Dell Latitude C640 User Manual

Dell™ Latitude™ C540/C640 User's Guide

Click the links to the left for information on the features and operation of your computer. For information on other documentation included with your computer, see "Finding Information."

CAUTION: Follow the safety instructions in the System Information Guide to help protect

your computer from damage and ensure your own personal safety.

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

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

avoid the problem.

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

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary.

____________________

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, AccessDirect, Latitude, Dell Precision, OptiPlex, Inspiron, Dimension, Dell

TravelLite, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks and Intel Speedstep is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Dell Computer Corporation 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model Number PP01L

April 2003 P/N 2P726 Rev. A03

Finding Information

Safety Instructions Documentation Updates Using Microsoft® Windows® Using Devices Using the Drivers and Utilities CD Fixing Problems Installing Parts

Safety Instructions

CAUTION: For precautions on safely handling and using your computer and preventing

electrostatic discharge, see the safety instructions in the System Information Guide.

Documentation Updates

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.

Readme files, which may be installed on your hard drive or found on CDs such as the Drivers and Utilities CD, provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.

Using Microsoft® Windows®

Windows Help

Each operating system provides complete online instructions for using it:

In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. For more information, see "About

Microsoft® Windows® XP."

In Windows 2000, click the Start button and click Help.

Microsoft Windows Guide

For more information on using the Windows operating system, see the Microsoft Windows documentation that came with your computer.

Using Devices

Dell™ User's Guides

For help on using your computer's devices (such as a modem) and options you purchase separately from your computer, see the device user's guide.

In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. From the Help and Support window, click User and system guides.

In Windows 2000, click the Start button, point to Programs, and click User's Guides.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers and utilities, the Dell Diagnostics, and user's guides for your computer and optional devices. Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers and utilities already installed-no further installation or configuration is needed. If you ever need to reinstall a driver or utility, run diagnostics tests on your computer, or access the user's guides, use the Drivers and Utilities CD. See "Reinstalling Software" and "Using the Dell Diagnostics."

Fixing Problems

For help with fixing computer problems, see "Solving Problems" and "Using the Dell Diagnostics."

Microsoft Windows Guide

For more information on troubleshooting problems, see the Microsoft Windows documentation that came with your computer.

Dell Support

For personalized online support, driver updates, and instant answers to your questions, access the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Installing Parts

For help with adding parts to your computer, see "Adding and Replacing Parts."

For detailed information on the computer parts and assemblies and how to remove and replace them, see the computer Service Manual on support.dell.com.

About Your Computer

Front View Left Side View Right Side View Back View Bottom View

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.

display latch

module bay

display

touch pad

keyboard status lights

battery bay

air vent

track stick/touch pad buttons

keyboard

track stick

microphone

power button

device status lights

AccessDirect button

Display Latch - Keeps the display closed.

Display - For more information on using your color display, see "Using the Display." Keyboard Status Lights

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Keyboard Status Lights

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when he scroll lock function is enabled.

Keyboard - The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key .

For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."

Microphone - Allows you to record audio. Device Status Lights

Device Status Lights

Turns on when you turn on the computer.

Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the light is flashing.

Turns on steadily or blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. It also blinks to indicate battery charge status.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:

Solid green: The battery is charging. Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:

Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off). Flashing orange: The battery charge is low. Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

Module Bay - You can install devices such as an optical drive or Dell™ TravelLite™ module in the module

bay. For more information, see "Using the Module Bay."

Touch Pad - Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the

Keyboard and Touch Pad" for more information.

Battery Bay - When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting it to an electrical

outlet. See "Using a Battery."

Track Stick/Touch Pad Buttons - Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

Track Stick - Use the track stick and track stick buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the

Keyboard and Touch Pad" for more information.

Power Button - Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter a power management mode.

NOTICE: Turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown rather than by pressing the

power button. Otherwise, you may lose data.

If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (this may take several seconds).

Dell AccessDirect™ Button - Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as your default

Internet browser. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."

Dell AccessDirect™ Button

Left Side View

security cable slot

speaker

hard drive

PC Card slot

Security Cable Slot - Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.

Instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.

NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.

Speakers - Press the volume control buttons or volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of

the integrated speakers. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."

Hard Drive - Reads and writes data on a hard disk.

PC Card Slot - Has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including modems and network

adapters. For more information, see "Using PC Cards."

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.

modem connector

audio connectors

network connector

infrared sensor

S-video TV-out connector

speaker

air vents

Modem Connector

If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem connector. (If no modem is included, the connector opening is filled by a plug.)

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer. See "Finding Information."

Network Connector

NOTE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a telephone

line into the network connector.

Connects the computer to a network. The light on the right flashes yellow to indicate network activity. The light on the left turns reddish-orange when the computer is connected to a 100-Mbps network; the light turns green for a 10-Mbps network or a wireless card.

For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer. See "Finding Information."

S-Video TV-Out Connector

Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting a Television to

the Computer."

Air Vents - The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the

computer from overheating.

NOTE: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which

is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

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.

Audio Connectors

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

Infrared Sensor - The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-

compatible device without using cable connections.

When you receive your computer, the infrared sensor is disabled. You can use the system setup program to enable the infrared sensor. For information on transferring data, see Windows Help, the Windows Help and

Support Center, or the documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device.

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.

serial connector

video connector

parallel connector

AC adapter connector

docking connector

fan4PS/2 connector

fan5USB connector

Serial Connector

Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.

Parallel Connector

Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to the parallel connector using the optional floppy drive cable.

Docking Connector

NOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.

Connects the optional docking device. A docking device allows you to easily use external devices with your computer, such as an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional information.

PS/2 Connector

NOTE: You can use the integrated keyboard and an external keyboard at the same time. When you

attach a keyboard or numeric keypad, the keypad is disabled.

Connects PS/2-compatible devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.

Shut down the computer before attaching or removing a PS/2-compatible device. If the device does not work, install the device drivers from the floppy disk or CD that came with the device, and restart the computer.

USB Connector

Connects USB 1.1-compliant devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

Video Connector

Connects an external monitor. See "Using the Display."

AC Adapter Connector - Attach an AC adapter to the computer.

The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off. For more information on the optimal and allowable AC adapter configurations for your computer, see "Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer" and "Docking

Power Considerations."

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power

connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable

connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.

Fans - The computer uses internal fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer

from overheating.

NOTE: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which

is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

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.

Bottom View

Mini PCI card, modem, and memory module cover

device latch releases

docking device latch

Mini PCI Card, Modem, and Memory Module Cover - Covers the compartment that contains the

memory module(s), optional modem, and optional Mini PCI card. See "Adding and Replacing Parts."

Device Latch Releases - Press to remove a device in the module bay. See "Using the Module Bay" for

instructions.

Docking Device Latch - Latches onto the docking device.

About Microsoft® Windows® XP

Help and Support Center Switching to Classic View Desktop Cleanup Wizard Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Program Compatibility Wizard User Accounts and Fast User Switching Home and Small Office Networking Internet Connection Firewall

Help and Support Center

To access help with the Windows XP operating system and other support and educational tools, click the

Start button and click Help and Support.

Switching to Classic View

You may change the appearance of the Control Panel, the Start menu, and the Windows desktop to the classic view of earlier operating systems.

Control Panel

The Control Panel presents information as task-oriented categories. If you are accustomed to performing a particular task with the icon-oriented classic Control Panel, you can switch to the classic icon view:

Click the Start button, and click Control Panel.1. Click Switch to Classic View or Switch to Category View in the upper left area of the Control

Panel window.

Start Menu

Right-click the empty area on the taskbar.1. Click Properties.2. Click the Start Menu tab.3. Select Classic Start Menu and click OK.4.

Window and Button Appearance

Right-click anywhere on the main desktop screen and click Properties.1. Click the Appearance tab.2. From the Windows and buttons drop-down menu, select Windows Classic style.3. To customize color, font, and other classic desktop options, click Advanced.4. When you have completed your appearance selections, click OK.5.

Desktop Cleanup Wizard

By default, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard moves programs that are not frequently used to a designated folder 7 days after you first start your computer and every 60 days after that. The appearance of the Start menu changes as programs are moved.

To turn off the Desktop Cleanup Wizard:

Right-click an empty spot on the desktop, and click Properties.1. Click the Desktop tab, and click Customize Desktop.2. Click Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days to remove the check mark.3. Click OK.4.

To run the Desktop Cleanup Wizard at any time:

Right-click an empty spot on the desktop, and click Properties.1. Click the Desktop tab, and click Customize Desktop.2. Click Clean Desktop Now.3. When the Desktop Cleanup Wizard appears, click Next.4. In the list of shortcuts, deselect any shortcuts you want to leave on the desktop, and then click Next.5. Click Finish to remove the shortcuts and close the wizard.6.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

NOTE: The time required to collect and transfer data depends on the amount of data collected. Times

can vary from a few minutes to several hours.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard allows you to transfer files and settings from one computer to another (for instance, when upgrading to a new computer), even if the old computer is running an earlier operating system. You transfer the data to the new computer over a network or direct serial connection, or store it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, Zip disk, or writable CD. If a CD drive is not available, the wizard allows you to create a wizard disk to run on your old computer. For more information, see Windows Help and Support Center.

Program Compatibility Wizard

NOTE: If you experience problems with your operating system or other programs after performing an

installation, you can use "System Restore" to return your computer to a previous stable condition.

If you encounter problems running a program designed for an earlier Windows operating system, you can use the Program Compatibility Wizard to help resolve the problem. The Program Compatibility Wizard allows you to configure a program to run in an environment closer to Windows 95, Windows 98/Me, Windows NT®

4.0 with Service Pack 5, or Windows 2000. For more information, see Windows Help and Support Center.

User Accounts and Fast User Switching

NOTE: Fast User Switching is disabled in Windows XP Professional when the computer is a member of

a computer domain.

Fast User Switching allows multiple users to access the computer. After you log onto the computer with your specific settings, including the desktop and various programs, other users can log onto the computer without requiring you to first log off. New users log on and switch from your session to their own. New users can run their desktop and programs without interfering with yours. You can switch back to your desktop and programs with the original settings. For more information, see Windows Help and Support Center.

Special Considerations With Fast User Switching

Computers with low memory configurations can experience problems. The computer uses memory to keep your programs running in the background while a second user is logged on, which can cause the computer to run slowly. Fast User Switching is off by default on computers with less than 128 MB of RAM.

Home and Small Office Networking

The Network Setup Wizard provides online documentation and support for setting up a home or small office network. The new wizard automatically enables the personal firewall (see "Internet Connection Firewall").

The Network Setup Wizard includes a checklist and steps to guide you through the process of sharing resources, such as files, printers, or an Internet connection, between computers in a home or small office. For more information, see Windows Help and Support Center.

Internet Connection Firewall

NOTE: Enabling the Internet Connection Firewall does not reduce the need for virus-checking

software.

The Internet Connection Firewall provides basic protection from unauthorized access to the computer when the computer is connected to the Internet. The firewall is automatically enabled when you run the Network Setup Wizard. When the firewall is enabled for a network connection, the firewall icon appears with a red background in the Network Connections portion of the Control Panel. For more information, see Windows Help and Support Center.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button Numeric Keypad Keyboard Shortcuts Touch Pad Track Stick Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick

Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button

Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as your default Internet browser.

To change the reprogrammable button settings, or to find information on using the button:

In Microsoft® Windows® XP

Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.1. Under Pick a category, click Printers and Other Hardware, click Keyboard, and then click the

AccessDirect tab.

Click Help, and follow the instructions.3.

In Windows 2000

Open the Control Panel, and then double-click the Keyboard icon.1. Click the AccessDirect tab in the Keyboard Properties window.2. Click Help, and follow the instructions.3.

Numeric Keypad

NOTE: When you connect an external keyboard or keypad to the computer, the keypad is disabled.

The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys.

To enable the keypad, press . The light indicates that the keypad is active.

To disable the keypad, press again.

To use the other function of a dual-function key when the numeric keypad is enabled, press and

the desired key. To use the uppercase letter or the shift function of a key, press and the desired key.

Keyboard Shortcuts

System Functions

Opens the Windows Security window

Enables and disables the numeric keypad Enables and disables scroll lock

Display Functions

Switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the integrated display, an external monitor, and both displays simultaneously

Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor)

Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor)

Power Management

Activates the power management mode of your choice. You can program this keyboard shortcut on the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window.

Speaker Functions

If no sound comes from the speakers, press and adjust the volume.

Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached

Windows® Logo Key Functions

Minimizes all open windows

Maximizes all windows Runs Microsoft® Windows Explorer

Opens the Run dialog box

Opens the Search Results dialog box

Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the computer is connected to a network)

Opens the System Properties dialog box

To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, and click Printers

and Other Hardware (for Windows XP) or double-click the Keyboard icon (for Windows 2000).

Touch Pad

The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the display. Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse.

To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the smooth sensor area. To select an object, lightly 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 twice on the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch pad button twice.

Track Stick

The track stick detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the display. Use the track stick and track stick buttons as you would use a mouse.

To move the cursor, press the track stick. 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. 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 object by pressing the track stick in the desired direction.

To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the track stick or use your thumb to press the left track stick button twice.

Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick

You can disable the touch pad and track stick or adjust their settings using the Mouse Properties window.

Open the Control Panel and double-click the Mouse icon.1. In the Mouse Properties window, click the Device Settings tab.2.

If you have a Synaptics driver for the touch pad and track stick:

To disable the touch pad or mouse, highlight the device and click Disable. (If your computer is docked and is connected to a PS/2 mouse, the touch pad and track stick may already be disabled.)

To change the touch pad or mouse pad settings, highlight the device, click Settings, select the desired setting(s), and then click Apply.

Click OK to save the settings and close the window, and then click OK again to exit the Mouse Properties window.

Changing the Track Stick Cap

Your computer came with an additional track stick cap. You can purchase additional caps by visiting the Dell website at www.dell.com. You may need to change the track stick cap if it wears down from prolonged use.

Pull the cap off the track stick.1. Align the new cap over the track stick post and gently press the cap down onto the post.2. Test the track stick to ensure that the cap is seated properly.3.

Using the Module Bay

About the Module Bay Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Running Using the CD or DVD Tray Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture

About the Module Bay

You can install devices such as a floppy drive, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, DVD/CD-RW drive, Zip drive, second hard drive, or second battery in the module bay.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the docking connector, do not remove or replace devices while the

computer is connected to a docking device.

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.1. If the computer is connected (docked) to a docking device, undock it.2. Close the display and turn the computer over.3. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.4.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a travel case when they are not installed in

the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

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

Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.5. Turn on the computer.6.

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Running

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the docking connector, do not remove or replace devices while the

computer is connected to a docking device.

In Microsoft® Windows® XP

Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the taskbar.1. Click the device you want to eject.2. Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer.3. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.4. Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.5. If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.6.

In Windows 2000

Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the taskbar.1. Click the device you want to eject and then click Stop.2.

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