Dell Latitude 120L: instruction
Class: Computer equipment, hardware, accessories
Type: Laptop/Notebook Computer
Manual for Dell Latitude 120L
Dell™ Latitude™ 120L
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP21L
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
For information on other documentation included with your computer, see "Finding Information" on page 5.
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE 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 Glossary in your computer
User’s Guide
.
®
®
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
Windows
operating systems are not applicable.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2005 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP21L
December 2005 P/N KD727 Rev. A00
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
About Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Left Side View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Right Side View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Back View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Using a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Battery Performance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Checking the Battery Charge
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Conserving Battery Power
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Power Management Modes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Configuring Power Management Settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Charging the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Replacing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Storing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lockups and Software Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Contents 3
4 Contents
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may
not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
• Drivers for my computer
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may
• My device documentation
not ship with your computer.
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see
"Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in your User’s Guide) or
to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" in your
User’s Guide).
Readme files may be
included on your CD to
provide last-minute
updates about technical
changes to your computer
or advanced technical-
reference material for
technicians or experienced
users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
• Warranty information
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Quick Reference Guide 5
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to remove and replace parts
Dell Latitude™ User’s Guide
• Specifications
Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center
• How to configure system settings
1
Click
Start
→
Help and Support
→
Dell User and System
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Guides
→
System Guides
.
2
Click the
User’s Guide
for your computer.
®
®
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
Service Tag and Microsoft
Windows
License
• Microsoft Windows License Label
These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you
use
support.dell.com
or contact support.
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting support.
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
questions
site.
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and
order status, warranty, and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and support
history, service contract, online discussions with support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product specifications, and
white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software
updates
• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If you reinstall the
To download Notebook System Software:
operating system for your computer, you should also
1
Go to
support.dell.com
, select your business segment,
reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates
and enter your Service Tag.
for your operating system and support for Dell™
2
Select
Drivers & Downloads
and click
Go.
®
®
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
Pentium
3
Click your operating system and search for the keyword
M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is
Notebook System Software
.
necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
The software automatically detects your computer and
depending on your selections.
operating system and installs the updates appropriate
for your configuration.
6 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints
Dell Support Utility
• Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general
The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and
health of your computing environment
notification system installed on your computer. This
support provides real-time health scans of your computing
environment, software updates, and relevant self-support
information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Accessing the
Dell Support Utility" in your
User’s Guide
.
• How to use Windows XP
Windows Help and Support Center
• How to work with programs and files
1
Click
Start
→
Help and Support
.
• How to personalize my desktop
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
• Information on network activity, the Power Management
Dell QuickSet Help
Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell
To view
Dell QuickSet Help
,
right-click the icon
QuickSet
®
®
in the Microsoft
Windows
taskbar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™
Quickset" in your User’s Guide.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may
not ship with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use the optional
Operating System CD (see "Using the Operating System
CD" in your User’s Guide).
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD
(ResourceCD) to reinstall
drivers for the devices that
came with your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD
varies based on the
operating system you
ordered.
Quick Reference Guide 7
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
1
Unpack the accessories box.
2
Set aside the contents of the accessories box, which you will need to complete the setup of your
computer.
The accessories box also contains user documentation and any software or additional hardware (such
as PC Cards, drives, or batteries) that you have ordered.
3
Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet.
4
Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer (see "Front View" on
page 9).
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards
or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer.
8 Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
Front View
1
2
3
4
10
9
5
6
8
7
1 display latch release 2 display latches (2) 3 display
4 keyboard status lights 5 touch pad 6 touch pad buttons (2)
7 speakers (2) 8 device status lights 9 keyboard
10 power button
Quick Reference Guide 9
Left Side View
453 7 81 2 6
1 modem connector 2 network connector 3 video connector
4 USB connectors (3) 5 microphone connector 6 headphone connector
7 ExpressCard slot 8 ExpressCard slot release
button
Right Side View
1
2
3
1 optical drive bay 2 optical-drive-tray eject button 3 security cable slot
Back View
21
1 AC adapter connector 2 air vent
10 Quick Reference Guide
Bottom View
12
3
8
7
6
5
4
1 memory module/Mini PCI
2 optical-drive locking screw 3 hard drive
cover
4 battery 5 battery-bay latch lock 6 battery-bay latch release
7 processor and thermal module
8 fan
cover
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate
paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.
For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable
computer with the main battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to an
electrical outlet the first time you use the computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter
until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, click Start
→
Control Panel→ Power Options
→
Power Meter.
Quick Reference Guide 11
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how
often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during
the life of your computer.
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly reduced
when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
• Using optical drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB
devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D
games
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring Power Management
Settings" on page 14 for information about accessing Windows Power Options Properties or Dell
QuickSet, which you can use to configure power management settings.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not
use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call
your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery
Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate,
disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children.
Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury
or equipment damage.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and icon, and the
low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery
Meter displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your
computer.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
®
®
Microsoft
Windows
Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-
click the icon on the taskbar.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
12 Quick Reference Guide
Low-Battery Warning
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then
connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins
automatically.
A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The
computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 14 for information about accessing QuickSet or
the Power Options Properties window.
Conserving Battery Power
Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:
• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined
by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.
• Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for
long periods of time (see "Power Management Modes" on page 13).
• Use the Power Management Wizard or the
Power Options Properties
window to select options to
optimize your computer’s power usage. These options can also be set to change when you press the
power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>.
NOTE: See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 14 for information on conserving battery power.
Power Management Modes
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined
period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby mode, it returns to the same
operating state it was in before entering standby mode.
NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
To enter standby mode:
• Click
Start
→
Shut Down
→
Stand by
.
or
• Depending on how you set the power management options in the
Power Options Properties
window
or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods:
– Press the power button.
– Close the display.
– Press <Fn><Esc>.
Quick Reference Guide 13
To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display, depending on how you set the power
management options. You cannot make the computer exit standby mode by pressing a key or touching
the touch pad.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then
completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same
operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.
NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your computer is in hibernate mode.
Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low.
To manually enter hibernate mode:
•
C
lick
Start
→
Shut Down
→
Hibernate
.
or
• Depending on how you set the power management options in the
Power Options Properties
window
or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods to enter hibernate
mode:
– Press the power button.
– Close the display.
– Press <Fn><Esc>.
NOTE: Some PC Cards or ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits hibernate mode.
Remove and reinsert the card (see "Removing a Card or Blank in your User’s Guide), or simply restart (reboot) your
computer.
To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate
mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad.
For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your operating system.
Configuring Power Management Settings
You can use the QuickSet Power Management Wizard or Windows Power Options Properties to
configure the power management settings on your computer.
• For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and click
Help
.
• To access the
Power Options Properties
window, click
Start
→
Control Panel
→
Power Options
. For
information on any field in the
Power Options Properties
window, click the question mark icon on the
title bar and then click on the area where you need information.
14 Quick Reference Guide
Charging the Battery
NOTE: When the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery to 80 percent in
about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You
can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery
from overcharging.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is
connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary,
the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may
not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect
the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room
temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" in your User’s
Guide.
Replacing the Battery
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not
use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the
electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any
other external cables from the computer.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.
Quick Reference Guide 15
To remove the battery:
1
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
2
Ensure that the computer is turned off.
3
Slide the battery-bay latch lock on the bottom of the computer away from the battery.
4
Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release, and then remove the battery from the bay.
1
3
2
1 battery 2 battery-bay latch release 3 battery-bay latch lock
To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges
during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery (see "Charging the Battery" on
page 15) fully before you use it.
Troubleshooting
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
16 Quick Reference Guide
The computer does not start up
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
T
URN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer
turns off. Then restart your computer.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
E
ND THE PROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously and click
Task Manager
.
2
Click the program that is no longer responding and click
End Task
.
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
®
®
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft
Windows
operating system
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD — The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program
so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.
1
Click
Start
→
All Programs
→
Accessories
→
Program Compatibility Wizard
.
2
Click
Next
and follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer
turns off. Then restart your computer.
Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING
INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.
See the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Quick Reference Guide 17
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY.
U
SE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS .
S
AVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE START
MENU.
S
CAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently
receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer
might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your
program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to
support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 18. If all tests run successfully, the error
condition is related to a software problem.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Lockups and Software
Problems" on page 16 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known
as the ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).
1
Shut down the computer.
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
3
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4
Diagnostics can be invoked one of two ways:
a
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
Diagnostics from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
®
®
Microsoft
Windows
desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
18 Quick Reference Guide
b
Press and hold the <Fn> key while starting the computer.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board,
keyboard, hard drive, and display.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the
computer, press <Esc>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that
failed, press <r>.
• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and
contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
User’s Guide
).
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message
Booting Dell
Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue
.
5
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1
Insert the
Drivers and Utilities
CD.
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows
desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots
according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
and press <Enter>.
4
Select the
Boot from CD-ROM
option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
5
Ty p e
1
to start the menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6
Select
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select
the version appropriate for your computer.
7
When the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
appears, select the test you want to run.
Quick Reference Guide 19
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
Main
Menu
screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
Option Function
Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes
10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of
tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically
takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer
questions periodically.
Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you
want to run.
Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and
allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the
problem you are having.
2
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the
problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the
screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
User’s Guide
).
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,
technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
3
If you run a test from the
Custom Test
or
Symptom Tree
option, click the applicable tab described in
the following table for more information.
Tab Function
Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions
encountered.
Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and
the problem description.
Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for
running the test.
20 Quick Reference Guide
Tab Function
Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected
device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information
for all devices from system setup, memory, and various
internal tests, and it displays the information in the
device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list
may not display the names of all the components
installed on your computer or all devices attached to your
computer.
Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test
settings.
4
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the
Drivers and Utilities
CD
,
remove the CD.
5
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the
Main
Menu
screen. To exit the Dell
Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the
Main
Menu
screen.
Quick Reference Guide 21
22 Quick Reference Guide
Index
A
D
H
anti-virus software, 18
Dell Diagnostics
hard drive
main menu, 20
Dell Diagnostics, 18
starting from Drivers and
hardware
Utilities CD, 19
B
Dell Diagnostics, 18
starting from hard drive, 18
battery
Help and Support Center, 6-7
using, 18
charging, 15
help file
Dell support site, 6
checking the charge, 12
QuickSet, 7
conserving power, 13
documentation
Windows Help and Support
operating time, 12
End User License
Center, 7
performance, 11
Agreement, 5
hibernate mode, 14
power meter, 12
ergonomics, 5
removing, 15
online, 6
replacing, 15
Product Information Guide, 5
L
storing, 16
regulatory, 5
safety, 5
labels
User’s Guide, 6
Microsoft Windows, 6
warranty, 5
C
Service Tag, 6, 20
drivers
CDs
Drivers and Utilities CD, 5
Drivers and Utilities, 5
O
Operating System, 7
Drivers and Utilities CD
ResourceCD, 5
Dell Diagnostics, 19
operating system
computer
reinstalling, 7
back view, 10
Operating System CD, 7
bottom view, 11
E
crashes, 17
End User License
documentation, 6-7
Agreement, 5
P
front view, 9
ergonomics information, 5
power
setting up, 8
hibernate mode, 14
side views, 10
management settings, 14
slow performance, 18
standby mode, 13
stops responding, 17
Index 23
24 Index
problems
software
blue screen, 17
notebook system, 6
computer crashes, 17
problems, 17
computer does not start up, 17
spyware, 18
computer stops responding, 17
standby mode, 13
Dell Diagnostics, 18
lockups, 16
support website, 6
program crashes, 17
program stops responding, 17
programs and Windows
T
compatibility, 17
troubleshooting
slow computer
Dell Diagnostics, 18
performance, 18
Help and Support Center, 7
software, 16-17
solving, 16
spyware, 18
U
Product Information Guide, 5
User’s Guide, 6
Q
W
QuickSet Help, 7
warranty information, 5
Windows XP
R
Help and Support Center, 7
hibernate mode, 14
regulatory information, 5
Program Compatibility
ResourceCD
Wizard, 17
Dell Diagnostics, 18
reinstalling, 7
standby mode, 13
wizards
S
Program Compatibility
safety instructions, 5
Wizard, 17
Service Tag, 6
setting up
computer, 8
24 Index
