Dell Precision M6300, Precision PY760 User Manual

Dell Precision™ Mobile

Workstation M6300

User’s Guide

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data

and tells you how to avoid the problem.

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

or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" on page 275.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to
Microsoft

®

Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly
forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex,

Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, PowerVault, PowerApp, Dell Media Experience, Dell
TravelLite, ExpressCharge, Undock & Go, and Strike Zone are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a
registered trademark and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Windows
Server, MS-DOS and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC
Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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.

Model PP05XA

June 2007 P/N PY760 Rev. A00

Contents

1 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2 About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration . . . . . . 33

Front View

Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

3 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . 47

®

Microsoft

Running the Files and Settings Transfer

Wizard

Microsoft Windows Vista™

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . . . . . . 50

4 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Contents 3

Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

. . . . . . . . . . . 54

Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Power Meter . . . 55

Microsoft

Charge Gauge

®

Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Power Management Modes

Standby and Sleep Mode

Hibernate Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Configuring Power Management Settings

Accessing Power Options Properties

Charging the Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . 59

Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Storing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

5 Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Key Combinations

System Functions

Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

CD or DVD Tray

Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Wireless Networking and Bluetooth
Technology Function

Power Management

Speaker Functions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

®

Wireless

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

4 Contents

Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . 77

Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Logo Key

Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Touch Pad

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Customizing the Touch Pad

. . . . . . . . . . . . 80

6 Using the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Adjusting Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Using a Projector

Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper

Microsoft

Windows Vista™

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

. . . 82

®

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

7 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Playing CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Copying CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)

Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Adjusting the Picture

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio

Device

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

8 Setting Up and Using Networks . . . . . . 111

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem
Cable

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft®
Windows® XP Operating System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

. . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Contents 5

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft
Windows Vista™ Operating System

. . . . . . . . . . 113

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) . . . . . . . . . 113

What You Need to Establish a WLAN
Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

. . . . . . 113

Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless

Router and a Broadband Modem . . . . . . . . . 114

Connecting to a WLAN

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Mobile Broadband / Wireless Wide Area Network
WWAN)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband
Network Connection

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card . . . . 119

Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network

®

Microsoft

Windows® Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . 120

9 Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

ExpressCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

ExpressCard Blanks

Installing an ExpressCard

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank

Smart Cards

About Smart Cards

Installing a Smart Card

10 Securing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

6 Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

. . . . . . . . 125

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers . . . . . . . . . 129

Passwords

About Passwords

Using a Primary Password

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Using an Administrator Password . . . . . . . . . 131

Using a Hard Drive Password

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Enabling the TPM Feature

. . . . . . . . . . . 132

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Security Management Software . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Activating the Security Management
Software

Using the Security Management Software

Computer Tracking Software

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

. . . . 134

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Alert Standard Format (ASF)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

11 Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor . . . . . . . . . 137

Touch Pad

CDs and DVDs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

12 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

. . . . . . . . . 139

Contents 7

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers
and Utilities Media

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

Solving Problems

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . 141

. . . . . . 146

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

. . . . . . . . . . 149

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Network Problems

Power Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

. . . . . . . . . . . 155

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Video and Monitor Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . 157

If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . 158

Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

13 System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Viewing the System Setup Screens

System Setup Screens

Commonly Used Options

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Changing the Boot Sequence

. . . . . . . . . . . 162

. . . . . . . . . . . 162

8 Contents

14 Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

What Is a Driver?

Identifying Drivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . 166

Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems in

®

he Microsoft

Windows® XP and Microsoft Windows

Vista™ Operating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Restoring Your Operating System

®

Using Microsoft

Using Microsoft

Windows® System Restore . . . 170

Windows System Restore . . . . 172

. . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image

Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Using the Operating System Media

. . . . . . . . 176

15 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . 179

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . 180

Optical Drive

Hard Drive

Removing the Hard Drive

Replacing the Hard Drive

Memory

Removing the Memory Module(s)

Replacing the Memory Module(s)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

. . . . . . . . . 185

. . . . . . . . . 187

Contents 9

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Removing the Modem

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Replacing the Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Mini Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

®

Internal Card With Bluetooth

Hinge Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Removing the Hinge Cover

Replacing the Hinge Cover

Keyboard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Wireless Technology . 195

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Removing the Display Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . 200

Replacing the Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . 203

Display Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Removing the Display Bezel

. . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Replacing the Display Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

Display Panel

Removing the Display Panel

Replacing the Display Panel

Display Latch

Removing the Display Latch

Replacing the Display Latch

Coin-Cell Battery

Removing the Coin-Cell Battery

Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

Flash Cache Module

Removing the FCM

Replacing the FCM

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

. . . . . . . . . . . . 210

. . . . . . . . . . . . 211

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

. . . . . . . . . . . . 212

. . . . . . . . . . . . 213

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

. . . . . . . . . . 213

. . . . . . . . . . 215

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

10 Contents

Palm Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Removing the Palm Rest

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Replacing the Palm Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Removing the Speakers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Replacing the Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

USB Port Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Removing the USB Port Board

. . . . . . . . . . . 221

Replacing the USB Port Board . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly . . . . . . . . . 224

Removing the Processor Thermal-Cooling
Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Replacing the Processor Thermal-Cooling
Assembly

Processor Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Removing the Processor Module

. . . . . . . . . 226

Replacing the Processor Module . . . . . . . . . 228

Video Card/Thermal-Cooling Assembly . . . . . . . . 228

Removing the Video Card/Thermal-Cooling
Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Replacing the Video Card/Thermal-Cooling
Assembly

System Fan(s)

Removing the System Fan(s)

Replacing the System Fan(s)

ExpressCard Cage

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

. . . . . . . . . . . . 230

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Contents 11

Smart Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

Removing the Smart Card Reader

. . . . . . . . . 235

Replacing the Smart Card Reader . . . . . . . . . 236

System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

Removing the System Board

. . . . . . . . . . . . 236

Replacing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

Battery Latch Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Removing the Battery Latch Assembly

. . . . . . . 243

Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly . . . . . . 246

Flashing the BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors

USB Connector

Video Connector

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

. . . . . . . . . . 247

S-Video TV-Out Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

IEEE 1394 Connector

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

16 Dell™ QuickSet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

17 Traveling With Your Computer . . . . . . . . 253

12 Contents

Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

Packing the Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

Traveling by Air

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

18 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

Technical Support and Customer Service

DellConnect

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

. . . . . 258

Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

AutoTech Service

Automated Order-Status Service

Problems With Your Order

Product Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

. . . . . . . . . 259

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . 260

Before You Call

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

19 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

20 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

Macrovision Product Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

FCC Notice (U.S. Only)

FCC Class B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Contents 13

14 Contents

Finding Information

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.

1

Finding Information 15

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)

Drivers and Utilities Media

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media may

be optional and may not ship with your
computer.

Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer. You can use
the media to reinstall drivers (see
"Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on
page 166), to run the Dell Diagnostics
(see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 139).

Readme files may be included on your
media to provide last-minute updates
about technical changes to your computer
or advanced technical-reference material
for technicians or experienced users.

16 Finding Information

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates

can be found at support.dell.com.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to set up my computer

• How to care for my computer

• Basic troubleshooting information

• How to run the Dell Diagnostics

• Tools and utilities

• How to set up a printer

• How to open my computer

• Warranty information

•Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

•Safety instructions

Quick Reference Guide

NOTE: This document may be optional and

may not ship with your computer.

NOTE: This document is available as a PDF

at support.dell.com.

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Finding Information 17

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 support.

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct
your call when contacting support.

NOTE: As an increased security measure,

the newly designed Microsoft Windows
license label incorporates a missing portion
or "hole" to discourage removal of the label.

18 Finding Information

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• 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

• Dell Technical Update Service —
Proactive e-mail notification of software
and hardware updates for your computer

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business

segment to view the appropriate support
site.

• 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 processors, optical drives,
USB devices, and so on. 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.

To download Notebook System Software:

1

Go to

support.dell.com

and click

Drivers & Downloads.

2

Enter your Service Tag or Product Type
and Product Model, and click Go.

3

Scroll to

System and Configuration
Utilities→ Dell Notebook System
Software

4

Select

Go

and click

Download Now

Drivers & Downloads

.

.

and click

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface

may vary depending on your selections.

Finding Information 19

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

•How to use

Microsoft® Windows® XP

and Microsoft® Windows® Vista™

• 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.

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.

Windows Help and Support Center

1

Click

Start→

2

Type a word or phrase that describes

Help and Support

.

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 v ie w

Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the

QuickSet icon in the Microsoft®

®

Windows

taskbar.

• How to reinstall my operating system

20 Finding Information

For more information on Dell QuickSet,
see "Dell™ QuickSet" on page 125.

Operating System Media

NOTE: The Operating System media may be

optional and may not ship with your
computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

The operating system is already installed
on your computer. To reinstall your
operating system, use the Operating
System media. See "Restoring Your
Operating System" on page 170" or in your
Owner’s Manual.

After you reinstall your operating system,
use the Drivers and Utilities media 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 media varies

based on the operating system you ordered.

Finding Information 21

22 Finding Information

Finding Information 23

24 Finding Information

Finding Information 25

26 Finding Information

Finding Information 27

28 Finding Information

Finding Information 29

30 Finding Information

Finding Information 31

32 Finding Information

2

About Your Computer

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration

Based on selections that you made when purchasing your computer, your
computer has one of several different video controller configurations. To
determine your computer’s video controller configuration:

1

Access the Windows Help and Support Center. For instructions, see
"Windows Help and Support Center" on page 20.

2

Under

and diagnose problems.

3

Under

From the My Computer Information - Hardware screen, you can view the
type of video controller installed in your computer, as well as the other
hardware components.

Pick a Task

My Computer Information

, click

Use Tools to view your computer information

, select

Hardware

.

About Your Computer 33

Front View

14

13

12

11

10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 display latches (2) 2 display latch release

3 display 4 power button

5 device status lights 6 biometric reader (optional)

7 touch pad 8 media control buttons

9 speakers (2) 10 touch pad buttons

11 touch-pad scroll zone 12 keyboard

13 battery conservation button 14 keyboard and wireless status lights

DISPLAY LATCHES — Keep the display closed.

34 About Your Computer

DISPLAY LATCH RELEASE — Slide to release the display latches and open the display.

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on

page 81.

POWER BUTTON — Press to turn on the computer or to enter or exit a power

management mode. For more information on power management modes, see "Power
Management Modes" on page 57.

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

Turns on when you turn on the computer, and blinks when the computer is in
a power management mode.

Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the

light is flashing.

Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.

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

About Your Computer 35

• Solid green: The battery is charging.

• Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

• Off: The battery is adequately charged (or external power is not available
to charge battery.

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

• Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).

• Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.

• Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. See "Touch Pad" on page 78.

TOUCH-PAD SCROLL ZONE — Provides the functionality of the scroll button on a

mouse. A vertical scroll zone is located on the right side of the touch pad. A horizontal
scroll zone is located on the bottom of the touch pad.

MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS — Control CD, DVD, and Media Player playback.

Mute the sound.

Tu rn t h e v olu m e dow n .

Tu rn t h e v olu m e up.

Play or pause.

36 About Your Computer

Play the previous track.

Play the next track.

Stop.

SPEAKERS — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the media

control buttons or speaker-volume keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see
"Speaker Functions" on page 77.

TOUCH PAD BUTTONS — Touch pad buttons provide the same functionality as mouse

buttons.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft

Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Key
Combinations" on page 76.

ATTERY CONSERVATION BUTTON — Press the battery conservation button to

B

change the battery optimization modes.

KEYBOARD AND WIRELESS STATUS LIGHTS

The lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

About Your Computer 37

9

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

A

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

Turns on when wireless networking is enabled. To quickly
enable or disable wireless networking, press <Fn><F2>.

®

Turns on when a card with Bluetooth

wireless technology

is enabled.

NOTE: The card with Bluetooth wireless technology is an

optional feature, so the light turns on only if you ordered
the card with your computer. For more information, see the
documentation that came with your card.

To turn off only the Bluetooth wireless technology
functionality, right-click the icon in the Windows
taskbar (in the lower-right corner of your screen) and click
Disable Bluetooth Radio.

To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press
<Fn><F2>.

BIOMETRIC READER — An optional feature that allows you to gain access to

your computer, by placing your finger on the biometric reader security device.
This device reads and grants authorized access to your computer by reading
your fingerprint

NOTE: This procedure requires the Operating System media. This media is optional

and may not be included with certain computers.

38 About Your Computer

Left Side View

1 234 5

1 security cable slot 2 air vent

3 USB connectors (2) 4 optical drive

5 optical-drive tray eject button

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device

to the computer. For more information, see "Security Cable Lock" on page 129.

AIR VENT — The computer uses fan(s) to create airflow through the vent(s), which

prevents the computer from overheating.

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. 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.

CONNECTORS — Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

USB

You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector using the
optional floppy-drive cable.

OPTICAL DRIVE — You can install devices such as a DVD drive or other optical drive

in the optical drive bay. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 182.

OPTICAL-DRIVE-TRAY EJECT BUTTON — Press this button to eject a CD or DVD

from the optical drive. This button only works when the computer is turned on.

About Your Computer 39

Right Side View

2 345671

1 smart card slot 2 hard drive

3 ExpressCard slot 4 IEEE 1394 connector

5 5-in-1 media memory card reader 6 audio connectors (2)

7 air vent

SMART CARD SLOT — Supports one smart card. See "Smart Cards" on page 126.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

XPRESSCARD SLOT — Supports one ExpressCard, such as a modem or network

E

adapter. The computer ships with a plastic blank installed in the slot to prevent foreign
matter from entering the computer interior when a card is not installed. For more
information, see

"Using Cards" on page 123.

NOTE: The ExpressCard slot does not support PC cards.

IEEE 1394

CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed

transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.

IN-1 MEDIA MEMORY CARD READER — Provides a fast and convenient way to view

5-

and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The 5-in-

1 media memory card reader reads the following digital media memory cards:

• Secure Digital (SD) card/SDIO

• MultiMediaCard (MMC)

•Memory Stick

•Memory Stick PRO

•XD-Picture Card

40 About Your Computer

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

AIR

VENT — The computer uses fan(s) to create airflow through the vent(s), which

prevents the computer from overheating.

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. 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

Back View

1 2345 6 7 8 9 10

About Your Computer 41

1 air vent 2 S-video TV-out connector

3 network (RJ-45) connector 4 modem (RJ-11) connector

5 USB connectors (2) 6 USB connectors (2)

7 Digital-Video Interface (DVI)

8 video (VGA) connector

connector

9 AC adapter connector 10 air vent

S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital
audio capable devices using the TV/digital audio
adapter cable.

NETWORK CONNECTOR (RJ-45)

NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To

avoid damaging the computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network
connector.

Connects the computer to a network. The solid light on the
connector provides link status information. Off indicates no
link, green indicates a 10-Mb/sec link, orange indicates a
100-Mb/sec link, and yellow indicates a 1000-Mb/sec link.
The blinking yellow light on the connector indicates activity
on the wired network connection.

For information on using the network adapter, see the
network adapter documentation supplied with your
computer under the Windows Help and Support Center. To
access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help
and Support Center" on page 20.

42 About Your Computer

MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

To use the internal modem, connect the telephone line to
the modem connector.

For additional information on using the modem, see the
modem documentation supplied with your computer
under the Windows Help and Support Center. To access
the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and
Support Center" on page 20.

CONNECTORS

USB

Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or
printer.

DIGITAL-VIDEO INTERFACE (DVI) CONNECTOR

Connects an external DVI-compatible monitor, such as a
flat-panel monitor. With an adapter cable, you can also
connect an external VGA-compatible monitor to the DVI
connector.

VIDEO

CONNECTOR

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.

AC ADAPTER CONNECTOR — Attaches an AC adapter to the computer.

About Your Computer 43

The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the
computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either
on or off. For optimum performance, use only the AC adapter that came 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. 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

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.

44 About Your Computer

Bottom View

123

4

12

11

5

6

7

10

89

1 battery charge/health gauge 2 battery-bay latch release

3 battery 4 strike zone

5 cover for optional internal card with

Bluetooth

®

wireless technology

6 hard drive

7 air vent 8 mini-card/modem cover

9 docking-device connector 10 memory module cover

11 air vent 12 optical-drive locking screw

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE/HEALTH GAUGE — Provides information on the battery

charge status. For more information, see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 54.

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery from the battery bay. For

more information, see "Removing the Battery" on page 60.

BATTERY — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without

connecting the computer to an electrical outlet. For more information, see "Using a

About Your Computer 45

Battery" on page 53.

STRIKE-ZONE — Circular rubber pad between the mini-card cover and the battery.

Protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening device when a computer experiences
resonating shock or is dropped (whether the computer is on or off).

COVER FOR OPTIONAL INTERNAL CARD WITH BLUETOOTH
TECHNOLOGY — For more information, see the documentation that came with your

®

WIRELESS

card. To quickly enable or disable all wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data. For more information, see "Hard Drive" on

page 183. The size displayed for your hard drive in Windows Explorer is the capacity of
the drive before any operating system or programs are installed.

MINI-CARD/ MODEM COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the mini-card

and the modem. For more information, see "Modem" on page 189.

DOCKING-DEVICE CONNECTOR — Lets you attach your computer to the Media Base

or other docking device. See the Dell documentation that came with your docking
device for more information.

NOTICE: Your computer features Undock & Go™ technology that allows you to

undock your computer without going into standby mode. Because the computer
may not automatically go into standby mode when it is undocked, be sure the
settings in the Power Options control panel do not prohibit the computer from going
into standby mode. If you change the Power Options control panel to prohibit the
computer from going into standby mode, you greatly increase the chances of
causing your battery to wear down quickly or causing your computer to overheat.

MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the memory

modules. For more information, see "Memory" on page 185.

OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW — Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay.

For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 182.

TRIKE-ZONE — Circular rubber pad between the mini-card cover and the battery.

S

Protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening device when a computer experiences
resonating shock or is dropped (whether the computer is on or off).

46 About Your Computer

3

Setting Up Your Computer

Transferring Information to a New Computer

You can use your operating system "wizards" to help you transfer files and
other data from one computer to another—for example, from an old
computer to a new computer. For instructions, see the following section that
corresponds to the operating system that your computer is running

Microsoft® Windows® XP

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new

computer. You can transfer data, such as:

• E-mail messages

• Toolbar settings

•Window sizes

• Internet bookmarks

You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network connection, or
you can store it on a removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to
the new computer.

For transferring information to a new computer, you must run the Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard. You can use the optional Operating System media
for this process or you can create a wizard disk with the Files and Settings

Transfer Wizard.

Setting Up Your Computer 47

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

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.

To prepare a new computer for the file transfer:

1

Open the

Accessories→ System Tools→

2

When the
click

3

On the

4

On the

from the Windows XP CD

5

When the
source computer.

To copy data from the old computer:

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Next

.

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

→ Next

Now go to your old computer

Do not

click

Next

: click

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

screen, click

.

screen appears, go to your old or

at this time.

Start→

All Programs→

.

Next

I will use the wizard

.

1

On the old computer, insert the Windows XP

2

On the

additional tasks

3

Under

4

On the

5

On the

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

.

What do you want to do?

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

, click

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you

prefer.

6

On the
transfer and click

What do you want to transfer?

Next

.

After the information has been copied, the

7

Phase

Click

screen appears.

Finish

.

To transfer data to the new computer:

1

On the

Next

Now go to your old computer

.

Operating System

screen, click

Perform

media.

Transfer files and settings→ Next

Old Computer→

Next

.

screen, select the items you want to

Completing the Collection

screen on the new computer, click

.

48 Setting Up Your Computer

2

On the
chose for transferring your settings and files and click

Where are the files and settings?

screen, select the method you

Next

.

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Finished

screen

appears.

3

Click

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System
Media

Finished

and restart the new computer.

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

Accessories→ System Tools→

2

When the
click

3

On the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Next

.

Which computer is this?

screen, click

: click

Start→

All Programs→

.

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

Next

.

4

On the

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.

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

→

Next.

message appears,

do not

click

screen, click

Now go to your old

Next

.

To copy data from the old computer:

1

On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

2

Click

3

In the
the appropriate removable media) and click

4

On the

Start→

Open

Run

.

field on the

Run

window, browse to the path for

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

OK

.

welcome screen, click

Setting Up Your Computer 49

I want to create a

fastwiz

(on

Next

.

5

6

On the

On the

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

prefer.

7

On the

What do you want to transfer?

transfer and click

Next

screen, click

Old Computer→

Next

.

screen, click the transfer method you

screen, select the items you want to

.

After the information has been copied, the

8

Phase

Click

screen appears.

Finish

.

Completing the Collection

To transfer data to the new computer:

1

On the

Next

2

On the
chose for transferring your settings and files and click

Now go to your old computer

.

Where are the files and settings?

screen on the new computer, click

screen, select the method you

Next

. Follow the

instructions on the screen.

The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your
new computer.

When all of the settings and files have been applied, the

Finished

appears.

3

Click

NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for

document #154781 (What Are The Different Methods To Transfer Files From My Old

Computer To My New Dell™ Computer Using the Microsoft
Operating System?).

Finished

and restart the new computer.

®

Windows® XP

screen

NOTE: Access to the Dell™ Knowledge Base document may not be available in

certain countries.

Microsoft Windows Vista™

1

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click

and settings

2

3

In the

Click

User Account Control

Start a new transfer

Follow the instructions provided on the screen by the Windows Easy Transfer
Wizard.

50 Setting Up Your Computer

→ Start Windows Easy Transfer.

dialog box, click

or

Continue a transfer in progress

Continue

Tra nsfer fi le s

.

.

Setting Up Your Computer 51

52 Setting Up Your Computer

4

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

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, check the Power Meter in
Power Options (see "Accessing Power Options Properties" on page 59).

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions.

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.

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet

when writing to a CD or DVD.

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, Express Cards, media
memory cards, or USB devices.

• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power­intensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications.

Using a Battery 53

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring
Power Management Settings" on page 58 for information about accessing
Windows Power Options Properties or Dell QuickSet, which you can use
to configure power management settings.

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.

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.

.

Checking the Battery Charge

The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows XP Power Meter
window and icon, the Microsoft Windows Vista 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 QuickSet icon in the
taskbar, and click Help.

54 Using a Battery

Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Power Meter

The Windows Vista Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To
check the Power Meter, move your cursor over the Power

icon in the

Notification area to display the Power icon flyout.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the Power icon flyout
displays the (plugged in charging) message.

Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check
the Power Meter, double-click 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

releasing

holding

the status button)

the status button)

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).

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.

Using a Battery 55

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 "Battery Performance" on page 53
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. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning
means that the combined charge of both batteries 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"
on page 58 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" on page 57.

• Use the Power Management Wizard or the
window 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>.

56 Using a Battery

Power Options Properties

NOTE: See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 58 for information

on conserving battery power.

Power Management Modes

Standby and Sleep Mode

Standby mode (sleep mode in Microsoft Windows Vista™) conserves power
by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of
inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby or sleep mode, it
returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby or sleep
mode.

NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby or sleep

mode, it may lose data.

To enter standby mode in Windows XP, click the Start button, click Tu r n off
computer, and then click Stand by.

To enter sleep mode in Windows Vista, click the Windows Vista Start button,

, and move your mouse over the right triangle beside the lock option to

open the Power Options Properties window, and then click Sleep.

Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power
Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, you
may also use one of the following methods:

• Press the power button.

• Close the display.

• Press <Fn><Esc>.

To exit standby or sleep mode, press the power button or open the display,
depending on how you set the power management options. You cannot make
the computer exit standby or sleep mode by pressing a key or touching the
touch pad or track stick.

Hibernate Mode

Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on
the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the
computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was
in before entering hibernate mode.

Using a Battery 57

NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your

computer is in hibernate mode.

Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes
critically low.

To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows XP, click the Start button,
click Tur n off c ompu t er, press and hold <Shift>, and then click Hibernate.

To manually enter hibernate mode in Windows Vista, click the Windows
Vista Start button , and move your mouse over the right triangle beside
the Lock icon to open the Power Options Properties window, and then click
Hibernate.

NOTE: If your portable system has Hybrid Sleep enabled, then Hybrid will not be

displayed.

Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power
Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, you

may also use one of the following methods to enter hibernate mode:

• Press the power button.

• Close the display.

• Press <Fn><Esc>.

I NOTE: Some Express Cards may not operate correctly after the computer exits

hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the card (see "Removing an ExpressCard or
Blank" on page 125), or simply restart (reboot) your computer.

To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a
short time to exit hibernate mode. You cannot make the computer exit
hibernate mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad. For more
information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your
operating system.

Configuring Power Management Settings

You can use the QuickSet Power Management Wizard or Windows Power
Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your
computer. For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet
icon in the taskbar and click Help.

58 Using a Battery

Accessing Power Options Properties

Windows XP

Click the Start button, point to Control Panel→ Performance and
Maintenance, and then click Power Options

Windows Vista

• Click the Windows Vista Start button , then click the Windows

icon

in the Notification area to display the

• Select one of the following from the

Select a Power Plan

Power

icon flyout window.

section.

Power

• Dell Recommended

•Power Saver

•High Performance

• Any custom power plan you have created.

• To access additional power options, click

More Power Options

at the

bottom of the flyout.

Charging the Battery

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.

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.

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.

Using a Battery 59

For information about resolving problems with a battery, "Power Problems" on
page 153.

Removing the Battery

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 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.

.To remove the battery:

1

If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See
the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

2

Ensure that the computer is turned off or suspended in a power
management mode.

3

Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and
then remove the battery from the bay.

60 Using a Battery

1 2

1 battery-bay latch release 2 battery

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 59.

Using a Battery 61

62 Using a Battery

Using a Battery 63

64 Using a Battery

Using a Battery 65

66 Using a Battery

Using a Battery 67

68 Using a Battery

Using a Battery 69

70 Using a Battery

Using a Battery 71

72 Using a Battery

Using a Battery 73

74 Using a Battery

Using the Keyboard

Numeric Keypad

5

The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external
keyboard. Each key on the keypad has multiple functions. The keypad
numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys. To
type a number or symbol, hold down <Fn> and press the desired key.

• To enable the keypad, press <Num Lk>. The light indicates that the
keypad is active.

• To disable the keypad, press <Num Lk> again.

9

Using the Keyboard 75

Key Combinations

System Functions

<Ctrl><Shift><Esc> Opens the Ta sk M an age r window.

Battery

<Fn><F3> Displays the Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter. For more

information about the Battery Meter, see "Dell™
QuickSet Battery Meter" on page 54.

CD or DVD Tray

<Fn><F10> Ejects the tray out of the drive (if Dell QuickSet is

installed). For more information about Dell QuickSet,
see "Dell™ QuickSet" on page 251.

Display Functions

<Fn><F8> Switches the video image to the next display option. The

options include the integrated display, an external
monitor, and both displays simultaneously.

<Fn> and up-arrow key Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not

on an external monitor).

<Fn> and down-arrow
key

Wireless Networking and Bluetooth

<Fn><F2> Enables and disables wireless networking and Bluetooth

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

®

Wireless Technology Function

wireless technology.

76 Using the Keyboard

Power Management

<Fn><Esc> Activates a power management mode. You can

reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different
power management mode using the Advanced tab in the
Power Options Properties window. See "Power
Management Modes" on page 57.

<Fn><F1> Puts the computer into hibernate mode (if you have used

QuickSet to set up this keyboard shortcut). For more
information, see

"Dell™ QuickSet" on page 251.

Speaker Functions

<Fn><Page Up> Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and

external speakers, if attached.

<Fn><Page Dn> Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and

external speakers, if attached.

<Fn><End> Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external

speakers, if attached.

®

Microsoft

Windows logo key and
<m>

Windows logo key and
<Shift><m>

Windows logo key and <e> Runs Windows Explorer.

Windows logo key and <r> Opens the Run dialog box.

Windows logo key and <f> Opens the Search Results dialog box.

Windows logo key and
<Ctrl><f>

Windows logo key and
<Pause>

Windows® Logo Key Functions

Minimizes all open windows.

Restores all minimized windows. This command
functions as a toggle to restore minimized windows
following the use of the Windows logo key and <m>
key combination.

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

Opens the System Properties dialog box.

Using the Keyboard 77

Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Logo Key Functions

Windows logo key and
<TAB>

CTRL+Windows logo key
and <TAB>

Windows logo key and
<SPACEBAR>

Windows logo key and <G> Cycles through Sidebar gadgets (if using Windows

Windows logo key and <U> Opens the Ease of Access Center.

Windows logo key and <X> Opens the Windows Mobility Center.

Windows logo key and any
number key

Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using
Windows Flip 3-D (only if using the Aero interface).

Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the
taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D (only if using the
Aero interface)

Bring all gadgets to the front and select Window
Sidebar (if using Windows Sidebar).

Vista sidebar.

Opens the Quick Launch shortcut that is in the
position that corresponds to the number. For
example, use the Windows logo key and <1> to
launch the first shortcut in the Quick Launch menu.

Touch Pad

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

78 Using the Keyboard

1

2

1 touch pad 2 touch pad buttons (3)

• To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.

• To select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use
your thumb to press the left touch-pad button.

• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object
and tap twice on the touch pad. On the second tap, leave your finger on
the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger over the
surface.

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

The touch pad has silk screening on the right side and the bottom to indicate
scrolling abilities. Scrolling is enabled by default. To disable this feature,
modify the mouse properties within the Control Panel.

NOTE: The scroll zones may not work with all applications. For the scroll zones to

function properly, the application being used must support the touch pad scroll
feature.

Using the Keyboard 79

Customizing the Touch Pad

You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad or adjust
its settings.

1 O

pen the Control Panel, and then click
Control Panel, see the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the
Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on
page 20.

2

In the

Mouse Properties

window, click the

pad settings.

3

Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

Mouse

Tou ch Pad

. For information about the

tab to adjust touch

80 Using the Keyboard

6

Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness

When a Dell™ computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power
by setting the display brightness to the lowest comfortable setting by pressing
<Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key on the keyboard.

NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your portable

computer, not monitors or projectors that you attach to your portable computer or
docking device. If your computer is connected to an external monitor and you try to
change the brightness level, the Brightness Meter may appear, but the brightness
level on the external device does not change.

You can press the following keys to adjust display brightness:

• Press <Fn> and the up-arrow key to increase brightness on the integrated
display only (not on an external monitor).

• Press <Fn> and the down-arrow key to decrease brightness on the
integrated display only (not on an external monitor).

NOTE: In some cases you will not be able to keep your manual selections after

using Sleep/Standby mode. Your selections may come back with a darker LCD.

Using a Projector

When you start the computer with an external device (such as an external
monitor or projector) attached and turned on, the image may appear on
either the computer display or the external device.

Press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image between the display only, the
external device only, or the display and the external device simultaneously.

Using the Display 81

Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper

NOTE: If you change the display resolution from the current settings, the image

may appear blurry or text may be hard to read if you change the resolution to one
not supported by your computer and display. Before you change any of the display
settings, make a note of the current settings so you can change back to the
previous settings if you need to.

You can enhance the legibility of text and change the appearance of images
on the screen by adjusting display resolution. As you increase resolution,
items appear smaller on the screen. In contrast, lower resolution causes text
and images to appear larger and can benefit people with vision impairments.
To display a program at a specific resolution, both the video card and the
display must support the program, and the necessary video drivers must be
installed.

NOTE: Use only the Dell-installed video drivers, which are designed to offer the

best performance with your Dell-installed operating system.

If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display
supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.

To set the display resolution and refresh rate for your display, perform the
steps in the following section that corresponds to the operating system your
computer is using.

Microsoft® Windows® XP

1

Click

2

Under

3

Under

Control Panel icon

4

In the

5

Try different settings for

NOTE: As the resolution increases, icons and text appear smaller on the screen.

Start→

Pick a category

Pick a task...

Settings→

, click

, click the area you want to change, or under

, click

Display Properties

Control Panel

.

Appearance and Themes

Display

window, click the

Color quality

.

Settings

and

Screen resolution

.

or pick a

tab.

.

Windows Vista™

1

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and click

2

Under

Appearance and Personalization

, click

Adjust screen resolution

Control Panel

.

.

82 Using the Display

3

In the

Display Settings

window, under

Resolution

the left/right to decrease/increase the screen resolution.

4

Click

How do I get the best display?

for further instructions.

, slide the slide bar to

Using the Display 83

84 Using the Display

Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs

NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep

the tray closed when you are not using the drive.

NOTICE: Do not move the computer while playing CDs or DVDs.

1

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

2

Pull out the tray.

7

Using Multimedia 85

3

Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray and snap the disc
onto the spindle.

NOTE: If you use a module that shipped with another computer, you need to install

the drivers and software necessary to play DVDs or write data. For more
information, see the Drivers and Utilities CD (the CD is optional and may not be
available for your computer or in certain countries).

4

Push the tray back into the drive.

To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the
CD software that came with your computer.

NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.

A CD player includes the following basic buttons:

Play.

Move backward within the current track.

86 Using Multimedia

Pause.

Move forward within the current track.

Stop.

Go to the previous track.

Eject.

Go to the next track.

A DVD player includes the following basic buttons:

Stop.

Restart the current chapter.

Play.

Fast forward.

Pause.

Fast reverse.

Advance a single frame while in pause mode.

Go to the next title or chapter.

Continuously play the current title or chapter.

Go to the previous title or chapter.

Eject.

For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click

Help

on the CD or DVD

player (if available).

Copying CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Media

NOTE: Ensure that you observe all copyright laws when copying media.

This section applies only to computers that have a DVD+/-RW drive or a
BD-RE drive.

NOTE: The types of optical drives offered by Dell may vary by country.

Using Multimedia 87

The following instructions explain how to make an exact copy of a CD, DVD,
or BD using Roxio Creator. You can also use Roxio Creator for other purposes,
such as creating music CDs from audio files stored on your computer or
backing up important data. For help, open Roxio Creator, and then press
<F1>.

The DVD drives and BD drives installed in Dell computers do not support
HD-DVD media. For a list of supported media formats, see "Using Blank CD,
DVD, and BD Media" on page 88.

How to Copy a CD, DVD, or BD

NOTE: BD media can only be copied to other BD media.

NOTE: Copying a BD-R to BD-RE will not produce an exact copy.

NOTE: Most commercial DVDs and BDs have copyright protection and cannot be

copied using Roxio Creator.

1

Click

2

Under the

Start

→ All Programs→ Roxio Creator→

Copy

tab, click

Copy Disc

.

Projects→

Copy

.

3

To copy the CD, DVD, or BD:

•

If you have one optical drive

ensure that the settings are correct, and then click the

, insert the source disc into the drive,

Copy Disc

button to continue. The computer reads your source disc and copies
the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

When prompted, insert a blank disc into the drive and click

•

If you have two optical drives

inserted your source disc and click the

, select the drive into which you have

Copy Disc

button to continue.

OK

.

The computer copies the data from the source disc to the blank disc.

Once you have finished copying the source disc, the disc that you have
created automatically ejects.

Using Blank CD, DVD, and BD Media

DVD-writable drives can write to both CD and DVD recording media. BD­writable drives can write to CD, DVD and BD recording media.

88 Using Multimedia

Use blank CD-Rs to record music or permanently store data files. After
creating a CD-R, you cannot write to that CD-R again (see the Sonic
documentation for more information). Use a blank CD-RW if you plan to
erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.

Blank DVD+/-R or BD-R media can be used to permanently store large
amounts of information. After you create a DVD+/-R or BD-R, you may not
be able to write to that disc again if the disc is finalized or closed during the
final stage of the disc creation process. Use blank DVD+/-RW or BD-RE
media if you plan to erase, rewrite, or update information on that disc later.

CD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

CD-RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

CD-RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DVD +RW Ye s Ye s Yes

DVD -RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

DVD-R DL Yes No No

BD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

CD-RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R Yes Yes No

Using Multimedia 89

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DVD +RW Ye s Ye s Yes

DVD -RW Yes Yes Yes

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

DVD-R DL Yes No No

BD-R Yes Yes No

BD-RE Yes Yes Yes

Helpful Tips

• Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or
CD-RW only after you start Roxio Creator and open a Creator project.

• Use CD-Rs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos.
CD-RWs may not play in many home or car stereos.

• You cannot create audio DVDs with Roxio Creator.

• Music MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players or on computers that
have MP3 software installed.

• Commercially available DVD players used in home theater systems may
not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by
your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your DVD player
or contact the manufacturer.

• Do not burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for
example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW
drive needs 1–2 MB of blank space to finalize the recording.

• Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with
CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on
the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music
file projects before you record the project permanently to a blank CD-R.

• See the Sonic website at

• See the Roxio website at
website at

blu-raydisc.com

sonic.com

www.sonic.com

for additional information.

or the Blu-ray Disc™ Association

for additional information

90 Using Multimedia

Adjusting the Volume

NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.

1

Open the

2

Click and drag the bar in the
down to increase or decrease the volume.

For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume
Control window.

The Volume Meter displays the current volume level, including mute, on your
computer. Either click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar and select or deselect
Disable On Screen Volume Meter, or press the volume control buttons to
enable or disable the Volume Meter on the screen.

Vol ume Contro l

1

window.

Volume Control

column and slide it up or

2

3

1 volume icon 2 Volume Meter

3 mute icon

When the meter is enabled, adjust the volume with the volume control
buttons or by pressing the following keys:

• Press <Fn> <PageUp> to increase volume.

• Press <Fn> <PageDn> to decrease volume.

• Press <Fn> <End> to mute volume.

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and
click Help.

Using Multimedia 91

Adjusting the Picture

If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth
are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display
properties.

Microsoft Windows XP

1

Click

2

Under

3

Under
setting.

4

In the drop-down menu under
click

Microsoft Windows Vista™ Operating System

1

Click the Windows Vista Start button
click

2

Under

Start→

Pick a task...

Screen resolution

Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes

, click

Change the screen resolution

, click and drag the bar to reduce the resolution

Color quality

OK

.

Appearance and Personalization

Personalization

, click

Adjust Screen Resolution

.

.

,

click

, click

Medium (16 bit)

Control Panel

and

, and then

.

.

The

Display Properties

3

Under

4

In the drop-down menu under

5

Click OK.

Resolution:

window appears.

click and drag the bar reduce the resolution setting.

Colors:

, click

Medium (16 bit)

.

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

NOTE: Video and audio cables for connecting your computer to a TV or other audio

device may not be included with your computer. Cables and TV/digital audio
adapter cables are available for purchase from Dell.

Your computer has an S-video TV-out connector that, together with a
standard S-video cable, a composite video adapter cable, or a component
video adapter cable (available from Dell), enable you to connect the
computer to a TV.

Your TV has either an S-video input connector, a composite video-input
connector, or a component video-input connector. Depending on what type
of connector is available on your TV, you can use a commercially available
S-video cable, composite video cable, or component video cable to connect
your computer to your TV.

92 Using Multimedia

1

2

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 S-video connector

1

2

3

4

5

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 composite video adapter

3 S/PDIF digital audio connector 4 composite video-output connector

5 S-video connector

12

3

4

5

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 component video adapter

3 S/PDIF digital audio connector 4 Pr (red) component video-output

5 Pb (blue) component video-output

connector

6

connector

6 Y (green) component video-output

connector

Using Multimedia 93

If you want to connect your computer to a TV or audio device, it is
recommended that you connect video and audio cables to your computer in
one of the following combinations.

• S-video and standard audio

• Composite video and standard audio

• Component-out video and standard audio

NOTE: See the diagrams at the beginning of each subsection to help you determine

which method of connection you should use.

When you finish connecting the video and audio cables between your
computer and your TV, you must enable your computer to work with the TV.
See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 108 to ensure that the
computer recognizes and works properly with the TV. Additionally, if you are
using S/PDIF digital audio, see "S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio" on
page 96.

S-Video and Standard Audio

1

2

1 audio connector 2 S-video TV-out connector

94 Using Multimedia

1

2

1 standard S-video cable 2 standard audio cable

1

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to
connect.

NOTE: If your TV or audio device supports S-video but not S/PDIF digital audio, you

can connect an S-video cable directly to the S-video TV-out connector on the
computer (without the TV/digital audio adapter cable).

2

Plug one end of the S-video cable into the S-video output connector on
the computer.

3

Plug the other end of the S-video cable into the S-video input connector
on your TV.

4

Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone
connector on your computer.

5

Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into the
audio input connectors on your TV or other audio device.

6

Turn on the TV and any audio device that you connected (if applicable),
and then turn on the computer.

7

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 108 to ensure that
the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 95

S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 composite video adapter

1

2

3

1 composite video adapter 2 S-video cable

3 S/PDIF digital audio cable

1

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or the audio device that you want
to connect.

96 Using Multimedia

2

Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on
your computer.

3

Plug one end of the S-video cable into the S-video output connector on
the composite video adapter.

1

1 composite video adapter 2 S-video cable

4

Plug the other end of the S-video cable into the S-video input connector

2

on the TV.

5

Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the digital audio
connector on the composite video adapter cable.

1 2

1 composite video adapter 2 S/PDIF digital audio cable

6

Plug the other end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the audio input
connector on your TV or audio device.

7

Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if
applicable), and then turn on the computer.

8

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 108 to ensure that
the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 97

Composite Video and Standard Audio

1

2

1 audio input connector 2 S-video TV-out connector

3 composite video adapter

3

1

2

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

3 standard audio cable

1

Turn off the computer and the TV and/or audio device that you want to
connect.

98 Using Multimedia

3

2

Connect the composite video adapter to the S-video TV-out connector on
your computer.

3

Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite video­output connector on the composite video adapter.

1

2

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

4

Plug the other end of the composite video cable into the composite video­input connector on the TV.

5

Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone
connector on the computer.

6

Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the
audio input connectors on your TV or other audio device.

7

Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if
applicable), and then turn on the computer.

8

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 108 to ensure that
the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Using Multimedia 99

Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

1 S-video TV-out connector 2 composite video adapter

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

3 standard audio cable

1

2

3

100 Using Multimedia