Dell Latitude D530 (Early 2008): instruction
Class: Computer equipment, hardware, accessories
Type: Laptop/Notebook Computer
Manual for Dell Latitude D530 (Early 2008)
Dell™ Latitude™ D530
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP17L
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.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 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, ExpressCharge, and Undock & Go are
trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, Outlook, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth
is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.
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 PP17L
September 2007 P/N NM074 Rev. A00
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Transferring Information to a New
Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Turning Off Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Front View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Left Side View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Right Side View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Back View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Battery Performance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Checking the Battery Charge
. . . . . . . . . . . 22
Power Management Modes
. . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Configuring Power Management Settings
. . . . . 26
Accessing Power Options Properties
. . . . . . . 26
Charging the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Replacing the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Storing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lockups and Software Problems
. . . . . . . . . 29
Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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 Disc
• Drivers for my computer
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer. You can use
• My device documentation
the disc to reinstall drivers (see
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
"Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in
your User’s Guide) or to run the Dell
Diagnostics (see "Starting the Dell
Diagnostics From the Optional Drivers
and Utilities Disc" on page 32).
Readme files may be included on your
disc 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.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities disc may
be optional and may not ship with your
computer.
Quick Reference Guide 5
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Warranty information
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
• Specifications
Dell Latitude™ User’s Guide
®
®
• How to configure system settings
Microsoft
Windows
XP and Windows
Vista™ Help and Support Center
• How to troubleshoot and solve
1
Click
Start
→
Help and Support
→
problems
Dell User and System Guides
→
System Guides
.
2
Click the
User’s Guide
for your
computer.
6 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
®
®
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
Service Tag and Microsoft
Windows
License
• Microsoft Windows License Label
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag and
Microsoft Windows License labels are
located on your computer.
Your computer’s Service Tag contains
both a Service Tag number and an
Express Service Code.
• 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.
• Use the product key on the License
Label if you need to reinstall your
operating system.
NOTE: As an increased security measure,
the newly designed Microsoft Windows
license label incorporates a missing
portion or "hole" to discourage removal of
the label.
Quick Reference Guide 7
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
and tips, articles from technicians, and
NOTE: Select your region or business
online courses, frequently asked
segment 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
technical support
• Dell Technical Update Service —
Proactive e-mail notification of
software and hardware updates for
your computer
• Reference — Computer
documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product
specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers,
patches, and software updates
8 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Notebook System Software (NSS) —
To download Notebook System
If you reinstall the operating system
Software:
for your computer, you should also
1
Go to
support.dell.com
and click
reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides
Drivers & Downloads
.
critical updates for your operating
2
Enter your Service Tag and click
Go
,
or
system and support for processors,
select your Product Type and Product
optical drives, USB devices, and so on.
Model and click
Confirm
.
NSS is necessary for correct operation
3
Click the plus sign (
+)
by
System
of your Dell computer. The software
Utilities
, click
Notebook System
automatically detects your computer
Software
, and click
Download Now
.
and operating system and installs the
4
Click
Run
to run the utility.
updates appropriate for your
configuration.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user
interface may vary depending on your
selections.
• Software upgrades and
Dell Support Utility
troubleshooting hints — Frequently
The Dell Support Utility is an
asked questions, hot topics, and
automated upgrade and notification
general health of your computing
system installed on your computer. This
environment
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.
• How to find information about my
Windows Welcome Center
computer and its components
The Windows Welcome Center
• How to connect to the Internet
automatically appears when you use the
computer for the first tme. You can
• How to add user accounts for different
choose to have it appear every time you
people
start your PC by placing a check in the
• How to transfer files and settings from
Run at startup checkbox. Another
another computer
method of accessing the Welcome
Center is to click the Windows Vista
Start button , and then click
Welcome Center
.
Quick Reference Guide 9
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to use Microsoft Windows XP
Windows Help and Support
• How to use Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows XP:
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Help
• How to work with programs and files
and Support
.
• How to personalize my desktop
2
Either select one of the topics listed, or
type a word or phrase that describes
your problem into the
Search
box,
click the arrow icon, and then click the
topic that describes your problem.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Microsoft Windows Vista:
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button
, and then click
Help and Support
.
2
In
Search Help
, type a word or phrase
that describes your problem, and then
press <Enter> or click the magnifying
glass.
3
Click the topic that describes your
problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
• Information on network activity, the
Dell QuickSet Help
Power Management Wizard, hotkeys,
To view
Dell QuickSet Help
,
right-click
and other items controlled by Dell
the QuickSet icon in the Microsoft
QuickSet.
Windows taskbar, and select Help. The
taskbar is located in the lower-right
corner of your screen.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System Disc
NOTE: The Operating System disc may be
optional and may not ship with your
computer.
NOTE: Pre-installed operating systems
include a recover partition to restore your
PC operating system.
10 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
The operating system is already installed
on your computer. To reinstall your
operating system, use the Operating
System disc.
After you reinstall your operating
system, use the Drivers and Utilities disc
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 disc varies
based on the operating system you
ordered.
Setting Up Your Computer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
You can use your operating system "wizards" to help you transfer files and
other data from one computer to another—for example, from an old
computer to a new computer. For instructions, see the following section that
corresponds to the operating system that your computer is running.
Quick Reference Guide 11
Microsoft Windows XP
The Microsoft
Windows XP operating system provides the Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer.
You can transfer data, such as:
• E-mail messages
• Toolbar settings
• Window sizes
• Internet bookmarks
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial
connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD,
for transfer to the new computer.
NOTE: You can transfer information from an old computer to a new computer by
directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two
computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must access the Network
Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration
steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host
computer and the guest computer.
For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers,
see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable
Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be
available in certain countries.
For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System disc for
this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System Disc
NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System disc. This disc is optional and
may not be included with certain computers.
To prepare a new computer for the file transfer:
1
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click
Start
→
All Programs
→
Accessories
→
System Tools
→
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
.
2
When the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
welcome screen appears,
click
Next
.
12 Quick Reference Guide
3
On the
Which computer is this?
screen, click
New Computer
→
Next
.
4
On the
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
screen, click
I will use the wizard
from the Windows XP CD
→
Next
.
5
When the
Now go to your old computer
screen appears, go to your old or
source computer. Do
not
click
Next
at this time.
To copy data from the old computer:
1
On the old computer, insert the Windows XP
Operating System
disc.
2
On the
Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP
screen, click
Perform
additional tasks
.
3
Under
What do you want to do?
, click
Transfer files and settings
→
Next
.
4
On the
Which computer is this?
screen, click
Old Computer
→
Next
.
5
On the
Select a transfer method
screen, click the transfer method you
prefer.
6
On the
What do you want to transfer?
screen, select the items you want to
transfer and click
Next
.
After the information has been copied, the
Completing the Collection
Phase
screen appears.
7
Click
Finish
.
To transfer data to the new computer:
1
On the
Now go to your old computer
screen on the new computer, click
Next
.
2
On the
Where are the files and settings?
screen, select the method you
chose for transferring your settings and files and click
Next
.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the
Finished
screen
appears.
3
Click
Finished
and restart the new computer.
Quick Reference Guide 13
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System
Disc
To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System
disc, you must create a wizard disc that will allow you to create a backup
image file to removable media.
To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and
perform the following steps:
1
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click
Start
→
All Programs
→
Accessories
→
System Tools
→
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
.
2
When the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
welcome screen appears,
click
Next
.
3
On the
Which computer is this?
screen, click
New Computer
→
Next
.
4
On the
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
screen, click
I want to create a
Wizard Disk in the following drive
→
Next.
5
Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click
OK
.
6
When the disk creation completes and the
Now go to your old
computer
message appears,
do not
click
Next
.
7
Go to the old computer.
To copy data from the old computer:
1
On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.
2
Click
Start
→
Run
.
3
In the
Open
field on the
Run
window, browse to the path for
fastwiz
(on
the appropriate removable media) and click
OK
.
4
On the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
welcome screen, click
Next
.
5
On the
Which computer is this?
screen, click
Old Computer
→
Next
.
6
On the
Select a transfer method
screen, click the transfer method you
prefer.
7
On the
What do you want to transfer?
screen, select the items you want to
transfer and click
Next
.
After the information has been copied, the
Completing the Collection
Phase
screen appears.
8
Click
Finish
.
14 Quick Reference Guide
To transfer data to the new computer:
1
On the
Now go to your old computer
screen on the new computer, click
Next
.
2
On the
Where are the files and settings?
screen, select the method you
chose for transferring your settings and files and click
Next
. Follow the
instructions on the screen.
The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.
When all of the settings and files have been applied, the
Finished
screen
appears.
3
Click
Finished
and restart the new computer.
NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for
document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old
®
®
Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft
Windows
XP
Operating System?).
NOTE: Access to the Dell Knowledge Base document may not be available in
certain countries.
Microsoft Windows Vista
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click
Transfer files
and settings
→
Start Windows Easy Transfer
.
2
In the
User Account Control
dialog box, click
Continue
.
3
Click
Start a new transfer
or
Continue a transfer in progress
.
Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy Transfer
wizard.
Quick Reference Guide 15
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open
programs before you turn off your computer.
1
Shut down the operating system:
a
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
b
In the Microsoft Windows XP operating system
, click
Start
→
Shut
Down
→
Shut down
.
In the Microsoft Windows Vista™ operating system,
click the Windows
Vista Start button , click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the
Start menu as shown below, and then click
Shut Down
.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process
is complete.
2
Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for
about 4 seconds to turn them off.
16 Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
Front View
1
9
2
8
3
4
7
5
6
1 display 2 device status lights
3 keyboard 4 touch pad
5 display latch 6 speaker
7 touch pad buttons 8 keyboard status lights
9 power button
Quick Reference Guide 17
Left Side View
352 41 6
1 security cable slot 2 IEEE 1394 Connector
3 PC Card/ExpressCard slot 4 infrared sensor
5 audio connectors (2) 6 hard drive
Right Side View
1 23
1 media bay 2 device latch release
3 USB connectors (2)
18 Quick Reference Guide
Back View
8123 4 5 6 7
1 USB connectors (2) 2 modem connector (RJ-11)
3 network connector (RJ-45) 4 S-video TV-out connector
5 serial connector 6 video connector
7 AC adapter connector 8 air vents
Quick Reference Guide 19
Bottom View
1
2
3
7
4
6
5
1 memory module/modem/WLAN
2 battery-bay latch release
Mini-Card/coin-cell battery
cover
3 battery charge gauge/health
4battery
gauge
5 docking-device connector 6 air vents
7 hard drive
20 Quick Reference Guide
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, check the Power Meter in
Power Options (see "Accessing Power Options Properties" on page 26).
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.
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, Express Cards, media
memory cards, or USB devices.
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-
intensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications.
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring
Power Management Settings" on page 26 for information about accessing
Windows Power Options Properties or Dell QuickSet, which you can use
to configure power management settings.
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the
computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the
battery charge is low.
Quick Reference Guide 21
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, the battery charge gauge and health gauge, 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 QuickSet 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.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the
charge gauge on the battery, you can check:
• Battery charge (check by pressing and
releasing
the status button)
• Battery health (check by pressing and
holding
the status button)
22 Quick Reference Guide
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is
charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some
charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of
"charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery
charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents
approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the
battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no
lights appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge
on the battery as described below and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet.
For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status
button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear,
the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original
charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If
five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you
should consider replacing the battery. See "Using a Battery" on page 21 for
more information about the battery operating time.
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, or install a
second battery in the media bay. 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. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning
means that the combined charge of both batteries is approximately
90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery
charge is at a critically low level.
Quick Reference Guide 23
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power
Options Properties window. See "Configuring Power Management Settings"
on page 26 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 24.
• 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 26 for information
on conserving battery power.
Power Management Modes
Standby and Sleep Mode
Standby mode (sleep mode in Microsoft Windows Vista) 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 or sleep mode, it
returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby or sleep
mode.
NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby or sleep
mode, it may lose data.
To enter standby mode in Windows XP, click the Start button, click Turn off
computer, and then click Stand by.
To enter sleep mode in Windows Vista, click the Windows Vista Start button
, and then click Sleep.
24 Quick Reference Guide
Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power
Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, you
may also use one of the following methods:
• Press the power button.
• Close the display.
• Press <Fn><Esc>.
To exit standby or sleep 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 or sleep 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 in Windows XP, click the Start button,
click Turn off computer, press and hold <Shift>, and then click Hibernate.
To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows Vista, click the Windows
Vista Start button , and then click Hibernate.
Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power
Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, you
may also 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 Express Cards may not operate correctly after the
computer exits hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the card, or simply restart
(reboot) your computer.
Quick Reference Guide 25
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 QuickSet
icon in the taskbar and click Help.
Accessing Power Options Properties
Windows XP
Click the Start button, point to Control Panel→ Performance and
Maintenance, and then click Power Options
Windows Vista
Click the Windows Vista Start button , click Control Panel, click System
and Maintenance, and then click Power Options.
Charging the Battery
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.
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.
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.
26 Quick Reference Guide
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 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.
For information about replacing the second battery, which is located in the
media bay, see the User’s Guide for your system on support.dell.com.
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 release on the bottom of the computer, and
then remove the battery from the bay.
Quick Reference Guide 27
To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order and press
down until the battery-bay latch release fully engages.
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 (see "Charging the Battery" on page 26)
before you use it.
Troubleshooting
Follow these tips when you troubleshoot your computer:
• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the
installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly
connected.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message.
This message may help support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program’s documentation.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default
view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic
view.
28 Quick Reference Guide
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 POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO
THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You may 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), and then restart your computer.
A program stops responding
END THE PROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.
2
Click the
Applications
tab.
3
Click to select the program that is no longer responding.
4
Click
End Task
.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a
floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
C
HECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall
the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —
Windows XP:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to non-XP operating system environments.
1
Click
Start
→
All Programs
→
Accessories
→
Program Compatibility Wizard
→
Next
.
2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Quick Reference Guide 29
Windows Vista:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an
environment similar to non-Windows Vista operating system environments.
1
Click
Start
→
Control Panel
→
Programs
→
Use an older program with this
version of Windows.
2
In the welcome screen, click
Next
.
3
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), and 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.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY
USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS,
CD
S , OR DVDS
SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR
COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENU
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
30 Quick Reference 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 29 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 disc is optional and may not ship with your
computer.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional
Drivers and Utilities disc.
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
The Dell Diagnostics can be invoked in one of two ways:
• 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.
• 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 optional Drivers and Utilities
disc.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial
tests of your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.
Quick Reference Guide 31
• 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 Optional Drivers and Utilities Disc
1
Insert the
Drivers and Utilities
disc.
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 that you
want to run.
32 Quick Reference Guide
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. The 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. The 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.
Quick Reference Guide 33
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
disc
,
remove the disc.
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.
34 Quick Reference Guide
