Dell Latitude CPi A User Manual

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Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Introduction Setup and Operation Powering Your Computer Traveling With Your Computer Drivers Customizing Your Computer Removing and Replacing Parts Troubleshooting Technical Specifications Getting Help

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, Latitude, and the DELL logo are trademarks, and DellWare is a service mark of Dell Computer

Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel is a registered trademark 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.

1314D

Initial release: 4 Dec 1998

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Introduction: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Overview | Hardware Features | Available Options | Getting Help

Overview

The Dell Latitude CPi A-Series portable computer is an expandable multimedia system designed around an Intel® microprocessor with Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) technology. This chapter describes the major hardware and software features of your computer. of the computer, respectively.

Figure 1. Front View of the Computer

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the front and back view

1 Touch pad 2 Keyboard 3 Power button 4 Microphone 5 Display 6 Display latch 7 Status indicator panel 8 Air intake 9 AC adapter connector 10 Audio jacks (3)

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11 Speaker

12 Modular bay 13 Touch pad buttons 14 Battery bay

Figure 2. Back View of the Computer

1 Fan 2 Parallel connector 3 USB connector 4 Status indicator panel 5 Docking connector 6 Docking connector door 7 Serial connector 8 Monitor connector 9 PS/2 connector 10 Infrared port 11 PC card slot 12 Hard-disk drive 13 Security cable slot 14 Speaker

Hardware Features

Your Dell computer has the following features:

Full multimedia capability through the following standard features:

A 12.1-inch super video graphics array (SVGA), thin film transistor (TFT), 800 x 600 active-matrix color display or a 13.3-inch extended graphics array (XGA), TFT 1024 x

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768 active-matrix color display.

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. 256-bit hardware-accelerated video support, with 2.5 megabytes (MB) of video memory. Support for a zoomed video (ZV) PC Card in the upper PC Card connector. Software wavetable support, Sound Blaster emulation Three audio jacks for connecting external speakers or headphones, a microphone, and a record/playback device to your computer. Built-in microphone and two stereo speakers. Accelerated graphics port (AGP) architecture that increases system performance, particularly video performance.

A modular bay that supports a CD-ROM drive, diskette drive, second battery or hard-disk drive, or LS120 drive module. To make the computer as light as possible when you travel, use the special 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

A 64-MB synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) module is standard. Memory can be increased up to 256 MB by installing combinations of 32-, 64-, or 128-MB 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 upper PC Card connector supports ZV PC Cards.

Modular Bay.

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 Advanced Port Replicator (C/Port APR) and the Dell Latitude C/Dock Expansion Station. A touch-pad pointing device positioned for both left- and right-handed users. The left and right touchpad buttons mimic mouse buttons; you can also perform many pointing functions by tapping the touch pad itself. Click-and-drag buttonless functions are supported. A lithium ion battery in the battery bay, with support for a second battery in the modular bay. ExpressCharge technology charges a single battery in approximately 1 hour (when the computer is off or in suspend mode).

NOTE: The batteries are designed to work only with Dell Latitude CP Series portable computers. Do not use the batteries with other computers, and do not use batteries from other computers with the Dell Latitude CP Series.

WARNING: Do not puncture or incinerate the battery. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal agency or environmental agency for advice on disposing the computer's lithium ion battery. The lithium ion technology used in the battery is significantly less hazardous to the environment than the lithium metal technology used in some other batteries (such as watch batteries).

High-performance parallel and serial ports and a multipurpose Personal System/2 (PS/2) connector for attaching external devices. There is also 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 using cable connections. The port is compatible with

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the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) Standard 1.1 (Fast IR) and Standard 1.0 (Slow IR) for use with

external devices. An automatic thermal management system that uses a variable-speed fan and microprocessor speed changes to keep the system running at the optimum temperature.

The following software is included with your Dell computer system:

The Microsoft® Windows® 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT® 4.0 or higher operating system is installed on your hard-disk drive. For more information, see your operating system documentation. The System Setup program lets you view and change the system configuration. For more information, see

Using the System Setup Program.

The Program Diskette Maker allows you to create program diskette sets of software that Dell installed on your computer's hard-disk drive. 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, see telephone number in your location.

Before turning on your computer for the first time, read all license agreements that came with your computer. When you turn on your computer for the first time, if you agree with the license terms, indicate your acceptance by typing y when prompted by the computer. Then complete the installation of your operating system.

Getting Help for the appropriate

Available Options

As your computing requirements change, you can extend your computer's capabilities with the C/Port APR or C/Dock Expansion Station. You can also install a hard-disk drive of larger capacity, increase system memory, and add functionality with PC Cards. Dell also offers additional modules that you can install in the modular bay, including a second hard-disk drive, CD-ROM drives, and LS-120 drive modules.

Dell offers the following devices and upgrade options:

C/Port APR and C/Dock Expansion Station Additional batteries External keyboards and a numeric keypad External monitors External pointing devices External speakers, headphones, and microphones Printers Hard-disk drives Second hard-disk drive for the modular bay LS-120 drive modules AC adapter PC Cards 32-, 64-, and 128-MB memory modules Carrying case

Instructions for connecting or installing these options are included in the upgrade kit you receive from Dell.

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Getting Help

If at any time you don't understand a procedure described in this guide, or if your computer does not perform as expected, Dell provides a number of tools to help you. For more information on these help tools, see

Getting Help. Back to Contents Page

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Setup and Operation: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

AC Adapter Batteries CD-ROM Drive Display Diskette Drive Keyboard PC Cards Modular Bay Touch Pad Securing Your Computer Connecting External Devices I/O Connectors

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Powering Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

AC Adapter Power Management Settings Batteries

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Traveling With Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Identifying Your Computer | Preparing Your Computer for Travel | Travel Tips

Identifying Your Computer

As an antitheft measure, assign a primary password and a hard-disk drive password to prohibit unauthorized access to the computer.

Write down your service tag number, and put it in a safe place separate from the computer or carrying case. If the computer is lost or stolen, use the service tag number when reporting to law enforcement officials and to Dell. Use a text editor (such as Windows® Notepad) to create a file called if_found in your root directory. Place information such as your name, address, and telephone number in this file. (See the documentation that came with your operating system for instructions on using the appropriate text editor.) Attach your business card or other name tag to the computer. Contact your credit-card company and ask if it offers coded identification tags that allow your property to be returned to you without the risk of revealing your name, address, or telephone number. Use a permanent marking or stenciling device to write your driver’s license number or some other unique identifying mark on the computer. If a lost or stolen computer is recovered, such marking identifies the computer as your property.

Service Tag Number

The service tag number is a 5-character number on a bar code label located on the bottom of the computer. The number is unique to your computer and allows Dell technical assistance personnel to identify the computer and its configuration quickly if you call for assistance.

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

If your computer is lost or stolen, perform the following steps:

1. Call a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the service tag number in your description of the computer. Ask that a case number be

assigned, and write it down. Also write down the name, address, and telephone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain the name of the investigating officer.

If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in that area. If you do not know, call a law enforcement agency where you live.

2. If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the firm.

3. Call Dell technical assistance to report the missing computer.

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Provide the computer’s service tag number, the case number, and the name, address, and

telephone number of the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.

The Dell support technician will log your report under the computer’s service tag number and flag the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your service tag number, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The technician will attempt to get the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which you made the report of the missing or stolen computer.

Preparing Your Computer for Travel

To prepare your computer for travel, perform the following steps:

1. Remove any external devices attached to the computer, and store them in a safe place. If a diskette is in the diskette drive, remove it. Remove any cables attached to installed PC Cards (you do not have to remove the PC Cards themselves).

CAUTION: The PC Card eject button can be damaged if left in the "out" position. Before traveling, make sure that the PC Card eject button is flush with the computer case.

2. To make the computer as light as possible, remove the diskette drive or CD-ROM drive from the modular bay and install the travel module.

3. To maximize battery life, check the charge on your battery. Then fully charge the battery and any spares you plan to carry with you.

4. Turn off the computer or press <FN><A> to enter suspend-to-disk mode. (On a French keyboard, press <FN><Q>.)

5. Disconnect the AC adapter.

CAUTION: When disconnecting the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable's connector, not the cable itself, and pull gently but firmly to avoid damaging the cable.

6. Remove any extraneous items, such as paper clips, pens, paper, or notebooks, from the keyboard. Then close the display.

CAUTION: When the display is closed, items left on the keyboard could damage the display.

7. Pack all your computing accessories. With the optional Dell carrying case, you can pack the computer and its accessories together.

NOTE: Follow the portable computer travel tips and take special precautions if you are planning to travel by air.

Accessories

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Spare batteries

AC adapter and AC power cable Backup diskettes Appropriate printer driver files if you will be using a printer Cables for PC Cards (such as modem and network cards) Power adapters for foreign electrical outlets and modem cable adapters for foreign telephone networks CD-ROM drive Diskette drive and parallel cable for using the drive as an external device Travel module

Traveling by Air

Notify airport security in advance that you are bringing a portable computer. Be sure to have a charged battery or the AC adapter and power cable available in case you are asked to turn on the computer. Do not check the computer as baggage. Do not put the computer through a metal detector.

CAUTION: Have airport security personnel check the computer by hand. If the computer passes through a metal detector, data loss may occur. If you must pass the computer through a metal detector, first remove the hard-disk drive.

The computer can go through an airport X-ray security machine. Before using the computer on an airplane, check the in-flight magazine or ask the flight crew to verify that such use is permitted. Some airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during the flight. All airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing. Dell has several carrying cases that protect the computer and accessories during travel. If you pack the computer in a suitcase, do not pack so tightly that the computer display breaks or so loosely that the computer slides around. Avoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food. Protect the computer, the battery, and the hard-disk drive from hazards such as extreme temperatures; overexposure to sunlight; and exposure to dirt, dust, or liquids. Pack the computer so that it does not slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead storage compartment. If you are carrying a second hard-disk drive separately, protect the drive from exposure to static electricity by placing the drive in an antistatic bag or wrapping it in a nonconductive fabric.

Travel Tips

Consider changing the settings of your power management options to maximize battery life if you will be using battery power for extended periods. If you are traveling internationally, carry proof of ownership to speed your passage through customs. If the computer is provided by your employer, carry documentation of your right to use the computer. Investigate the customs regulations of the countries you plan to visit, and consider acquiring an international carnet from your government if you travel through many different countries. Power interruptions can occur frequently in some countries. Always have a charged battery available if traveling abroad. Credit card holders should check with their credit card companies for information about the kinds of

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emergency travel assistance they offer to users of portable computers. Many companies provide

services that help you solve problems, such as quickly locating 3.5-inch diskettes or providing a directdial telephone line for your modem connection.

CAUTION: Do not use the CD-ROM drive while the computer is in motion. Doing so could interrupt the flow of data to and from the CD-ROM drive and the hard-disk drive or diskette drive.

Carnet

A carnet is an international customs document (also known as a merchandise passport) that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries and is valid for up to 1 year.

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Drivers: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Installing Microsoft® Windows® 95 and Windows 98 Drivers Installing Microsoft Windows NT® Drivers

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Customizing Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Using the System Setup Program Power Management Settings Suspend-to-Disk Utility

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Removing and Replacing Parts: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Installing a Primary Hard-Disk Drive | Installing Memory Modules

Installing a Primary Hard-Disk Drive

CAUTION: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer before removing the hard-disk drive. Do not remove the hard-disk drive if the computer is in suspend mode or if the drive access indicator is lit. Removing the drive under these conditions will lead to loss of data.

To install a primary hard-disk drive, perform the following steps:

1. Save any open files, turn off the computer, and remove any installed batteries.

2. If there is a hard-disk drive in the drive bay, remove it. Close the display and turn the computer over. Use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to remove

the two screws (see Figure 1) that hold the drive carrier in the drive bay. Save the screws for use later in this procedure.

Figure 1. Removing a Hard-Disk Drive

3. Gently pull the drive carrier out of the drive. When the hard-disk drive is not in the computer, protect the drive from exposure to static

electricity.

4. Remove the new drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging to use when storing or shipping the hard-disk drive.

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5. Install the new drive into the drive carrier.

6. Gently push the drive carrier into the drive bay until the carrier door is flush with the computer case.

7. Replace the two screws you removed in step 2. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.

If you have installed a new hard-disk drive, follow the directions that came with the drive to partition and logically format the drive and to create a suspend-to-disk partition.

CAUTION: If the drive carrier does not slide in easily, pull it out and try again. Do not force the drive carrier into the bay.

CAUTION: Hard-disk drives are extremely fragile and must be handled carefully. Follow these guidelines:

The primary hard-disk drive is installed in a metal carrier to protect the drive and make installation easier. When removing and installing hard-disk drives, handle the drive carrier, not the drive itself. Never press down on the top of the drive. Do not drop the drive. Even a slight jar or bump can damage the drive heads and spinning plates, thus rendering the drive inoperable. The primary hard-disk drive may be hot to the touch under extreme environmental conditions. If the drive is hot, allow it to cool before replacing it.

Preparing a New Primary Drive

Every primary hard-disk drive must be physically formatted, partitioned, and logically formatted before it can be used to store data. Every primary hard-disk drive from Dell is physically formatted before it is sent to you. Use the program(s) provided by your operating system to partition and logically format the hard-disk drive.

Installing Memory Modules

NOTES: If necessary, print these instructions for reference before proceeding. CAUTION: If you install a combination of extended-data out (EDO) and SDRAM memory modules,

your computer will not operate.

To prepare the computer to remove or install memory modules, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals. Do not install memory modules while the computer is in suspend, standby, or suspend-to-disk

mode.

2. If the computer is docked, undock it.

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

4. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication line from the computer.

5. Remove the battery from the battery bay or the modular bay.

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CAUTION: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface of a connector on the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch the connector to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

To remove or install memory modules, perform the following steps:

1. Close the display, turn the computer upside down, and remove the memory module cover. Locate the small semicircular indentation at one end of the memory module cover. Place the tip

of your finger under the cover by the indentation and gently lift it up. Put the thumb of your other hand over the ridges on the door and push it toward the unlock icon. When the door pops up, slide it back and remove it.

2. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the old one. Carefully spread apart the inner metal tabs of the memory module socket just far enough for the

memory module to disengage from the socket (it should pop up slightly). Then lift the memory module away from the socket.

3. Ground yourself and unpack the new memory module from the upgrade kit.

4. Install the new memory module. Memory modules are keyed, or designed to fit into their sockets in only one direction. The sockets

on the system board are notched so that the memory module can be firmly seated only one way.

a. Align the memory module’s edge connector with the slot in the center of the memory

module socket.

b. With the module at a 45-degree angle, press the memory module’s edge connector firmly

into the memory module socket.

c. Pivot the memory module down until it clicks into place.

If you do not hear a click as each end of the memory module snaps into the metal tabs, remove the memory module and reinstall it.

5. Replace the memory module cover (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Installing a Memory Module Cover

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a. Set the memory module cover loosely over the opening, making sure that the plastic tabs

on the bottom of the cover catch in the slots on either side of the opening.

b. Slide the cover closed until it clicks into place.

6. Reconnect your computer and peripherals to AC power and turn them on. As the computer boots, it detects the presence of additional memory and automatically updates

the system configuration information.

7. In one of the following ways, verify that the System Memory option reflects the newly installed memory:

Click the Start button, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and click the System icon. The amount of memory installed in the computer is displayed in the lower-right corner of the General tab window. In the System Setup program, the System Memory option appears in the lower-right corner of pages 1, 2, and 4.

If the total is incorrect, the memory module(s) may not be installed properly. Repeat preparatory steps 1 through 5 and removal and installation steps 1 through 8 until the memory total is correct.

8. Run the RAM test group of the Dell Diagnostics to confirm that all installed memory modules are operating correctly.

9. Use the stores system data while the computer is in suspend-to-disk mode.

Suspend-to-Disk utility to update the S2D partition on your hard-disk drive. The S2D partition

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Troubleshooting Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Running the Dell Diagnostics Diagnostic Video Tests Error Messages and Flash Codes

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Technical Specifications: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Chip Set and Bus

System chip set Microprocessor data bus

width DRAM bus width 64 bits Address bus width 32 bits Flash EPROM 4 Mbits AGP bus 66 MHz PCI bus 33 MHz

CardBus controller Texas Instruments PCI 1225 CardBus controller PC Card connectors two (supports type I and type II cards in any combination; type III cards can

Intel 64 bits

be used only in the lower connector; the upper connector supports zoomed video cards on systems using the Microsoft® Windows® 95 or Windows 98

operating system)

Mobile 440BX PCIset

PC Cards

Cards supported 3.3-V and 5-V PC Card connector size 68 pins Data width (maximum):

16 bits

PCMCIA

32 bits

CardBus

Architecture SDRAM memory Memory module sockets two Memory module capacities

and type

32-, 64-, and 128-MB 3.3-V SDRAM

Memory

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Standard RAM one 64-MB memory module

Maximum RAM 256 MB Memory access time:

60 ns

tRAC

15 ns

tCAC

BIOS address F000:0000-F000:FFFF

Connectors

Serial (DTE) one 16,550-compatible, 16-byte buffer connector Parallel one unidirectional, bidirectional, or ECP connector Video one connector PS/2 one mini-DIN connector Infrared one port compatible with both IrDA Standard 1.1

(Fast IR) and IrDA Standard 1.0 (Slow IR)

Audio one microphone-in jack;

one line-in/audio-in jack;

one headphones/speakers jack USB one USB-compliant connector Docking one connector for the C/Port Advanced Port

Replicator or C/Dock Expansion Station

Audio

Audio type Sound Blaster emulation Audio controller NeoMagic 2200 AC97 Codec Stereo conversion 16 bit (analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog) Interfaces:

PCI bus / AC97

Internal

stereo line-in minijack;

External

microphone-in minijack;

headphones/speakers-out minijack Speakers two 8-ohm speakers Internal speaker amplifier 1 W into 8 ohms stereo

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Controls volume can be controlled through key combinations, software application

menus, or the Speaker window in the Dell Control Center (Windows 95 only)

Video

Video type 256-bit hardware-accelerated Data bus AGP Video controller NeoMagic 2200 Video memory 2.5 MB

12.1-Inch Display

Type active-matrix color (TFT LVDS) Dimensions (active area):

184.5 mm (7.26 inches)

Height

246.0 mm (9.68 inches)

Width

Diagonal

Maximum resolution/colors

Response time (typical)

Operating angle

Dot pitch

Power consumption:

307.5 mm (12.1 inches)

800 x 600 pixels; 16 million colors

50 ms

0° (closed) to 180°

0.31 mm

Panel (typical)

Backlight

0.6 W

2.4 W

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Controls brightness can be controlled through a key combination, the Display window

in the Dell Control Center (Windows 95 only), or the System Setup program

Type active-matrix color (TFT) Dimensions (active area):

202.8 mm (7.98 inches)

Height

270.3 mm (10.64 inches)

Width

337.8 mm (13.3 inches)

Diagonal

1024 x 768 pixels; 65,536 colors

Maximum resolution/colors

50 ms

Response time (typical)

13.3-Inch Display

0° (closed) to 180°

Operating angle

0.26 mm

Dot pitch

Power consumption:

1.7 W

Panel (typical)

2.6 W

Backlight

Controls brightness can be controlled through a key combination, the Display window

in the Dell Control Center (Windows 95 only), or the System Setup program

Keyboard

Number of keys 87 (U.S., Canada, Korea, Thailand, and locations that use traditional

Chinese);

88 (Europe);

90 (Japan)

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Key travel 3.0 mm + 0.5 mm/-0.2 mm

(0.12 inch + 0.02 inch/-0.0008 inch)

Input frequency 47 to 63 Hz

Key spacing 19.05 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.75 inch ± 0.012 inch)

Battery

Type lithium ion Dimensions:

21.5 mm (0.83 inch)

Height

88.5 mm (3.48 inches)

Depth

139.0 mm (5.47 inches)

Width

0.39 kg (0.87 lb)

Weight

Voltage 16.8 VDC Capacity 44 WH

Charge time (approximate):

2.5 hours

Computer on

1 hour

Computer off

Life span (approximate)

500 discharge/charge cycles Temperature range:

0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)

Charge

-20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F)

Storage

AC Adapter

Input voltage 90 to 135 VAC and 164 to 264 VAC Input current (maximum) 3.5 A

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Output current 4.5 A (maximum at 4-second pulse);

3.51 A (continuous) Rated output voltage 20.0 VDC Height 27.94 mm (1.1 inches) Width 58.42 mm (2.3 inches) Depth 133.35 mm (5.25 inches) Weight (with cables) 0.4 kg (0.9 lb) Temperature range:

0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)

Operating

-20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F)

Storage

Physical

Height 38.6 mm (1.52 inches) Width 306.0 mm (12.05 inches) Depth 241.0 mm (9.49 inches)

Weight

2.63 kg (5.8 lb)

Environmental (Computer)

Temperature:

0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)

Operating

-20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F)

Storage

Relative humidity (maximum):

10% to 90% (noncondensing)

Operating

Storage

Maximum vibration:

Operating

5% to 95% (noncondensing)

0.51 GRMS using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates truck shipment

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Storage

1.3 GRMS using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates air/truck

shipment

Maximum shock:

152.4 cm/sec (60.0 inches/sec)

Operating

(less than or equal to a pulse width of 2 ms)

203.2 cm/sec (80 inches/sec)

Storage

(less than or equal to a pulse width of 2 ms)

Altitude (maximum):

-18 to 3048 m (-59 to 10,000 ft)

Operating

-18 to 10,600 m (-59 to 35,000 ft)

Storage

Interface PS/2-compatible

Touch Pad

X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode)

Size:

Thickness

Width (sensoractive area)

Height

Weight

Power:

200 points/mm (500 points/inch)

2.50 mm (0.10 inch) at highest component

61.8 mm (2.43 inch) at bottom

58.6 mm (2.31 inch) at top

48.8-mm (1.92-inch) rectangle

8 g (0.28 oz) 0.5 g (0.02 oz)

Supply voltage

Supply current

5 V ± 10%

2.75 mA (maximum operating)

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ESD 12 kV applied to front surface

NOTES:

The Dell Latitude CPi A-Series does not support memory modules from older models of Dell portable

computers, such as the Latitude XP, XPi CD, or LM.

Battery performance features such as charge time and life span can vary according to the conditions

under which the computer and battery are used.

Weight shown is with a hard-disk drive, a battery in the battery bay, a diskette drive in the modular bay, and one memory module. Your computer might weigh more or less, depending on its configuration. The maximum weight of the Dell Latitude CPi A366XT is 2.81 kg (6.2 lb), which includes a hard-disk drive, two batteries, and two memory modules. The minimum weight of a Latitude CPi A300ST is 2.4 kg (5.3 lb), which includes a hard-disk drive, a battery in the battery bay, the travel module in the modular bay, and one memory module.

Measured with the hard-disk drive in head-parked position.

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Getting Help: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Overview

This file describes the tools Dell provides to help you when you have a problem with your computer. It also tells you when and how to call Dell for technical or customer assistance.

Technical Assistance

If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps:

1. Run the Dell Diagnostics as described in

2. Make a copy of the

3. Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell's World Wide Web site (http://www.dell.com) for help with

installation and troubleshooting procedures.

4. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem and you need to talk to a Dell technician, call Dell's technical support

service.

When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.

NOTE: Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries

For instructions on using the technical support service, refer to

Diagnostics Checklist and fill it out.

Running the Dell Diagnostics.

Technical Support Service and Before You Call.

Help Tools

Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. These tools are described in the following sections.

NOTE: Some of the following tools are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Please call your local Dell representative for information on availability.

World Wide Web on the Internet

The Internet is your most powerful tool for obtaining information about your computer and other Dell products. Through the Internet, you can access most of the services described in this file, including AutoTech, TechFax, order status, technical support, and product information.

From Dell's World Wide Web home page (http://www.dell.com), click the Support icon, and click Support Your Dell. Enter your service tag number (or, if you have one, your Express Service Code) and click Submit. If you don't have your service tag number or Express Service Code available, you can also select support information by system.

Everything you need to know about your system is presented on the system support page, including the following tools and information:

Technical information — Details on every aspect of your system, including hardware specifications. Self-diagnostic tools — A system-specific troubleshooting application for resolving many computer-related issues by following interactive flowcharts. Drivers, files, and utilities — The latest drivers and basic input/output system (BIOS) updates to keep your system functioning at its best. Component support — Technical information, documentation, and troubleshooting tips for different system components.

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Online communications center — Tool for submitting requests for both technical and nontechnical information on Dell products.

Avoid telephone delays by receiving an e-mail response to your request for information if your computer is not functioning properly or if you have questions regarding your computer's hardware or operation.

Dell can be accessed electronically using the following addresses:

World Wide Web

http://www.dell.com/ http://www.dell.com/intl/apcc/ (for Asian/Pacific countries only) http://www.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)

Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)

ftp.dell.com/

user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.

Electronic Support Service

support@us.dell.com apsupport@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only) support.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)

Electronic Quote Service

sales@dell.com apmarketing@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only)

Electronic Information Service

info@dell.com

AutoTech Service

Dell's automated technical support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers.

When you call AutoTech, you use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions. You can even interrupt an AutoTech session and continue the session later. The code number that the AutoTech service gives you allows you to continue your session where you ended it.

The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access this service through the technical support service. For the telephone number to call, refer to

Dell Contact Numbers.

TechFax Service

Dell takes full advantage of fax technology to serve you better. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, you can call the Dell TechFax line toll-free for all kinds of technical information.

Using a touch-tone phone, you can select from a full directory of topics. The technical information you request is sent within minutes to the fax number you designate. For the TechFax telephone number to call, refer to

Dell Contact Numbers.

TechConnect BBS

Use your modem to access Dell's TechConnect bulletin board service (BBS) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is menu-driven and fully interactive. The protocol parameters for the BBS are 1200 to 19.2K baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.

Automated Order-Status System

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You can call this automated service to check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered. A recording prompts you for

WARNING: If you need to remove the computer covers, be sure to first disconnect the computer system's power and

the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, refer to

Technical Support Service

Dell's industry-leading hardware technical support service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer your questions about Dell hardware.

Our technical support staff pride themselves on their track record: more than 90 percent of all problems and questions are taken care of in just one toll-free call, usually in less than 10 minutes. When you call, our experts can refer to records kept on your Dell system to better understand your particular question. Our technical support staff use computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers to questions.

Dell Contact Numbers.

To contact Dell's technical support service, first refer to

Contact Numbers.

Before You Call and then call the number for your country as listed in Dell

Problems With Your Order

If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell Computer Corporation for customer assistance. Have your invoice or packing slip handy when you call. For the telephone number to call, refer to

Numbers.

Dell Contact

Product Information

If you need information about additional products available from Dell Computer Corporation, or if you would like to place an order, visit Dell's World Wide Web site at http://www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, refer to

Contact Numbers.

Dell

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:

1. Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box. For the telephone number to call, refer to

2. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.

3. Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indicating the tests you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell

Diagnostics.

4. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software diskettes, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.

5. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.

Dell Contact Numbers.

You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell Computer Corporation. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.

Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at our receiving dock and returned to you.

Before You Call

NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.

Remember to fill out the assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer system itself. Make sure the system documentation is available.

Diagnostics Checklist (Figure 1). If possible, turn on your system before you call Dell for technical

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modem cables from all electrical outlets.

Figure 1. Diagnostics Checklist

Dell Contact Numbers

When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone numbers, codes, and electronic addresses provided in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1,

International Dialing Codes, provides the various codes required to make long-distance and international calls. Table 2, Dell Contact Numbers, provides local telephone numbers, area codes, toll-free numbers, and E-mail addresses, if applicable, for each

department or service available in various countries around the world. If you are making a direct-dialed call to a location outside of your local telephone service area, determine which codes to use (if any) in

Table 2. For example, to place an international call from Paris, France to Bracknell, England, dial the international access code for

France followed by the country code for the U.K., the city code for Bracknell, and then the local number as shown in the following illustration.

To place a long-distance call within your own country, use area codes instead of international access codes, country codes, and city codes. For example, to call Paris, France from Montpellier, France, dial the area code plus the local number as shown in the following illustration.

The codes required depend on where you are calling from as well as the destination of your call; in addition, each country has a different dialing protocol. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.

Table 1 in addition to the local numbers provided in

NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use only within the country for which they are listed. Area codes are most often used to call long distance within your own country (not internationally)—in other words, when your call originates in the same country you are calling.

Table 1. International Dialing Codes

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Country (City)

International Access

Code Country Code City Code

Australia (Sydney) 0011 61 2 Austria (Vienna) 900 43 1 Belgium (Brussels) 00 32 2 Brunei — 673 — Canada (North York, Ontario) 011 — Not required Chile (Santiago) — 56 2 China (Xiamen) — 86 592 Czech Republic (Prague) 00 420 2 Denmark (Horsholm) 009 45 Not required Finland (Helsinki) 990 358 9 France (Paris) (Montpellier) 00 33 (1) (4) Germany (Langen) 00 49 6103 Hong Kong 001 852 Not required Ireland (Bray) 16 353 1 Italy (Milan) 00 39 2 Japan (Kawasaki) 001 81 44 Korea (Seoul) 001 82 2 Luxembourg 00 352 — Macau — 853 Not required Malaysia (Penang) 00 60 4 Mexico (Colonia Granada) 95 52 5 Netherlands (Amsterdam) 00 31 20 New Zealand 00 64 — Norway (Lysaker) 095 47 Not required Poland (Warsaw) 011 48 22 Singapore (Singapore) 005 65 Not required South Africa (Johannesburg) 09/091 27 11 Spain (Madrid) 07 34 1 Sweden (Upplands Vasby) 009 46 8 Switzerland (Geneva) 00 41 22 Taiwan 002 886 — Thailand 001 66 — U.K. (Bracknell) 010 44

1344

U.S.A. (Austin, Texas) 011 1 Not required

Table 2. Dell Contact Numbers

Area Local Number or Department Name or Service

Country (City)

Code Toll-Free Number

Australia (Sydney) Customer Technical Support toll free: 1-800-633-559

Customer Care toll free: 1-800-819-339 Corporate Sales toll free: 1-800-808-385 Transaction Sales toll free: 1-800-808-312 Fax toll free: 1-800-818-341

Austria* (Vienna) Technical Support 0660-8779

Customer Care 01 660 8056 Switchboard 01 491 04 0

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Web site: support.euro.dell.com/at

E-mail: tech_support_germany@dell.com

Belgium* (Brussels) Customer Technical Support 02 4819288

Customer Care 02 481 91 19 Home/Small Business Sales toll free: 0800 16884 Corporate Sales 02 481 91 00 Fax 02 481 92 99 Switchboard 02 481 91 00 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/be E-mail: tech_be@dell.com

Brunei

Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4966

NOTE: Customers in Brunei call Malaysia for sales, customer, and technical assistance.

Canada (North York, Ontario)

Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4949 Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4955

Automated Order-Status System toll free: 1-800-4339014

NOTE: Customers in Canada call the U.S.A. for access to TechConnect BBS.

AutoTech (Automated technical support) toll free: 1-800247-9362 Customer Care (From outside Toronto) toll free: 1-800387-5759 Customer Care (From within Toronto) 416 758-2400 Customer Technical Support toll free: 1-800-847-4096 Sales (Direct Sales—from outside Toronto) toll free: 1800-387-5752 Sales (Direct Sales—from within Toronto) 416 758-2200 Sales (Federal government, education, and medical) toll free: 1-800-567-7542 Sales (Major Accounts) toll free: 1-800-387-5755 TechConnect BBS (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512-728-8528 TechFax toll free: 1-800-950-1329

Chile (Santiago)

Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support

NOTE: Customers in Chile call the U.S.A for sales, customer, and

toll free: 1230-020-4823

technical assistance.

China (Xiamen) Customer Service toll free: 800 858 2437

Sales toll free: 800 858 2222

Czech Republic* (Prague) Technical Support 02 22 83 27 27

Customer Care 02 22 83 27 11 Fax 02 22 83 27 14 TechFax 02 22 83 27 28 Switchboard 02 22 83 27 11 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/cz E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com

Denmark* (Horsholm)

Technical Support 45170182 Customer Care 45170181

NOTE: Customers in Denmark call Sweden for fax technical support.

Switchboard 45170100 Fax Technical Support (Upplands Vasby, Sweden) 859005594 Fax Switchboard 45170117 E-mail: den_support@dell.com

Finland* (Helsinki) Technical Support 09 253 313 60

Customer Care 09 253 313 61 Fax 09 253 313 99 Switchboard 09 253 313 00 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/fi E-mail: fin_support@dell.com

France* (Paris/Montpellier) Technical Support (Paris) 01 47 62 68 90

Technical Support (Montpellier) 04 67 06 62 86 Customer Care (Paris) 01 47 62 68 92

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Customer Care (Montpellier) 04 67 06 61 96

TechConnect BBS (Montpellier) 04 67 22 53 04 Fax (Montpellier) 04 67 06 60 07 Switchboard (Paris) 01 47 62 69 00 Switchboard (Montpellier) 04 67 06 60 00 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/fr E-mail: web_fr_tech@dell.com

Germany* (Langen) Customer Technical Support 06103 971-200

Customer Care 06103 971-500 TechConnect BBS 06103 971-666 Switchboard 06103 971-0 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/de E-mail: tech_support_germany@dell.com

Hong Kong

Technical Support toll free: 800 96 4107 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4949

NOTE: Customers in Hong Kong call Malaysia for customer assistance.

Transaction Sales toll free: 800 96 4109 Corporate Sales toll free: 800 96 4108

Ireland* (Bray) Customer Technical Support 1-850-543-543

Customer Care 01 204 4026 Home/Small Business Customer Care (Bracknell, U.K.) 0870 906 0100 Sales 1-850-235-235 SalesFax 01 286 2020 Fax 01 286 6848 TechConnect BBS 01 204 4711 TechFax 01 204 4708 Switchboard 01 286 0500 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/ie E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com

Italy* (Milan) Technical Support 2 57782.690

Customer Care 2 57782.555 Sales 2 57782.411 Fax 2 57503530 Switchboard 2 57782.1 Fax 57503530 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/it E-mail: support_italy@dell.com

Japan (Kawasaki) Technical Support toll free: 0088-22-7890

Customer Care 044 556-4240 Direct Sales 044 556-3344 Commercial Sales 044 556-3430 556-3440 Switchboard 044 556-4300

Korea (Seoul)

Technical Support toll free: 080-200-3800 Transaction Sales toll free: 080-200-3600

NOTE: Customers in Korea call Malaysia for customer assistance.

Corporate Sales toll free: 080-200-3900 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4949 Fax 394 3122 Switchboard 287 5600

Latin America

Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4093

NOTE: Customers in Latin America call the U.S.A. for sales, customer, and technical assistance.

Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-3619 Fax (Technical Support and Customer Service) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-3883 Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4397 SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-4600 7283772

Luxembourg*

Customer Technical Support (Brussels, Belgium) 02 481 92 88

NOTE: Customers in Luxembourg may call Belgium for sales, customer,

Home/Small Business Sales (Brussels, Belgium) toll free:

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and technical assistance.

080016884

Fax 011 709 0495

Corporate Sales (Brussels, Belgium) 02 481 91 00 Customer Care (Brussels, Belgium) 02 481 91 19 Fax (Brussels, Belgium) 02 481 92 99 Switchboard (Brussels, Belgium) 02 481 91 00 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/be E-mail: tech_be@dell.com

Macau

Technical Support toll free: 0800 582 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4949

NOTE: Customers in Macau call Malaysia for customer assistance.

Transaction Sales toll free: 0800 581

Malaysia (Penang) Technical Support toll free: 1 800 888 298

Customer Service 04 810 4949 Transaction Sales toll free: 1 800 888 202 Corporate Sales toll free: 1 800 888 213

Mexico (Colonia Granada)

Automated Order-Status System (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-0685

NOTE: Customers in Mexico call the U.S.A. for access to the Automated Order-Status System and AutoTech.

AutoTech (Automated technical support) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) 512 728-0686 Customer Technical Support 525 228-7870 Sales 525 228-7811; toll free: 91-800-900-37; toll free: 91-800-904-49 Customer Service 525 228-7878 Main 525 228-7800

Netherlands* (Amsterdam) Customer Technical Support 020 5818838

Home/Small Business Sales toll free: 0800-0663 Home/Small Business SalesFax 020 682 7171 Corporate Sales 020 581 8818 Corporate SalesFax 020 686 8003 Fax 020 686 8003 Switchboard 020 581 8818 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/nl

New Zealand Technical Support 0800 446 255

Customer Service 0800 444 617 Sales 0800 441 567 Fax 0800 441 566

Norway* (Lysaker)

Technical Support 671 16882 Customer Care 671 16881

NOTE: Customers in Norway call Sweden for fax technical support.

Switchboard 1 16800 Fax Technical Support (Upplands Vasby, Sweden) 590 05 594 Fax Switchboard 671 16865 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/no E-mail: nor_support@dell.com

Poland* (Warsaw) Technical Support 22 6061 99

Customer Care 22 6061 99 Sales 22 60 61 99 Fax 22 60 61 998 Switchboard 22 60 61 999 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/pl E-mail: pl_support@dell.com

Singapore (Singapore)

Technical Support toll free: 800 6011 051 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 04 810 4949

NOTE: Customers in Singapore call Malaysia for customer assistance.

Transaction Sales toll free: 800 6011 054 Corporate Sales toll free: 800 6011 053

South Africa (Johannesburg) Technical Support 011 709 7710

Customer Care 011 709 7710 Sales 011 706 7700

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Switchboard 011 709 7700

Web site: support.euro.dell.com/za E-mail: dell_za_support@dell.com

Southeast Asian/ Pacific Countries (excluding Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand—refer to individual listings for these countries)

Customer Technical Support, Customer Service, and Sales (Penang, Malaysia) 60 4 810-4810

Spain* (Madrid) Technical Support 902 100 130

Corporate Customer Care 902 118 546 Home/Small Business Customer Care 902 118 540 TechConnect BBS 91 329 33 53 Corporate Sales 902 100 185 Home/Small Business Sales 902 118 541 Switchboard 91 722 92 00 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/es E-mail: es_support@dell.com

Sweden* (Upplands Vasby) Technical Support 08 590 05 199

Customer Care 08 590 05 169 Fax Technical Support 08 590 05 594 Sales 08 590 05 185 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/sw E-mail: swe_support@dell.com

Switzerland* (Geneva) Technical Support 0844 811 411

Customer Care 0848 802 802 Fax 022 799 01 90 Switchboard 022 799 01 01 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/ch E-mail: swisstech@dell.com

Taiwan

Technical Support toll free: 0080 651 226/0800 33 557 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4949

NOTE: Customers in Taiwan call Malaysia for customer assistance.

Transaction Sales toll free: 0080 651 228/0800 33 556 Corporate Sales toll free: 0080 651 227/0800 33 555

Thailand

Technical Support toll free: 0880 060 07 Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) 810 4949

NOTE: Customers in Thailand call Malaysia for customer assistance.

Sales toll free: 0880 060 06

U.K.* (Bracknell) Technical Support Department 0870-908-0800

Corporate Customer Care 01344 720206 Home/Small Business Customer Care 0870-906-0010 TechConnect BBS 0870-908-0610 Sales 01344 720000 AutoFax 0870-908-0510 Web site: support.euro.dell.com/uk E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com

U.S.A. (Austin, Texas) Automated Order-Status System toll free: 1-800-433-

9014 AutoTech (Automated technical support) toll free: 1-800247-9362

Dell Home and Small Business Group: Customer Technical Support (Return Material Authorization Numbers) toll free: 1-800624-9896 Customer Service (Credit Return Authorization Numbers) toll free: 1-800624-9897

National Accounts (systems purchased by established Dell national accounts [have your account number handy], medical institutions, or value-added resellers [VARs]):

Page 37

Customer Service and Technical Support

(Return Material Authorization Numbers) toll free: 1-800822-8965

Public Americas International (systems purchased by governmental agencies [local, state, or federal] or educational institutions): Customer Service and Technical Support (Return Material Authorization Numbers) toll free: 1-800234-1490 Dell Sales toll free: 1-800-289-3355 1-800-879-3355 Spare Parts Sales toll free: 1-800-357-3355 DellWare toll free: 1-800-753-7201 DellWare FaxBack Service 512 728-1681 Fee-Based Technical Support toll free: 1-800-433-9005 Sales (Catalogs) toll free: 1-800-426-5150 Fax toll free: 1-800-727-8320 TechFax toll free: 1-800-950-1329 TechConnect BBS 512 728-8528 Switchboard 512 338-4400

* For technical assistance in this country after normal working hours, use one of the following numbers: (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-

1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.A.).

Back to Contents Page

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Back to Contents Page

Device in Modular

Modular Bay: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Using the Modular Bay | Installing Devices in the Modular Bay | Setting Up a Second Hard-Disk Drive

Using the Modular Bay

Your computer comes with a diskette drive installed in the modular bay. You can also install a battery, a CDROM drive, a LS-120 drive; or second hard-disk drive in the modular bay. To make the computer as light as possible, use the travel module in the modular bay.

To install a device in the modular bay, perform the following steps:

1. Verify that the Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program is set to Any Time. Refer to the

Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program.

2. Save any open files.

3. If the computer is docked, turn it off and undock it.

4. If you are removing or installing a CD-ROM drive, turn off the computer if you have not already done so. You can remove the battery, diskette drive, and travel module without turning off your computer.

5. If there is a device in the modular bay, remove it.

a. Close the computer display and turn the computer over. Slide the modular bay latch toward the

unlock icon.

b. Keep holding the modular bay latch with one hand while pulling the device out of the bay with the

other hand.

c. Release the modular bay latch.

CAUTION: When the CD-ROM and diskette 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.

6. Slide the new device firmly into the modular bay. You should hear a click when the device is fully seated.

7. If you turned off the computer in step 2 or 3, press the power button to turn the computer back on. If the computer uses the Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0 operating system, reboot the computer.

Installing Devices in the Modular Bay

Table 1 explains how to install devices in the modular bay.

Table 1. Installing Devices in the Modular Bay

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Bay Device You Want to Install Procedure

Battery Diskette drive

Travel module

1. If your computer is docked, turn it off and undock it.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on, if necessary.

Battery CD-ROM drive

LS-120 drive Second hard-disk drive

CD-ROM drive Battery

Diskette drive LS-120 drive Second hard-disk drive Travel module

Diskette drive Battery

Travel module

Diskette drive CD-ROM drive

LS-120 drive Second hard-disk drive

1. Turn off and undock the computer.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on.

1. Turn off and undock the computer.

2. Remove the CD-ROM drive.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on.

1. If your computer is docked, turn it off and

undock it.

2. Remove the diskette drive.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on, if

necessary.

1. Turn off and undock the computer.

2. Remove the diskette drive.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on.

LS-120 drive Battery

CD-ROM drive Diskette drive Second hard-disk drive Travel module

Second hard-disk drive

Travel module Battery

Battery CD-ROM drive Diskette drive LS-120 drive Travel module

Diskette drive

1. Turn off and undock the computer.

2. Remove the LS-120 drive.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on.

1. Turn off and undock the computer.

2. Remove the second hard-disk drive.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on.

1. If your computer is docked, turn it off and

undock it.

2. Remove the travel module.

3. Install the new device.

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4. Dock the computer and turn it on, if

necessary.

Travel module CD-ROM drive

LS-120 drive Second hard-disk drive

1. Turn off and undock the computer.

2. Remove the travel module.

3. Install the new device.

4. Dock the computer and turn it on.

Setting Up a Second Hard-Disk Drive

The first time you install a second hard-disk drive in the modular bay, you must format that drive. For instructions, see the documentation that came with the device.

Back to Contents Page

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Back to Contents Page

opens directly to the battery status screen.

Using the System Setup Program: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Overview | Entering the System Setup Program | Using the System Setup Program | System Setup Options

Overview

Each time you turn on your computer, it compares the installed hardware with the system configuration information stored in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM). If the system detects a discrepancy, it generates an error message for each incorrect configuration setting.

You can use the System Setup program as follows:

To set or change user-selectable features — for example, your password or power management features To verify information about your computer's current configuration, such as the amount of system memory

For some setup options, you must reboot the computer before any changes take effect. Changes for other options take effect immediately.

NOTE: If you change an option that is activated by rebooting, the System Setup program displays the setting you selected rather than the setting currently in effect. You must reboot for the new setting to take effect.

After you set up your computer, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. Dell recommends that you write down the information for future reference.

NOTES: If the computer uses the Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system, you can also use the Dell Control Center to view and change the system configuration. Access the Dell Control Center from the Dell Accessories folder.

If the computer uses the Microsoft Windows NT Setup program to view and change your system configuration.

4.0 operating system, you must use the System

Entering the System Setup Program

Enter and use the System Setup program as follows: If you are using Windows 95, press <FN><F1> at any time on the built-in keyboard (or <Scroll Lock><F1> on

an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled). If you press <FN><F3> (or <Scroll Lock><F3> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled), the System Setup program

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If you are using Windows NT 4.0, close all open application programs and exit the operating system. When prompted, reboot the computer and press <FN>< F1> (or <Scroll Lock><F1> from an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled). If you wait too long and your operating system begins to load into memory, let the system complete the load operation; then shut down the computer and try again.

In either operating system, press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program. If you change the setting of an option that requires rebooting in order to take effect, exit the operating system before rebooting. (The Help text in the upper-right corner of System Setup screens 1, 2, and 4 tells you if the computer must be rebooted.)

NOTE: If the System Setup program is running when the computer enters suspend mode, the computer exits the System Setup program and then activates suspend mode.

Using the System Setup Program

The System Setup screens display the current setup and configuration information and optional settings for your computer. Information on the screens is organized in five boxed areas:

Title

The box at the top of all screens lists the page number, system name, and version number of the basic input/output system (BIOS).

Options

The box on the left half of screens 1, 2, and 4 lists options that define the installed hardware in your computer and the power conservation and security features for your computer.

Fields next to the options contain settings or values. You can change those values that appear bright on the screen. Options or values that you cannot change (because they are determined or calculated by the computer) appear less bright.

Help

The box on the upper-right half of screens 1, 2, and 4 displays help information for the option with a currently highlighted field.

Computer data

The box in the lower-right corner of screens 1, 2, and 4 displays information about your computer.

Key functions

The line of boxes across the bottom of all screens lists keys and their functions within the System Setup program.

System Setup Options

The following alphabetized subsections explain in detail the options found in the System Setup program.

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AC, a category under Power Management, allows you to set different time-outs for the following options when you operate your computer from AC power: Display Time-Out, Disk Time-Out, Suspend Time-Out, S2D Time-Out, Smart CPU Mode, and Brightness.

A change to the AC option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

Admin Password

Admin Password displays the current status of your administrator password and allows you to assign or

change this password. Settings for this option are:

Disabled (the default) — Indicates that no administrator password is assigned. Enabled — Indicates that an administrator password is currently assigned.

The administrator password is designed for use by system administrators and service technicians in corporate environments. If an administrator password is assigned, you can use it to access the computer even if you do not know the primary password.

CAUTION: The password features provide a high level of security for the data in your computer. However, they are not foolproof. If your data requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs or PC Cards with encryption features.

Alarm Resume

The Alarm Resume option directs the computer to resume normal operation when it is in suspend mode and detects an alarm from the real-time clock (RTC). Such alarms can be set through various application programs. In order for the alarms in these programs to work, the Alarm Resume option must be set to Enabled.

Settings for this option are:

Enabled (the default) — Resumes normal operation when the computer detects an alarm. Disabled — Keeps the computer in suspend mode even if the computer detects an alarm.

A change to the Alarm Resume option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

Asset Tag

The Asset Tag option displays the asset tag code if you or your organization assigned one to your computer.

For more information, see

Asset Tag Utility.

Audio Mode

Audio Mode helps you manage the resources of the computer and the external devices you use with it.

Settings for this option are:

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Disabled (the default) — Disables the audio controller and makes the direct memory access

operating system. Boot First Device tells the computer where to look first for the files that it needs to load.

(DMA),interrupt request (IRQ), and input/output (I/O) resources available for another serial device to use. Full Duplex — Allows the computer's audio system to play and record sounds simultaneously.

For a change in the Audio Mode option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

NOTES: The System Setup program limits the options available for Audio Mode, depending on how the Parallel Mode and Infrared Mode options are set. If Parallel Mode is set to ECP and Infrared Mode is set to Fast IR, the Audio Mode option cannot be set to Full Duplex. This limitation is based on the number of available 8-bit DMA channels.

The value selected for Audio Mode determines the boot configuration for the device. If Windows 95 finds another available resources, the operating system may upgrade the configuration.

Battery

Battery, a category of Power Management, allows you to set different time-outs for the following options when you operate your computer from battery power: Display Time-Out, Disk Time-Out, Suspend TimeOut, S2D Time-Out, Smart CPU Mode, and Brightness.

A change to the Battery option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

Battery Status

Battery Status (page 3 of the System Setup screens) is a graphical representation of the approximate

amount of charge left in the main and secondary batteries. There are no user-selectable settings for this option. If there is no battery installed in the main battery compartment or in the modular bay, the battery gauge illustration says Battery Status: Not Installed.

If you are not in the System Setup program, you can see the battery gauge illustration at any time by pressing <Fn><F3>.

BIOS Version

BIOS Version displays the version number and release date of the BIOS in your computer. A service

technician may ask you for this version number if you call Dell for technical assistance.

NOTE: Dell may periodically offer revisions of the BIOS that add features or solve specific problems. Because the BIOS for your computer is stored on a reprogrammable flash-memory chip, you can use the Flash BIOS Update program to update your computer's BIOS entirely through software.

Boot First Device

Boot First Device determines which disk device your computer uses to find the software needed to start the

operating system. The term boot refers to the computer's start-up procedure. When you turn on the computer, it "bootstraps"

itself into an operational state by loading into memory a small program, which in turn loads the necessary

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Settings for this option are:

Diskette Drive (the default) — Causes your computer to attempt first to boot from a bootable diskette. Internal HDD — Causes your computer to boot from the hard-disk drive. CD-ROM Drive — Causes your computer to attempt first to boot from a bootable CD-ROM disk.

Modular Bay HDD — Attempt first to boot from the second hard-disk drive installed in the modular

bay.

For a change in the Boot First Device option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

Boot Second Device

If the system cannot find the software it needs to start the operating system on the drive identified in Boot First Device, it will search the device named in this option.

Settings for the option are:

Internal HDD (the default) — Causes your computer to attempt to boot from the hard-disk drive. Diskette Drive — Causes your computer to attempt to boot from the diskette drive. CD-ROM Drive — Causes your computer to attempt to boot from a bootable CD-ROM disk. Modular Bay HDD — Attempts to boot from the second hard-disk drive installed in the modular bay. None

For a change in the Boot Second Device option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

Boot Third Device

If the system cannot find the software it needs to start the operating system on the drive identified in Boot Second Device, it will search the device named in this option.

Settings for the option are:

None (the default) Internal HDD — Causes your computer to attempt to boot from the hard-disk drive. Diskette Drive — Causes your computer to attempt to boot from the diskette drive. CD-ROM Drive — Causes your computer to attempt to boot from a bootable CD-ROM disk. Modular Bay HDD — Attempts to boot from the second hard-disk drive installed in the modular bay.

For a change in the Boot Third Device option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

Boot Speed

Boot Speed allows you to choose between the computer's processing speed (the default) and Compatible,

a slower compatibility speed. The compatibility speed varies, depending on the configuration of your system. When you change the setting in the Boot Speed option, the System Setup program stores and continues to

display the new setting even if you do not reboot your computer when you exit the System Setup program. If you start the System Setup program again during your current work session, the processing speed displayed for the Boot Speed option may not match the actual speed at which your computer is running.

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For a change in the Boot Speed option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

Brightness

Brightness allows you to specify the brightness of the display when the computer is operating on battery

power. Use the left- and right-arrow keys to change the brightness of the display. When the computer is powered by a battery, the default setting for Brightness is Minimum. If the computer is using AC power, the default setting is Maximum.

A change to the Brightness option becomes effective immediately (rebooting is not required).

Click Volume

Click Volume allows you to disable or adjust the volume of the keyboard clicks if the Keyboard Click option

is enabled. The default setting for Click Volume is Maximum. A change to the Click Volume option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

Date

Date resets the date on the computer's internal calendar.

Your computer automatically displays the day of the week corresponding to the settings in the three fields that follow (month, day-of-the-month, and year).

A change to the Date option becomes effective immediately (rebooting is not required). However, you must reboot to make the change apparent to the operating system.

To change the date, press the right-arrow key to increase the number in the highlighted field, or press the left-arrow key to decrease the number. If you prefer, you can type in numbers in the month and day-of-the-

month fields.

Disk Time-Out

Disk Time-Out lets you determine how long your hard-disk drive remains idle before the drive motor turns

off to conserve battery power. The AC category is set to Disabled. There are no user-selectable settings for this option. Settings for

Battery category are:

Disabled 15 Seconds 1 Minute 2 Minutes 3 Minutes 4 Minutes

5 Minutes 10 Minutes 15 Minutes 30 Minutes 1 Hour

The default setting is 3 Minutes if the computer is powered by a battery or 1 Minute if the computer is using AC power. To increase battery operating time, set Disk Time-Out to a lower number. However, if your

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software requires frequent hard-disk drive accesses, using a higher time-out setting may save battery power

and time by minimizing the number of times the hard-disk drive must power up.

A change to the Disk Time-Out option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required). If you are not in the System Setup program, you can turn off the hard-disk drive immediately by pressing

<Fn><h>. The drive resumes normal operation automatically when it is accessed by the microprocessor.

Diskette Drive A

Diskette Drive A identifies the location of the 3.5-inch diskette drive: Modular Bay, Parallel Port, or Not Installed. There are no user-selectable settings for the Diskette Drive A option.

Diskette Drive B

Diskette Drive B identifies the location of a second 3.5-inch diskette drive: Parallel Port, Modular Bay, or Not Installed. There are no user-selectable settings for the Diskette Drive B option.

Diskette Reconfig

NOTE: Set Disk Time-Out to Disabled if using it causes compatibility problems with your software.

Diskette Reconfig allows application programs that access the diskette drive to run at their optimum speed. Settings are At Reboot Only and Any Time.

When Diskette Reconfig is set to Any Time (the default), you do not have to reboot after installing a diskette drive in the modular bay or attaching a diskette drive to the parallel connector on the back of the computer. However, some application programs such as virus scans that access the diskette drive will run very slowly if the diskette drive is not in the modular bay or connected to the parallel port. When Diskette Reconfig is set to At Reboot Only, such application programs run at normal speed, but you must reboot after installing or attaching a diskette drive.

Display Close

Display Close lets you determine whether your computer enters suspend mode when the display is closed

or whether only the display is turned off.

Suspend (the default) — Allows the computer to enter suspend mode when the display is closed. Active — Turns off the display, but does not put the computer into suspend mode.

Display Time-Out

Display Time-Out lets you decide how long the computer operates with no I/O activity before turning off the

display to conserve battery power. Settings for this option in both the AC and Battery categories are:

Disabled 1 Minute

5 Minutes 10 Minutes

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2 Minutes

3 Minutes

15 Minutes

4 Minutes

The default setting is 4 Minutes. To increase battery operating time, set Display Time-Out to a lower number of minutes.

NOTE: Set the Display Time-Out option to Disabled if using it causes compatibility problems with your software.

A change to the Display Time-Out option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required). If you are not in the System Setup program, you can turn off the display immediately by pressing <Fn><d>.

The display resumes normal operation automatically when you press a key, move the cursor, or press the power button.

Docking Status

Docking Status shows whether the computer is attached to a Dell Latitude C/Port Advanced Port Replicator (APR) or C/Dock Expansion Station. There are no user-selectable settings for the Docking Status option.

30 Minutes 1 Hour

External Hot Key

External Hot Key lets you use the <Scroll Lock> key on the external keyboard the same way you use the

<Fn> key on the computer's built-in keyboard. Set this option to Scroll Lock (the default) if you are using an external keyboard. Set this option to Not Installed to disable this function on the external keyboard.

Infrared Data Port

Infrared Data Port allows you to avoid resource conflicts by remapping the address of the infrared ports or

disabling the port. The COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4 settings allow you to take advantage of the computer's Fast IR support.

Settings for this option are:

Disabled — Disables the infrared data port and makes the DMA, IRQ, and I/O resources available for another serial device to use

COM1 — Maps the infrared data port to COM1 COM2 — Maps the infrared data port to COM2 COM3 (the default) — Maps the infrared data port to COM3 COM4 — Maps the infrared data port to COM4

For a change in the Infrared Data Port option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

Infrared Mode

The Infrared Mode option appears on the screen only after an address is assigned in the Infrared Data Port option. Infrared Mode lets you select Fast IR mode or Slow IR mode for use with an infrared device. Select Slow IR if the Parallel Mode option is set to ECP and the Audio Mode option is set to Full Duplex.

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NOTES: The System Setup program limits the options available for Infrared Mode, depending on how the Parallel Mode and Audio Mode options are set. If Parallel Mode is set to ECP and Audio Mode is set to Full Duplex, the Infrared Mode option cannot be set to Fast IR. This limitation is based on the number of available 8-bit DMA channels.

The value selected for Infrared Mode determines the boot configuration for the device. If Windows 95 finds other available resources, the operating system may upgrade the configuration.

Internal Cache

Internal Cache tells you how much external cache your computer has. There are no user-selectable settings for the Internal Cache option.

Internal Hard Drive

Internal Hard Drive displays the capacity of your computer's hard-disk drive. This option does not have any

user-selectable settings.

Keyboard Click

Keyboard Click lets you choose whether the built-in keyboard makes audible clicking sounds. The Click Volume option must be enabled for this option to function. The volume of the simulated key clicks is

controlled by the setting in the Click Volume option. Settings for this option are Disabled (the default) and Enabled. A change to the Keyboard Click option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

Modular Bay

Modular Bay identifies the kind of device—Diskette Drive, Battery, or CD-ROM Drive—that is installed in the modular bay. If there is no device in the modular bay or if a travel bay is installed, this option reads Not Installed. There is no user-selectable setting for this option.

Microprocessor

Microprocessor displays the type and speed of the microprocessor installed on your computer's system

board. There are no user-selectable settings for this option.

Parallel Mode

Parallel Mode controls whether the computer's built-in parallel port acts as a Personal System/2 (PS/2)-

compatible (Bidirectional) port, AT-compatible (Normal) port, or Extended Capabilities Port (ECP)compatible port. The default setting for Parallel Mode is ECP.

Windows 95 uses ECP protocol automatically if it detects an ECP-compatible device. Set this category according to the type of peripheral device connected to the parallel port. To determine the

correct mode to use, see the documentation that came with the device.

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NOTE: The ECP setting also works for most software written for the AT and PS/2 modes. Devices that

use ECP mode may come with special drivers that need to be installed in order to use these modes.

If you assign a primary password, the computer prompts you for the password each time you boot the

Setting Parallel Mode to Disabled disables the parallel port and its assigned LPT address, freeing its interrupt for another device to use.

For a change in the Parallel Mode option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

NOTES: The System Setup program limits the options available for Parallel Mode, depending on how the Audio Mode and Infrared Mode options are set. If Audio Mode is set to Full Duplex and Infrared Mode is set to Fast IR, the Parallel Mode option cannot be set to ECP. This limitation is based on the number of available 8-bit DMA channels.

The value selected for Parallel Mode determines the boot configuration for the device. If Windows 95 finds other available resources, the operating system may upgrade the configuration.

Pointing Device

Pointing Device enables and disables the computer's touch pad.

Settings for this option are:

Touch Pad-PS/2 Mouse (the default) Serial Mouse — Disables the touch pad and allows you to use a mouse connected to the serial

connector on the I/O port If you want to use a serial mouse, you must first set the Pointing Device option to Serial Mouse. For a change in the Pointing Device option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

Power Management

Power Management (Page 4 of the System Setup screens) allows you to enable or disable power

conservation features when the computer is being powered by a battery or AC power. If you want to use any of the time-out options while using battery power, the Battery option must be set to

Enabled. If you want to use the time-out options while using AC power, the AC option must be set to Enabled.

A change to the Power Management option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

Primary Password

Primary Password displays the current status of the primary password and allows you to assign or change

this password. Settings for this option are:

Disabled (the default) — Indicates that no primary password is assigned

Enabled — Indicates that a primary password is currently assigned

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computer.

Ring/Event Resume

Ring/Event Resume lets you determine if the computer exits suspend mode when an installed modem card

receives an incoming call. This feature must be supported by your modem PC Card and your operating system.

Settings for this option are:

Disabled (the default) — Resumes normal operation when the computer detects a modem ring

Enabled — Keeps the computer in suspend mode when the computer detects a modem ring

NOTES: Dell recommends that you set Ring/Event Resume to Disabled when an external serial device, other than a modem, is connected to your computer.

In order for the Ring/Event Resume option to work properly, this feature must be enabled in the device driver for your modem PC Card. All drivers supplied by Dell with your computer are configured to allow the computer to resume normal operation when a modem receives an incoming call. If you use a PC Card that you did not receive from Dell, check the documentation to make sure this feature is set to Enabled.

A change to the Ring/Event Resume option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

S2D Time-Out

S2D Time-Out lets you determine how long your computer remains idle (no I/O activity) before activating

suspend-to-disk mode to conserve battery power. Settings for this option in both the AC and Battery categories are:

Disabled 30 Minutes 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 Hours

A change to the S2D Time-Out option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required). If you are not in the System Setup program, you can activate S2D Time-Out mode at any time by pressing

<Fn><a>. Press the power switch to resume from suspend-to-disk mode.

4 Hours 6 Hours 8 Hours (default) 12 Hours

Serial Port

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Serial Port allows you to map the address of the serial port or to disable the serial port.

Settings for this option are:

COM1 (the default) — Maps the serial port to COM1

COM2 — Maps the serial port to COM2

COM3 — Maps the serial port to COM3

COM4 — Maps the serial port to COM4

Disabled — Disables the serial port and its assigned COM address, freeing that interrupt for another

device to use. For a change in the Serial Port option to take effect, you must reboot your computer.

Service Tag

Service Tag displays the computer's five-character service code, which was programmed into NVRAM by

Dell during the manufacturing process. Be prepared to supply this identification during technical assistance or service calls. The service tag is also accessed by certain Dell support software, including diagnostics.

There are no user-selectable settings for this option.

NOTE: Convert the service tag number into an express service code when prompted to do so the first time you turn on the computer (or use the program in the Dell Accessories folder). Keep the code handy in case you call Dell for technical assistance. The code helps Dell's automated support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.

Smart CPU Mode

Smart CPU Mode allows the computer to slow down the microprocessor automatically if it is not being

actively used. Settings for this option are:

Enabled — Allows the computer to slow down the microprocessor when it is inactive

Disabled — Keeps the microprocessor running at its normal operating speed regardless of

microprocessor inactivity The default for Smart CPU Mode is Enabled if the computer is operating on battery power. If the computer is

using AC power, the default for this option is Disabled. To increase battery operating time, set the Smart CPU Mode option to Enabled.

When the Smart CPU Mode option is set to Enabled and the microprocessor is inactive, the computer slows the microprocessor to save power.

NOTES: Some communications software may not work properly when Smart CPU Mode is enabled. Dell recommends that you set Smart CPU Mode to Disabled if you are using communications software.

Interactive application programs should function well when Smart CPU Mode is set to Enabled. (Examples of interactive programs include spreadsheet, text editor, graphics design, entertainment, educational, and utility programs.) However, you may experience performance degradation when

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recalculating a large spreadsheet or during an extensive screen redraw in a graphical program.

Benchmark utilities may not perform as intended when doing microprocessor speed tests. If the software you use suffers significant performance degradation, set Smart CPU Mode to Disabled.

A change to the Smart CPU Mode option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required).

Suspend Time-Out

Suspend Time-Out lets you determine how long your computer remains idle before activating suspend

mode to conserve battery power. Settings for this option in both AC and Battery categories are:

Disabled 1 Minute 2 Minutes 3 Minutes 4 Minutes

To increase battery operating time, set the Suspend Time-Out option to a lower number of minutes.

NOTE: Set the Suspend Time-Out option to Disabled if using it causes compatibility problems with your software.

A change to the Suspend Time-Out option takes effect immediately (rebooting is not required). If you are not in the System Setup program, you can activate suspend mode at any time by pressing

<Fn><Esc>. The computer resumes normal operation automatically when you press a key on the built-in keyboard.

System Memory

System Memory displays the total amount of synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM)

installed in your computer.

5 Minutes 10 Minutes (default) 15 Minutes 30 Minutes 1 Hour

There are no user-selectable settings for this option. The amount of memory displayed changes if you install or remove a memory module.

Time

Time resets the time on the computer's internal clock. Time is kept in a 24-hour format

(hours:minutes:seconds).

NOTE: If a network server controls the time reflected by the Time option, changing this option has no effect.

A change to the Time option becomes effective immediately (rebooting is not required). However, you must reboot to make the change apparent to the operating system.

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Universal Connect

The Universal Connect option functions with the Dell Latitude C/Port APR if the computer uses Windows

95. Set this category to Enabled (the default) if you often use more than one C/Port APR and want to minimize

the initialization time when you connect the replicator to the computer. When this category is set to

Disabled, the C/Port APR is reinitialized each time it is connected to the computer.

Video Memory

Video Memory displays the amount of video memory installed on the system board. There are no user-

selectable settings for this option.

Back to Contents Page

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AC Adapter: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Using the AC Adapter | Connecting the AC Adapter

Using the AC Adapter

The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. The AC adapter kit includes two cables: the AC adapter cable and an AC power cable.

You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off. The AC adapter works with AC power sources worldwide. However, power connectors vary among

countries. Before using AC power in a foreign country, you may need to obtain a new power cable designed for use in that country.

If the computer is docked to the C/Port Advanced Port Replicator (C/Port APR) or C/Dock Expansion Station, connect the AC adapter to the C/Port APR or C/Dock Expansion Station, not to the computer.

NOTE: If you are running your computer on AC power with a battery installed, the AC adapter charges the battery (if needed) and then maintains the battery's charge.

CAUTION: The AC adapter should be in a ventilated area, such as on a desktop or on the floor, when used to power the computer or charge the battery. Do not use the AC adapter in a poorly ventilated environment, such as inside a carrying case.

Connecting the AC Adapter

To connect the AC adapter, perform the following steps:

1. Connect the AC power cable to the AC adapter (See

2. Plug the AC adapter cable into the AC adapter connector on the computer.

3. Plug the AC power cable into an AC power source.

Figure 1. Connecting the AC Adapter

Figure 1).

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Batteries: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

About the Batteries

Your computer’s lithium ion battery provides power when an AC power source is not available. A battery in the battery bay is standard with the computer. Lithium ion batteries are longer lived than conventional batteries and do not require replacement as often. To double battery life, install a second battery in the modular bay.

The lithium ion technology used in your computer’s battery is significantly less hazardous to the environment than the lithium metal technology used in some other batteries (such as watch batteries). Spent batteries should not be placed with common household waste products. Contact local authorities for the location of a chemical waste collection program nearest you.

You can expect 3 to 5 hours of battery life with a single fully charged battery and 6 to 10 hours of

battery life with two fully charged batteries. Actual performance varies, depending on which power

management features are enabled and which application programs are being using.

When two batteries are installed, the computer draws power first from the battery in the modular bay.

The AC adapter first charges the battery in the battery bay.

The built-in charge gauge lets you check a battery’s charge before you insert it into the computer.

The battery’s self-test capability alerts you to battery conditions such as low charge.

There is no battery memory effect with lithium ion batteries—you can charge the battery whenever you

like without fear of reducing its charge capacity.

A battery has a life span of up to 500 full charges and 2000 partial charges, provided it is charged at

normal room temperature.

NOTE: The battery is designed to work with Dell Latitude CP Series computers only. Do not use the battery with other computers, and do not use batteries from other computers with the Dell Latitude CP Series.

Charging a Hot Battery

A hot battery will not charge when you connect the AC adapter to the computer. This safety feature is important because charging a hot battery shortens the battery’s life span and may damage the battery and the computer.

The battery is too hot to start charging if the battery indicator flashes green and amber alternately. If this occurs, disconnect the computer from AC power and allow it and the battery to return to room temperature. Reconnect the computer to AC power and continue charging the battery.

If the computer is not allowed to return to room temperature, the battery stops charging before it reaches its full capacity.

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Battery Usage

The battery is partially charged when you receive it. Dell recommends that you charge your battery to full capacity before using it to power the computer.

If you are powering the computer from a battery, try to conserve battery power. A number of factors affect battery operating time:

Power conservation features that you use

Type of display and microprocessor your computer has

Use of the CD-ROM drive

Number and type of PC Cards and other external devices you use

Kinds of application programs you run

Capacity of the memory modules you install (the higher the capacity, the more power used)

Use of the infrared port When you activate suspend or standby mode, the computer can run on battery power for about 9

days (if the battery was fully charged before activating suspend or standby mode). If two fully charged batteries are installed when you activate suspend or standby mode, the computer can run on battery power for about 18 days.

If you are going to store the computer, disconnect all peripheral devices and turn off the computer. Leave a fully charged battery in the computer. The battery should still power the computer for about 138 days.

Installing a Battery

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not replace a battery while the computer is turned on unless the computer is connected to AC power or a second battery is installed.

To install a battery in the battery bay, perform the following steps.

NOTES: You can also install a battery in the modular bay. If necessary, print these instructions for reference before proceeding.

Figure 1. Installing a Battery

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1. Save your work. If the computer is docked, turn it off and undock it.

2. If there is a battery in the modular bay, go to step 4.

3. If the only battery in the computer is in the battery bay and that is the battery you want to replace, preserve your data in one of these ways and then proceed to step 4:

Connect the computer to AC power, and then continue with step 4. Place the computer in suspend mode by pressing <FN><Esc> (or <Scroll Lock><Esc>

on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program).

Place the computer in suspend-to-disk mode by pressing <FN><A> (or <FN><Q> on a French keyboard). When the green power indicator turns off, continue to step 4.

4. Remove the battery from the battery bay. Close the computer display and turn the computer over. Slide the battery bay latch toward

the Unlock icon. Keep holding the latch with one hand while pulling the battery out of the bay with the other hand.

5. Release the latch.

6. Slide the new battery firmly into the battery bay. You should hear a click when the battery is fully seated.

7. If you put the computer into suspend mode or suspend-to-disk mode in step 3, press the power button to resume normal operation.

Battery Charge Gauge

The battery charge gauge consists of five indicators. Each indicator represents 20 percent of full charge. If only one indicator lights up, recharge the battery before using it.

To check the charge level, press the battery test button that is next to the indicators (see Figure 2). The appropriate number of indicators lights up for a few seconds to indicate the amount of charge remaining in the battery. For example, if three indicators light up, your battery has between 40 percent and 60 percent of its charge left.

Figure 2. Battery Charge Gauge

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NOTES: An indicator that blinks rapidly when you check the battery’s charge level indicates a temporary failure or a potentially recoverable failure like overheating. Allow the battery to cool for several minutes before checking the charge level again.

If the battery is experiencing a permanent failure, when you press the battery test button, you will see no indicators. If you install such a battery into the computer, the amber battery indicator on the computer flashes rapidly. To purchase a new battery, call Dell or access the Dell World Wide Web server at

Percentage of Charge

If one indicator lights up, the battery has 1 to 20 percent of its charge remaining. If two indicators light up, the battery has 21 to 40 percent of its charge remaining. If three indicators light up, the battery has 41 to 60 percent of its charge remaining. If four indicators light up, the battery has 61 to 80 percent of its charge remaining. If five indicators light up, the battery has 81 to 100 percent of its charge remaining.

http://www.dell.com/. Dispose of the old battery properly.

First Low-Battery Warning

The first low-battery warning—a blinking amber battery indicator—occurs when you have about 15 minutes of battery life left under current conditions and the computer is not connected to AC power. Figure 3 shows the battery indicator.

Figure 3. Status Lights

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1 Power indicator

save your work immediately after a second low-battery warning. Then connect your computer

2 Drive access indicator 3 Battery indicator

CAUTION: When you see a low-battery warning, save your work immediately. Then replace the battery or connect your computer to AC power.

After the first low-battery warning, if no input/output (I/O) activity occurs within 75 seconds, the computer activates suspend-to-disk mode. If the computer has no suspend-to-disk partition, the computer enters suspend mode. The computer can preserve data for several hours in suspend mode.

If you have set the computer to enter suspend-to-disk mode after a certain amount of time with no I/O activity, the computer enters suspend-to-disk mode before sounding the final low-battery warning. Once suspend-to-disk mode is activated, no further power is consumed.

CAUTION: Never turn off the computer while the drive access indicator is on. Doing so could cause data loss. Instead, close all of your applications before turning off the computer.

Second Low-Battery Warning

The second low-battery warning—a steady amber battery indicator—occurs when you have about 5 minutes of battery life left under current conditions and the computer is not connected to AC power.

After the second low-battery warning, if no further I/O activity occurs within 15 seconds, the computer activates suspend-to-disk mode. If there is no suspend-to-disk partition, the computer enters suspend mode. The computer can preserve data for several hours in suspend mode.

If the computer is already in suspend mode when a final low-battery warning occurs, the computer activates suspend-to-disk mode immediately. If suspend-to-disk mode has been disabled, the computer reenters suspend mode.

CAUTION: To avoid losing data (and possibly corrupting data areas on your hard-disk drive),

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to AC power, or place the computer in suspend mode. If the battery runs completely out of

power, the computer shuts off without properly closing any open files.

Charging the Battery

Each time you connect the computer to AC power or install a battery in a computer that is connected to AC power, the computer checks the battery's charge. The AC adapter charges the battery (if needed) and then maintains the battery's charge.

NOTE: For maximum battery performance, charge the battery only at normal room temperature.

If two batteries are installed in the computer, the AC adapter first charges the battery in the battery bay, then the battery in the modular bay.

When installed in a computer connected to AC power, the battery immediately starts charging. The green power indicator remains steady while the AC adapter charges the battery. The indicator starts blinking when the express charge cycle is complete. While the indicator is blinking, the AC adapter provides a trickle charge to bring the battery to full capacity. The indicator continues to blink until you remove the battery or disconnect the computer from AC power.

CAUTION: If the battery indicator flashes alternately green and amber while the computer is connected to AC power, disconnect the computer from AC power and allow it and the battery to return to room temperature. Then reconnect the computer to AC power and continue charging the battery. If the computer is not allowed to return to room temperature, the battery stops charging before it reaches full capacity.

If the computer is turned off, it takes the AC adapter about 1 hour to fully charge a battery that has been completely discharged. If the computer determines that the battery is near full capacity, the AC adapter skips the express charging process and starts trickle-charging the battery. If the computer is on, it takes up to 2.5 hours to charge a fully discharged battery, depending on which devices you are using and which programs you are running.

NOTE: You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery's built-in circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.

Detecting Battery Problems

A battery problem may prevent the battery from being charged to its full potential and can lead to unpredictable operation. To obtain a new battery, call Dell or access the Dell World Wide Web site at

http://www.dell.com.

If the battery indicator flashes alternately green and amber, the battery is too hot to charge. Turn off the computer, and let the battery and computer cool to room temperature. If the battery indicator flashes amber for 4 seconds when you connect or disconnect the AC adapter or when you press the power button, you need to replace the battery. To avoid installing a defective battery, check the battery gauge before installing a battery in the computer.

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Battery Disposal

When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal agency or environmental agency for advice on disposing of the computer’s lithium ion battery.

CAUTION: Do not puncture or incinerate the battery.

NOTES: The lithium ion technology used in your computer’s battery is significantly less hazardous to the environment than the lithium metal technology used in some other batteries (such as watch batteries).

This computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery. Lithium ion batteries are longer lived than conventional batteries and do not require replacement as often. Spent batteries should not be placed in common household waste products. Contact local authorities for the location of a chemical waste collection program nearest you. To purchase a new battery, call Dell or access the Dell World Wide Web site at

http://www.dell.com/.

About Battery Power

You automatically conserve battery power each time you attach an AC power source to the computer. The battery is even being recharged when you use AC power. The battery's life expectancy is largely determined by the number of charges it receives, so use an AC power source to run the computer whenever possible.

You can customize power management by individually controlling the computer's power conservation features. These features reduce power consumption by monitoring application programs and computer devices for inactivity and slowing down or stopping some of the computer’s internal devices.

NOTES: When you use power conservation features, you often trade some of the performance of the computer for increased battery operating time. For example, if you turn off the hard-disk drive, you may experience a delay the next time the computer tries to access the hard-disk drive.

Other power conservation features, such as suspend mode, stop almost all system activity. They allow you to maximize power conservation when your work is interrupted.

Experiment with power conservation features to achieve the optimum power conservation for your work environment.

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CD-ROM Drive: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Using the CD-ROM Drive | Caring for CDs | Types of Supported Discs

Using the CD-ROM Drive

The CD-ROM drive is a read-only device that lets you play most commercially available 8- or 12-centimeter (cm) sound and video CDs on the computer. Dell installed the appropriate CD-ROM drive device drivers on your hard-disk drive.

Use the CD-ROM drive in the computer’s modular bay. The CD-ROM drive cannot be used externally. You must turn the computer off before installing the CD-ROM drive in the modular bay. For detailed instructions on installing devices in the modular bay, see

Figure 1. CD-ROM Drive

Using the Modular Bay.

CAUTION: Protect the CD-ROM drive when it is 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.

To play a CD, press the eject button on the face of the CD-ROM drive or press <FN><F10>. When the tray slides out, place the CD into the tray label side up. Make sure that the CD is seated correctly on the spindle. Then gently push in the tray.

CAUTION: If the CD is not seated correctly, the CD or the CD-ROM drive can be damaged. Center the CD over the spindle. Then gently press the CD down on both sides of the spindle until the CD snaps into place.

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

When the CD-ROM drive is in use, the drive access indicator blinks on the computer’s front panel. If you are using the Microsoft

while you use the CD-ROM 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

Windows® 95 or Windows 98 operating system, disable the autoplay feature

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reinstall the operating system or if you installed it yourself, be sure to disable the autoplay feature if you want

to use the CD-ROM drive. See the operating system user’s guide for instructions on changing the Auto Insert Notification option.

Caring for CDs

Never use a damaged or warped CD. Always hold the CD 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 CD. When cleaning, wipe from the center of the CD to the edge. Never use solvents, such as benzene, record cleaners, or antistatic sprays, to clean the CD. Do not write on the surface of the CD. Store CDs in their containers, placing them in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures may damage CDs. Do not bend or drop a CD. Do not place objects on top of a CD.

Types of Supported Discs

CD-ROM red-book audio discs (CD-DA) CD-ROM yellow-book mode-1 and mode-2 data discs CD-ROM XA (mode-2 form 1 and form 2; without Adaptive Differential Pulse Code modulation [ADPCM]) CD-I (mode-2 form 1 and form 2) CD-I Ready CD-Bridge Photo CD, CD-R (single and multisession) Video CD CD-RW (the 24x CD-ROM drive supports CD-RW)

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Display: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Adjusting the Brightness

To accommodate local lighting conditions or video output from the software you are using, you can use the key combinations shown in

NOTE: When running the computer on battery power, set your computer's brightness control to the lowest setting that affords comfortable viewing. You can conserve up to 10 percent of battery power by using the minimum brightness setting.

Table 1. Brightness Key Combinations and Their Functions

Table 1.

Key Combinations Function

<FN> + down arrow Decreases brightness <FN> + up arrow Increases brightness <FN> + right arrow Decreases contrast on the Latitude CP family

(has no effect on an active-matrix display)

<FN> + left arrow Increases contrast on the Latitude CP family

(has no effect on an active-matrix display)

NOTES: Contrast cannot be changed on an active-matrix (thin film transistor [TFT]) display. To use key combinations on an external keyboard, enable the External Hot Key option in the System

Setup program and use <Scroll Lock> instead of <FN>.

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 resolutions of 640 x 480 pixels or lower and using a 12.1-inch super video graphics array (SVGA) or 13.3inch extended graphics array (XGA) display, or if you are working in a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels and using a 13.3-inch XGA display.

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NOTE: You may have trouble using the display fonts feature with MS-DOS® programs that use

system documentation for more information.

downloaded fonts.

Video Drivers and Video Resolution

The Dell-installed video drivers work with the operating system to let you customize the video resolution, number of screen colors, and refresh rate of your display.

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.

Table 2 lists the combinations of resolutions and colors that the computer supports.

Table 2. Combinations of Resolutions and Colors Supported

Resolution Colors

640 x 480 256 High Color (16-bit) True Color (24-bit) 800 x 600 256 High Color (16-bit) True Color (24-bit) 1024 x 768 256 High Color (16-bit) True Color (24-bit) 1280 x 1024* 256 High Color (16-bit) True Color (24-bit)

* External monitor only

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.

The video adapter inside your computer supports higher resolutions if you are using an external monitor is attached to the computer. Check the documentation that came with the monitor to determine which resolutions the monitor can display.

Customizing Video Resolution

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

2. Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties window appears.

3. Click the Settings tab, and then set the resolution by dragging the slider in the Desktop Area box. In the Color Palette box, choose the number of colors from the menu provided. See your operating

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If you choose a resolution or color palette higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest possible setting.

4. To change the refresh rate, click the NeoMagic tab, and then follow the instructions on your display.

NOTE: You can adjust the refresh rate only on an external monitor. If the NeoMagic tab is inactive, it means that your external monitor adjusts the refresh rate automatically.

Dual-Display Mode

With the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system, you can use an external monitor as an extension of your built-in display. To set up your computer for dual-display mode, perform the following steps,

1. Attach the external monitor. See

Connecting an External Monitor.

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

3. In the Control Panel window, double-click the Display icon.

4. In the Display Properties window, click the Settings tab.

5. Change the Color palette option to 256 Color or High Color (16 bit).

6. Change the Desktop area to 800 by 600 pixels.

7. Click the NeoMagic tab.

8. Select the Set Dual-Display checkbox and click Apply.

9. Click Yes when prompted to restart your system.

10. When the system has restarted, reopen the Display icon in the Control Panel.

11. Click the Settings tab. Two displays now appear in this window.

12. Click the display that is greyed out. When asked if you want to enable this display, click Yes, and then click Apply.

If You Have Display Problems

If your computer is receiving power, but nothing appears on your display (such as light, text, or graphics) or the display image does not appear as you would expect, try the following measures to resolve the problem:

1. If the display is blank, you may be in suspend or standby mode. Press the power button to resume from suspend mode or standby mode. If the display is blank and the power light-emitting diode (LED) is on, the display may have timed out. In this case, press any key on the built-in keyboard to resume normal operation.

2. If the low-battery light is blinking, connect the AC adapter to the computer or replace the battery.

3. Adjust the brightness or contrast.

4. If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <FN><F8> to switch the video image to the display.

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Diskette Drive: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Your computer was shipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive (see Figure 1) in the modular bay. To use another device in the modular bay, first remove the diskette drive. For detailed instructions on installing devices in the modular bay, see

NOTE: If the computer is docked to the C/Port Advanced Port Replicator (APR) or the C/Dock Expansion Station, turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a diskette drive.

The diskette drive lets you install programs and transfer data using 3.5-inch diskettes.

Figure 1. Diskette Drive

Using the Modular Bay.

To use the diskette drive, insert a 3.5-inch diskette into the drive (label side up and metal end first). Push the diskette into the drive until the eject button extends outside the drive casing.

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

To remove a diskette from the drive, press the eject button to release the diskette, and then pull the diskette out of the drive.

When data is being accessed from the diskette drive in the modular bay, the drive access indicator blinks.

NOTE: The diskette drive can be used externally by connecting it to the parallel connector on the back of the computer. If the Diskette Reconfig option is enabled in the System Setup program, you do not have to reboot the computer when you connect the diskette drive to the parallel connector.

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Keyboard: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Embedded Numeric Keypad

As you work, you may want to use the embedded numeric keypad (see Figure 1) to enter numbers in spreadsheet or financial programs. The embedded numeric keypad shares some of the keys on your computer's keyboard. The number and symbol characters are marked to the right on these keys; the cursor-control functions are marked on the front of these keys. To activate the embedded numeric keypad, press <Num Lk> (the Num Lock indicator lights up).

Figure 1. Embedded Numeric Keypad

Some key combinations can be used whether the keypad is off or on.

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.

Table 1. Embedded Numeric Keypad Key Combinations

When Keypad Is On Function

<Num Lk> Toggles the embedded numeric keypad off <FN><key> Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables

the lowercase characters/functions of the keyboard

<FN><Shift><key> Temporarily disables the embedded numeric keypad; enables

the uppercase characters/functions of the keyboard

<Shift><cursor key> Temporarily enables a cursor-control key in the embedded

numeric keypad

When Keypad Is Off Function

<Num Lk> Toggles the embedded numeric keypad on <FN><cursor key> Temporarily enables a cursor-control key in the embedded

numeric keypad

<FN><Shift><number key> Temporarily enables a number or symbol key in the embedded

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numeric keypad

Display 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.

Table 2. Display Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<FN><Down Arrow> Incrementally decreases brightness. <FN><Up Arrow> Incrementally increases brightness. <FN><Right Arrow> Incrementally decreases contrast (no effect on an active-matrix display). <FN><Left Arrow> Incrementally increases contrast (no effect on an active-matrix display). <FN><F5> Toggles the computer's display between regular video mode and reverse video mode

<FN><F7> Toggles the computer’s display between expanded mode and regular video mode.

(white on black). This key combination works only if the computer is in text mode; it has no effect if the computer is running a graphical operating system or application program.

<FN><F8> Switches the video image to the next display in the following sequence: the built-in

display, an external monitor, or both displays simultaneously.

<FN><D> Turns off the built-in display.*

* This key combination does not function with Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).

Power Conservation 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.

Table 3. Power Conservation Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<FN><D> Turns off the built-in display* <FN><H> Turns off the hard-disk drive* <FN><Esc> Activates suspend or standby mode. <FN><A> or

<FN><Q> on French keyboards

* This key combination does not function with ACPI.

Activates suspend-to-disk mode*

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Processing Speed 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.

Table 4. Processing Speed Key Combinations

<FN><\> Switches between the microprocessor's maximum speed and a slower

compatibility speed

<Ctrl><\> In full MS-DOS mode or in a full-screen DOS box, switches between the

microprocessor’s maximum speed and a slower compatibility speed

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.

Table 5. Speaker Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<FN><Page Up> Increases the volume of the built-in speakers and the

external speakers, if attached

<FN><Page Dn> Decreases the volume of the built-in speakers and the

external speakers, if attached

<FN><End> Enables and disables the built-in speakers and the

external speakers, if attached

System Function 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.

Table 6. System Function Key Combinations

Key Combinations Function

<Ctrl><Alt><Delete> Restarts (reboots) the computer in MS-DOS mode. In the

Microsoft® Windows® 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT® operating systems, click the Start button and click Shut

Down. <FN><F1>* Opens the System Setup program. <FN><F3> Opens the Battery Status screen of the System Setup

program.

* This key combination does not function with ACPI.

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CD-ROM Drive 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.

Table 7. CD-ROM Drive Key Combination

Key Combinations Function

<FN><F10> Ejects the CD tray

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PC Cards: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

About PC Cards | Installing PC Cards | Removing PC Cards

About PC Cards

The computer has a slot into which you can install up to two PC Cards if the PC Cards comply with Release

2.01 of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard and Release 4.2 of the Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA) standard.

The computer supports type I, type II, and type III PC Cards (including such memory devices as static random-access memory [SRAM] cards that emulate diskettes, random-access memory [RAM] cards, and one-time programmable [OTP] ROM cards), and advanced technology attachment (ATA) cards that emulate integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard-disk drives. Also supported are input/output (I/O) cards such as modems, local area network (LAN) cards, wireless LAN cards, and small computer system interface (SCSI) cards.

If you are using the Microsoft (ZV) PC Card only in the upper PC Card connector. (Microsoft Windows NT® 4.0 does not support ZV.)

NOTES: A PC Card is not a boot device. The "type" of a card refers to its thickness, not its functionality. Your computer recognizes most I/O cards and automatically loads the device driver associated with

that card.

CAUTION: Take extra precautions if you use extended PC Cards in your computer. Extended cards are longer versions of standard PC Cards. They fit into, and operate correctly with, your computer. However, they extend beyond the edge of the computer when installed. If something strikes the exposed end of an installed card, your system board can be damaged. Because of space considerations, you may have trouble using two PC Cards in your computer if one of them is an extended card. It may be easier to use an extended card if you install it in the top PC Card connector. Always remove an extended PC Card before you pack the computer in its carrying case.

Windows® 95 or Windows 98 operating system, you can use a zoomed video

Installing PC Cards

You can use the following PC Card combinations in the PC Card slots:

A single type I or type II card (using either the upper or lower PC Card connector) A single type III card (using only the lower PC Card connector only) One type I card and one type II card (using either connector) Two type I cards or two type II cards

Note: Use a ZV PC Card in the upper connector only.

PC cards are generally marked with a symbol, such as a triangle or an arrow, to indicate which end should be inserted into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear,

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see the documentation that came with the card.

You do not need to turn off your computer or exit suspend or standby mode before you install a PC Card. To install a PC Card (see

1. If necessary, remove the blank from the connector you intend to use.

2. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up.

3. Insert the card into the slot, and press in firmly until the card is completely seated in the internal PC Card connector.

4. If there is too much resistance when inserting it, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation and try again.

Figure 1. Installing a PC Card

Figure 1), perform the following steps:

PC Card Blanks

Save the blank to use whenever you do not have a PC Card installed. The blank protects the PC Card connector from dust and other particles.

Removing PC Cards

CAUTION: If you are using Windows 95 or Windows 98, use the PC Card configuration utility on the taskbar to select and stop a card before you remove it. If you do not remove the card in the configuration utility, you could lose data from open software applications.

CAUTION: In Windows NT, close all applications that use the PC Card before you remove it. If you receive a message that the card is not supported in Plug and Play mode, shut down the computer before you remove the PC Card.

To remove a PC Card (see

1. Press the PC Card eject button.

NOTE: Use a pen tip or other small instrument to press the eject button. The button has a small recessed area designed to keep the pen tip from slipping.

Figure 2), perform the following steps:

2. When the eject button slides out, press it again to release the card.

3. Gently remove the card.

4. Press the PC Card eject button until it is flush with the computer casing.

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CAUTION: The PC Card eject button can be damaged if left in the "out" position. If

you accidentally press the PC Card eject button, remove and reinstall the PC Card immediately to make sure the button stays flush with the computer case.

Figure 2. Removing a PC Card

To protect the PC Card connectors, install a blank if you are not going to use the connector.

Configuring PC Cards

The PC Card configuration utility performs the following functions:

Notifies you whenever a PC Card is inserted and tells you how the card is configured Automatically loads the proper device driver if it is available on the hard-disk drive If drivers are not available on the hard-disk drive, prompts you to install them using the device driver diskette that came with the card

The operating system automatically detects a PC Card and opens the Add New Hardware menu from the Control Panel. See the PC Card operating system documentation for information.

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Touch Pad: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Using the Touch Pad | Customizing the Touch Pad

Using the Touch Pad

The Personal System/2 (PS/2) touch pad (see Figure 1) detects the position of your finger over a touchsensitive area and provides the computer full mouse functionality. The touch pad’s two buttons correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

Figure 1. PS/2 Touch Pad

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. 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.

NOTES: When enabled, the touch pad uses interrupt request (IRQ) 12. No other device can use IRQ12 while the touch pad is enabled.

When an external PS/2 mouse is attached to the computer, the touch pad is automatically disabled.

Customizing the Touch Pad

To customize the touch pad, perform the following steps:

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

2. Double-click the Mouse icon and click the Touch tab.

You can also click the touch pad icon on the taskbar to open the Mouse Properties control panel.

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Securing Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

About Passwords

A primary password prevents unauthorized access to the computer at start-up. An administrator password can be used in place of the primary password. A hard-disk drive password helps prevent the unauthorized access of data on the hard-disk drive, even when the device is placed into another computer.

NOTES: All three passwords are disabled when you receive your computer. You need to assign those passwords if you require password security for your computer. Some companies may assign any or all of these passwords before distributing the computer.

If you are using the Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system, use the System Setup program to assign all passwords.

CAUTION: The password features provide a high level of security for the data in your computer or hard-disk drive. However, they are not foolproof. If your data requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs or PC Cards with encryption features.

If you forget any of your passwords, call Dell. For your protection, Dell’s technical support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to make sure that an unauthorized person is not trying to use the computer.

Using a Primary Password

The primary password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer. The following

message appears each time you turn on the computer:

Please type in the primary or administrator password and press <Enter>.

To continue, type your password and press <Enter>.

NOTE: If no password is entered within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous state.

If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for the administrator password.

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CAUTION: Disabling the administrator password also disables the primary password.

Using an Administrator Password

The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians in large companies access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers as they are unpacked and configured, leaving the primary password free to be assigned by the user.

When an administrator password is set, the System Setup program automatically enables the Configure Setup option, which lets you restrict access to the System Setup program in the same way a system password restricts access to the system.

The administrator password can be used in place of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the administrator password instead.

NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the system, but it does not provide access to the hard-disk drive when it is protected by a password.

If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator password assigned but forget them both, call Dell.

CAUTION: Disabling the administrator password also disables the primary password.

Using a Hard-Disk Drive Password

The hard-disk drive password helps protect the data on your hard-disk drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for the modular hard-disk drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard-disk drive.

NOTE: Only hard-disk drives purchased from Dell for use with the Latitude CP Series systems support the hard-disk drive password option.

After assigning a hard-disk drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you resume normal operation from suspend mode or standby mode.

If the hard-disk drive password is enabled, the following message appears each time you turn on the computer:

Please type in the hard- disk drive password and press <Enter>.

To continue, enter the hard-disk drive password. Press <Esc> to return the computer to its previous state— suspend or standby mode.

NOTE: If no password is entered within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous state.

If you enter the wrong password, the following message appears:

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Invalid password

[Press Enter to retry]

If the correct password is not entered in three attempts, the computer tries to boot from another bootable device if the Boot First Device option in the System Setup program is set to allow it. If the Boot First Device option is not set to allow booting from another device, the computer returns to the state it was in when you turned it on—suspend or standby mode.

NOTES: If the hard-disk drive password, the modular hard-disk drive password, and the primary password are the same, you are prompted only for the primary password. If the hard-disk drive password is different from the primary password, you are prompted for both. Two different passwords provide greater security.

The administrator password provides access to the system, but it does not provide access to the hard-disk drive when it is protected by a password.

Physically Securing the Computer and the Hard-Disk Drive

To prevent unauthorized removal of the computer, you can use a security cable to attach the computer to an immovable object. The same mechanism can be used to lock your hard-disk drive to the computer.

The security cable slot lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer and harddisk drive. Antitheft devices for portable computers usually include a segment of metal-stranded cable with an attached locking device and associated key. Complete instructions for installing this kind of antitheft device are usually included with the device.

To prevent unauthorized removal of the hard-disk drive, insert the locking device into the security cable slot on the hard-disk drive panel, and lock the device with its associated key.

To prevent unauthorized removal of your computer, loop the cable around an immovable object, insert the locking device into the security cable slot, and lock the device. See your computer.

Figure 1. Securing the Computer

Figure 1 for an example of how to secure

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NOTE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before purchasing such a device, make sure it will

work with the security cable slot in your computer.

Asset Tag Utility

The Asset Tag utility allows you to enter an asset tag number that you or your company assigns to the computer. The default System Setup screens do not show the asset tag number unless you enter one using this utility.

You can also use the Asset Tag utility to enter an owner tag that appears in the system log-on screen and with the primary password prompt.

To view existing asset tag and service tag numbers, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and click MS-DOS Prompt.

2. Type asset and press <Enter>.

Assigning and Deleting an Asset Tag Number

An asset tag number can have up to ten characters; any combination of characters excluding spaces is valid. To assign or change an asset tag number, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and click MS-DOS Prompt.

2. Type asset and a space followed by the new number.

3. Press <Enter>. For example, type the following command line and press <Enter>:

asset 1234$ABCD&

4. When the system prompts you to verify the asset tag number, type y and press <Enter>. The system displays the new or modified asset tag number and the service tag number.

To delete the asset tag number without assigning a new one, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and click MS-DOS Prompt.

2. Type asset /d and press <Enter>.

Assigning and Deleting an Owner Tag

An owner tag can have up to 80 characters; any combination of letters, numbers, and spaces is valid. To assign an owner tag, peform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and click MS-DOS Prompt.

2. Type asset /o and a space followed by the new owner tag.

3. Press <Enter>. For example, type the following command line and press <Enter>:

asset /o ABC Company

4. When the system prompts you to verify the owner tag, type y and press <Enter>.

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The system displays the new owner tag.

To delete the owner tag without assigning a new one, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and click MS-DOS Prompt.

2. Type asset /o /d and press <Enter>.

NOTE: For security, you cannot set, change, or delete the owner tag if the primary or administrator passwords are set.

Table 1 lists the command-line options you can use with the Asset Tag utility. To use one of these options,

open an MS-DOS prompt, and then type asset and a space followed by the option.

Table 1. Asset Tag Utility Command-Line Options

Asset Tag Option

/d /o <tag> /o /d /?

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Description

Deletes the asset tag number Specifies a new owner tag Deletes the owner tag Displays the Asset Tag utility help screen

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Connecting External Devices: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Connector Illustration

Use Figure 1 to locate the connectors on the back of the computer.

Figure 1. Connector Illustration

1 Parallel connector 2 USB connector 3 Docking connector 4 Serial connector 5 Video connector 6 PS/2 connector 7 Infrared port

Audio

You can connect audio devices such as speakers, microphones, headphones, and record/playback devices to your computer. The following information tells you how to connect the cables. locations of the audio jacks.

Connect the audio cable from a microphone to the microphone jack, also called the MIC IN jack. Connect the audio cable from the speakers to the headphones/speakers jack, also called the lineout/speaker-out jack. Connect the line-out cable from a record/playback device to the line-in/audio-in jack. Cassette players, CD players, radios, stereo systems, and tape players are all record/playback devices.

Figure 2 shows the

Figure 2. Connecting Audio Devices

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1 Microphone (MIC IN) 2 Speakers and Headphones (line-out/speaker-out) 3 Record/Playback (line-out/audio-in) 4 AC adapter connector

NOTE: The C/Port Advanced Port Replicator (APR) also has a headphones/speaker jack. The C/Dock Expansion Station has all three jacks.

You can control the sound on your computer through the Dell Control Center Speaker window, the System Setup program, and key combinations.

Keyboard

You can attach a Personal System/2 (PS/2)-compatible external 101- or 102-key keyboard to the computer's mini-Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) connector, as shown in

Figure 3. Attaching an External Keyboard

Figure 3.

NOTE: If the computer is in suspend mode or suspend-to-disk mode when you attach an external keyboard, the device is recognized immediately by the computer when it resumes normal operation.

You can use the internal keyboard and an external keyboard at the same time. When you attach a keyboard to the computer, the embedded numeric keypad is automatically disabled.

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On an external keyboard, the <Scroll Lock> key acts the same way as the <FN> key on the computer’s

built-in keyboard (if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program).

mode, which means that many of the configuration features are disabled.

You can also connect an external keyboard to the C/Port APR or the C/Dock Expansion Station.

Keypad

You can attach a PS/2-compatible external numeric keypad to the computer's mini-DIN keypad connector.

NOTE: If the computer is in suspend mode or suspend-to-disk mode when you attach an external keypad, the device is recognized immediately by the computer when it resumes normal operation.

When you attach a numeric keypad to the computer, the embedded numeric keypad is automatically disabled. The indicators on the built-in keyboard track the operation of an external numeric keypad.

You can also connect an external keypad to the C/Port APR or C/Dock Expansion Station.

Mouse

You can attach a PS/2-compatible mouse to the computer's mini-DIN mouse connector, as shown in Figure

Figure 4. Connecting an External Mouse

NOTE: If the computer is in suspend mode or suspend-to-disk mode when you attach an external mouse, the device is recognized immediately by the computer when it resumes normal operation. However, programs that were already running may need to be restarted in order to recognize the mouse.

The touch pad/mouse device drivers that Dell installed on your hard-disk drive work with a PS/2 mouse from Dell. If you did not receive your mouse from Dell, you must install device drivers in order to use the mouse. This software is usually included with mouse upgrade kits.

When you attach a PS/2 mouse to the computer, the touch pad is automatically disabled. If you disconnect the mouse, you must shut down the computer or enter suspend or standby mode and then resume from it before the touch pad is operational. If you do not do this, the touch pad resumes operation in standard PS/2

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If you are using a PS/2-compatible mouse that is not made by Microsoft and the mouse does not work properly, reboot the computer. If the mouse still does not work, install the drivers from the diskette that came with the mouse and reboot the computer.

You can also connect an external mouse to the C/Port APR or the C/Dock Expansion Station.

Diskette Drive

The diskette drive can be used as an external device if you have a CD-ROM drive, battery, or travel module in the modular bay. The external diskette drive letter is A. If there is a diskette drive in the modular bay, the external diskette drive letter is B.

Use the parallel diskette drive cable that came with the computer to connect the drive to the parallel connector on the input/output (I/O) panel, as shown in

Figure 5. Using the Diskette Drive As an External Device

Figure 5.

CAUTION: When the diskette drive is not being used externally, remove the parallel diskette drive cable from the parallel connector.

CAUTION: Use the parallel diskette drive cable only with the diskette drive. Do not try to connect any other device to the computer with this cable.

If the Diskette Reconfig option is enabled in the System Setup program, you do not have to turn the computer off when you connect the diskette drive to the parallel connector. For more information see

Diskette Reconfig.

The drive access indicator does not blink when data is being accessed from the diskette drive connected to the parallel connector.

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CAUTION: Protect the diskette drive when it is not in the modular bay. Do not squeeze the

drive or place objects on top of it; doing so could damage the drive motor.

Connecting an External Monitor

The computer's video connector is used to connect an external monitor to the computer. To attach an external monitor, perform the following steps:

1. Make sure that the external monitor is turned off. Set the monitor on a monitor stand, desk top, or other level surface near your computer.

CAUTION: Do not place the monitor directly on top of your portable computer, even if it is closed. Doing so can crack the computer case, the display, or both.

2. Connect the external monitor's video cable to the computer. Plug the video cable connector into the matching video connector on the back of the computer,

as shown in Figure 6. If the video cable is not permanently attached to the monitor, connect it to the monitor also.

Figure 6. Connecting an External Monitor

Be sure to tighten all the screws on the video cable connector(s) to eliminate radio frequency interference (RFI).

3. Connect your external monitor to a grounded AC power source. Plug the three-prong connector on one end of the monitor's power cable into a grounded power

strip or some other grounded power source. If the cable is not permanently attached to the monitor, connect it to the monitor also.

You can also connect an external monitor to the C/Port APR or C/Dock Expansion Station.

NOTE: If you are using the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system, you can use an external monitor as an extension of your built-in display. For more information, see the Windows 98 documentation or

Dual-Display Mode.

Using an External Monitor

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When an external monitor is connected to the computer, the video image automatically appears on the external monitor's screen when you boot your computer.

To toggle the video image between the built-in display, an external monitor, or both simultaneously, press <FN><F8> on the built-in keyboard. Press <Scroll Lock><F8> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

If the external monitor is turned off when you boot your computer, the computer still sends the video image to the external monitor. In this case, you will not see an image on either the computer's display or the external monitor. To see an image, turn on the external monitor or switch the video image to the computer’s display by pressing <FN><F8> on the built-in keyboard or <Scroll Lock><F8> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

NOTE: If you are using your external monitor at a resolution greater than the display supports, the simultaneous display feature is disabled. To use the display, switch to a resolution that the system supports, or disconnect the external monitor and restart your computer.

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I/O Connectors: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

About the I/O Connectors

You can connect external devices to the input/output (I/O) connectors. The computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) detects the presence of external devices when you boot (start) or reboot your computer. the connectors on the back of your computer.

Figure 1. Connector Illustration

Figure 1 shows

1 Parallel connector 2 USB connector 3 Docking connector 4 Serial connector 5 Video connector 6 PS/2 connector 7 Infrared port

NOTES: Some external devices require you to load software called device drivers into system memory before the devices will work. These device drivers help your computer recognize the external device and direct its operation. Instructions for installing this software are usually included in the upgrade kits.

The C/Port Advanced Port Replicator (APR) has the same I/O connectors as your computer. In addition, the C/Port APR has a second Personal System/2 (PS/2) connector, a second Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, and an Ethernet network connector.

The C/Dock Expansion Station has the same I/O connectors as your computer. In addition, the C/Dock Expansion Station has a second PS/2 connector, a second USB connector, an Ethernet network connector, and a small computer system interface (SCSI) connector.

Parallel Connector

Use the 25-hole parallel connector to attach a parallel device to the computer. The parallel connector is used primarily for printers. You can also connect the diskette drive to the parallel connector.

The parallel port sends and receives data in parallel format, where eight data bits (one byte) are sent

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simultaneously over eight separate lines. The port can be configured as a unidirectional (output-only) port for

devices such as a printer or as a bidirectional port for devices such as a network adapter. Table 1 lists the pin assignments.

The computer's built-in parallel port is designated as LPT1. If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the serial connector. The Microsoft

systems automatically recognize the parallel device and configure it correctly. The parallel port can also be configured for compatibility with the PS/2 standard.

Table 1. Parallel Port Pin Assignments

Pin Signal I/O Definition Pin Signal I/O Definition

1 STB# O Strobe 11 BUSY I Busy 2 PD0 I/O Parallel data bit 0 12 PE I Paper end 3 PD1 I/O Parallel data bit 1 13 SLCT I Select 4 PD2 I/O Parallel data bit 2 14 AFD# O Automatic feed 5 PD3 I/O Parallel data bit 3 15 EFF# I Error

Windows® 95 and Windows 98 operating

6 PD4 I/O Parallel data bit 4 16 INIT# O Initialize printer 7 PD5 I/O Parallel data bit 5 17 SLIN# O Select in 8 PD6 I/O Parallel data bit 6 18-25 N/A N/A Signal ground 9 PD7 I/O Parallel data bit 7 Shell N/A N/A Frame ground 10 ACK# I Acknowledge

USB Connector

The USB connector supports the use of a USB hub device to attach multiple devices. USB devices are typically low-speed peripherals such as mice, keyboards, printers, and computer speakers. The C/Port APR and C/Dock Expansion Station have two USB connectors.

NOTE: If you are using a USB external keyboard, do not enter the System Setup program by using a keyboard command on the external keyboard. Instead, press <FN><F1> on the built-in keyboard.

Serial Connector

Use the 9-pin serial connector to attach a serial device to the computer. Table 2 lists the pin assignments. The serial port passes data in serial format (one bit at a time over one line). This port supports a variety of

devices that require serial data transmission, including a serial mouse, serial printer, plotter, or external modem. If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the serial connector.

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Table 2. Serial Port Connector Pin Assignments

Pin Signal I/O Definition

13 HSYNC O Horizontal synchronization

1 DCD I Data carrier detect 2 RXDA I Receive data 3 TXDA O Transmit data 4 DTR O Data terminal ready 5 GND N/A Signal ground 6 DSR I Data set ready 7 RTS O Request to send 8 CTS I Clear to send 9 RI I Ring indicator Shell N/A N/A Frame ground

Video Connector

Use the 15-hole video connector to attach an external monitor to the computer. Table 3 lists the pin assignments. If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the monitor connector.

Table 3. Video Connector Pin Assignments

Pin Signal I/O Definition

1 RED O Red video 2 GREEN O Green video 3 BLUE O Blue video 4 NC N/A No connection 5-8 GND N/A Signal ground 9 NC N/A No connection 10 GND N/A Signal ground 11 NC N/A No connection 12 NC N/A Reserved

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14 VSYNC O Vertical synchronization

Point the computer’s infrared port directly at the compatible device’s infrared port. Infrared devices transmit data

15 NC N/A No connection Shell N/A N/A Frame ground

PS/2 Connector

Use the mini Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) PS/2 connector to attach PS/2-compatible devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.

NOTE: If the computer is in suspend mode when you attach a mouse, you can use the mouse when the computer resumes normal operation. Otherwise, you must reboot the computer in order to use the mouse. While the mouse is attached to the computer, the touch pad is disabled.

If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the PS/2 connector. This information appears in

Table 4. PS/2 Connector Pin Assignments

Table 4.

Pin Signal I/O Definition

1 EXK_MSDATA I/O External keyboard/keypad/mouse data 2 NC N/A No connection 3 GND N/A Signal ground 4 EXK_MSPWR O External keyboard/keypad/mouse supply voltage 5 EXK_MSCLK I/O External keyboard/keypad/mouse clock 6 NC N/A No connection Shell N/A N/A Frame ground

Infrared Port

The computer’s infrared (IR) port is compatible with IrDA 1.1 (Fast IR) and 1.0 (Slow IR) standards. An infrared port lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections. An infrared data stream is transmitted through a lens in the computer up to a distance of 1 m (3.3 ft). This light is received by a compatible computer, printer, mouse, or remote control.

The default address of the infrared port is COM3. To avoid resource conflicts with other devices, remap the address of the infrared port.

When the computer is being used with the C/Port APR or C/Dock Expansion Station, the infrared port on the computer is automatically disabled.

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in a 30-degree cone of infrared light. Start the data communications software on both devices, and then begin to

transfer files. Be sure to read the documentation that came with your compatible device to make sure that you operate it correctly.

For more information about using an infrared device, see the documentation that came with your operating system. The Microsoft Windows NT

NOTES: Make sure that there are no books, papers, or other objects between the two infrared devices and that the two devices are within the 30-degree cone.

If the infrared device does not work, it is possible that the computer and device are misaligned. Move the device or computer to bring them into the 30-degree cone.

4.0 operating system does not support the use of infrared devices.

Connecting External Devices

To connect an external device to the computer, perform the following steps:

1. Plug the connector on the device's I/O cable into the matching connector on the back of the computer. See

Figure 2 for an example.

Be sure to tighten all the screws on the I/O cable connector to eliminate radio frequency interference (RFI).

Figure 2. Connecting External Devices

2. If the device has a power cable, plug the cable into a grounded AC power source.

CAUTION: When disconnecting external devices from the back of the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you disconnect a device in order to avoid possible damage to the system board.

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Power Management Settings: Dell™ Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's Guide

Experimenting With Power Conservation

In general, the lower the value you set for each power conservation feature, the longer the battery's charge lasts. On the other hand, setting high values tends to optimize the computer's performance.

To evaluate the way that different settings affect how long you can operate the computer on battery power versus the relative efficiency of how the software performs, experiment as follows:

Use the computer with all the options set at their default values. Use the computer with all the options disabled or set to Off. Use the computer with all the options set to their minimum or maximum values.

Using Key Combinations

Table 1 identifies the power management key combinations.

NOTE: To use key combinations on an external keyboard, enable the External Hot Key option in the System Setup program and use <Scroll Lk> instead of <FN>.

Table 1. Key Combinations to Activate/Deactivate Features

Feature Activate/Deactivate

Turn off display To activate, press <FN><D>. *

To deactivate, move the cursor or press a key on the built-in or external keyboard. (If nothing happens, the computer may be in suspend mode. Press the power button to resume normal operation.)

Turn off hard-disk drive To activate, press <FN><H>. *

Automatically deactivates when the hard-disk drive is accessed.

NOTE: If a modular hard drive is installed in the C/Dock media bay, pressing <FN><H> will not turn off the hard-disk drive.

Suspend mode To activate, press <FN><Esc>.

To deactivate, press the power button.

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Suspend-to-disk mode To activate, press <FN><A>. (On a French keyboard, press <FN><Q>.) *

To deactivate, press the power button.

* These key combinations do not function with the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).

Closing the Display

One way to conserve power on the computer is to close the display when the computer is not in use. When you close the display and an external monitor is not connected, the computer's liquid crystal display (LCD) shuts off automatically. If you activate suspend mode, the display shuts off automatically when you close the display.

NOTE: If an external monitor is connected when you close the display, the computer does not activate suspend mode. You can still use the external display.

If the computer detects a wakeup alarm or receives a modem call while the display is closed, the computer handles the alarm or answers the call. After such input/output (I/O) activity ceases, the computer waits 1 minute before reactivating suspend mode.

To resume work, open the display. (It may take several seconds for the computer to resume operation.)

Suspend Mode

Suspend mode stops almost all computer activity, but leaves the computer ready to resume operations immediately in about 20 to 30 seconds. Use suspend mode whenever you leave the computer unattended.

Suspend mode conserves battery power by turning off the microprocessor clock, the display, the hard-disk drive, the CD-ROM drive (if installed), the external monitor connector, the external keyboard (if attached), the parallel port, the serial port, the touch pad, and the diskette drive.

You can activate suspend mode immediately by pressing <FN><Esc> (or <Scroll Lock><Esc> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program).

When suspend mode is activated, the power indicator is not lit. Resume from suspend mode by pressing the power button. The computer may take several seconds to

return to normal operation.

NOTES: On resumption from suspend mode, if a password is set, the system displays the password prompt screen. At the password prompt screen, if you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the system returns to suspend mode.

Suspend mode is known as standby mode under the Microsoft

Suspend-to-Disk Mode

Windows® 98 operating system.

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Suspend-to-disk mode copies all system data to a reserved area—the S2D partition—on the hard-disk drive

and then turns off all power to the computer. When you resume normal operation, the same programs will be running and the same files will be open that were loaded before you activated this mode.

Place the computer in suspend-to-disk mode if you intend to store the computer for longer than 40 days. Suspend-to-disk mode preserves the configuration information stored in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM). The reserve battery maintains this information, but it may run out of energy after 40 days.

NOTE: Suspend-to-disk mode helps preserve system data by quickly saving it to the hard-disk drive if you are about to run out of battery power.

To activate suspend-to-disk mode immediately, press <FN><A> (or <Scroll Lock><A> on an external keyboard if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program).* On a French keyboard, press <FN><Q> or <Scroll Lock><Q>.

Deactivate suspend-to-disk mode by pressing the power button. If you connect or remove devices while the computer is in suspend-to-disk mode, the computer automatically

recognizes the newly connected devices when it resumes normal operation. Some PC Cards may not operate correctly after resuming from suspend-to-disk mode. If you encounter

problems with a card, remove and reinsert the card.

NOTE: Dell creates an appropriately sized suspend-to-disk (S2D) partition before shipping the computer to you. Use the Suspend-to-Disk utility to remove the file, to increase the size of the file, or to add the suspend-to-disk file if you removed it.

* These key combinations do not function with ACPI.

Standby Mode

Standby mode turns off the display, stops the hard-disk drive, and turns off other internal devices so that the computer uses less battery power. When the computer resumes operation from standby mode, the desktop is restored exactly as it was before entering standby mode.

CAUTION: Windows 98 saves data to random-access memory (RAM), not to your hard-disk drive, before entering standby mode. If the computer enters standby mode while running on battery power, data loss from RAM can occur if the battery discharges completely.

You can activate standby mode by pressing <FN><Esc> or by selecting Standby mode from the Shutdown window. To resume operation from standby mode, press the power button.

Power Management Properties for Windows 98

Windows 98 with Advanced Power Management (APM) provides the Power Management Properties window for setting power conservation features.

Complete the following steps in Windows 98 to access the Power Management Properties window and set

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the power management features:

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

2. Double-click the Power Management Properties icon.

The Power Management Properties window contains the following tabs:

Power Scheme, which allows you to select one of three power mode settings. Alarms, which allows you to set the Low Battery and Critical Battery alarms to alert you when the

system battery falls below a certain percentage. When you received your computer, the Low Battery and Critical Battery alarms check boxes were not checked. Dell recommends that you do not select these options. Power Meter, which allows you to view the percentage of battery life remaining when your system is operating on battery power. If your system is operating on AC power, the system displays a message. Advanced, which allows you to display the Power Meter on the Windows 98 taskbar and to display a password prompt when the computer resumes from standby mode.

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Installing the Microsoft® Windows® 95 and Windows 98 Operating System Drivers: Dell

™

Latitude™ CPi A-Series System User's

Guide

General Instructions

NOTES: The following procedure requires you to turn off the computer. Before proceeding, print the procedure. Also print the instructions for installing drivers for the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) video card and Token-Ring Network controller.

You must have administrator privileges to perform the following procedure. Dell recommends that you check with your network administrator before performing this procedure.

If your computer uses Windows 95 or Windows 98, the computer is already configured to work with the Dell Latitude C/Dock Expansion Station or C/Port Advanced Port Replicator (APR). Use the following procedure the first time you turn on the computer.

CAUTION: Do not dock the computer before turning it on the first time.

Installing Docking Drivers

To install the C/Dock Expansion Station or C/Port APR drivers, perform the following steps:

1. If the computer has never been turned on, turn it on now while it is undocked and complete the operating system setup. Then go to step 2.

If you have completed the operating system setup, turn on the computer and go to step 2. For setup instructions, see the Dell-supplied operating system setup guide that came with the

computer.

2. Dock the computer. The operating system creates a hardware profile for the C/Dock Expansion Station or the C/Port

APR.

3. Follow the instructions on the display to load the appropriate drivers for use with the C/Dock Expansion Station or C/Port APR. When prompted, restart the computer.

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CAUTION: Follow the PCI video card driver installation instructions carefully. If the

driver is incorrectly installed, the computer may become inoperable.

4. Install the appropriate drivers to use with a PCI video or network expansion card in the C/Dock Expansion Station.

Installing Video Drivers for Windows 95

Video drivers control features such as screen resolution and the number of screen colors.

NOTE: If you need to use extended video modes, check the documentation that came with the application program to determine if the drivers are provided. If not, contact the software manufacturer to get the necessary drivers.

To install the video drivers for Windows 95, perform the following steps:

1. Save your work in all open application programs, because you will need to restart your computer at the end of this procedure to complete the installation.

2. Insert the video drivers diskette into the diskette drive.

3. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears.

4. Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties window appears.

5. Click the Settings tab.

6. Click Advanced Properties. The Advanced Properties window appears.

7. Click the Adapter tab and then click Change. The Select Device window appears.

8. Click Have Disk... .

9. Verify that A:\ is displayed in the Install from Disk field, and then click OK.

10. When the Select Device window appears, verify that the NeoMagic MagicMedia 256AV option is highlighted, and then click OK.

A progress bar is shown while the driver files are copied to your hard-disk drive. After the drivers are successfully installed, the Advanced Display Properties window appears.

11. In the Advanced Display Properties window, click Apply and OK.

12. Click Close in the Display Properties window.

13. Restart your computer to activate the drivers.

Installing Video Drivers for Windows 98

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Video drivers control features such as screen resolution and the number of screen colors.

To install the video drivers for Windows 98, perform the following steps:

1. Save your work in all open application programs, because you will need to restart your computer at the end of this procedure to complete the installation.

2. Insert the video drivers diskette into the diskette drive.

3. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears.

4. Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties window appears.

5. Click the Settings tab and then click Advanced Properties.

6. Click the Adapter tab and then click Change.

7. When the Update Driver Wizard appears, click Next>.

8. Select Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location, and click Next>.

9. When prompted for the location of the drivers, click Have Disk.

10. In the Install from Disk window, enter A:\video and click OK. The Select Device window appears.

11. Make sure that NeoMagic MagicGraph 256AV is highlighted, and click OK.

12. In the Update Device Driver Wizard window, click Next> to begin copying the files.

13. Close the Display Properties window.

14. When prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.

After installing the video drivers and restarting your computer, you can set the display parameters with the Display control panel.

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

2. Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties window appears.

3. Click the Settings tab.

4. Change the Color palette option from 256 colors to High Color (16 bit).

5. Depending on your computer's display size, set the Desktop

13.3-inch display, set the Desktop area to 1024 x 768.

12.1-inch display, set the Desktop area to 800 x 600.

6. Click Apply.

area as follows:

Installing Audio Drivers

Dell Latitude CPi A User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual