Dell PY760 User Manual

Download

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 251.

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

Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

____________________

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

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell Precision, 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, 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 . Blu-r ay Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association.

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

August 2008 P/N PY760 Rev. A03

Contents

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

2 About Your Computer

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration . . . . . . 23

Front View

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . 37

Microsoft

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Microsoft Windows Vista

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . 38

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

4 Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Checking the Battery Charge

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . 44

Contents 3

Microsoft® Windows Vista® Power Meter . . . . 45

Microsoft

Charge Gauge

Low-Battery Warning

Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Conserving Battery Power

Power Management Modes

Standby and Sleep Mode

Hibernate Mode

Configuring Power Management Settings

Accessing Power Options Properties

Charging the Battery

Removing the Battery

Storing a Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . 48

. . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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

5 Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Key Combinations

System Functions

Battery

CD or DVD Tray

Display Functions

Wireless Networking and Bluetooth Function

Power Management

Speaker Functions

Microsoft

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

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

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

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

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

Wireless Technology

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

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

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

Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . 55

Windows Vista® Logo Key Functions . 56

4 Contents

Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Customizing the Touch Pad

. . . . . . . . . . . . 58

6 Using the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Adjusting Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Using a Projector

Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper

Microsoft

Windows Vista

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

. . . 60

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

7 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Playing CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

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

Adjusting the Volume

Adjusting the Picture

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

8 Setting Up and Using Networks . . . . . . . 87

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable . . 87

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Windows® XP Operating

Operating

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

. . . . . . . . . 89

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

. 89

. . . . . . 89

Contents 5

Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem

Connecting to a WLAN

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

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

Mobile Broadband / Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection

Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card

Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network

Microsoft

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . 95

. . . 96

Windows® Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

9 Using Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

ExpressCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

ExpressCard Blanks

Installing an ExpressCard

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank

Smart Cards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

About Smart Cards

Installing a Smart Card

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . 101

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

10 Securing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

6 Contents

Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers

Passwords

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

About Passwords

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Using a Primary Password

Using an Administrator Password

Using a Hard Drive Password

. . . . . . . . . . 105

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . . . 108

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Enabling the TPM Feature

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Security Management Software

Activating the Security Management Software

Using the Security Management Software

Computer Tracking Software

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

Alert Standard Format (ASF)

. . . . . . . . . . . . 110

. . 110

. . . . 110

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

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

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

11 Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor . . . . . . . . . 113

Touch Pad

CDs and DVDs

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

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

12 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media 116

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

. . . . . . . . . 115

115

. . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Battery Problems

Drive Problems

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Lockups and Software Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . 122

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

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

. . . . . . . . . 125

Contents 7

Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Network Problems

Power Problems

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

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

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

Video and Monitor Problems

If only part of the display is readable

Power Lights

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

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

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

. . . . . . . 133

13 System Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Viewing the System Setup Screens

System Setup Screens

Commonly Used Options

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Changing the Boot Sequence

. . . . . . . . . . . 138

14 Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

What Is a Driver?

Identifying Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . 142

8 Contents

Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems

. . 145

Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Using Microsoft

Windows® System Restore . . . 146

Using Microsoft Windows System Restore . . . . 148

Using Dell™ PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore

Using the Operating System Media

. . . . . . . . 152

15 Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . . 155

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

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

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

. . . . . . . 156

150

Hard Drive

Memory

Modem

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Removing the Hard Drive

Replacing the Hard Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Removing the Memory Module(s)

Replacing the Memory Module(s)

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

Removing the Modem

Replacing the Modem

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

. . . . . . . . . 161

. . . . . . . . . 163

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Mini Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Internal Card With Bluetooth

Hinge Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Removing the Hinge Cover

Replacing the Hinge Cover

Keyboard

Display

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Wireless Technology . 171

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Contents 9

Removing the Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . 176

Replacing the Display Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . 179

Display Bezel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Removing the Display Bezel

Replacing the Display Bezel

Display Panel

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

Removing the Display Panel

Replacing the Display Panel

Display Latch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Removing the Display Latch

Replacing the Display Latch

Coin-Cell Battery

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

Removing the Coin-Cell Battery

Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

Flash Cache Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Removing the FCM

Replacing the FCM

Palm Rest

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Removing the Palm Rest

Replacing the Palm Rest

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . 186

. . . . . . . . . . . . 187

. . . . . . . . . . . . 188

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

. . . . . . . . . . 189

. . . . . . . . . . 191

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

10 Contents

Speakers

USB Port Board

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Removing the Speakers

Replacing the Speakers

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

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

Removing the USB Port Board

Replacing the USB Port Board

Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly

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

. . . . . . . . . . . 199

. . . . . . . . . 200

Removing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly 200

Replacing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly

201

Processor Module

Removing the Processor Module

Replacing the Processor Module

Video Card/Thermal-Cooling Assembly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

. . . . . . . . . 202

. . . . . . . . . 204

. . . . . . . . 204

Removing the Video Card/Thermal-Cooling Assembly

Replacing the Video Card/Thermal-Cooling Assembly

System Fan(s)

Removing the System Fan(s)

Replacing the System Fan(s)

ExpressCard Cage

Smart Card Reader

Removing the Smart Card Reader

Replacing the Smart Card Reader

System Board

Removing the System Board

Replacing the System Board

Battery Latch Assembly

Removing the Battery Latch Assembly

Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . 211

. . . . . . . . . 212

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . 218

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

. . . . . . 219

. . . . . . 222

204

206

Flashing the BIOS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors

USB Connector

Video Connector

S-Video TV-Out Connector

IEEE 1394 Connector

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . 223

Contents 11

16 Dell™ QuickSet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

17 Traveling With Your Computer . . . . . . . . 229

Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Packing the Computer

Travel Tips

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

Traveling by Air

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

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

18 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Technical Support and Customer Service

DellConnect

Online Services

AutoTech Service

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

Automated Order-Status Service

Problems With Your Order

Product Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

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

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Before You Call

Contacting Dell

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

. . . . . 234

. . . . . . . . . 235

. . . . . 236

12 Contents

19 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

20 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Macrovision Product Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

FCC Notice (U.S. Only)

FCC Class B

Glossary 251

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

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

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.

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 142), to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 115).

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

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.

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

Dell™ Product Information Guide

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

• 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.

or contact support.

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

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business

segment to view the appropriate support site.

• 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

• 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:

Go to

support.dell.com

Drivers & Downloads.

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

Scroll to

Utilities Software

Select

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface

may vary depending on your selections.

and click

System and Configuration

→

Dell Notebook System

and click

Drivers & Downloads

Download Now

and click

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

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.

• How to use

and Microsoft Windows Vista

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Windows Help and Support Center

Click

Start→

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

• Information on network activity, the Power Management Wizard, hotkeys, and other items controlled by Dell QuickSet.

Dell QuickSet Help

To view

Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the

QuickSet icon in the Microsoft Windows

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

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System Media

NOTE: The Operating System media may be

optional and may not ship with your computer.

Help and Support

taskbar.

20 Finding Information

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 146.

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

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:

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

Under

Pick a Task

and diagnose problems.

Under

My Computer Information

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.

, click

Use Tools to view your computer information

, select

Hardware

About Your Computer 23

Front View

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.

24 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 59.

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 47.

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 25

• 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 56.

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.

Turn the volume down.

Turn the volume up.

Play or pause.

26 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 55.

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 54.

ATTERY CONSERVATION BUTTON — Press the battery conservation button to

change the battery optimization modes.

KEYBOARD AND WIRELESS STATUS LIGHTS

The lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

About Your Computer 27

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

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.

28 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 105.

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.

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

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 158.

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 29

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 102.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

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

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 99.

NOTE: The ExpressCard slot does not support PC cards.

IEEE 1394

transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.

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

and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The 5-in1 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

CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed

30 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

Back View

1 2345 6 7 8 9 10

About Your Computer 31

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)

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.

8 video (VGA) connector

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.

32 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.

USB

CONNECTORS

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.

CONNECTOR

VIDEO

Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor.

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

About Your Computer 33

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.

34 About Your Computer

Bottom View

123

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 44.

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

more information, see "Removing the Battery" on page 50.

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 35

Battery" on page 43.

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 159. 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 165.

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 161.

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

For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 158.

TRIKE-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).

36 About Your Computer

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 37

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:

Open the

Accessories→ System Tools→

When the click

On the

from the Windows XP CD

When the source computer.

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the Windows XP

On the

additional tasks

Under

On the

On the prefer.

On the transfer and click

After the information has been copied, the

Phase

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

→ Next

Now go to your old computer

Do not

click

at this time.

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

What do you want to transfer?

screen appears.

: click

Start→

All Programs→

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

screen, click

I will use the wizard

screen appears, go to your old or

Operating System

screen, click

media.

Perform

Transfer files and settings→ Next

Old Computer→

screen, select the items you want to

Completing the Collection

Click

Finish

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

Now go to your old computer

38 Setting Up Your Computer

screen on the new computer, click

On the chose for transferring your settings and files and click

Where are the files and settings?

screen, select the method you

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.

Click

Finished

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

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:

Open the

Accessories→ System Tools→

When the click

On the

Wizard Disk in the following drive

Insert the removable media, such as a writable CD, and click OK.

When the disk creation completes and the

computer

Go to the old computer.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

message appears,

do not

→

Next.

click

: click

Start→

All Programs→

welcome screen appears,

New Computer→

screen, click

I want to create a

Now go to your old

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

Click

Start→

Run

In the

Open

field on the

the appropriate removable media) and click

On the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Run

window, browse to the path for

welcome screen, click

fastwiz

(on

Setting Up Your Computer 39

On the

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

screen, click

Old Computer→

screen, click the transfer method you

prefer.

On the transfer and click

After the information has been copied, the

Phase

Click

What do you want to transfer?

screen appears.

Finish

screen, select the items you want to

Completing the Collection

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

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

. 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

screen

appears.

Click

Finished

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?).

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

certain countries.

Microsoft Windows Vista

Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click

and settings

In the

User Account Control

Click

Start a new transfer

and restart the new computer.

→ Start Windows Easy Transfer.

dialog box, click

Continue a transfer in progress

Windows® XP

Continue

Transfer files

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

40 Setting Up Your Computer

Setting Up Your Computer 41

42 Setting Up Your Computer

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 49).

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, ExpressCards, 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 43

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 48 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 Power Meter window and battery meter icon ( or ), 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.

44 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 battery meter icon ( or ) on the taskbar.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

Charge Gauge

By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you can check:

• Battery charge (check by pressing and

• Battery health (check by pressing and

The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).

releasing

holding

the status button)

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 45

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 43 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 48 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 47.

• 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>.

46 Using a Battery

Power Options Properties

NOTE: See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 48 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 Turn 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 47

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 Turn off computer, 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>.

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 101), 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.

48 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 49

For information about resolving problems with a battery, "Power Problems" on page 128.

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:

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

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

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

50 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 49.

Using a Battery 51

52 Using a Battery

Using the Keyboard

Numeric Keypad

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.

Using the Keyboard 53

Key Combinations

System Functions

<Ctrl><Shift><Esc> Opens the Task Manager window.

Battery

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

information about the Battery Meter, see "Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter" on page 44.

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 227.

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

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

Wireless Networking and Bluetooth

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

wireless technology.

Wireless Technology Function

54 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 47.

<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 227.

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 55

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.

56 Using the Keyboard

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 57

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.

In the

Mouse Properties

pad settings.

Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

window, click the

Mouse

. For information about the

Touch Pad

tab to adjust touch

58 Using the Keyboard

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 59

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

Click

Start→

Settings→

Under

Pick a category

Under

Pick a task...

Control Panel icon

In the

Display Properties

Try different settings for

Control Panel

, click

Appearance and Themes

, click the area you want to change, or under

, click

Display

window, click the

Color quality

Settings

and

Screen resolution

tab.

or pick a

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

Windows Vista

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and click

Under

Appearance and Personalization

Control Panel

, click

Adjust screen resolution

60 Using the Display

In the

Display Settings

window, under

Resolution

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

Click

How do I get the best display?

for further instructions.

, slide the slide bar to

Using the Display 61

62 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.

Press the eject button on the front of the drive.

Pull out the tray.

Using Multimedia 63

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).

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.

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.

64 Using Multimedia

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.

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 66.

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.

Click

Start →

Under the

To copy the CD, DVD, or BD:

If you have one optical drive

• ensure that the settings are correct, and then click the button to continue. The computer reads your source disc and copies the data to a temporary folder on your computer hard drive.

All Programs→ Roxio Creator→

Copy

tab, click

Copy Disc

, insert the source disc into the drive,

Projects→

Copy

Copy Disc

Using Multimedia 65

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

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.

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.

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

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD-Writable Drives

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

CD-R Yes Yes No

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DV D +R W Ye s Ye s Ye s

66 Using Multimedia

Media Type Read Write Rewritable

DV D -R W Ye s Ye s Ye s

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

C D- RW Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R Yes Yes No

DVD-R Yes Yes No

DV D +R W Ye s Ye s Ye s

DV D -R W Ye s Ye s Ye s

DVD+R DL Yes Yes No

DVD-R DL Yes Yes 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.

Using Multimedia 67

• 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

Adjusting the Volume

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

Open the

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 Volu me 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.

Volume Control

window.

Volume Control

column and slide it up or

68 Using Multimedia

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.

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

Click

Start→

Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes

Under

Pick a task...

Under

Screen resolution

, click

Change the screen resolution

, click and drag the bar to reduce the resolution

setting.

In the drop-down menu under click

Color quality

Microsoft Windows Vista® Operating System

Click the Windows Vista Start button , click click

Appearance and Personalization

Under

Personalization

The

Display Properties

, click

window appears.

Adjust Screen Resolution

, click

Medium (16 bit)

Control Panel

and

, and then

Under

Resolution:

In the drop-down menu under

Click OK.

click and drag the bar reduce the resolution setting.

Colors:

, click

Medium (16 bit)

Using Multimedia 69

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.

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

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

70 Using Multimedia

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

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

connector

5 Pb (blue) component video-output

connector

6 Y (green) component video-output

connector

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 85 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 73.

Using Multimedia 71

S-Video and Standard Audio

1 audio connector 2 S-video TV-out connector

1 standard S-video cable 2 standard audio cable

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).

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

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

72 Using Multimedia

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

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.

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

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 85 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

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

Using Multimedia 73

1 composite video adapter 2 S-video cable

3 S/PDIF digital audio cable

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

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

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

1 composite video adapter 2 S-video cable

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

on the TV.

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

74 Using Multimedia

1 2

1 composite video adapter 2 S/PDIF digital audio cable

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

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

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 85 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Composite Video and Standard Audio

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

3 composite video adapter

Using Multimedia 75

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

3 standard audio cable

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

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

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

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

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

76 Using Multimedia

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

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.

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

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 85 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

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

Using Multimedia 77

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

3 standard audio cable

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

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

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

1 composite video adapter 2 composite video cable

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

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

78 Using Multimedia

1 2

1 composite video adapter 2 S/PDIF digital audio cable

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

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

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 85 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Component Video and Standard Audio

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

Using Multimedia 79

1 component video adapter 2 component video cable

3 standard audio cable

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

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

Plug all three ends of the component video cable into the component video-output connectors on the component video adapter. Make sure that the red, green, and blue colors of the cable match the corresponding adapter ports.

80 Using Multimedia

1 component video adapter 2 component video cable

Plug all three connectors from the other end of the component video cable into the component video-input connectors on the TV. Make sure that the red, green, and blue colors of the cable match the colors of the TV input connectors.

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

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

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

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 85 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio

1 2

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

Using Multimedia 81

1 component video adapter 2 component video cable

3 standard audio cable

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

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

82 Using Multimedia

1 component video adapter 2 component video-output connector

3 component video cable

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

1 component video adapter 2 S/PDIF digital audio cable

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

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

See "Enabling the Display Settings for a TV" on page 85 to ensure that the computer recognizes and works properly with the TV.

Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio

If your computer has a DVD drive, you can enable digital audio for DVD playback.

Launch the

Insert a DVD into the DVD drive.

Cyberlink PowerDVD

application.

If the DVD begins playing, click the stop button.

Click the

Settings

DVD

option.

Using Multimedia 83

Click the

Click the arrows beside the through the options, and select the

Click the

DVD Audio Setting

icon.

Speaker Configuration

SPDIF

Back

button once, and then click the

option.

Back

setting to scroll

button again to

return to the main menu screen.

Enabling S/PDIF in the Windows Audio Driver

Double-click the speaker icon in the Windows notification area.

Click the

Click

Click OK.

Setting Up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones

NOTE: The CL headphone feature is available only if your computer has a DVD

drive.

Options

Advanced

menu and then click

S/PDIF Interface

Advanced Controls

If your computer has a DVD drive, you can enable digital audio for DVD playback.

Launch the

Insert a DVD into the DVD drive.

Cyberlink PowerDVD

program.

If the DVD begins playing, click the stop button.

Click the

Click the arrows beside the

Settings

DVD

option.

DVD Audio Setting

through the options, and select the

Click the arrows beside the the options, and select the

Click the arrows beside the the most suitable option.

84 Using Multimedia

icon.

Speaker Configuration

Headphones

Audio listening mode

CL Headphone

option.

setting to scroll

option.

setting to scroll through

Dynamic range compression

option to select

Click the

Back

button once, and then click the

Back

button again to

return to the main menu screen.

Enabling the Display Settings for a TV

NOTE: To ensure that the display options appear correctly, connect the TV to the

computer before you enable the display settings.

Microsoft Windows XP

Click the

Double-click

Click

Click the tab for your video card.

NOTE: To determine the type of video card installed in your computer, see the

Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, click

Start information and diagnose problems. Then, under My Computer Information, select Hardware.

In the display devices section, select the appropriate option for using

Start

Display

Advanced

button, point to

and click the

Settings

, and then click

tab.

Control Panel

→ Help and Support. Under Pick a Task, click Use Tools to view your computer

either a single display or multiple displays, ensuring that the display settings are correct for your selection.

Microsoft Windows Vista

Click the Windows Vista Start button , click

click

Appearance and Personalization

Under

Personalization

The

Display Properties

, click

window appears.

Adjust Screen Resolution

Control Panel

, and then

Click

Advanced

Click the tab for your video card.

NOTE: To determine the type of video card installed in your computer, see the

Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center in Windows Vista, click the Windows Vista Start button Under Pick a Task, click Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems. Then, under My Computer Information, select Hardware.

In the display devices section, select the appropriate option for using

→

Help and Support.

either a single display or multiple displays, ensuring that the display settings are correct for your selection.

Using Multimedia 85

86 Using Multimedia

Setting Up and Using Networks

Setting up a computer network provides connectivity between your computer and the Internet, another computer, or a network. For example, with a network set up in a home or small office you can print to a shared printer, access drives and files on another computer, browse other networks, or access the Internet. You can set up a local area network (LAN) using a network or broadband modem cable or set up a wireless LAN (WLAN).

The Microsoft systems provide wizards to help guide you through the process of networking computers. For more information about Networking, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 20.

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable

Before you connect your computer to a network, the computer must have a network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.

To connect a network cable:

Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.

NOTE: Insert the cable connector until it clicks into place, and then gently pull the

cable to ensure that it is securely attached.

Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device or a network wall connector.

Windows® XP and Microsoft Windows Vista® operating

NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall connector.

Setting Up and Using Networks 87

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft®

Windows

Click

Setup Wizard

NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled This computer connects

directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows

XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

Complete the checklist.

Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions in the wizard.

88 Setting Up and Using Networks

XP Operating System

Start→

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications→

→

Next→ Checklist for creating a network

Network

Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows

Vista

Operating System

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and then click

Set up a connection or network

Select an option under

Click

, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.

Choose a connection option

Connect To→

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves rather than through a network cable connected to each computer. In a WLAN, a radio communications device called an access point or wireless router connects network computers and provides Internet, or network, access. The access point or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:

• High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)

• A broadband modem that is connected and working

• A wireless router or access point

• A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN

• Network cable with the network (RJ-45) connector

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of configurations. To confirm that your computer has a wireless network card and to determine the type of card, use one of the following:

• The

• The order confirmation for your computer

Start

button and the

Connect To

Setting Up and Using Networks 89

option

Start Button and Connect To Option

In Microsoft Windows XP, click Start→ Connect To→ Show all connections.

NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, click Start→

→

Settings

In Microsoft Windows Vista, click the

then click

Network Connections to view your network connections.

Windows Vista Start button, , and

Connect To→ View network computers and devices.

If Wireless Network Connection does not appear under LAN or High-Speed Internet, you may not have a wireless network card.

If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. To view detailed information about the wireless network card:

Right-click

Click

The wireless network card’s name and model number are listed on the

Wireless Network Connection

Properties

Wireless Network Connection Properties

window appears. The

General

tab.

NOTE: If Wireless Network Connection does not appear, you may not have a

wireless network card.

The Order Confirmation for Your Computer

The order confirmation that you received when you ordered your computer lists the hardware and software that shipped with your computer.

Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem

Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information about the connection requirements for your broadband modem.

Ensure that you have wired Internet access through your broadband modem before you attempt to set up a wireless Internet connection (see "Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable" on page 87).

Install any software required for your wireless router. Your wireless router may have been shipped with an installation CD. Installation CDs usually contain installation and troubleshooting information. Install the required software according to the instructions provided by the router manufacturer.

90 Setting Up and Using Networks

Shut down your computer and any other wireless-enabled computers in the vicinity through the Windows Vista Start button,

Disconnect your broadband modem power cable from the electrical outlet.

Disconnect the network cable from the computer and the modem.

Disconnect the AC adapter cable from your wireless router to ensure that

or menu.

there is no power connected to the router.

NOTE: Wait for a minimum of 5 minutes after disconnecting your broadband

modem before you continue with the network setup.

Insert a network cable into the network (RJ-45) connector on the unpowered broadband modem.

Connect the other end of the network cable into the Internet network (RJ-

45) connector on the unpowered wireless router.

Ensure that no network or USB cables, other than the network cable connecting the modem and the wireless router, are connected to the broadband modem.

NOTE: Restart your wireless equipment in the order described below to prevent a

potential connection failure.

Tu r n o n

only

your broadband modem and wait for at least 2 minutes for

the broadband modem to stabilize. After 2 minutes, proceed to step 12.

Turn on your wireless router and wait for at least 2 minutes for the wireless router to stabilize. After 2 minutes, proceed to the step 13.

Start your computer and wait until the boot process completes.

See the documentation that came with your wireless router to do the following in order to set up the wireless router:

• Establish communication between your computer and your wireless

router.

• Configure your wireless router to communicate with your broadband

router.

• Find out your wireless router’s broadcast name. The technical term for

the name of your router’s broadcast name is Service Set Identifier (SSID) or network name.

If necessary, configure your wireless network card to connect to the wireless network (see "Connecting to a WLAN" on page 92).

Setting Up and Using Networks 91

Connecting to a WLAN

NOTE: Before you connect to a WLAN, ensure that you have followed the

instructions in "Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)" on page 89.

NOTE: The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with

Bluetooth

This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network using wireless technology. Specific network names and configuration details vary. See "Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)" on page 89 for more information about how to prepare for connecting your computer to a WLAN.

Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers for connecting to a network. The software is already installed.

NOTE: If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions in the user

documentation for your wireless network card. Verify the type of wireless network card installed in your computer and then search for that name on the Dell™ Support website at support.dell.com. For information on the type of wireless network card that is installed in your computer, see "Checking Your Wireless Network Card" on page 89.

Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager

Depending on the software installed on your computer, different wireless configuration utilities may manage your network devices:

• Your wireless network card’s client utility

• The Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system

Windows XP

To determine which wireless configuration utility is managing your wireless network card:

Click

Right-click the

Available Wireless Networks

If the Choose a wireless network window states Windows cannot configure this connection, the wireless network card’s client utility is managing the

wireless network card.

wireless technology or cellular products.

Start→

Settings→

Control Panel→

Wireless Network Connection

Network Connections

icon, and then click

View

92 Setting Up and Using Networks

If the Choose a wireless network window states Click an item in the list below to connect to a wireless network in range or to get more information,

the Windows XP operating system is managing the wireless network card.

Windows Vista

To determine which wireless configuration utility is managing your wireless network card in Windows Vista:

1 Click the

Windows Vista Start button, , and then click

Connect To→

Connect To→ Manage wireless networks.

Double-click a profile to open the wireless network properties screen.

For specific information about the wireless configuration utility installed on your computer, see your wireless network documentation in the Windows Help and Support Center (see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 20).

Completing the Connection to the WLAN

When you turn on your computer and a network (for which your computer is not configured) is detected in the area, a pop-up appears near the network icon in the notification area (in the lower-right corner of the Windows desktop).

Follow the instructions provided in any utility prompts that appear on your screen.

Once you have configured your computer for the wireless network that you selected, another pop-up notifies you that your computer is connected to that network.

Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer within the range of the wireless network that you selected, the same pop-up notifies you of the wireless network connection.

NOTE: If you select a secure network, you must enter a WEP or WPA key when

prompted. Network security settings are unique to your network. Dell cannot provide this information.

NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network.

Setting Up and Using Networks 93

Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card

NOTE: If you are unable to connect to a wireless network, ensure that you have all

the components for establishing a WLAN (see "What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection" on page 89), and then verify that your wireless network card is enabled by pressing <Fn><F2>.

You can turn your computer’s wireless networking function on and off by pressing the <Fn><F2> key combination.

Monitoring the Status of the Wireless Network Card Through Dell QuickSet

The wireless activity indicator provides you with an easy way to monitor the status of your computer’s wireless devices. To turn the wireless activity indicator on or off, click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar and select Hotkey Popups. If Wireless Activity Indicator Off is not checked, the indicator is on. If Wireless Activity Indicator Off is checked, the indicator is off.

The wireless activity indicator displays whether your computer’s integrated wireless devices are enabled or disabled. When you turn the wireless networking function on or off, the wireless activity indicator changes to display the status.

For more information about the Dell QuickSet wireless activity indicator, right-click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar and select Help.

Mobile Broadband / Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)

A Mobile Broadband network, also known as a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), is a high-speed digital cellular network that provides Internet access over a much wider geographical area than a WLAN, which typically covers only from 100 to 1000 feet. Your computer can maintain Mobile Broadband network access as long as the computer is within a cellular-data coverage zone. Contact your service provider for coverage of a high-speed digital cellular network.

NOTE: Even if you are able to make a call from your cellular phone in a specific

geographical location, that location may not necessarily be within a cellular-data coverage zone.

94 Setting Up and Using Networks

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection

NOTE: You can use a Mobile Broadband ExpressCard to establish a Mobile

Broadband network connection.

To set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need:

• A Mobile Broadband ExpressCard

NOTE: For instructions on using ExpressCards, see

page 99.

"Using Cards

" on

• An activated Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or activated Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for your service provider

• The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility (already installed on your computer if you purchased the card when you purchased your computer, or on the CD that accompanied your card if purchased separately from your computer)

If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user’s guide for instructions. The user’s guide is available through the Windows Help and Support Center (see

"Windows Help and Support Center

" on page 20

) or

on the CD that

accompanied your card if you purchased it separately from your computer.

Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card

Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of configurations. To determine your computer configuration, see one of the following:

• Your order confirmation

• Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center

To check your Mobile Broadband card in the Windows Help and Support Center:

Click

Start→

Help and Support→

information and diagnose problems

Under

Tools

, click

My Computer Information→

the hardware installed on this computer.

On the My Computer Information - Hardware screen, you can view the type of Mobile Broadband card installed in your computer as well as other hardware components.

Use Tools to view your computer

Find information about

Setting Up and Using Networks 95

NOTE: The Mobile Broadband card is listed under Modems.

Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network

NOTE: These instructions only apply to Mobile Broadband ExpressCards. They do

not apply to internal cards with wireless technology.

NOTE: Before you connect to the Internet, you must activate Mobile Broadband

service through your cellular service provider. For instructions and for additional information about using the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility, see the user's guide available through the Windows Help and Support Center see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 20. The user's guide is also available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and on the CD included with your Mobile Broadband card if you purchased the card separately from your computer.

Use the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility to establish and manage a Mobile Broadband network connection to the Internet:

Click the desktop, to run the utility.

Click

Follow the instructions on the screen to manage the network connection with the utility.

Click

Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility icon

Connect

NOTE: The Connect button changes to the Disconnect button.

Start→ All Programs→

Dell Wireless Broadband

Dell Wireless

and follow the instructions on the screen.

on the Windows

Microsoft

Windows Firewall provides basic protection from unauthorized access to your computer while it is connected to the Internet. Windows Firewall is automatically enabled when you run the Network Setup Wizard.

When Windows Firewall is enabled for a network connection, the firewall icon appears with a red background in the Network Connections section of the Control Panel.

NOTE: Enabling Windows Firewall does not reduce the need for virus-checking

software.

96 Setting Up and Using Networks

Windows

Firewall

For more information, click

Firewall

, or see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 20.

Start→ Control Panel→ Security→ Windows

Setting Up and Using Networks 97

98 Setting Up and Using Networks

Using Cards

1 2

ExpressCards

ExpressCards provide additional memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia and security features. ExpressCards support two form factors:

• ExpressCard/34 (34 mm wide)

• ExpressCard/54 (54 mm wide in an L-shape with a 34 mm connector)

The 34 mm card fits into both the 34 mm and 54 mm card slots. The 54 mm card only fits into a 54 mm card slot.

See "Specifications" on page 241 for information on supported ExpressCards.

NOTE: An ExpressCard is not a bootable device.

1 Express Card/34 2 ExpressCard/54

Using Cards 99

ExpressCard Blanks

Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

Remove the blank before installing an ExpressCard. To remove the blank, see "Removing an ExpressCard or Blank" on page 101.

Installing an ExpressCard

You can install an ExpressCard while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

ExpressCards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the

safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To install an ExpressCard:

Hold the card with the top side of the card facing up.

Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.

If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.

100 Using Cards

Dell PY760 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Finding Information

About Your Computer

Determining Your Computer’s Configuration

Front View

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

Setting Up Your Computer

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

Checking the Battery Charge

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

Microsoft® Windows Vista® Power Meter

Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter

Charge Gauge

Low-Battery Warning

Conserving Battery Power

Power Management Modes

Standby and Sleep Mode

Hibernate Mode

Configuring Power Management Settings

Accessing Power Options Properties

Charging the Battery

Removing the Battery

Storing a Battery

Using the Keyboard

Numeric Keypad

Key Combinations

System Functions

Battery

CD or DVD Tray

Display Functions

Power Management

Speaker Functions

Microsoft® Windows Vista® Logo Key Functions

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness

Using a Projector

Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs

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

Adjusting the Volume

Adjusting the Picture

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

Setting Up and Using Networks

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem

Connecting to a WLAN

Mobile Broadband / Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection

Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card

Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network

Using Cards

ExpressCards

ExpressCard Blanks

Installing an ExpressCard