Dell Precision M20: instruction
Class: Computer equipment, hardware, accessories
Type: Laptop/Notebook Computer
Manual for Dell Precision M20
Table of contents
- Notes, Notices, and Cautions Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Contents
- Finding Information What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
- What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
- What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
- Setting Up Your Computer
- Battery Performance
- Checking the Battery Charge Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
- Microsoft Windows Power Meter Charge Gauge
- Health Gauge Low-Battery Warning
- Charging the Battery Removing a Battery
- Installing a Battery Storing a Battery
- About Your Computer Front View
- Left View
- Right View
- Back View
- Bottom View Solving Problems Notebook System Software
- Lockups and Software Problems The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly
- A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems
- Running the Dell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
- Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
- Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
- Tab Function
- Index
- 28 Index
Dell Precision™
Mobile Workstation M20
Quick Reference Guide
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 your online
User’s Guide
. To access your User’s Guide,
(depending upon your operating system) either double-click the
User’s Guide
icon on your desktop or click the
Start
button, click
Help and Support Center
, and click
User and system guides
.
®
®
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
Windows
operating systems are not applicable.
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks
of Intel Corporation; Microsoft 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.
October 2004 P/N C8013 Rev. A00
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Battery Performance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Checking the Battery Charge
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
®
®
Microsoft
Windows
Power Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Charge Gauge
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Health Gauge
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Low-Battery Warning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Charging the Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Removing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Storing a Battery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
About Your Computer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Front View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Left View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Right View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Back View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Bottom View
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Solving Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Notebook System Software
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lockups and Software Problems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Running the Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Contents 3
4 Contents
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features 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
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
• My computer documentation
computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the
• My device documentation
Dell Diagnostics, or access your documentation.
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
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.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not
ship with your computer.
• Warranty information
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
• How to remove and replace parts
User’s Guide
• Specifications
®
®
Microsoft
Windows
XP Help and Support Center
• How to configure system settings
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
2
Click
User’s and system guides
and click
User’s guides
.
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional
Drivers
and Utilities CD
.
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 5
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
• Microsoft Windows License Label
These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to
identify your
computer when you
use
support.dell.com
or contact technical
support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when
contacting technical support.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
from technicians, online courses, frequently asked
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate
questions
support site.
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers
customers
can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such
at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system
available in all regions.
• 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
Pentium
M
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.
6 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP
Windows Help and Support Center
• Documentation for my computer
1
Click the
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)
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.
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating
System CD. See your User’s Guide for instructions.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD 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.
NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not
ship with all computers.
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 7
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
1
Unpack the accessories box.
2
Set aside the contents of the accessories box, which you will need to complete the setup of
your computer.
The accessories box also contains user documentation and any software or additional
hardware (such as PC Cards, drives, or batteries) that you have ordered.
3
Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical
outlet.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
8 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
4
Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
power button
NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and
shut down at least once.
Battery Performance
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial 1-year period of the limited
warranty for your computer. For more 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. Use a battery to run the computer
when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
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.
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 9
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional
second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more information
about the second battery, see your
User’s Guide
.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
• Using optical drives, such as DVD and CD drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC 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
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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. 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.
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.
For more information about checking the charge on the second battery, see your
User’s Guide
.
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F8> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter.
The
Battery Meter
window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery
in your computer.
NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking
device does not power the docking device or computer.
10 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the
Battery Meter
window includes a
Dock Battery
tab, which displays the charge level and current status of the
docking device battery.
The following icons appear in the
Battery Meter
window:
• The computer or docking device is running on battery power.
• The battery is discharging or idle.
• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and
running on AC power.
• The battery is charging.
• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and
running on AC power.
• The battery is discharging, idle, or charging.
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. For more information about the
Power Meter
tab, see
your
User’s Guide
.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
Before you insert a battery, press 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.
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 11
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Health Gauge
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. To
check the battery health, 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 your
User’s Guide
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 module 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. For
more information about low-battery alarms, see your
User’s Guide
.
A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The
computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During that time,
the speaker beeps periodically. 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. For more information about low-
battery alarms, see your
User’s Guide
.
12 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
Charging the Battery
NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with the
computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the
computer 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 your
User’s Guide
.
Removing a Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.
For information about removing the second battery, see your
User’s Guide
.
NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have up to 1
minute to complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved
data.
1
Ensure that the computer is turned off, suspended in a power management mode, or
connected to an electrical outlet.
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
Slide and hold the battery-bay (or module-bay) latch release on the bottom of the computer,
and then remove the battery from the bay.
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 13
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Installing a Battery
Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.
For information about installing the second battery, see your
User’s Guide
.
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, charge the battery fully before you
use it.
14 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
Front View
display
keyboard and
wireless status lights
power button
mute button
volume control
device status
buttons
lights
track stick
keyboard
track stick/touch
pad button
touch pad
display
latch
speakers
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 15
Left View
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
PC Card
smart card
slot
slot
security cable slot
audio
infrared sensor
connectors (2)
16 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
Right View
module bay
device latch
USB
release
connectors (2)
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 17
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.
S-video TV-out
USB connectors (2)
connector
modem connector (RJ-11)
network
connector
parallel connector
(RJ-45)
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
air vents
serial connector
video connector
AC adapter
connector
18 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
Bottom View
battery-bay latch
battery charge gauge
memory module cover
release
battery
hard drive
modem cover
fan
docking device slot
Solving Problems
Notebook System Software
Notebook System Software (NSS) is a utility that provides critical updates for your operating
®
system. Install the NSS program to gain support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
®
Pentium
M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of
your Dell portable computer.
NOTICE: NSS is critical for the correct operation of USB devices, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock,
D/Port, and D/View devices.
Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 19
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
E
LECTRICAL OUTLET
The computer stops responding
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
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.
A program stops responding
END THE PROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2
Click
Applications
.
3
Click the program that is no longer responding.
4
Click
End Task
.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
20 Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide
