Dell Latitude D420: instruction

Dell™ Latitude™ D420

Quick Reference Guide

Model PP09S

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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

User’s Guide

.

®

®

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

Windows

operating systems are not applicable.

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.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© 2006 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, Latitude, and ExpressCharge are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademark of

Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP09S

March 2006 P/N NG059 Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Setting Up Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

About Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Front View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Left View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Right View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Back View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Bottom View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Using a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Battery Performance

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Checking the Battery Charge

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Charging the Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Replacing the Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Storing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Troubleshooting

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Lockups and Software Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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" on

page 19).

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 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.

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

from technicians, online courses, and frequently asked

NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the

questions

appropriate support 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 technical

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 region or business

reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates

segment, and enter your Service Tag.

for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch

®

2

Select

Drivers & Downloads

and click

Go

.

USB floppy drives, Intel

processors, optical drives, and

3

Click your operating system and search for the keyword

USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of

Notebook System Software

.

your Dell computer. The software automatically detects

your computer and operating system and installs the

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary

updates appropriate for your configuration.

depending on your selections.

• 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 "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.

Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• 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 Operating System

CD. See "Restoring Your Operating System" in your User’s

Guide.

After you reinstall your

operating system, use

the optional Drivers and

Utilities CD (ResourceCD)

to reinstall drivers for the

devices that came with

your computer.

Your operating system

product key label is located

on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating

system you ordered.

8 Quick Reference Guide

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 11).

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.

Quick Reference Guide 9

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.

By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.

You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.

See

"Configuring Power Management Settings" in your

User’s Guide

for information about accessing QuickSet

or the Power Options Properties window.

Charging the Battery

NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, 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: 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.

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.

NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.

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.

16 Quick Reference Guide

3

Slide the two battery-bay release latches on the bottom of the computer until the latches click.

4

Slide the battery away from the computer.

2

1

1 battery 2 battery-bay latch releases(2)

To replace the battery, place the battery in the bay and press down until the battery-bay latch release clicks.

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 fully before you use it (see

"Charging the Battery" on page 16).

Quick Reference Guide 17

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

.

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.

2

Click

Tas k M an ag er

.

3

Click the program that is no longer responding.

4

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 that it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.

1

Click

Start

→

All Programs

→

Accessories

→

Program Compatibility Wizard

→

Next

.

2

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.

18 Quick Reference Guide

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.

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 19. 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 18 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).

Quick Reference Guide 19

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 in 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.

b

Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on.

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.

20 Quick Reference Guide

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 pe

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.

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, the

technical support representative will ask you 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.

Quick Reference Guide 21

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.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the

selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information

for all devices from the system setup program, 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.

22 Quick Reference Guide

Index

A

starting from the hard

Windows Help and Support

drive, 20

Center, 7

anti-virus software, 19

using, 19

Dell support site, 7

L

B

diagnostics

Dell, 19

labels

battery

Microsoft Windows, 6

battery life and usage, 10

documentation

Service Tag, 6

charge gauge, 15

End User License

Agreement, 5

charging, 16

ergonomics, 5

checking the charge, 15

online, 7

O

performance, 14

Product Information Guide, 5

power meter, 15

operating system

regulatory, 5

removing, 16

CD, 8

safety, 5

storing, 17

reinstalling, 8

User’s Guide, 6

warranty, 5

C

Drivers and Utilities CD, 5

P

CDs

problems

Drivers and Utilities, 5

blue screen, 18

E

operating system, 8

computer crashes, 18

End User License

computer does not start up, 18

computer

Agreement, 5

computer stops responding, 18

crashes, 18

Dell Diagnostics, 19

slow performance, 19

ergonomics information, 5

lockups, 18

stops responding, 18

program crashes, 18

program stops responding, 18

H

programs and Windows

D

hardware

compatibility, 18

Dell Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics, 19

slow computer

about, 19

performance, 19

Help and Support Center, 7

starting from the Drivers and

software, 18-19

help file

Utilities CD, 20

spyware, 19

Product Information Guide, 5

Index 23

Q

U

QuickSet Help, 8

User’s Guide, 6

R

W

regulatory information, 5

warranty information, 5

ResourceCD

Windows XP

Dell Diagnostics, 19

Help and Support Center, 7

Program Compatibility

Wizard, 18

reinstalling, 8

S

wizards

safety instructions, 5

Program Compatibility

Service Tag, 6

Wizard, 18

software

problems, 18-19

spyware, 19

support website, 7

system views

back, 12

bottom, 12-13

front, 11

left side, 12

right side, 12

T

troubleshooting

Dell Diagnostics, 19

Help and Support Center, 7

lockups and software

problems, 18

24 Index