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
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, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex,
and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC 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 a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector, 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, remove the
battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
•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,
press to disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all
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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 worldwide website at www.dell.com.
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
3,050 m (10,000 ft). Please follow the airline’s specific instructions as to when the use
of a PED is allowed.
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.
California Residents
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product, or cords associated with accessories sold with
this product, will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
8System Information Guide
Wash your hands after handling the cord
.
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, 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 “Solving
Problems” in your User’s Guide. If, after following these procedures, you confirm that
your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell (see “Getting Help” in your User’s Guide for the appropriate contact information).
Ergonomic Computing Habits
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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 the Appendix of your online
User’s Guide when setting up and using your computer.
This portable computer is not designed for continuous operation as office equipment. For
extended use in an office, it is recommended that you connect an external keyboard.
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 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
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 I/O panel.
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.
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion
battery in your computer, see “Removing a Battery” later in this document and “Using a
Battery” in your online User’s Guide.
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 for Your Computer
What are you looking for?Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
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Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the
ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer when shipped
from Dell. You can use the CD to
reinstall drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics,
or access 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.
• Express Service Code and Service Tag
• Microsoft
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and
support questions
• Online discussions with other users
and technical support
• Documentation for my computer
®
Windows® License Label
Express Service Code and Product Key
These labels are located on your
computer.
Dell Support Website
The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from
technicians, and online courses
• Community Forum — Online discussion with other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory,
the hard drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, order status, warranty, and
repair information
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and
white papers
12System Information Guide
What are you looking for?Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a
modem)
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the
arrow icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
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.
If you reinstall your operating system,
use the Drivers and Utilities CD to
reinstall drivers for the devices that came
with your computer.
The product key for your operating
system is located on 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.
NOTICE: When you turn on your computer, you might receive a message
stating that you need to shut down your computer and upgrade your computer
memory. If this message appears, see your User’s Guide on the Dell Support
website (support.dell.com) for instructions about upgrading your computer
memory.
System Information Guide13
NOTE: Do not dock the
computer until it has been
turned on and shut down
at least once.
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4 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the
computer.
power button
14System Information Guide
About Your Computer
See your online User’s Guide for detailed information about the 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 “Right View” later in this document. 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 4460-mAh 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 “Using a Battery” and “Power Management”
in the User’s Guide.
–For information on an optional second battery, see “Using the
Module Bay” in the User’s Guide.
•Module bay devices: For information on the module bay and the
devices it supports, see “Using the Module Bay” in the User’s Guide.
•Docking devices: Your computer supports the Dell D/Dock Expansion
Station and the Dell D/Port Advanced Port Replicator.
–For information on your optional docking device, see the
documentation that accompanied the device.
–For information on obtaining optimal performance when using a
docking device with this computer, see “Solving Problems” in the
User’s Guide.
System Information Guide15
NOTE: Docking devices
may not be available in
all countries.
Front View
keyboard
status lights
mute button
volume control
buttons
track stick
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track stick/touch
pad buttons
display
power button
device status
lights
keyboard
touch pad
display latch
speakers
16System Information Guide
Left View
air vents (2)
PC Card slot
smart card slot
security cable slot
infrared sensor
hard drive
audio connectors (2)
System Information Guide17
Right View
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security cable slotmodule bay
device latch release
18System Information Guide
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. Do not store your computer in a lowairflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is
running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or
cause a fire.
modem connector
(RJ-11) (optional)
network connector
(RJ-45)
S-video TV-out connector
USB connectors (2)
video connector
parallel connector
air vents
AC adapter connector
serial connector
System Information Guide19
Bottom View
memory module cover
hard drive
Mini PCI
card cover
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fan
battery-bay latch release
battery charge gauge
battery
docking device slot
20System Information Guide
Removing a Battery
For more information about removing the second battery, see “Using the
Module Bay” in your online User’s Guide.
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the
computer, disconnect it from the electrical outlet, and disconnect
the modem from the telephone wall jack.
NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby
mode, you have up to 90 seconds to complete the battery replacement before
the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved data.
1
Ensure that the computer is turned off, disconnected from an
electrical outlet, and disconnected from the telephone wall jack.
2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it.
See the documentation that came with your docking device for
instructions.
3 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the
computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.
System Information Guide21
Removing and Installing a Reserve
Battery
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1 Remove the battery.
2 Remove the reserve battery cover.
22System Information Guide
3 Pull the reserve battery out of its compartment, and disconnect the
cable from the connector.
4 Connect the reserve battery cable to the connector in the reserve
battery compartment.
System Information Guide23
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Installing a Battery
5 Place the reserve battery in the compartment, and replace the reserve
battery cover.
Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.
For more information about installing the second battery, see “Using the
Module Bay” in your online User’s Guide.
24System Information Guide
Running the Dell Diagnostics
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden Diagnostic utility partition on
your hard drive.
Shut down the computer.
1
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.
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press
4
immediately. If you wait too long and the Microsoft
®
Windows® logo
appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then
shut down your computer and try again.
5 When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press
.
The computer begins to run the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series
of embedded diagnostics that perform initial testing on your system
board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.
•During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
•If a component failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps.
To stop the assessment and reboot to the operating system, press
; to continue to the next test, press ; to retest the
NOTE: If your computer
cannot display a screen
image, contact Dell (see
“Getting Help” in your
User’s Guide for the
appropriate contact
information).
NOTE: If you cannot see
anything on your display,
you can hold down the
mute button and press the
power button (instead of
F12) to begin the Dell
Diagnostics. You do not
need to highlight
Diagnostics and press
. The
computer automatically
runs the Pre-boot System
Assessment.
component that failed, press .
•If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment,
write down the error code(s) and contact Dell (see “Getting Help”
in your User’s Guide for the appropriate contact information)
before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics.
•If you receive a message stating that no Diagnostics utility
partition has been found, follow the instructions on the screen to
run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive
the message
Press any key to continue
Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition.
.
System Information Guide25
NOTE: The service tag
for your computer is
located in the title bar of
each screen.
6 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the Diagnostics utility
partition on your hard drive.
7 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears,
click the button for the option you want.
OptionFunction
Express TestPerforms a quick test of devices. The test typically takes 10 to
20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run
Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the
problem quickly.
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Extended TestPerforms a thorough check of devices. The test typically takes
1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions
periodically.
Custom TestTests a specific device. You can customize the tests to be run.
Symptom TreeAllows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem
you are experiencing. The option lists the most common
symptoms.
8
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears,
displaying the 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 (see “Getting Help” in your User’s Guide for the
appropriate contact information).
26System Information Guide
9 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.
TabFunction
ResultsDisplays the results of the test and any error conditions
encountered.
ErrorsDisplays error conditions encountered, error codes, and
problem description.
HelpDescribes the test and may indicate requirements for
running the test.
ConfigurationDisplays your hardware configuration for the selected
device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains your configuration
information for all devices from the system setup
program, memory, and various internal tests and 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.
ParametersAllows you to customize the test by changing the test
settings.
10 When you have finished running a test, close the screen to return to
the MainMenu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and reboot the
computer, close the Main Menu screen.
System Information Guide27
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.
www.dell.com | support.euro.dell.com
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:
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 country-specific EMC/EMI or product safety
information.
•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.
28System Information Guide
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