Dell Latitude D820: instruction

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Dell™ Latitude™ D820

Quick Reference Guide

Model PP04X

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

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, 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 PP04X

December 2005

P/N NH424

Rev. A00

Contents

3

Contents

Finding Information

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5

Setting Up Your Computer

  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  

7

About Your Computer

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  

9

Front View

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  

9

Left Side View

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

10

Right Side View

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

10

Back View

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

11

Bottom View

  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

11

Using a Battery

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

12

Battery Performance

  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

12

Checking the Battery Charge

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

13

Charging the Battery

  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

14

Replacing the Battery

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

14

Storing a Battery

  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

15

Troubleshooting

  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

15

Dell Technical Update Service

  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

15

Dell Diagnostics

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

16

Lockups and Software Problems

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    

18

Index

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  

21

4

Contents

Quick Reference Guide

5

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 for my computer 

• My device documentation

• Notebook System Software (NSS)

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)

NOTE: 

The 

Drivers and Utilities

 CD may be optional and may 

not ship with your computer.

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your 

computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers.

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

.

• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

Dell Latitude™ User’s Guide

1

Click 

Start

→

Help and Support

→

 Dell User and System 

Guides

→

System Guides

.

2

Click the 

User’s Guide

 for your computer.

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

6

Quick Reference Guide

• Service Tag and Express Service Code 

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft

®

 Windows

®

 License

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 technical support.

• Enter the Express 

Service Code to direct 

your call when 

contacting technical 

support. 

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles 

from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked 

questions

• 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 

operating system for your computer, you should also 

reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates 

for your operating system and support for Dell™ 

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

® 

processors, optical 

drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct 

operation of your Dell computer. The software 

automatically detects your computer and operating 

system and installs the updates appropriate for your 

configuration.

Dell Support Website — 

support.dell.com

NOTE: 

Select your region to view the appropriate support 

site.

NOTE: 

Corporate, government, and education customers 

can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at 

premier.support.dell.com

.

To download Notebook System Software:

1

Go to 

support.dell.com

→

Downloads

. 

2

Enter your Service Tag or product model.

3

In the 

Download Category

 drop-down menu, click 

All

.

4

Select the operating system and operating system 

language for your computer, and click 

Submit.

5

Under 

Select a Device

, scroll to 

System and 

Configuration Utilities

, and click 

Dell Notebook System 

Software

.

What Are You Looking For?

Find It Here

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.

• How to use Windows XP

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Windows Help and Support Center

1

Click 

Start

→

Help and Support

.

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 

Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell 

QuickSet

Dell QuickSet Help

To view 

Dell QuickSet Help

, 

right-click the 

 icon 

in the Microsoft

®

 Windows

®

 taskbar.

• 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.

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.

What Are You Looking For?

Find It Here

8

Quick Reference Guide

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).

NOTE: 

Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and shut down at 

least once.

Quick Reference Guide

9

About Your Computer

Front View

1

display latch

8

touch pad/track stick buttons

2

display

9

track stick

3

power button

10

keyboard status lights

4

device status lights

11

volume control buttons

5

speakers (2)

12

mute button

6

keyboard

13

ambient light sensor

7

touch pad

1

5

2

10

7

11

4

12

3

6

8

13

9

10

Quick Reference Guide

Left Side View

Right Side View

1

security cable slot

6

infrared sensor

2

air vents

7

wireless switch

3

1394 connector

8

wireless activity light

4

audio connectors

9

PC Card slot

5

ExpressCard slot

10

smart card slot

1

media bay

2

USB connectors (2)

1

2

6

3

4

7

5

8

9

10

1

2

Quick Reference Guide

11

Back View

CAUTION: 

Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your 

computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow 

can damage the computer or cause a fire.

Bottom View

1

network connector (RJ-45)

5

serial connector

2

USB connector

6

video connector

3

powered USB connector

7

AC adapter connector

4

modem connector (RJ-11)

8

air vents

1

battery-bay latch release

4

docking-device connector

2

battery

5

fan air vents

3

memory module cover

6

hard drive

1

2

6

3

4

7

5

8

5

4

1

3

2

6

12

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, access the 

Control Panel

→

 Power Options

, and 

then click the 

Power Meter

 tab.

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.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second 

battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.

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

NOTE: 

It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer (see "Checking the 

Battery Charge" on page 13). You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery 

charge is low.

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 lithium ion 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

.

Quick Reference Guide

13

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 

 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)

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

.

14

Quick Reference Guide

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 the specifications in your 

User’s 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.

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. 

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.

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.

NOTICE: 

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

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. 

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.

Quick Reference Guide

15

3

Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer until the release clicks.

4

Using the tab on the battery, lift the battery out of the computer.

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 14).

Troubleshooting

Dell Technical Update Service

The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware 

updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how 

frequently you receive notifications.

To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to 

support.dell.com/technicalupdate

.

1

battery

2

battery tab

3

battery-bay latch release

2

3

1

16

Quick Reference Guide

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

).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.

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 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 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.

Quick Reference Guide

17

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

Type 

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.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the 

Main

Menu

 screen appears, click the button for the option 

you want.

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.

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.

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.

18

Quick Reference Guide

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.

4

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the 

Drivers and Utilities 

CD

, 

remove the CD.

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.

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

E

NSURE

THAT

THE

  A C  

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. 

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 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.

Quick Reference Guide

19

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 

Task Manager

.

3

Click 

Applications

.

4

Click the program that is no longer responding.

5

Click 

End Task

.

C

HECK

THE

SOFTWARE

DOCUMENTATION

—

If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft

® 

Windows

®

 operating system

R

UN

THE

  P

ROGRAM

  C

OMPATIBILITY

  W

IZARD

—

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

→ 

Next

.

2

Follow the instructions on the screen.

A solid blue screen appears

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. 

Other software problems

C

HECK

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.

B

ACK

UP

YOUR

FILES

IMMEDIATELY

U

SE

A

VIRUS

-

SCANNING

PROGRAM

TO

CHECK

THE

HARD

DRIVE

,  

FLOPPY

DISKS

,  

OR

  C D

S

S

AVE

AND

CLOSE

ANY

OPEN

FILES

OR

PROGRAMS

AND

SHUT

DOWN

YOUR

COMPUTER

THROUGH

THE

Start

MENU

20

Quick Reference Guide

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

.

R

UN

THE

  D

ELL

  D

IAGNOSTICS

—

See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 16. If all tests run successfully, the error condition 

is related to a software problem.