Dell Precision M70: instruction

Dell Precision™ M70 Mobile

Workstation

Quick Reference Guide

Model PP15L

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the

User’s Guide

(depending on your operating system,

double-click the

User’s Guide

icon on your desktop, or click the

Start

button, click

Help and Support Center

,

and then 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.

The

Drivers and Utilities

CD and the

Operating System

CD are optional and may not ship with all computers.

_________________

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.; Microsoft and Windows are registered

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.

Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP15L

October 2004 P/N U4803 Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Setting Up Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

About Your Computer

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

Front View

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

Left View

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

Right View

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

Back View

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

Bottom View

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

Using a Battery

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

Battery Performance

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

Checking the Battery Charge

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

Charging the Battery

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

Removing a Battery

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

Installing a Battery

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

Storing a Battery

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

Solving Problems

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

Notebook System Software (NSS)

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

Lockups and Software Problems

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

Running the Dell Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information for Your Computer

NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or 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 the ResourceCD)

• Drivers for my computer

Documentation and drivers are already

• My computer documentation

installed on your computer when shipped

• My device documentation

from Dell. You can use the CD to reinstall

drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics, or access

• Notebook System Software (NSS)

your documentation.

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

experienced users or technicians.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all

computers.

NOTE: The latest drivers and documentation updates can be found at

support.dell.com.

• Warranty information

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. Only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

• 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. The Express Service Code is not available in all

countries.

Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to remove and replace parts

Dell Precision™ M70 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 and System Guides

and click

User Guides

.

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips,

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

articles from technicians, online courses,

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.

frequently asked questions

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can also use the

• Community — Online discussion with other

customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com.

Dell customers

The website may not be available in all regions.

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

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)

Drivers and Utilities CD or Dell Support Website

If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also

reinstall the NSS utility (available on the optional Drivers and Utilities

CD or on the Dell Support Site). 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.

• 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

2

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow

modem)

icon.

3

Click the topic that describes your problem.

4

Follow the instructions on the screen.

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• 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 Dell

Precision 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.

The operating system product key 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.

Setting Up Your Computer

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located 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 your computer

setup.

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.

NOTICE: When using the AC adapter, secure the cable so that the cable is not pulled, tangled, stepped

on, or crushed by objects such as chair legs or desk supports.

Quick Reference Guide 7

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NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and

shut down at least once.

8 Quick Reference Guide

4

Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.

power button

About Your Computer

See your online

User’s Guide

for detailed information about your computer. Depending on your

operating system, double-click the

User’s Guide

icon on your desktop, or click the

Start

button,

click

Help and Support Center

, and then click

User and system guides

. The following items

address some of the more commonly asked questions about the computer.

•

Modem and network adapter:

The computer may include both a v.92 56K modem and a

10/100/1000 Ethernet LOM network adapter. For connector locations, see "Back View" on

page 12. For more information on ports and connectors, see "About Your Computer" in your

online

User’s Guide

.

•

Battery life and usage:

Various batteries are available for use with your computer. Using the

battery that comes standard with the computer, you can expect from 3 to 4 hours of operating

time from a single fully charged battery with average usage. Performing certain types of

operations, such as extended wireless operation, can significantly reduce battery life.

– For more information on battery performance, usage, and conserving power, see your

online

User’s Guide

.

– For information on an optional second battery, see your online

User’s Guide

.

Quick Reference Guide 9

Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning.

Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. You can also turn the computer off and install a

second battery in the module bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins

automatically.

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 "Power Management" in your

User’s Guide

.

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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

NOTE: For information about removing the optional second battery, see your User’s Guide.

1

Ensure that the computer is turned off and disconnected from the 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. Slide and hold the battery-bay latch

release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.

16 Quick Reference Guide

Installing a Battery

Ensure that the computer is turned off. Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.

For information about installing the optional 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, recharge the battery fully before

you use it.

Solving Problems

Notebook System Software (NSS)

If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility.

This utility is available on the optional

Drivers and Utilities

CD and on the Dell Support Website.

To download the utility from the Dell Support Website, go to the

Downloads

section of the

website and select your computer model from the pull-down menu. Select the

Download Category

"System and Configuration Utilities," select your operating system and language, and then follow

the posted instructions.

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.

NOTE: NSS is critical for the correct operation of USB devices, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port,

and D/View devices.

Quick Reference Guide 17

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

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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.

18 Quick Reference Guide

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

IF YOU ARE USING WINDOWS XP, RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non-

Windows XP operating system environments.

1

Click the

Start

button, point to

All Programs

→

Accessories

, and then click

Program Compatibility

Wizard

.

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. 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, OR CDS

SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE

Start

MENU

Quick Reference Guide 19

SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE —If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you

frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your

computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware

protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more

information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.

RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a

software problem.

Running the Dell Diagnostics

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CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" (see

your online

User’s Guide

) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical

assistance.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional

Drivers and Utilities

CD

(also known as the

ResourceCD

).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

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

NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell.

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

Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you cannot see anything on your display, hold down the mute button and press the computer’s

power button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System

Assessment.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell

Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

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.

20 Quick Reference Guide

5

When the boot device list appears, highlight

Diagnostics

and press <Enter>.

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 <n>; 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 before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics.

If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message

Booting

Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue

.

6

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 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 system setup.

3

When the boot device list appears, highlight

CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive

and press <Enter>.

4

Select the

CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive

option from the CD boot menu.

5

Select the

Boot from CD-ROM

option from the menu that appears.

6

Ty p e

1

to start the ResourceCD menu.

7

Ty p e

2

to start the Dell Diagnostics.

8

Select

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,

select the version appropriate for your computer.

9

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

appears, select the test you want to run.

Quick Reference Guide 21

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

1

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the

Main

Menu

screen appears, click the button for the

option you want.

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes

and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase

the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1hour or

more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

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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.

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.

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.

22 Quick Reference Guide

4

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

Drivers and

Utilities

CD

,

remove the CD.

5

When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the

Main

Menu

screen. To exit

the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the

Main

Menu

screen.

Quick Reference Guide 23

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24 Quick Reference Guide

Index

A

C

O

about your computer, 9

computer

Operating System

back view, 12

crashes, 18-19

CD, 7

bottom view, 13

slow performance, 20

front view, 10

stops responding, 18

left side view, 11

P

right side view, 11

problems

air vents

D

blue screen, 19

location, 11

Dell

computer crashes, 18-19

audio connectors

support site, 6

computer does not start up, 18

location, 11

computer stops responding, 18

Dell Premier Support

lockups, 18

website, 6

program crashes, 18

Diagnostics, 5

program stops responding, 18

B

Dell, 20

programs and Windows

battery

Documentation, 5

compatibility, 19

battery life and usage, 9

device, 5

slow computer

charge gauge, 15

ResourceCD, 5

performance, 20

charging, 16

software, 18-19

documentation

checking the charge, 14

solving, 17

online, 6

health gauge, 15

spyware, 20

installing, 17

Drivers, 5

low-battery warning, 16

performance, 13

S

power meter, 15

H

software

removing, 16

Help and Support Center, 6

problems, 19

storing, 17

spyware, 20

Index 25