Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell Precision, and Expr essCharge are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademar k
of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth
SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. under license.
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 computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
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 or
to run the
(See "Dell Diagnostics" on
page 19).
Readme files may be
included on your CD to
provide last-minute
updates about technical changes to your computer or
advanced technical-reference material for technicians or
experienced users.
Dell Diagnostics
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Dell Precision™ User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start
→
System Guides
2
Click the
User’s Guide
Help and Support
→
System Guides
for your computer.
Quick Reference Guide5
→
Dell User and
.
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 your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you
use
support.dell.com
or contact technical support.
•Enter the Express Service
Code to direct your call
when contacting 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.
To download Notebook System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
, select your region or business
segment, and enter your Service Tag.
2
Select
Drivers & Downloads
3
Click your operating system and search for the keyword
Notebook System Software
and click Go.
.
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
depending on your selections.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints —
Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general
health of your computing environment
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and
notification system installed on your computer. This
support provides real-time health scans of your computing
environment, software updates, and relevant self-support
information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support
Utility" in your
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click the
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.
• How to reinstall my operating system
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 Operating
System CD. See "Reinstalling Windows XP" in your User’s
Guide.
User’s Guide
Start
button and click
.
Help and Support
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD
(ResourceCD) to reinstall
drivers for the devices that
came with your computer.
Your operating system
product key
label is located
on your computer.
.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
Quick Reference Guide7
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.
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" on
page 9).
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards
or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer.
8Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
Front View
1
13
12
11
10
9
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
1display latches (2)6touch pad11keyboard
2display latch release7media control buttons12media button
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 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, click Start→ Control Panel→ Power Options, and
click Power Meter tab.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can operate the computer) 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. Operating time is significantly reduced
when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
•Using optical drives.
•Using wireless communications devices, ExpressCards, or USB devices.
•Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as
complex 3D graphics applications.
•Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring Power Management
Settings" on in your
or Dell QuickSet, which you can use to configure power management settings.
User’s Guide
for information about accessing Windows Power Options Properties
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. You can also set power
management options to alert you when the battery charge is low. For more information, see "Checking
the Battery Charge" on page 14.
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.
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.
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.
Quick Reference Guide13
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.
NOTE: Dell QuickSet may not be available on your computer.
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 pressing (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 the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the chargelevel 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.
14Quick Reference Guide
Check the Battery Health
NOTE: You can check battery health either by using the charge gauge on the battery as described below, or by
using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar,
and click Help.
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 "Specifications" in your User’s Guide for more information about the battery operating time.
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.
A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The
computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
See "Configuring Power Management Settings" in your User’s Guide for information about accessing
QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
Conserving Battery Power
Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:
•Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined
by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.
•Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for
long periods of time. See "Power Management Modes" in your
User’s Guide
for more information
about standby and hibernate modes.
•Use the Power Management Wizard
to select options to optimize your computer’s power usage. These
options can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press
<Fn><Esc>. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" in your
User’s Guide
for more
information on using the Power Management Wizard.
NOTE: See "Configuring Power Management Settings" in your User’s Guide.
Quick Reference Guide15
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 orange and green. 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.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" in your
User’s Guide
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.
3
Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then lift the battery
from the bay.
.
16Quick Reference Guide
12
1battery-bay latch release2battery
To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
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 16.
Troubleshooting
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 ADAPTERISFIRMLYCONNECTEDTOTHECOMPUTERANDTOTHEELECTRICALOUTLET
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
T
URN THE COMPUTER OFF — 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.
Quick Reference Guide17
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 the program that is no longer responding.
4
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 the
Wizard
2
In the welcome screen, click
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
TURNTHECOMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
Start
button, point to
.
All Programs
Next
.
→ Accessories
, and then click
Program Compatibility
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.
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.
RUNTHE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 19. If all tests run successfully, the error
condition is related to a software problem.
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 17 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.
Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you
want to test displays in system setup and is active.
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
1
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
a
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft
Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the system on.
b
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
2
See "Contacting Dell" in your
®
Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
User’s Guide
Diagnostics
from the boot
.
Quick Reference Guide19
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
6
Select
Boot from CD-ROM
ResourceCD
option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
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 you want to run.
Main Menu
screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
OptionFunction
Express TestPerforms a quick test of devices. This 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. This 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.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in your
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.
20Quick Reference Guide
User’s Guide
.
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 the system setup program, 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.
5
Close the test screen to return to the
computer, close the
Main Menu
Main Menu
screen.
screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the
Drivers and Utilities
Quick Reference Guide21
22Quick Reference Guide
Index
B
battery
charging, 16
checking the charge, 14
performance, 13
power meter, 14
removing, 16
storing, 17
blue screen, 18
computer crashes, 17-18
computer does not start up, 17
computer stops responding, 17
Dell Diagnostics, 19
lockups, 17
program crashes, 18
program stops responding, 18
programs and Windows