Dell Precision M6400 User Manual
Dell Precision™ M6400
Setup and Quick Reference Guide
This guide provides a features overview, specifications, and quick setup,
software, and troubleshooting information for your computer. For more
information about your operating system, devices, and technologies, see
the Dell Technology Guide at support.dell.com.
Model PP08X
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data
and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury,
or death.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to
Microsoft
Macrovision Product Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by
method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights
owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this
copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision
Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only
unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering
or disassembly is prohibited.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials 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, the YOURS IS HERE logo, Wi-Fi
Catcher, and DellConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and is used by Dell under license; Intel is a registered trademark, and Core is a
trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista,
and the Windows Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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.
®
Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Model PP08X
August 2008 P/N D446C Rev. A01
Contents
1 About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Back View
Battery Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Wireless Switch and Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™
Network Locator
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connecting to the Internet
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
Transferring Information to a New Computer
®
Microsoft
System
Microsoft Windows
Windows Vista® Operating
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . 15
®
XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4 Troubleshooting Tips
Using the Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Contents 3
Tip s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Power Problems
Memory Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
Dell Technical Update Service
Dell Support Utility
Dell Diagnostics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5 Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Identifying Drivers
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
. . . . . . . . . . . 34
6 Finding Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
7 Getting Help
4 Contents
Restoring Your Operating System
®
Using Microsoft
Windows® System Restore . . . 36
Using Dell Factory Image Restore
Using the Dell™ Operating System Media
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . 39
Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Technical Support and Customer Service
DellConnect™
Online Services
AutoTech Service
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Automated Order-Status Service
. . . . . . 44
. . . . . . . . . . 45
Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Before You Call
Contacting Dell
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . 46
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Contents 5
6 Contents
About Your Computer
Front View
21
20
19
1
2
3
4
5
18
17
16
15
14
13
1 camera (optional) and microphone (2) 2 display latch (2)
3 display 4 fingerprint swipe/FIPS reader
5 power button 6 USB 2.0 and eSATA connector
About Your Computer 7
11
12
8
9
10
6
7
7 VGA 8 DisplayPort
9 network connector (RJ-45) 10 ExpressCard slot
11 wireless switch and Wi-Fi Catcher™
network locator button
13 wireless smartcard reader 14 track stick
15 track stick buttons (3) 16 display latch release
17 touch pad/jog shuttle 18 touch pad buttons (3)
19 keyboard status lights 20 device status lights
21 speakers (2)
12 keyboard
Back View
9
8
7
1 PC Card slot and Smart Card
slot
3 8-in-1 card reader slot 4 USB 2.0 ports (2)
2 optical bay
8 About Your Computer
1
2
3
4
5
6
5 audio and microphone
connectors
7 security cable slot 8 AC adapter connector
9 air vents (2)
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air
vents. Do not store your Dell™ 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.The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets
hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the
computer.
6 1394 port (6-pin, powered)
Battery Removal
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
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: Before removing or replacing the battery, 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.
1
Slide the battery release latch.
2
Use a plastic scribe to pry the battery up from the laptop.
3
Rotate one side of the battery up at an angle.
4
Remove the battery from the battery bay.
About Your Computer 9
Wireless Switch and Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator
wireless switch icon
Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator icon
Use the wireless switch to enable or disable wireless network devices and the
Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator to locate networks. For information about
connecting to the Internet, see "Connecting to the Internet" on page 14.
10 About Your Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
Quick Setup
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However,
power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible
cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet
may cause fire or equipment damage.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the
connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the
cable. When you wrap the AC adapter cable, ensure that you follow the angle of the
connector on the AC adapter to avoid damaging the cable.
NOTE: Some devices may not be included if you did not order them.
1
Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer
and to the electrical outlet.
Setting Up Your Computer 11
2
Connect the network cable.
3
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse or keyboard.
4
Connect IEEE 1394 devices, such as a DVD player.
5
Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the
computer.
12 Setting Up Your Computer
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.
6
Connect to the Internet. See "Connecting to the Internet" on page 14 for
more information.
4
5
3
2
1
1 Internet service 2 cable or DSL modem
3 wireless router 4 laptop with wired connection
5 laptop with wireless connection
Setting Up Your Computer 13
1
2
3
Connecting to the Internet
NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an
Internet service provider (ISP). If you are using a dial-up connection, connect
a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the
telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection. If you
are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or
cellular phone service for setup instructions.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an Internet connection with a desktop shortcut provided by your ISP:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Double-click the ISP icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an ISP icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an
Internet connection with a different ISP, perform the steps in the appropriate
section below.
NOTE: If you cannot connect to the Internet, see the Dell Technology Guide. If you
have successfully connected in the past, the ISP might have a service outage.
Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later.
NOTE: Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, consult the
Connect to the Internet wizard.
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2
Click the Windows Vista Start button
3
Under
Network and Internet,
4
In the
Connect to the Internet
or
Dial-up
• Choose
, depending on how you want to connect:
Broadband
if you will use a DSL, satellite modem, cable TV
modem, or Bluetooth wireless technology connection.
• Chose
Dial-up
if you will use a dial-up modem or ISDN.
click
window, click either
→
Control Panel
Connect to the Internet
Broadband (PPPoE)
.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose
or contact your ISP.
14 Setting Up Your Computer
5
Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information
provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Operating System
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click
and settings
2
In the
3
Click
4
Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy
→ Start Windows Easy Transfer.
User Account Control
Start a new transfer
dialog box, click
or
Continue a transfer in progress
Continue
Transfer wizard.
Microsoft Windows® XP
Windows XP provides the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data
from a source computer to a new computer.
You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or serial
connection, or you can store it on removable media, such as a writable CD,
for transfer to the new computer.
NOTE: You can transfer information from an old computer to a new computer by
directly connecting a serial cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two
computers.
For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers,
see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable
Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be
available in certain countries.
For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard.
Transfer files
.
.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System Media
NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System media. This media is optional
and may not be included with certain computers.
Setting Up Your Computer 15
To prepare a new computer for the file transfer:
1
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click
Accessories→ System Tools→
2
When the
click
3
On the
4
On the
from the Windows XP CD
5
When the
source computer. Do
To copy data from the old computer:
1
On the old computer, insert the Windows XP
2
On the
additional tasks
3
Under
4
On the
5
On the
6
On the
transfer and click
After the information has been copied, the
Phase
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Next
.
Which computer is this?
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
Now go to your old computer
not
Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP
.
What do you want to do?
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
What do you want to transfer?
Next
.
screen appears.
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
screen, click
screen, click
→ Next
click
.
screen appears, go to your old or
Next
at this time.
, click
Transfer files and settings→ Next
screen, click
screen, click the transfer method you prefer.
screen, select the items you want to
Start→
welcome screen appears,
New Computer→
Operating System
screen, click
Old Computer→
Completing the Collection
All Programs→
.
Next
.
I will use the wizard
media.
Perform
Next
.
.
7
Click
Finish
.
To transfer data to the new computer:
1
On the
Next
2
On the
chose for transferring your settings and files and click
The wizard applies the collected files and settings to your new computer.
3
On the
16 Setting Up Your Computer
Now go to your old computer
.
Where are the files and settings?
Finished
screen, click
Finished
screen on the new computer, click
screen, select the method you
Next
, and restart the new computer.
.
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System
Media
To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System
media, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup
image file to removable media.
To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and
perform the following steps:
1
Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click
Accessories→ System Tools→
2
When the
click
3
On the
4
On the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Next
.
Which computer is this?
Do you have a Windows XP CD?
Wizard Disk in the following drive
5
Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.
6
When the disk creation completes and the
computer
7
Go to the old computer.
message appears,
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
screen, click
screen, click
→
Next.
do not
click
Next
Start→
All Programs→
.
welcome screen appears,
New Computer→
Next
.
I want to create a
Now go to your old
.
To copy data from the old computer:
1
On the old computer, insert the wizard disk, and click
2
In the
Open
field on the
the appropriate removable media) and click
3
4
5
On the
On the
On the
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Which computer is this?
Select a transfer method
Run
window, browse to the path for
OK
welcome screen, click
screen, click
screen, click the transfer method you
Old Computer→
Start→
Run
.
fastwiz
(on
.
Next
.
Next
.
prefer.
6
On the
transfer and click
After the information has been copied, the
Phase
What do you want to transfer?
Next
.
screen appears.
screen, select the items you want to
Completing the Collection
7
Click
Finish
.
Setting Up Your Computer 17
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