Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Latitude, and ExpressCharge are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademark of
Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may
not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My device documentation
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may
not ship with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers.
Readme files may be
included on your CD to
provide last-minute
updates about technical
changes to your computer
or advanced technicalreference material for
technicians or experienced
users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
Dell Latitude™ User’s Guide
1
Click
Start→
Help and Support→ Dell User and System
Guides
→
2
Click the
System Guides
User’s Guide
.
for your computer.
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License
These labels are located on
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you
support.dell.com
use
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting technical
support.
the bottom of
your computer.
or contact technical support.
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked
questions
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such
as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and
order status, warranty, and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and support
history, service contract, online discussions with
technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product specifications, and
white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software
updates
• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If you reinstall the
operating system for your computer, you should also
reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates
for your operating system and support for Dell™
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
®
processors, optical
drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer. The software
automatically detects your computer and operating
system and installs the updates appropriate for your
configuration.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers
can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at
premier.support.dell.com.
To download Notebook System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com→
2
Enter your Service Tag or product model.
3
In the
Download Category
4
Select the operating system and operating system
language for your computer, and click
5
Under
Select a Device
Configuration Utilities
Software
.
Downloads
.
drop-down menu, click
Submit.
, scroll to
, and click
System and
Dell Notebook System
All
.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
• Information on network activity, the Power Management
Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell
QuickSet
• How to reinstall my operating system
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Dell QuickSet Help
To view
Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the icon
in the Microsoft
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may
not ship with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use the optional
Operating System CD.
Help and Support
®
Windows® taskbar.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD
(ResourceCD) to reinstall
drivers for the devices that
came with your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD
varies based on the
operating system you
ordered.
.
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
1
Unpack the accessories box.
2
Set aside the contents of the accessories box, which you will need to complete the setup of your
computer.
The accessories box also contains user documentation and any software or additional hardware (such
as PC Cards, drives, or batteries) that you have ordered.
Quick Reference Guide7
3
Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet.
4
Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer (see Front View).
NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and shut down at
least once.
8Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
Front View
13
12
11
10
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
1display latch8touch pad/track stick buttons
2display9track stick
3power button10keyboard status lights
4device status lights11volume control buttons
5speakers (2)12mute button
6keyboard13ambient light sensor
7touch pad
Quick Reference Guide9
Left Side View
Right Side View
126347589
1security cable slot6infrared sensor
2air vents7wireless switch
31394 connector8wireless activity light
4audio connectors9PC Card slot
5ExpressCard slot10smart card slot
1
1media bay2USB connectors (2)
10
2
10Quick Reference Guide
Back View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your
computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow
can damage the computer or cause a fire.
NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate
paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.
For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable
computer with the main battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to an
electrical outlet the first time you use the computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter
until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, access the Control Panel→ Power Options, and
then click the Power Meter tab.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how
often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during
the life of your computer.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second
battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the
following:
•Using optical drives
•Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB
devices
•Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D
games
•Running the computer in maximum performance mode
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer (see "Checking the
Battery Charge" on page 13). You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery
charge is low.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium ion battery is designed to work with your Dell
computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call
your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery
Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.
12Quick Reference Guide
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate,
disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children.
Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury
or equipment damage.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and icon, the
battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery
charge.
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery
Meter displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your
computer.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, doubleclick the icon on the taskbar.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you
can check:
•Battery charge (check by pressing and
•Battery health (check by pressing and
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of
charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can
show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
releasing
holding
the status button)
the status button)
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate
the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For
example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights
appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described
below and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in
the taskbar, and click Help.
Quick Reference Guide13
To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery
charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than
80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five
lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the
battery. See the specifications in your User’s Guide.
Low-Battery Warning
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then
connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins
automatically.
By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, when the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely
discharged battery to 80 percent in about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer
with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal
circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is
connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary,
the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may
not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect
the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room
temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
Replacing the Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the
electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any
other external cables from the computer.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not
use a battery from other computers with your computer.
To remove the battery:
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
1
came with your docking device for instructions.
2
Ensure that the computer is turned off.
14Quick Reference Guide
3
Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer until the release clicks.
4
Using the tab on the battery, lift the battery out of the computer.
1
1battery2battery tab3battery-bay latch release
To replace the battery, place the battery in the bay and press down until the battery-bay latch release
clicks.
2
3
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges
during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it (see
"Charging the Battery" on page 14).
Troubleshooting
Dell Technical Update Service
The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware
updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how
frequently you receive notifications.
To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com/technicalupdate.
Quick Reference Guide15
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Lockups and Software
Problems" on page 18 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known
as the ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
Shut down the computer.
1
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
3
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4
The Dell Diagnostics can be invoked in one of two ways:
•Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
Diagnostics
from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft
®
Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
•Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board,
keyboard, hard drive, and display.
•During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
•If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the
computer, press <Esc>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that
failed, press <r>.
•If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message
Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue
5
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
16Quick Reference Guide
Booting
.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1
Insert the
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
Drivers and Utilities
CD.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows
desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots
according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
4
Select the
5
Ty p e 1 to start the menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6
Select
Boot from CD-ROM
option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
and press <Enter>.
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select
the version appropriate for your computer.
7
When the Dell Diagnostics
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
Main Menu
appears, select the test that you want to run.
Main Menu
screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
OptionFunction
Express TestPerforms a quick test of devices. The test typically takes
10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of
tracing the problem quickly.
Extended TestPerforms a thorough check of devices. The test typically
takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer
questions periodically
Custom TestTests a specific device. You can customize the tests you
want to run.
Symptom TreeLists the most common symptoms encountered and
allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the
problem you are having.
2
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the
problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the
screen.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,
technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
Quick Reference Guide17
3
If you run a test from the
Custom Test
or
Symptom Tree
option, click the applicable tab described in
the following table for more information.
TabFunction
ResultsDisplays the results of the test and any error conditions
encountered.
ErrorsDisplays error conditions encountered, error codes, and
the problem description.
HelpDescribes the test and may indicate requirements for
running the test.
ConfigurationDisplays your hardware configuration for the selected
device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information
for all devices from system setup, memory, and various
internal tests, and it displays the information in the
device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list
may not display the names of all the components
installed on your computer or all devices attached to your
computer.
ParametersAllows you to customize the test by changing the test
settings.
4
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the
CD, remove the CD.
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the
Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the
Main Menu
Main Menu
screen.
Drivers and Utilities
screen. To exit the Dell
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
The computer does not start up
ENSURETHATTHE AC ADAPTER ISFIRMLYCONNECTEDTOTHECOMPUTERANDTOTHEELECTRICALOUTLET
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
T
URNTHECOMPUTEROFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your
mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your
computer.
18Quick Reference Guide
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
ND THE PROGRAM —
E
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2
Click
Task Manager
3
Click
Applications
4
Click the program that is no longer responding.
5
Click
End Task
CHECKTHESOFTWAREDOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system
RUNTHE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD — The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it
runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.
1
Click
Start→
2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
TURNTHECOMPUTEROFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your
mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your
computer.
.
.
.
All Programs→ Accessories→ Program Compatibility Wizard→ Next
SCANTHECOMPUTERFORSPYWARE — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive
pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected
with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an
upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for
the keyword spyware.
UNTHE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 16. If all tests run successfully, the error condition
R
is related to a software problem.
20Quick Reference Guide
Index
B
battery
charge gauge, 13
charging, 14
checking the charge, 13
performance, 12
power meter, 13
removing, 14
storing, 15
blue screen, 19
computer crashes, 18-19
computer does not start up, 18
computer stops responding, 18
Dell Diagnostics, 16
lockups, 18
program crashes, 19
program stops responding, 19
programs and Windows
compatibility, 19
slow computer
performance, 20
software, 18-19
spyware, 20
Product Information Guide, 5
Q
QuickSet Help, 7
Index21
R
T
regulatory information, 5
ResourceCD
Dell Diagnostics, 16
S
safety instructions, 5
serial connector
description, 11
system view, 11
Service Tag, 6
software
problems, 19
spyware, 20
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
From the Drivers and
Utilities CD, 17
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
From Your Hard Drive, 16
support website, 6
troubleshooting
Dell Diagnostics, 16
Help and Support Center, 7
U
User’s Guide, 5
W
warranty information, 5
Windows XP
Help and Support Center, 7
Program Compatibility
Wizard, 19
reinstalling, 7
wizards
Program Compatibility
Wizard, 19
system views
back, 11
bottom, 11
front, 9
left side, 10
right side, 10