Dell C500, C600 User Manual 2

Dell™ Latitude™ C600/C500 User's Guide

About Your Computer

What You Need to Know Features and Options

Setup and Operation

Using Your Computer Connecting Devices Microsoft® Windows® XP Features Using Intel® SpeedStep™ to Set Performance Levels Passwords and Security Traveling With Your Computer Removing and Replacing Parts

Powering Your Computer

AC Adapter and Battery Power Management and Conservation

Reinstalling Software

Solving Problems

Finding Solutions Dell Diagnostics Understanding Error Messages Getting Help

Technical Specifications

Additional Information

Regulatory Notices Limited Warranty and Return Policy

Using the System Setup Program

Model PP01L

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

Notes, notices, and cautions are used as follows:

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.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Latitude, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Dell Precision, ExpressCharge, HyperCool,

DellWare, and AccessDirect are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT , and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks, and SpeedStep and Celeron are trademarks of Intel Corporation. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

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

September 2001 368FN A02

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What You Need to Know: Dell™ Latitude™ C600/C500 User's Guide

Finding Information When Using Your Computer Safety and EMC Symbols Ergonomic Computing Habits Safety Instructions When Removing or Installing Memory Modules EMC Instructions Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Finding Information

Besides this User's Guide, the following documentation is included with your computer.

NOTE: Documentation updates are sometimes included with your computer to describe changes to your computer or software. Always read these updates before consulting any other documentation because the updates contain the latest information.

An operating system Setup Guide, which describes how to set up the operating system installed on your Dell computer.

Operating system documentation is included if you ordered your operating system from Dell. This documentation describes how to configure and use your operating system software.

Online documentation for your computer's devices (such as a modem) and for options you purchase separately from your computer.

In Microsoft® Windows® XP, click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. From the Help and Support window, click the link to access the user and system guides.

In Windows 2000, double-click the Dell User's Guide icon on the desktop, click System Information, and then click System Documentation.

Readme files may be installed on your hard-disk drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.

For detailed information on the computer's parts and assemblies and how to remove and replace them, see the computer Service Manual at the Dell support Web site at http://support.dell.com.

Safety and EMC Symbols

The following information defines the meaning of additional symbols used only in the Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Instructions.

Risk of explosion Aircraft

Risk of fire Use of this feature may be prohibited on aircraft

Risk of electric shock

Safety Instructions

General

Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.

If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.

Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.

Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact with the skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement.

If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.

To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.

If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-

compliant RJ-11 modular plug.

PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.

Before you clean your computer, remove power. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

Power (Safety Instructions, continued)

Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.

Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.

To remove power from the computer, turn it off, remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.

To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and peripheral power cables into properly grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with threeprong plugs to provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the appropriate type, two-prong or three-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.

Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter's power cable and that the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.

If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use caution when plugging the AC adapter's power cable into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you to insert the plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage to your computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the ground prong of the power plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of the power strip.

Battery (Safety Instructions, continued)

Use only Dell battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of other

types may increase the risk of fire or explosion.

Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.

The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.

Keep the battery away from children.

Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance. When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.

Do not dispose of your computer's battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged battery promptly.

Air Travel (Safety Instructions, continued)

Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your Dell™ computer while you are onboard an aircraft. For example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.

In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is equipped with Dell TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication device, please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.

Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable computer, may be prohibited in aircraft during certain critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing. Some airlines may further define the critical flight phase as any time the aircraft is below 3050 m (10,000 ft). Please follow the airline's specific instructions as to when the use of a PED is allowed.

EMC Instructions

Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell at its world-wide website at http://www.dell.com

Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer's input/output panel.

When Using Your Computer

Observe the following guidelines to prevent damage to your computer.

When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface. When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put your computer through an X-ray

security machine, but never put your computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.

When traveling with the hard-disk drive removed from the computer, wrap the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the computer. You can put the hard-disk drive through an X-ray security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.

When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.

Protect your computer, battery, and hard-disk drive from environmental hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexposure to sunlight.

When you move your computer between environments with very different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the computer.

NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before turning on power.

When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by its edges, not its pins. When removing a memory module from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the

computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before removing the memory module or

disconnecting the device to help avoid possible damage to the system board.

Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window cleaner that does not contain wax or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains grease or some other contaminant, use isopropyl alcohol instead of commercial window cleaner.

If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in "Finding Solutions." If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact

Dell.

Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.

CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain.

For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting up and using your computer:

Position your computer directly in front of you as you work. Adjust the tilt of the computer's display, its contrast and/or brightness settings, and the lighting around

you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the display.

When using an external monitor with your computer, set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes). Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Use a chair that provides good lower-back support. Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the

keyboard, touch pad, track stick, or external mouse. Always use the palmrest with the keyboard, touch pad, or track stick. Leave space to rest your hands

when using an external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level. When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the front of your chair seat.

Adjust your chair's height or use a footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture. Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to type for extended

periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that use both hands.

Computer positioned directly in front of user

Wrists relaxed and flat

Arms at desk level

When Removing or Installing Memory Modules

Before removing or installing memory modules, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is when you are installing memory modules.

NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a peripheral device or removing a memory module to help prevent possible damage to the system board.

1. Turn off your computer and any attached peripherals.

2. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from AC power to reduce the potential for personal injury or

shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3. Remove the main battery from the battery compartment and, if necessary, the secondary battery from the options bay.

4. Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel on the back of the computer.

While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any static electricity that might harm

internal components.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):

When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.

When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging. Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and

workbench pads.

The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you of these precautions:

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions at the front of this guide.

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Features and Options: Dell™ Latitude™ C600/C500 User's Guide

Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 show the front, back, and bottom views of the computer.

Figure 1. Front View of the Computer

Display latch

Display

Microphone

Air outlet

S-Video connector

Optional network connector

Optional modem connector

Audio jack (1)

System status lights

Infrared port

Speaker

Modular bay

Display latch button

Battery bay

Touch pad

Track stick

Keyboard status lights

Power button

Dell AccessDirect™ key

NOTICE: To avoid overheating the computer, do not place any objects close to the air outlet or air vent, or allow any objects to cover up the outlet or air vent (see Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 2. Back View of the Computer

Speaker

Security cable slot

Hard-disk drive

Figure 3. Bottom View

PC Card slots (2)

AC adapter connector

Video connector

USB connector

PS/2 connector

Air vent

Docking connector

Parallel connector

Serial connector

Module release latches (2)

Docking security latch

Fan

Your Dell computer has the following features:

A 14.1-inch extended graphics array (XGA), thin film transistor (TFT) 1024 x 768 active-matrix color display (for C600 and C500 computers).

A 14.1-inch super extended graphics array plus (SXGA+), TFT 1400 x 1050 active-matrix color display (for C600 computers only).

A 12.1-inch super video graphics array (SVGA), TFT 800 x 600 active-matrix color display (for C500 computers only).

Memory module and mini-PCI cover

A Dell AccessDirect key located above your keyboard that allows you to quickly access a frequently used program, such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer.

A CD-ROM drive that can be used in the modular bay. When you unpack your computer, look for the

CD-ROM drive in the accessories box of the shipping carton. 128-bit hardware-accelerated video support, with 8 megabytes (MB) of video memory.

Support for a zoomed video (ZV) PC Card in the lower PC Card connector. ESS Maestro 3i audio controller with software wavetable support and 3D surround sound.

Two audio jacks for connecting external speakers, headphones, or a microphone. Integrated microphone and two stereo speakers.

Accelerated graphics port (AGP) architecture that increases the computer's video performance.

Energy efficiency. An ENERGY STAR® partner, Dell has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

A modular bay that supports modules such as a DVD-ROM drive, CD-ROM drive, CD-RW drive, diskette drive, second battery, second hard-disk drive, Zip drive, or SuperDisk drive. To make the computer as light as possible when you travel, use the travel module in the modular bay.

NOTE: Your computer was shipped with a diskette drive in the modular bay. For information on removing the diskette drive and installing a different device in the bay, see "Modular Bay

Optional V.90 Mini PCI Modem data/fax modem, PC99-compliant, and ACPI power management support (including remote wake-up for Windows® 2000).

For additional information on the Mini PCI Card modem, see "Connecting Devices PCI Modem User's Guide.

Optional 10/100 LAN + V.90 Modem Mini PCI Card data/fax modem, PC99-compliant, and ACPI power management support (including remote wake-up for Windows 2000).

For additional information on the Mini PCI Card modem, see "Connecting Devices + V.90 Modem Mini PCI Card User's Guide.

A minimum of 64-MB synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) module is standard. You can increase memory up to 512 MB by installing combinations of 64-, 128-, or 256-MB 100megahertz (MHz) SDRAM modules in the two memory module sockets on the system board.

Two power conservation modes—suspend mode and suspend-to-disk mode—that help you conserve battery power. If the batteries run out of power, suspend-to-disk mode prevents data loss by copying all system data to the hard-disk drive and turning off the computer. Connectors for two 3.3-volt (V) or 5-V PC Cards. The lower PC Card connector supports ZV PC Cards.

" and the V.90 Mini

" and the 10/100 LAN

NOTE: The PC Card controller supports the CardBus standard for 32-bit data transfer on the PC Card.

Hardware and software support for the Dell Latitude C/Port Family Advanced Port Replicator (APR)

and the Dell Latitude C/Dock Family Expansion Station.

A Dell DualPoint integrated pointing device which includes both a touch pad and a track stick. These pointing devices are positioned for both left- and right-handed users. The track stick is positioned in the keyboard to allow you to move the cursor while keeping your fingers in a typing position. Two sets of left and right buttons, located above and below the touch pad, mimic mouse buttons. You can also perform many pointing functions by tapping the touch pad or the track stick. Click-and-drag buttonless functions are also supported.

An 8-cell, 59 watt-hour (WH) lithium ion battery (standard) in the battery bay, with support for a second battery in the modular bay. For lithium ion batteries, the Dell ExpressCharge™ technology charges a single battery in approximately 1 hour when the computer is off or in suspend mode.

Optional 4-cell, 26.5-WH lightweight lithium ion battery.

CAUTION: Do not puncture, disassemble, or incinerate the computer's battery. The battery may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not expose the battery to temperatures above 60° Celsius (C) (140° Fahrenheit [F]). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care; electrolyte may leak from the cells and cause personal injury.

CAUTION: If your battery is damaged, or if it no longer holds a charge, dispose of it promptly and properly. Do not dispose of it along with household waste. Call your local waste disposal agency or environmental agency for advice on disposing of the battery.

CAUTION: Using the wrong battery type may present a risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type purchased from Dell. You can use your computer's battery in any Latitude C-Family computer except for the Latitude CS or CSx computers. Do not attempt to use the battery in CS or CSx computers, and do not use a battery from those computers in your computer.

High-performance parallel and serial ports and a multipurpose Personal System/2 (PS/2) connector for attaching external devices, a monitor connector for attaching an external monitor to your computer, and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector that supports stand-alone and hub devices.

An infrared port that permits file transfer without the use of cable connections. The port is compatible with the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) Standard 1.1 (Fast IR) and Standard 1.0 (Slow IR) for use with external devices.

Dell HyperCool™, an automatic thermal management system that uses a variable-speed fan, microprocessor speed changes, and Intel® Remote Heat Exchanger technology to keep the computer running at the optimum temperature.

The following software is included with your Dell computer:

The Intel® SpeedStep™ technology is installed on your hard-disk drive. The Windows operating system that you ordered with your computer. The system setup program lets you view and change the system configuration. For more information,

see "Using the System Setup Program."

Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer's components and devices.

NOTE: If Dell did not install an operating system on your hard-disk drive, the drivers, system utilities, and diagnostics are available separately from Dell. To order them, see "Getting Help appropriate telephone number in your location.

Available Options

For information on the available options for your computer, visit the Dell Web site at http://www.dell.com.

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" for the

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Using Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ C600/C500 User's Guide

Turning the Computer On and Off Keyboard and Keypad Controls Modular Bay Dell AccessDirect™ Key Diskette Drive Speaker Controls Removable Mass-Storage Drives Controlling the Cursor Display PC Cards

Turning the Computer On and Off

To turn on the computer, press the power button. (See Figure 1 in "Features and Options.") To turn off the computer, follow the standard shutdown procedure described in your operating system

documentation.

CAUTION: Do not allow your Latitude portable computer to operate for an extended period of time with the base resting directly on your body. With extended operation, heat can potentially build up in the base. Allowing sustained contact with the skin could cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

Modular Bay

Your computer comes with a diskette drive installed in the modular bay. To use another device in the modular bay, first remove

NOTICE: When drives are not inside the computer, they are fragile and must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Do not press down on the drives or place heavy objects on top of them. Place the drives in a travel case to keep them free of dust and liquids. Store the drives in a safe place.

NOTICE: If the computer is docked, turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a drive.

the diskette drive.

You can install the following modules in the modular bay:

Second battery

CD-ROM drive DVD-ROM drive CD-RW drive

SuperDisk drive Zip drive Second hard-disk drive

To make the computer as light as possible, use the travel module in the modular bay in place of any of the available drives.

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Off

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.

2. If the computer is connected (docked) to an Advanced Port Replicator (APR) or docking station, undock it.

3. Close the display and turn the computer over.

4. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a travel case when they are not inserted in the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

Device

Modular bay latch

NOTICE: Insert devices before you dock and turn on the computer.

5. Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.

6. Turn the computer over and open the display.

7. Turn on the computer.

Swapping Devices While the Microsoft® Windows® Operating System Is Running NOTICE: To prevent damage to the docking connector, do not remove or replace

devices while the computer is connected to an APR or docking station.

In Windows XP

1. Double-click the icon on the Windows taskbar.

2. Click the device you want to eject.

3. Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer.

4. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.

Device

Modular bay latch

5. Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device in until you hear a click.

6. If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.

In Windows 2000

1. Double-click the icon on the Windows taskbar.

2. Click the device you want to eject and then click Stop.

3. Click OK, and wait until the device you want to eject is cleared from the list of devices in the Unplug or Eject Hardware window.

4. Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer.

5. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.

Device

Modular bay latch

6. Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device in until you hear a click.

7. Turn the computer over and open the display.

8. Press the power button to resume from standby mode.

9. If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.

10. When Windows resumes and recognizes the new device, click Close.

In Windows 98 and Windows NT

1. In Windows 98, right-click the Softex BayManager icon on the Windows taskbar. In Windows NT, right-click the Docking Services icon on the Windows taskbar.

2. Click Remove/Swap.

3. Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer.

4. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.

5. Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.

6. Click OK. Then click OK again to close the Softex BayManager window or the Softex Docking

Services window.

Diskette Drive

Your computer was shipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive (see Figure 2) in the modular bay. To use the diskette drive:

1. Insert a 3.5-inch diskette into the drive (label side up and metal end first).

2. Push the diskette into the drive until the eject button extends outside the drive casing. When data is being accessed from the diskette drive in the modular bay, the drive access light blinks.

NOTICE: Do not travel with a diskette in the diskette drive. Doing so could break the eject button and damage the drive.

NOTE: You can use the diskette drive externally by connecting it to the parallel connector on the back of the computer.

To remove a diskette from the drive:

1. Press the eject button to release the diskette.

2. Pull the diskette out of the drive.

To remove the drive or to use another device in the modular bay, see "Modular Bay

NOTE: If the computer is docked, turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a drive.

Figure 2. Diskette Drive Installed in Computer

Caring for Diskettes

When handling and using diskettes, follow these precautions:

Never use damaged diskettes in the computer Do not store diskettes near magnetic sources

Removable Mass-Storage Drives

You can install removable-mass storage drive modules such as a CD-ROM drive or SuperDisk drive in the modular bay.

NOTICE: Follow these precautions when using your drive:

Protect the drives when they are not in the modular bay. Do not squeeze the drive or place objects on top of it; doing so could damage the drive motor. Keep the drive as clean as possible.

Do not use the drive while the computer is in motion. Doing so could interrupt the flow of data between the disc and the hard-disk drive or diskette drive.

For instructions on installing a removable mass-storage drive module in the modular bay, see "Modular

Bay."

NOTE: If the computer is docked, turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a drive.

CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM Drives NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the drive. Never touch the

lens.

To play a disc:

1. Make sure the appropriate drive is installed in the modular bay

2. Press the eject button on the front of the drive or press <Fn><F10>.

3. When the tray slides out, place the disc into the tray label side up. Make sure that the CD is seated correctly on the spindle by pressing down on the disc until it

clicks in place.

NOTICE: If the disc is not seated correctly, the drive or media can be damaged.

4. Gently push in the tray.

When the drive is in use, the drive access light blinks on the computer’s front panel.

Figure 3. DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, or CD-RW Drive Installed in Computer

To eject the drive tray, perform one of the following tasks:

press the eject button on the front of the drive press <Fn><F10> (on an external keyboard, press <Scroll Lock> instead of <Fn> if the External Hot

Key option is enabled in the system setup program

You can only use CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and CD-RW drives externally with a C/Port Family Advanced Port Replicator (APR) or a C/Dock Family Expansion Station.

If you are using the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, disable the autoplay (auto insert notification) feature while you use the drive. (The autoplay feature can interfere with the computer’s power management functions.) If Dell installed the operating system, the autoplay feature has been disabled. If you reinstall the operating system or if you installed it yourself, be sure to disable the autoplay feature if you want to use the drive.

For instructions on changing the Auto Insert Notification option, see the operating system user’s guide. DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives are read-only devices that let you play most sound and video CDs. DVD-

ROM drives can also play DVDs. CD-rewritable (CD-RW) drives can write to and play CD-recordables (CDR) or CD-RWs and can play CDs. Dell has installed the appropriate device drivers on your hard-disk drive. See "Technical Specifications

" for information on supported CD and DVD formats.

)

Caring for Discs

When handling and using the discs, follow these precautions:

Never use a damaged or warped disc. Always hold the disc by its edges. Do not touch the surface of the disc. Use a clean, dry cloth to remove dust, smudges, or fingerprints from the surface of the disc. When

cleaning, wipe from the center of the disc to the edge. Never use solvents, such as benzene, record cleaners, or antistatic sprays, to clean the disc. Do not write on the surface of the disc. Store discs in their containers, placing them in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures may damage

discs. Do not bend or drop a disc. Do not place objects on top of a disc.

Display

When you run the computer on battery power, set your computer's brightness control to the lowest setting that affords comfortable viewing. You can conserve battery power by using the minimum brightness setting

(see Table 1)

Table 1. Adjusting Brightness

NOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the ddd.

Keys Function Key Combinations

Increase brightness <Fn> + up arrow Decrease brightness <Fn> + down arrow

Table 2. Controlling Display Modes

Function Key Combinations

Switch the computer’s display between expanded mode and regular video mode.

Switch the video image to the next display in the

<Fn><F8> following sequence: the computer's display, an external monitor, or both displays simultaneously.

Turn off the display. This key combination applies

<Fn><d> only to Windows 98, and Windows NT and may not

be supported under certain conditions.

You cannot adjust contrast on your display.

Certain key combinations may not function with the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)

or may require configuration with the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel. See "Power Management and Conservation

Expanded Video Mode

When working in text mode, you can select the font used to display text. Press <Fn><F7> to toggle between a regular serif font and a serif font with extra leading. Expanded video mode is useful if you are working in 800 x 600 resolution on a 14.1-inch XGA display.

Customizing Display Resolution

In Windows XP

1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

2. Under Pick a category, click Appearance and Themes.

3. Under Pick a task..., click the area you want to change, or under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Display.

4. Try different settings for Color Quality and Screen resolution.

In Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows NT

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Display icon, and then click the Settings tab.

3. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area. For more information, see your operating system documentation. If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust

automatically to the closest possible setting.

Video Drivers and Video Resolution

The Dell-installed video drivers work with the operating system to let you customize the video resolution and number of screen colors on your display. For detailed information on video resolution, see "Technical

Specifications."

NOTE: The Dell-installed video drivers are designed to offer the best performance on your computer. Dell recommends that you use only these drivers with your factory-installed operating system.

If the video resolution setting is higher than what the display supports, the computer display enters pan mode. The computer enters pan mode at the following resolutions (depending on display type):

XGA: 1280 x 1024 SXGA+: 1400 x 1050 UGA: 1600 x 1200

In pan mode the screen resolution is too high to be completely displayed on the computer display. For example, the taskbar that usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the rest of the screen, use the touch pad or track stick to pan up and down and left and right.

NOTICE: Before adjusting the refresh rate on an external monitor, refer to the monitor's user's guide. You can damage the monitor by using an unsupported refresh rate.

To display more colors, select a lower resolution. If you select a resolution and color combination that the system does not support, the system automatically selects the next supported combination.

NOTE: Color depth is based on 256 colors for 8-bit, 65,536 colors for 16-bit, and 4,294,967,296 colors for 32-bit displays.

Dual-Display Mode

With the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, you can use an external monitor as an extension of your display. For more information, see "Using an External Monitor in Dual-Display Mode

Keyboard and Keypad Controls

Key combinations allow you to:

Control display settings Eject removable mass-storage drives Control the Dell AccessDirect™ key Adjust speaker volume Use the embedded numeric keypad Enter power management modes

Enter the system setup program

NOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the system setup program

Embedded Numeric Keypad

To activate the keypad, press <Num Lk>. The Num Lock light turns on.

Figure 4. Embedded Numeric Keypad

As you work, you may want to use the embedded numeric keypad (see Figure 4) to enter numbers in spreadsheet or financial programs. The keypad shares some of the keys on your computer's keyboard. The number and symbol characters are marked to the right on these keys.

Table 3. Embedded Numeric Keypad Key Combinations

Function When Keypad Is On

Turn off the keypad <Num Lk> Temporarily enable the lowercase

characters/functions of the keyboard Temporarily enables the uppercase

characters/functions of the keyboard Temporarily enable a cursor-control key in the

keypad

Function When Keypad Is Off

Turn on the keypad <Num Lk>

Temporarily enable a cursor-control key in the keypad

Temporarily enable a number or symbol key in the keypad

Table 4. Power Conservation Key Combinations

Function Key Combinations

Turn off the display* <Fn><d> Turn off the hard-disk drive* <Fn><h> Activate suspend, sleep, or standby mode* <Fn><Esc> Activate suspend-to-disk mode* <Fn><a> or

<Fn><q> on French keyboards

* This key combination does not function with ACPI if the settings have not been configured with the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel. See " Power Management and Conservation

Table 5. System Setup Program Key Combinations

Function Key Combinations

Open the system setup program <Fn><F1>*

Open the Battery Status screen of the system setup program

* This key combination does not function with ACPI.

<Fn><F3>*

Dell AccessDirect Key

The Dell AccessDirect key located above your keyboard allows you to quickly access a frequently used program, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer (see Figure 1

NOTE: Using an external keyboard with your computer disables the AccessDirect key.

For information on using an AccessDirect key and viewing or changing key assignments, see the AccessDirect Help:

1. Open the Dell AccessDirect program in one of the following ways: Double-click the AccessDirect icon in the system tray on the Windows taskbar (normally in the

bottom-right corner of the screen).

in "Features and Options").

For Windows XP, click the Start button and click Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click Printers and Other Hardware. Click the Keyboard icon, and then click the AccessDirect tab.

For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, double-click the Keyboard icon, and then click the AccessDirect tab.

2. Click Help.

Speaker Controls

Table 6. Speaker Key Combinations

NOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the system setup program

Function Key Combinations

Turn the volume up <Fn><Page Up> Turn the volume down <Fn><Page Dn> Turn the speakers on or off <Fn><End>

Controlling the Cursor

Your Dell portable computer is equipped with the Dell DualPoint integrated pointing device, which includes two cursor pointing devices (see Figure 5 pad and the track stick. You can choose to use the touch pad only, the track stick only, or both at the same time.

DualPoint device software allows you to set the default for the type of cursor pointing device you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag and drop features of both the touch pad and track stick.

and Figure 6) that perform traditional mouse functions: the touch

NOTES: When enabled, the DualPoint device (whether touch pad only, track stick only, or both) uses interrupt request (IRQ) 12. No other device can use IRQ12 while the DualPoint integrated pointing device is enabled.

If the Pointing Device option in the system setup program (the default), you can use both the DualPoint device and an external mouse

Using the Touch Pad

You can use the touch pad to move the cursor, just like a standard mouse (see Figure 5 two buttons, located directly below the touch pad, correspond to the left and right buttons on a mouse.

Figure 5. Touch Pad

is set to Touch Pad-PS/2 Mouse

if one is attached.

). The touch pad’s

To best use the touch pad, follow these techniques:

To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the smooth sensor area. To select an object, gently tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left

touch pad button. To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap down-up-down on the

touch pad. On the second down motion, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger across the surface.

To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap the touch pad or the left touch pad button twice.

Using the Track Stick

You can use the track stick to move the cursor, just like a standard mouse (see Figure 6). The two buttons located between the touch pad and the space bar on the keyboard correspond to the left and right buttons on a mouse. The track stick functions much like the touch pad in that it allows you to use buttons for mouse functions or the pointing device itself.

Figure 6. Track Stick

To best use the track stick, use the following techniques:

To move the cursor, apply pressure to the track stick with your right or left index finger. Press up or down to move the cursor to the top or bottom of the display screen. Press left or right to move the cursor to the left or right of the display screen.

To select an object, tap once on the track stick or use your thumb to press the left track stick button. The track stick buttons perform standard mouse functions.

To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object. Then press and hold the left track stick button. Leave your thumb on the button and move the selected object by pressing the track stick in the desired direction.

To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap the left track stick button twice or tap the track stick itself twice. The track stick functions much like the touch pad in that it allows you to use buttons for mouse functions or the pointing device itself.

Customizing the DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device

In Windows XP

1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

2. Under Pick a category, click Printers and Other Hardware.

3. Click the Mouse icon, and then click the Touch tab in the Mouse Properties window.

4. In the drop-down menu, click to select either the touch pad or the pointing stick (track stick) and click Apply.

5. Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

The DualPoint device software allows you to set the default for the type of cursor pointing device you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag and drop features of both the touch pad the track stick.

Click in the Disable this Device box to disable the selected touch pad or track stick settings. If you

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Dell C500, C600 User Manual 2

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Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual