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, click User and system guides, and then
click User Guide).
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, TrueMobile, and AccessDirect are trademarks of Dell
Computer Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel, Pe ntium
and Celeron 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names
other than its own.
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect
your computer and working environment from potential damage.
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.
•Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a
closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on. Restricting airflow can damage the
computer or cause a fire.
•Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling
vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer
in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
•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.
•The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care
when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
•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 exposed 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.
System Information Guide5
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)
•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 FCCcompliant RJ-11 modular plug.
•Before you open the memory module/Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of your
computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone
cable.
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•If your computer has both a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector,
which look alike, make sure you insert the telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not
the RJ-45 connector.
•PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC
Cards after their continuous operation.
•Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.
Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
Power
•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 the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, disconnect the
AC adapter from the electrical outlet, and remove any battery installed in the battery bay
or module bay.
•To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly
grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-prong 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, 2-prong or 3-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.
6System Information Guide
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)
•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
•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 or otherwise expose it
to temperatures in excess of 60ºC (140ºF). 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.
System Information Guide7
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)
Air Travel
•Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions
may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are on board 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.
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–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 electromagnetic
compatibility classification (EMC) 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 worldwide website at
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.
8System Information Guide
When Using Your Computer
Observe the following safe-handling 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 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 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 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 preparing to remove a memory module from the system board or disconnect a
device from the computer, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable,
remove any battery installed in the battery bay or module bay, and then wait 5 seconds
before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
System Information Guide9
When Using Your Computer (continued)
•Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and water. Apply the water to the cloth; then
stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to
the bottom. Remove moisture from the display quickly and keep the display dry. Longterm exposure to moisture can damage the display. Do not use a commercial window
cleaner to clean your display.
•If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in “If Your
Computer Gets Wet” or “If You Drop or Damage Your Computer” in the online User’s Guide. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not
operating properly, contact Dell (see the User’s Guide for the appropriate contact
information).
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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 ergonomic guidelines in your User’s Guide when setting
up and using your computer.
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before removing or installing memory modules, Mini PCI cards, or modems, 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, a Mini PCI card, or a modem.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing
a memory module, Mini PCI card, or modem to help prevent possible damage to the system board.
Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.
1
2 Disconnect your computer and devices from electrical outlets 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 bay and, if necessary, the second battery from
the module bay.
10System Information Guide
When Using Your Computer (continued)
4 Ground yourself by touching any unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static
electricity that might harm internal components.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
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 any unpainted
metal surface on the back of the computer.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch any unpainted metal surface
on the back of the computer 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.
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery and a reserve battery. For instructions about replacing
the lithium-ion battery in your computer, see “Using the Battery” in your Dell User’s Guide.
The reserve battery is a long-life battery, and it is very possible that you will never need to
replace it. However, should you need to replace it, the procedure must be performed by an
authorized service technician. Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste.
Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
System Information Guide11
Finding Information and Assistance
The following table lists the resources that Dell provides as support tools. Additional
resources may be shipped with your computer.
Resources and Support Tools
ResourceContentsUsing the Resource
User’s guides for your
computer and devices
User’s Guides
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Drivers and Utilities CD
• Dell Diagnostics
• Drivers
• Utilities
• Computer and device
documentation
Depending on your operating system, double-click the
User’s Guides icon on your desktop, or click the Start
button and then select Help and Support to access the
documentation stored on your hard drive.
Obtain information on the following:
• Using your computer
• Configuring system settings
• Removing and installing parts
• Installing and configuring software
• Diagnosing a problem
• Technical specifications
• Getting technical assistance
See the main menu on the Drivers and Utilities CD that
came with your computer. Use the pull-down menu to
make selections appropriate for your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer when shipped from Dell. You can use this CD
to access documentation, reinstall drivers, or run
diagnostics tools.
For more information, see your computer User’s Guide.
Service and Registration
Labels
• Express Service Code and
Service Tag
• Product Key (also called
the Product ID or
Certificate of Authenticity
[COA])
12System Information Guide
The Express Service Code and Service Tag are unique
identifiers for your Dell™ computer.
You will need the Product Key (or Product ID) number to
complete the operating system setup.
ResourceContentsUsing the Resource
Operating System CDTo reinstall your operating system, use the Operating
System CD that came with your computer.
NOTE: The Operating System CD may not include all the
latest drivers for your computer. If you reinstall your
operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to
reinstall drivers for the devices shipped with your
computer.
Dell Support website
• Frequently asked questions
• Downloads for your
computer
• Documentation
• Online discussions about
your computer
• Searchable database
Dell Premier Support website
• Service call status
• Top technical issues by
product
• Frequently asked questions
by product number
• Customized service tags
• System configuration detail
Go to and complete the one-time registration:
• Get help with general usage, installation, and
troubleshooting questions (Ask Dudley, Dell
Knowledge Base)
• Access documentation about your computer and
devices (Dell Documents)
• Get the latest versions of the drivers for your computer
(Downloads for Your Dell)
• Join online discussions with other Dell customers and
Dell technical professionals (Dell Talk)
• Explore a list of online links to Dell's primary vendors
Go to premiersupport.dell.com:
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
corporate, government, and education customers.
This service may not be available in all regions.
System Information Guide13
Setting Up Your Computer
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) you have ordered.
3 Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector and to the electrical outlet.
Connecting the AC Adapter
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14System Information Guide
Power Button
NOTE: Do not dock the computer until it has been turned on and shut down at least once.
System Information Guide15
About Your Computer
Front View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
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1
2
3
14
13
12
11
4
5
6
7
8
910
16System Information Guide
Left Side View
1display latch8touch pad
2display9battery bay
3device status lights10 module bay
4air vent11 track stick/touch pad buttons
5keyboard status lights 12 Dell™ AccessDirect™ button
6keyboard13 power button
7track stick14 microphone
1
23456
System Information Guide17
Right Side View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
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1fixed optical drive
2S-video TV-out connector
3security cable slot
4modem connector
5network connector
6speaker
123467 85
18System Information Guide
1 speaker5PC Card slot
2 security cable slot6IEEE 1394 connector
3 hard drive bay7audio connectors
4 infrared sensor8air vents
Back View
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer
before you disconnect an external device.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
1234 5678
1 fans (2)5 docking connector
2 AC adapter connector6 parallel connector
3 PS/2 connector7 serial connector
4 video connector8 USB connectors (2)
System Information Guide19
Bottom View
1
2
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3
4
1memory module and modem cover
2device release latches
3Mini PCI card cover
4docking device latch
20System Information Guide
Removing a Battery
NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have
only about 1 minute to complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and
loses any unsaved data.
Before removing the battery, ensure that the computer is turned off, suspended in a power
management mode, or connected to an electrical outlet.
1 If the computer is docked, undock it.
2 Slide and hold the battery bay (or module bay) latch release on the bottom of the
computer, and then slide the battery from the bay.
Installing a Battery
Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.
Running the Dell Diagnostics
Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected.
For information on these help tools, see your User’s Guide.
If you have a computer problem and are unable to access the online User’s Guide, use the
Dell Diagnostics to help you determine the cause of the problem and to help you solve it.
The Diagnostics are on the Drivers and Utilities CD that came with your computer.
System Information Guide21
NOTE: Run the Diagnostics before you call Dell technical support because the diagnostic tests
provide information you may need when you call.
To start the Diagnostics, perform the following steps:
1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive.
2 Turn off the computer.
3 If the computer is docked, undock the computer.
4 Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet.
5 Turn on the computer with the Driver and Utilities CD in the CD, CD-RW, or DVD
drive.
6 Press to enter the system setup program as soon as the Dell logo screen appears,
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and before the Microsoft
NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in the event you want to restore it after running
the Dell Diagnostics.
Select the Boot Order page of the system setup program. Make a note of the device
7
currently set as the first (top) boot device, and then set the first three devices in the
boot sequence in the following order:
•Diskette Drive
•CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
•Internal HDD
8 Save your changes and press to exit the system setup program and restart the
computer to boot from the CD.
The computer starts and automatically begins to run the Dell Diagnostics.
9 When you have completed running diagnostics, remove the Drivers and Utilities CD.
10 When the computer restarts, press as soon as the Dell logo screen appears, and
before the Microsoft Windows logo screen appears.
11 In the system setup program, select the Boot Order page and reset the boot sequence
to the original order.
12 Press to exit the system setup program and restart Microsoft Windows.
®
Windows® logo screen appears.
13 Remove the CD from the CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive.
When you start the diagnostics, the Dell logo screen appears, followed by a message telling
you that the diagnostics is loading. After the diagnostics loads, the Diagnostics Menu
appears.
22System Information Guide
To select an option from this menu, highlight the option and press , or press the
key that corresponds to the highlighted letter in the option you choose.
Regulatory Notices
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is any signal or emission, radiated in free space or
conducted along power or signal leads, that endangers the functioning of a radio navigation
or other safety service or seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a licensed
radio communications service. Radio communications services include but are not limited
to AM/FM commercial broadcast, television, cellular services, radar, air-traffic control,
pager, and Personal Communication Services (PCS). These licensed services, along with
unintentional radiators such as digital devices, including computers, contribute to the
electromagnetic environment.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of items of electronic equipment to
function properly together in the electronic environment. While this computer has been
designed and determined to be compliant with regulatory agency limits for EMI, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause interference with radio communications services, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient the receiving antenna.
•Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.
•Move the computer away from the receiver.
•Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and the receiver are on
different branch circuits.
If necessary, consult a Dell Technical Support representative or an experienced
radio/television technician for additional suggestions.
For additional regulatory information, see “Regulatory Notices” in the Appendix of your
online User’s Guide. The sections specific to each regulatory agency provide countryspecific EMC/EMI or product safety information.
System Information Guide23
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24System Information Guide
Dell™ Latitude™ C840
Systeeminformatiehandleiding
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Opmerkingen, kennisgevingen en
waarschuwingen
OPMERKING: een OPMERKING duidt belangrijke informatie aan voor een beter gebruik
van de computer.
KENNISGEVING: een KENNISGEVING duidt mogelijke beschadiging van de hardware
of gegevensverlies aan en geeft aan hoe u dergelijke problemen kunt voorkomen.
WAARSCHUWING: een WAARSCHUWING duidt het risico van schade aan
eigendommen, lichamelijk letsel of overlijden aan.
Afkortingen en acroniemen
Raadpleeg de User's Guide (Gebruikershandleiding) voor een volledige lijst van
afkortingen en acroniemen (afhankelijk van het besturingssysteem dubbelklikt u hiervoor
op het pictogram User's Guide op het bureaublad of klikt u op Start, Help en Support, User and system guides (Gebruikers- en systeemhandleidingen) en klikt u op User's Guide.
Verveelvoudiging van dit materiaal, op welke wijze dan ook, is alleen toegestaan na uitdrukkelijke, schriftelijke
toestemming van Dell Computer Corporation.
Handelsmerken in dit document: Dell, het DELL-logo, Latitude, TrueMobile en AccessDirect zijn handelsmerken
van Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft en Windows zijn gedeponeerde handelsmerken van Microsoft Corporation;
Intel, Pentium en Celeron zijn gedeponeerde handelsmerken van Intel Corporation.
Andere handelsmerken en handelsnamen die mogelijk in dit document worden gebruikt, dienen ter aanduiding van de
rechthebbenden met betrekking tot de merken en namen of ter aanduiding van hun producten. Dell Computer Corporation
claimt op geen enkele wijze enig eigendomsrecht ten aanzien van andere handelsmerken of handelsnamen dan haar eigen
handelsmerken en handelsnamen.