GREEN Green video BLUE Blue video DDC2_MONID2 I Monitor detect ID2 Signal ground Signal ground Signal ground Signal ground CRTVCC 5-V power source for CRT Signal ground M-SEN# Digital monitor sense/monitor detect ID1 DDC_DATA Monitor detect serial data HSYNC Horizontal synchronization VSYNC...

  • Page 10: Conserving Power

    Hibernate mode requires a special file on your hard drive with enough disk space to store the contents of the computer memory. Dell creates an appropriately sized hibernate mode file before shipping the computer to you.

  • Page 11: Power Schemes Tab

    The Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm settings alert you with a message when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage. When you receive your computer, the Lower battery alarm and Critical battery alarm check boxes are selected. Dell recommends that you continue to use these defaults.

  • Page 12: Power Meter Tab

    Power Meter Tab The Power Meter tab displays the current power source and amount of battery charge remaining.   Advanced Tab The Advanced tab allows you to: Set icon and standby password options. Program the following functions: Activate standby mode. ¡...

  • Page 13: Hibernate Tab

      HINT: If you are going to connect your computer to a docking device, click None when you program the display-close option. This setting ensures that your computer does not enter standby mode or hibernate mode when you close (lower) the display. To program these functions, click an option from the corresponding pull-down menu, and then click OK.
  • Page 14   To change the Intel SpeedStep options, click the Advanced button and then click one of the following options. HINT: If you disable Intel SpeedStep, the processor operates at its minimum speed. Disable Intel SpeedStep technology control. Remove flag icon. Disable audio notification when performance changes.

  • Page 15: Removing And Replacing Parts

      System Board Assembly Preparing to Work Inside the Computer NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

  • Page 16: Screw Identification

      1 back 2 right 3 front 4 left Screw Identification When you are removing and replacing components, photocopy the placemat as a tool to lay out and keep track of the screws. The placemat provides the number of screws and their sizes.  ...

  • Page 17: System Components

    System Components Exploded View NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. NOTICE: Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this manual assumes that a part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
  • Page 18 1 top cover display assembly bottom case assembly 2 center control cover 10 memory module cover 3 thermal cooling assembly 11 module bay device 4 hybrid cooling fan 12 main battery 5 microprocessor module 13 hard drive 6 system board 14 left speaker/antenna assembly 7 right speaker/antenna assembly 15 palm rest assembly 8 fan guard...

  • Page 19: Display Cover

    4.  To replace the display cover, bend it slightly to insert the four tabs on the rounded edge of the cover into the slots on the top of the computer. 5.  Press the cover along the straight edge at the back of the computer until it snaps into place. 6.  Firmly press the Dell™ logo until it snaps into place. Press above both hinge covers to engage the final snaps.  Hard Drive Assembly Removing the Hard Drive 1.

  • Page 20: Replacing The Hard Drive

    Adding a Daughter Card Modem If you ordered the optional modem at the same time that you ordered your computer, Dell has already installed the modem for you. 1.  Make sure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent scratching the computer cover.

  • Page 21: Removing The Memory Module Cover

    11.  Connect the modem cable to the modem. NOTICE: The cable connectors are keyed for correct insertion; do not force the connections. 12.  Align the modem with the screw hole(s) and press the modem into the connector on the system board. 13.

  • Page 22: Removing The Memory Modules

      1 M2.5 x 12-mm screw (1) 2 captive screws (2) Removing the Memory Modules NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical outlets, and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. NOTICE: Read "Preparing to Work Inside the...

  • Page 23: Mini Pci Card Assembly

    1.  If you only have one memory module, install it in the connector labeled "JDIM1" on the system board. Install a second memory module in the connector labeled "JDIM2." HINT: Memory modules are keyed, or designed to fit into their sockets, in only one direction. NOTICE: The memory module must be inserted at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.

  • Page 24: Keyboard Assembly

    Keyboard Assembly Removing the Keyboard NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical outlets, and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. NOTICE: Read "Preparing to Work Inside the...

  • Page 25: Replacing The Keyboard

      1 keyboard 2 track stick 3 scalloped edge of blank key 4 palm rest 6.  Lift the keyboard straight up until it clears the keyboard boss support in the bottom case. 7.  Rotate the keyboard forward toward the front of the computer. 8.

  • Page 26: Display Assembly

    The keyboard connector may have a label on it that shows the correct orientation of the keyboard connector to the system-board interface connector. 3.  Carefully turn the keyboard over. Align the keyboard boss support, fit the left side of the keyboard into place, and then snap the right side of the keyboard into place.
  • Page 27 NOTICE: When reconnecting the display-feed flex cable connector to the system board, push down on the top left and right ends of the connector. Pressing on the center of the connector may damage resistors and compromise EMI protection in the computer.  ...

  • Page 28: Removing The 14.1-Inch Display Panel

    4.  Remove the six M2.5 x 5-mm screws located on the front of the bezel. NOTICE: Carefully separate the bezel from the top cover to avoid damage to the bezel. 5.  Starting at the bottom of the display panel (by the DELL™ logo), use your fingers to separate the bezel from the top cover by lifting up the inside of the  bezel while pushing in on the outside. Removing the 14.1-Inch Display Panel NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical outlets, and remove any installed batteries.

  • Page 29: Replacing The 14.1-Inch Display Panel

    4 bottom flex cable connector 5 inverter connector 9.  Remove the tape that secures the display panel connector and the tape that secures the middle of the display-feed flex cable to the display panel. 10.  Pull the top flex-cable connector down and away to remove it from the display panel connector. Replacing the 14.1-Inch Display Panel 1.

  • Page 30: Removing The Hinge Covers

    Hinge Covers Removing the Hinge Covers 1.  Remove the display assembly. 2.  Rotate the hinges forward at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the front of the display assembly. 3.  To remove the hinge covers, slide them off the hinges.  ...

  • Page 31: Palm Rest

      1 right hinge cover 2 left hinge cover Palm Rest NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical outlets, and remove any installed batteries. NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer. NOTICE: Read "Preparing to Work Inside the...
  • Page 32   1 M2.5 x 12-mm screws (3) 2 M2 x 3-mm screws (2) 3 hard-drive bay door 5.  Remove the two M2 x 3-mm screws that are located in the hard-drive bay door labeled "circle P." 6.  Turn the computer over, and remove the three M2 x 3-mm screws that secure the palm rest to the bottom case: a.

  • Page 33: Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

    NOTICE: Carefully separate the palm rest from the bottom case to avoid damage to the palm rest. 8.  Starting at the back center of the palm rest, use your fingers to separate the palm rest from the bottom case by lifting up the inside of the palm rest while pushing in on the outside.

  • Page 34: Replacing The Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

    4.  Lift the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly up and out of the system board. Replacing the Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly 1.  Place the right side of the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly under the palm rest and lower the assembly onto the system board. 2.

  • Page 35: Flashing The Bios

    1.  Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket, and insert the microprocessor module. HINT: The pin-1 corner of the microprocessor module has a triangle that aligns with the triangle on the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket. NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor module correctly in the ZIF socket to avoid permanent damage to the module and the socket.

  • Page 36: Replacing The Reserve Battery

      1 reserve battery 2 speaker connector 3 system board connector 4 reserve battery cable Replacing the Reserve Battery 1.  Connect the reserve battery cable to the system board connector. 2.  Position the reserve battery above the speaker connector on the system board. 3.
  • Page 37   1 right speaker 2 palm-rest screw post 3 bottom case holders (2) 4 left speaker     1 antenna cable 6 antenna cable...

  • Page 38: System Board Assembly

    2 in-line connector 7 right speaker holder 3 left speaker 8 mounting ring 4 mounting ring 9 right speaker 5 left speaker holder     1.  Remove the hard drive. 2.  Remove the keyboard. 3.  Remove the display assembly. 4.  Remove the palm rest.

  • Page 39: Replacing The System Board

      1 fan guard 2 M2.5 x 5-mm screws (9) 10.  Turn the computer over and remove the M2.5 x 5-mm screw, which is labeled "circle B" with an arrow on the front center of the system board by the battery connector.

  • Page 40: Module Latch Assemblies

    5.  Replace the palm rest, the keyboard, the display assembly, and the hard drive. 6.  Replace the module bay devices and any PC Cards or plastic blanks in the PC Card slot. 7.  Insert the floppy disk or CD that accompanied the replacement system board into the appropriate drive, and turn on the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  • Page 41 To prevent the latch assembly from coming loose, apply pressure to the latch and spring while replacing the latch button. 2.  Ensure that the newly installed latch moves smoothly and freely when pushed and released. Back to Contents Page    ...

  • Page 42: System Setup Program

    NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change the settings for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.

  • Page 43: Changing Printer Modes

    4.  Press the down-arrow key to highlight Fast IR or Slow IR. Dell recommends that you use Fast IR. If the infrared device cannot communicate with your computer, turn off the computer and repeat this procedure to change the setting to Slow IR.

  • Page 44: Solving Problems

    Back to Contents Page Solving Problems Dell™ Inspiron™ 4100   Accessing Help Files   Network Problems   Power Problems   General Program Problems   Error Messages   E-Mail Problems   Video and Display Problems   If Your Computer Gets Wet   Sound and Speaker Problems   If You Drop or Damage Your Computer   Printer Problems...

  • Page 45: Error Messages

    Video and Display Problems If the display is blank HINT: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, Dell recommends that you attach an external monitor to your computer.   Check the power light—...

  • Page 46: Sound And Speaker Problems

    2.  Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls. If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Solutions Guide. Sound and Speaker Problems If you have a problem with integrated speakers  ...

  • Page 47: Printer Problems

    For a parallel printer: LPT1 (Printer Port) For a USB printer: USB Reinstall the printer driver— See "Installing the Printer Driver" in the Dell Solutions Guide. Modem and Internet Connection Problems NOTICE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone wall jack only. Connecting the modem to a digital telephone network damages the modem.

  • Page 48: Scanner Problems

    Windows 2000 1.  Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. 2.  In the Control Panel window, double-click Phone and Modem Options. If there are multiple entries for the same modem or modems listed that are not installed, delete the entries and restart the computer. 3.

  • Page 49: Drive Problems

    HINT: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.   Disable the numeric keypad— Press to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit. Drive Problems HINT: For information on saving files to a floppy disk, see the Tell Me How help file.

  • Page 50: Network Problems

    If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive tray   1.  Ensure that the computer is off. 2.  Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until the tray is partially ejected. 3.

  • Page 51: E-Mail Problems

    CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain that it is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, Dell recommends that you turn off AC power at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical outlet. Use the utmost caution when removing wet cables from a live power source.

  • Page 52: If You Drop Or Damage Your Computer

    If you cannot solve your problem using the Dell|Support website or e-mail service, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide. Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities The Dell Drivers and Utilities CD for your computer 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 53: Manually Reinstalling Drivers

    Using the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback If you install a new device driver that causes system instability, you can use the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the new device driver with the previously installed version of the device driver. If you cannot reinstall your previous driver by using the Device Driver Rollback process, then see "Using System Restore"...

  • Page 54: Resolving Software And Hardware Incompatibilities

    If you are installing a modem driver, click Modem and then click the appropriate modem. If you are installing a network adapter driver, click Network adapters and then click 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller. 5.  Click Properties and click the Driver tab. 6.

  • Page 55: Using System Restore

    4.  Click File System. 5.  Click the Troubleshooting tab, and make sure that Disable System Restore is not checked. Before proceeding with any System Restore function, Dell recommends that you thoroughly read Microsoft's information about using System Restore. To access the information: 1.

  • Page 56: Restoring The Computer To An Earlier Operating State

    The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling the Windows XP operating system. The options can potentially overwrite files installed by Dell and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, Dell does not recommend that you reinstall your operating system unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.

  • Page 57: Reinstalling Windows Me

    To prevent conflicts with Windows Me, you must disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows. 1.  Turn on the computer, and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative or by performing the following steps: c.  Shut down the computer, and then turn on the computer.

  • Page 58: Reinstalling Windows 2000

    Dell technical support representative. 1.  Turn on the computer, and enter the system setup program as directed by a Dell technical support representative or by performing the following steps: a.  Shut down the computer, and then turn on the computer.

  • Page 59: Enabling Hibernate Support

    Enabling Hibernate Support 1.  Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. 2.  Double-click the Power Management icon. 3.  Click the Hibernate tab. 4.  Ensure that Enable hibernate support is selected, and click Apply. 5.  Click OK to close the Control Panel. Back to Contents Page  ...

  • Page 60: System Specifications

    Back to Contents Page System Specifications Dell™ Inspiron™ 4100   Microprocessor   Display   System Information   Keyboard   PC Card   Touch Pad   Memory   Track Stick   Ports and Connectors   Battery   Communications   AC Adapter   Video   Physical   Audio   Environmental   Microprocessor  Microprocessor types Intel® Mobile Pentium® III-M or Intel Celeron™ L1 cache 32 KB (internal)
  • Page 61 Infrared sensor compatible with IrDA Standard 2.0 (4 MB) and IrDA Standard 1.0 (Slow IR) Docking 200-pin connector for a Dell docking device S-video TV-out 7-pin mini-DIN connector (S-video to composite video adapter is optional) Mini PCI Type IIIA Mini PCI card slot with Wi-Fi (802.11b)
  • Page 62 shortcuts   Keyboard  Number of keys 87 (U.S. and Canada); 88 (Europe); 91 (Japan) Key travel 2.7 mm ± 0.3 (0.11 inch ± 0.016 inch) Key spacing 19.05 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.75 inch ± 0.012 inch) Layout QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji   Touch Pad ...
  • Page 63   Physical  Height 36.8 mm (1.4 inches) Width 319.5 mm (12.5 inches) Depth 253.6 mm (9.9 inches) Weight (with 8-cell battery) 2.50 kg (5.50 lb) with travel module   2.69 kg (5.92 lb) with floppy drive   2.73 kg (6.01 lb) with CD drive  ...

  • Page 64: A Tour Of Your Computer

    Back to Contents Page A Tour of Your Computer Dell™ Inspiron™ 4100   Front View   Left Side View   Right Side View   Back View   Bottom View Front View CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

  • Page 65: Device Status Lights

    The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:   Keyboard Status Lights Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled Microphone Record audio with the internal microphone.

  • Page 66: Left Side View

    Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. Module Bay You can install devices such as a CD drive, a DVD drive, a CD-RW drive, a second hard drive, a second battery, or a Dell TravelLite™ travel module in the  module bay. For more information, see "About the Module Bay" in the Solutions Guide.

  • Page 67: Hard Drive

    The PC Card slot has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards (also referred to as PCMCIA cards), including modems and network adapters. Hard Drive The hard drive reads and writes data on a hard disk. Security Cable Slot  ...

  • Page 68: Audio Connectors

    Infrared Sensor   The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections. Audio Connectors   Attach headphones or speakers to the connector. Attach a microphone to the connector. Modem Connector   To use your computer's internal modem, connect the telephone cable to the modem connector.

  • Page 69: Back View

    NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector. For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer. S-Video TV-Out Connector Use this connector to attach your computer to a television.

  • Page 70: Ac Adapter Connector

    Docking Connector HINT: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.   Use this connector to attach the optional docking device, also called an advanced port replicator (APR). A docking device, or APR, allows you to easily use external devices with your computer, such as an external keyboard, mouse, or monitor. See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional information.

  • Page 71: Bottom View

    Bottom View NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you disconnect an external device. CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.  ...

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