Dell TX453 User Manual

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Dell Precision™ M4300

User’s Guide

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

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

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" on page 149.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft 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, ExpressCharge, TravelLite, Strike Zone, Wi-F i Catcher, and Dell OpenManage

are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a registered trademark and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, Windows, and Windows Vista are registered trademarks and the W indows V ista Start b utton is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation; 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. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Windows®

Model PP04X

August 2008 P/N TX453 Rev. A03

Contents

1 Finding Information

2 About Your Computer

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Left Side View

Right Side View

Back View

Bottom View

Transferring Information to a New Computer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System Media 25

Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System Media 26

Windows Vista®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3 Using a Battery

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Checking the Battery Charge

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

Microsoft Charge Gauge

Windows® Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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

Low-Battery Warning

Conserving Battery Power

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

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

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

Power Management Modes

Standby Mode Hibernate Mode

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Configuring Power Management Settings

Charging the Battery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Contents 1

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Storing a Battery

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

4 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Key Combinations

System Functions Battery Display Functions Power Management Microsoft

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick

Changing the Track Stick Cap

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Windows® Logo Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

5 Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Adjusting the Volume

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

6 Using the Display

2 Contents

Adjusting the Picture

Connecting Your Computer to a TV

Enabling the Display Settings for a TV

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Adjusting Brightness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Switching the Video Image From Your Computer Display to a Projector

. . . . 45

Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper on the Screen: Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate

Microsoft

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Windows Vista®

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

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

Using an External Monitor Simultaneously as an Extension of Your Computer Display 47

Microsoft Windows Vista®

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

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

Using an External Monitor as Your Primary Display: Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays

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

Microsoft Windows Vista®

Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

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

Using the Ambient Light Sensor

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

7 Setting Up and Using Networks

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Setting Up a Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP

Setting Up a Network in Microsoft Windows Vista®

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection Checking Your Wireless Network Card

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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

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

Monitoring the Status of Wireless Network Connections Through Dell™ QuickSet 55

Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection Checking Your Mobile Broadband Card Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Enabling/Disabling the Dell Mobile Broadband Network Card Managing Your Network Settings Through the Dell QuickSet Location Profiler

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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

. . . . . . . 57

. 56

Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator

Internet Connection Firewall

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

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

8Using Cards

Card Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Card Blanks

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

Contents 3

Extended Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

PC Card ExpressCard

Removing a Card or Blank

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

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

9 Securing Your Computer

Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Smart Cards

Passwords

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Security Management Software

Computer Tracking Software

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

About Smart Cards Installing a Smart Card

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Using a Primary/System Password Using an Administrator Password Using a Hard Drive Password

Enabling the TPM Feature

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

10 Troubleshooting

4 Contents

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Dell Technical Update Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

Dell Support Utility

Accessing the Dell Support Utility Clicking the Dell Support Icon Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

. . . . . . . . . . . . 73

. . . . 74

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

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

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

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

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

Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

CD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problems

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

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

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

Error Messages

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

Keyboard Problems

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

External keyboard problems Unexpected characters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Lockups and Software Problems

The computer does not start up The computer stops responding A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . 85

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems

Memory Problems

Network Problems

General

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

PC Card or ExpressCard Problems

Power Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer Docking Power Considerations

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

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

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

Printer Problems

Scanner Problems

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

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

Sound and Speaker Problems

No sound from integrated speakers No sound from external speakers No sound from headphones

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

Video and Display Problems

If the display is blank

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

If the display is difficult to read

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

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

Contents 5

If only part of the display is readable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

11 System Setup Program

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Viewing the System Setup Screens

System Setup Screens

Commonly Used Settings

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Changing the Boot Sequence Changing COM Ports

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

12 Traveling With Your Computer

Identifying Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Packing the Computer

Travel Tips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Traveling by Air

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

13 Reinstalling Software

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

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

14 Adding and Replacing Parts

6 Contents

Using the Hardware Troubleshooter Tool in Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista Operating Systems

Restoring Your Operating System

Using Microsoft Using the Operating System Media

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

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

Windows System Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer

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

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

Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Hard Drive

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

Returning a Hard Drive to Dell

Media Bay

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

Removing and Installing Media Bay Devices

Hinge Cover

Keyboard

Memory

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card

Wireless Cards

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

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Cards Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Cards

FCM (Flash Cache Module)

Internal Card With Bluetooth

Coin-Cell Battery

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

15 Dell™ QuickSet

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

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

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

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

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

. . 122

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

Wireless Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

16 Specifications

17 Getting Help

Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Technical Support and Customer Service DellConnect Online Services AutoTech Service

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

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

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

Automated Order-Status Service

Problems With Your Order

Product Information

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

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

Contents 7

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Before You Call

Contacting Dell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

18 Appendix

Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Computer, Keyboard, and Display Touch Pad Mouse CDs and DVDs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Macrovision Product Notice

FCC Notice (U.S. Only)

FCC Class B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

8 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.

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 100), to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73), or to access your documentation.

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

NOTE: Drivers and

documentation updates

can be found at support.dell.com.

Finding Information 9

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to set up my computer

• Basic troubleshooting information

• How to run the Dell Diagnostics

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

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

10 Finding Information

Service Tag and Microsoft® Windows® License

These labels are located on your computer.

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

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and online courses, frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the

appropriate support site.

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers

can also use the customized Dell Support website at HTTP://support.us.dell.com. The website may not be available in all regions.

• 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 Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your

To download Notebook System Software:

Go to

support.dell.com

segment, and enter your Service Tag.

Select

Click your operating system and search for the keywords

Notebook System Software

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary

depending on your selections.

configuration.

• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints — Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general health of your computing environment

Dell Support Utility

The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and notification system installed on your computer. This support provides real-time health scans of your computing environment, software updates, and relevant self-support information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the

icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support Utility" on page 76.

, select your region or business

Drivers & Downloads

and click Go.

Finding Information 11

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to use Windows XP and Windows Vista

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop

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

Windows Help and Support Center

Click

Start or

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.

Dell QuickSet Help

To view

Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the Quickset

icon in the Microsoft

For more information on Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™ QuickSet" on page 129.

• How to reinstall my operating system

Operating System Media

NOTE: The Operating System media may be optional and may

not ship with your computer.

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System media (see "Reinstalling Windows" on page 104).

media varies based on the operating system you ordered.

→

Help and Support

Windows® taskbar.

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

12 Finding Information

About Your Computer

Front View

About Your Computer 13

display latch

device status lights

touch pad

keyboard status lights

ambient light sensor

DISPLAY LATCH — Keeps the display closed.

DISPLAY — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on page 45.

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

display

speakers

(2) 6

touch pad/track stick buttons

volume control buttons

power button

keyboard

track stick

mute button

power management mode (see "Power

Management Modes" on page 31).

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft

Windows® operating system

shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.

If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS

14 About Your Computer

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.

Turns on when wireless devices are enabled. To enable or disable WiFi, use the wireless switch on the left side of the computer

Turns on when Bluetooth® wireless technology is enabled. To enable or disable Bluetooth

side of the computer

wireless technology, use the wireless switch on the left

NOTE: Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature on your

computer, so the icon turns on only if you ordered Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer. For more information, see the

documentation that came with your Bluetooth wireless technology.

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

– 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 the 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.

SPEAKER — To adjust the volume of the integrated speaker, press the volume control buttons or mute button.

KEYBOARD — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For information on

supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Numeric Keypad" on page 35.

TOUCH PAD — Provides the functionality of a mouse. See "Touch Pad" on page 37 for more information.

TOUCH PAD/TRACK STICK BUTTONS — Provide the functionality of a mouse. See "Touch Pad" on page 37 for more

information.

TRACK STICK — Provides the functionality of a mouse (see "Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick" on

page 38).

FINGERPRINT READER (OPTIONAL)—Helps to keep your Dell™ computer secure. When you slide your finger over

the reader, it uses your unique fingerprint to authenticate your user identity. For information on how to activate and use the security management software that controls the fingerprint reader, see "Securing Your Computer" on page 65.

About Your Computer 15

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

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.

VOLUME CONTROL BUTTONS — Press these buttons to adjust the speaker volume.

MUTE BUTTON — Press this button to turn off the speakers.

AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR — Helps to control display brightness. For more information, see "Using the Ambient

Light Sensor" on page 48.

16 About Your Computer

Left Side View

1 2 3 4 65 7 8 9

security cable slot

audio connectors

Wi-Fi Catcher™ light

SECURITY CABLE SLOT — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more

information, see "Security Cable Lock" on page 65.

NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.

AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, 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 Dell™

computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

NOTE: 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.

IEEE 1394

video cameras.

CONNECTOR — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital

air vents

ExpressCard slot

PC Card slot

IEEE 1394 connector

wireless switch

smart card slot

About Your Computer 17

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

EXPRESSCARD SLOT — Supports 34- and 54-mm PCI ExpressCards or USB-based ExpressCards (see "Using Cards" on page 61).

WIRELESS SWITCH — Turns on/off wireless devices such as WiFi and internal cards with Bluetooth wireless

technology and scans for WiFi networks. For more information about scanning for wireless networks, see "Dell™ WiFi Catcher™ Network Locator" on page 58.

NOTE: The wireless switch does not detect Mobile Broadband networks or networks that use internal cards with

Bluetooth technology.

1 "off" position 2 "on" position 3 "momentary" position

4 Wi-Fi Catcher light

18 About Your Computer

WIRELESS SWITCH POSITIONS

"off" Disables wireless devices.

"on" Enables wireless devices.

"momentary" Scans for WiFi networks. See "Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™

Network Locator" on page 58 for more information.

WI-FI CATCHER™ LIGHT — The light operates as follows:

– Flashing green: Searching for networks – Solid green: Strong network found

– Solid yellow: – Flashing yellow: Error

– Off: No signal found

NOTE: The Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator light appears only when the computer is turned off and wireless

networking is activated in the system setup program. While working in Microsoft Windows operating systems, the light is designed not to appear.

ARD SLOT — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a blank

PC C

installed in the slot to prevent dust particles from entering the computer. For more information, see "Using Cards" on page 61.

SMART CARD SLOT — Supports one smart card (see "Smart Cards" on page 65).

Weak network found

Right Side View

media bay

MEDIA BAY — Supports a floppy drive, optical drives, a second battery, or a second hard drive (see "Media Bay" on

page 110).

USB connectors

(2)

About Your Computer 19

USB CONNECTORS

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

Back View

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your

computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.

1 2 63 4 75 8

network connector (RJ-45)

modem connector (RJ-11)

AC adapter connector

S-video TV-out connector

serial connector

air vents

powered USB connector

video 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 two lights next to the connector indicate status and activity for wired network connections.

For information on using the network adapter, see the device user’s guide supplied with your computer (see "Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable" on page 51).

S-

VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR

Connects your computer to a TV.

20 About Your Computer

POWERED USB 2.0 CONNECTOR

Connects USB 2.0 compliant devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. Can also be used for peripherals that require more than 5 V of power.

MODEM

CONNECTOR (RJ-11)

Connects the telephone line to the modem connector (if you ordered the optional internal modem).

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer (see "Finding Information" on page 9).

SERIAL CONNECTOR

Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.

VIDEO

CONNECTOR

Connects video devices, such as a monitor.

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

About Your Computer 21

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.

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power

strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the cable itself,

and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable. When you wrap the AC adapter cable, ensure that you follow the angle of the connector on the AC adapter to avoid damaging the cable.

AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, 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.

NOTE: 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.

22 About Your Computer

Bottom View

battery-bay latch release

docking-device connector

battery

fan air vents

memory module cover

hard drive

BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE — Releases the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 33 for instructions.

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

electrical outlet (see "Using a Battery" on page 29).

MEMORY MODULE COVER — Covers the compartment that contains the second memory module (see "Memory" on

page 115).

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.

FAN AIR VENTS — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the fan air vents, 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.

NOTE: 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.

HARD DRIVE — Stores software and data.

About Your Computer 23

24 About Your Computer

Transferring Information to a New Computer

The Microsoft® Windows® operating system provides the 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 or serial connection, or you can store it on a removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer.

NOTE: You can transfer information from the old computer to the new computer by directly connecting a serial

cable to the input/output (I/O) ports of the two computers. To transfer data over a serial connection, you must access the Network Connections utility from the Control Panel and perform additional configuration steps, such as setting up an advanced connection and designating the host computer and the guest computer.

For instructions on setting up a direct cable connection between two computers, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #305621, titled How to Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP. This information may not be available in some countries.

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.

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

all computers.

To prepare the new computer for the file transfer:

Start the

When the

On the

On the and click

When the click

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

Now go to your old computer

at this time.

welcome screen appears, click

New Computer

screen, click

I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD

and click

screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the Windows XP

On the

Under

Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP

What do you want to do?

, click

Operating System

screen, click

media.

Perform additional tasks

Transfer files and settings

not

On the

After the information has been copied, the

Click

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

On the settings and files and click

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

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Select a transfer method

What do you want to transfer?

Finish

Now go to your old computer

Where are the files and settings?

screen, click

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

welcome screen, click

Old Computer

screen, select the items you want to transfer and click

Completing the Collection Phase

screen on the new computer, click

screen, select the method you chose for transferring your

and click

screen appears.

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

Click

Finished

and restart the new computer.

Finished

screen appears.

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

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System media, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.

To create a wizard disk, use your new computer with Windows XP and perform the following steps:

Click

Start→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

When the

On the

drive

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

When the disk creation completes and the

do not

Go to the old computer.

To copy data from the old computer:

On the old computer, insert the wizard disk.

Click the

In the media) and click

On the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

Do you have a Windows XP CD?

→

Next.

click

Start→

Run

Open

field on the

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Which computer is this?

screen, click

Run

window, browse to the path for

screen, click

welcome screen appears, click

New Computer→

screen, click

Now go to your old computer

welcome screen, click

Old Computer→

I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following

fastwiz

(on the appropriate removable

message appears,

On the

After the information has been copied, the

Click

Select a transfer method

screen, click the transfer method you prefer.

What do you want to transfer?

Finish

screen, select the items you want to transfer and click

Completing the Collection Phase

To transfer data to the new computer:

On the

On the settings and files and click

Now go to your old computer

screen on the new computer, click

Where are the files and settings?

. Follow the instructions on the screen.

screen, select the method you chose for transferring your

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

screen appears.

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

Click

Finished

NOTE: For more information about this procedure, search support.dell.com for document #PA1089586 (How Do I

Transfer Files From My Old Computer to My New Dell Computer Using the Microsoft System?).

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

and restart the new computer.

Finished

screen appears.

Windows® XP Operating

Windows Vista®

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , click

Transfer.

In the

User Account Control

Click

Start a new transfer

dialog box, click

Continue a transfer in progress

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

Transfer files and settings→

Continue

Start Windows Easy

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, access the Control Panel→ Power Options, and then click the Power Meter tab.

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on

how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.

Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

• Using optical drives

• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB devices

• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 33)

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer (see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 30). You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 33).

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery

only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium ion battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

Using a Battery 29

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

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.

Product Information Guide.

Checking the Battery Charge

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

Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, doubleclick the battery meter icon ( or ) on the taskbar.

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

Windows® taskbar,

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).

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.

30 Using a Battery

releasing

holding

the status button)

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 QuickSet icon in the Microsoft® Windows® taskbar, and click Help.

To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See "Specifications" on page 131 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.

By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 33 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 31).

• Use the Power Management Wizard options can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>.

to select options to optimize your computer’s power usage. These

NOTE: See "Power Management Modes" on page 31 for more information on conserving battery power.

Power Management Modes

Standby Mode

Standby mode 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 mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby mode.

NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, it may lose data.

To enter standby mode:

Using a Battery 31

• Click

Start→ Shut Down→

Stand by

• Depending on how you set the power management options in the

Power Options Properties

window

or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods:

– Press the power button.

– Close the display.

– Press <Fn><Esc>.

To exit standby 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 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.

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:

•Click

• Depending on how you set the power management options in the

Start→

Turn off computer

, press and hold <Shift>, and then click

Hibernate

Power Options Properties

window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods to enter hibernate mode:

– Press the power button.

– Close the display.

– Press <Fn><Esc>.

NOTE: Some PC Cards or ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits hibernate mode.

Remove and reinsert the card (see "Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard" on page 61), 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 or track stick. For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your operating system.

32 Using a Battery

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.

• To access the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, double-click the

Microsoft

Power Management Wizard.

• To access the

Maintenance

click the question mark icon on the title bar and then click on the area where you need information.

Windows® taskbar

Power Options Properties

→ Power Options

. For more information about QuickSet, click the

window, click

. For information on any field in the

Start→

Control Panel→

QuickSet icon in the

Help

button in the

Performance and

Power Options Properties

window,

Charging the Battery

NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, when the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely

discharged battery to 80 percent in about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.

When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.

If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.

For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on page 87.

Replacing the Battery

CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the

electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any other external cables from the computer.

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.

NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.

For information about replacing the second battery, which is located in the media bay, see "Media Bay" on page 110.

To remove the battery:

Using a Battery 33

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.

Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer until the release clicks.

Using the tab on the battery, lift the battery out of the computer.

1 battery tab 2 battery 3 battery-bay latch release

To replace the battery, place the battery in the bay and press down until the battery-bay latch release clicks.

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 33).

34 Using a Battery

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

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.

Key Combinations

System Functions

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

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 35

Battery

<Fn><F3> Displays the Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

Display Functions

<Fn><F7> Switches display output scaling from full-screen to

centered to standard aspect ratio scaling for non-native resolutions on LCD or external display.

<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 left-arrow key

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

<Fn> and down-arrow key

Activates the ambient light sensor, which controls brightness of the display based on light level in the current environment.

on an external monitor).

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

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 "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 33).

<Fn><F1> Puts the computer into hibernate mode. Dell QuickSet is

required (see "Dell™ QuickSet" on page 129).

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 Functions

Minimizes all open windows.

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

36 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Windows logo key and <Ctrl><f>

Windows logo key and <Pause>

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

Opens the System Properties dialog box.

To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, click→ Control Panel→ Printers and Other Hardware Support Center (click the Start button or the Windows Vista® Start button

→

Keyboard. For information about the Control Panel, see the Windows Help and

→

Help and Support

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.

1 touch pad 2 fingerprint reader (optional) 3 touch pad buttons

NOTE: If you ordered the optional fingerprint reader with your computer, the reader is located between the touch

pad buttons.

• 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.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 37

• 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.

You can also use the track stick to move the cursor. Press the track stick left, right, up, or down to change the direction of the cursor on the display. Use the track stick and track stick buttons as you would use a mouse.

Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick

You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad and track stick or adjust their settings.

Click

Control Panel→

Support Center. Click the Start button or the Windows Vista Support

In the

• Click

Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

Mouse Properties

Device Select

Touch Pad

Mouse. For information about the Control Panel, see the Windows Help and

Start button

window:

to disable the touch pad and track stick.

to adjust touch pad and track stick settings.

→ Help and

Changing the Track Stick Cap

You can replace your track stick cap if it wears down from prolonged use or if you prefer a different color. You can purchase additional caps by visiting the Dell website at www.dell.com.

38 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Pull the cap off the track stick.

Align the new cap over the square track-stick post and gently press the cap down onto the post.

NOTICE: The track stick can damage the display if it is not properly seated on the post.

Test the track stick to ensure that the cap is seated properly.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad 39

40 Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

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.

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 media (the Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not be available for your computer or in certain countries).

Using Multimedia 41

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.

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 the volume.

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

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

Volume Control

window.

Volume Control

column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease

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.

42 Using Multimedia

Microsoft Windows XP

Click

Start→

Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes

Under

Pick a task...

Under

Screen resolution

In the drop-down menu under

, click

Change the screen resolution

, click and drag the bar to reduce the resolution setting.

Color quality

, click

Medium (16 bit)

and click OK.

Microsoft Windows Vista® Operating System

Click the Windows Vista Start button

Personalization

Under

Personalization

The

Display Properties

Under

Resolution:

In the drop-down menu under

Click OK.

, click

Adjust Screen Resolution

window appears.

click and drag the bar reduce the resolution setting.

Colors:

click

, click

Medium (16 bit)

Control Panel

, and then click

Appearance and

Connecting Your Computer to a TV

NOTE: Video cables for connecting your computer to a TV or other device may not be included with your computer.

TV 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

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.

Using Multimedia 43

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

In the display devices section, select the appropriate option for using either a single display or multiple

Start

Display

Advanced

button, point to

and click the

Settings

, and then click

Control Panel

tab.

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

displays, ensuring that the display settings are correct for your selection.

Microsoft Windows Vista

Click the Windows Vista Start button

Personalization

Under

Personalization

The

Display Properties

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

Support. 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 either a single display or multiple

, click

Adjust Screen Resolution

window appears.

click

Control Panel

, and then click

Appearance and

→

displays, ensuring that the display settings are correct for your selection.

Help and

44 Using Multimedia

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).

Switching the Video Image From Your Computer Display to 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.

Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper on the Screen: Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate

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.

Using the Display 45

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...

Display

In the

Try different settings for

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

Display Properties

Control Panel

, click

Appearance and Themes

, click the area you want to change, or under

window, click the

Color quality

Settings

and

Screen resolution

tab.

or pick a Control Panel icon

, click

Windows Vista®

Click the Windows Vista Start button → Control Panel

Under

Appearance and Personalization

In the

Display Settings

window, under

, click

Adjust screen resolution

Resolution

, slide the slide bar to the left/right to

decrease/increase the screen resolution.

Click

How do I get the best display?

for further instructions.

If the video resolution setting is higher than that supported by the display, the computer enters pan mode. In pan mode, the entire video image cannot be displayed at one time, and the taskbar that usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the parts of the video image that are not visible, you can use the touch pad or track stick to "pan" (or move) the image up, down, left, and right.

NOTICE: You can damage an external monitor by using an unsupported refresh rate. Before adjusting the refresh

rate on an external monitor, see the user’s guide for the monitor.

46 Using the Display

Using an External Monitor Simultaneously as an Extension of Your Computer Display

You can attach an external monitor or projector to your computer and use it as an extension of your display (known as "dual independent display" or "extended desktop" mode). This mode allows you to use both screens independently and drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.

To use extended desktop mode, perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Connect the external monitor, TV, or projector to the computer.

Click

Start→

Settings→

Under

Pick a category

Under

Pick a task...

Display

In the

NOTE: If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust

automatically to the closest supported values. For more information, see your operating system documentation.

Click the monitor 2 icon, click the

Change

If prompted to restart the computer, click

If prompted, click OK to resize your desktop.

If prompted, click

Click OK to close the

To disable dual independent display mode:

Click the

Click the monitor 2 icon, uncheck the then click

If necessary, press <Fn><F8> to bring the screen image back to the computer display.

Display Properties

Screen Area

Settings

Apply

Control Panel

, click

Appearance and Themes

, click the area you want to change, or under

window, click the

to the appropriate sizes for both displays and click

Yes

to keep the settings.

Display Properties

tab in the

Display Properties

Settings

Extend my Windows desktop...

Apply the new color setting without restarting

window.

Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor

tab.

window.

or pick a Control Panel icon

check box, and then click

Apply

and click

option, and

, click

Apply

Windows Vista®

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and click

Under

Appearance and Personalization

, click

Control Panel

Adjust screen resolution

Using the Display 47

In the

Display Settings

monitor

Click OK to close the

To disable extended desktop mode:

In the

Click the monitor 2 icon, uncheck the

Apply

check box, and then click

Display Settings

window, click the monitor 2 icon, click the

Apply

Display Settings

window, click the

window.

Settings

Extend the desktop onto this monitor

tab.

Extend the desktop onto this

option, and then click

Using an External Monitor as Your Primary Display: Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays

To swap your primary and secondary display designations (for example, to use your external monitor as your primary display after docking), perform the steps in the following section that corresponds to the operating system your computer is using.

Microsoft® Windows® XP

Click the

Under

Display

Click the

Start

button and click

Pick a category

Pick a task...

Settings

, click the area you want to change, or under

tab and select the monitor 1 or monitor 2 icon, and click

Control Panel

, click

Appearance and Themes

or pick a Control Panel icon

Apply

, click

Windows Vista®

Click the Windows Vista Start button, , and click

Under

Appearance and Personalization

In the

Display Settings

box, and then click

Click OK to close the

window, click the monitor 2 icon, click the

Apply

Display Settings

, click

window.

Adjust screen resolution

Control Panel

This is my main monitor

check

Using the Ambient Light Sensor

The ambient light sensor is located on the front of the computer display. The sensor detects available environmental light and automatically increases or decreases the display backlighting to compensate for low-light and high-light environments.

You can enable or disable the ambient light sensor feature by pressing the <Fn> and left-arrow key combination.

NOTE: Do not cover the ambient light sensor with any adhesive labels. If covered up, the sensor—when

enabled—automatically sets the display brightness to the minimum level.

48 Using the Display

1 ambient light sensor

The ambient light sensor is disabled when your computer is shipped to you. If you enable the sensor and then use any of the display brightness key combinations, the sensor is disabled and the display brightness is increased or decreased accordingly.

Dell™ QuickSet allows you to enable or disable the ambient light sensor feature. You can also adjust maximum and minimum brightness settings that are activated when you enable the ambient light sensor feature. For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar, and click Help.

NOTE: Rebooting the computer returns the ambient light sensor to the setting (either enabled or disabled) as it

was before it was adjusted.

NOTE: The ambient light sensor adjusts the display backlighting on your portable computer only. It does not

control the brightness on any external monitors or projectors.

Using the Display 49

50 Using the Display

Setting Up and Using Networks

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.

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.

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

Setting Up a Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP

Click

Start→

All Programs→ Accessories→ Communications→

Checklist for creating a network

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.

Network Setup Wizard→ Next

Setting Up and Using Networks 51

→

Setting Up a Network in Microsoft Windows Vista®

Click the Windows Vista Start button

Select an option under

Click

, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.

Choose a connection option

→ Connect To→ Set up a connection or network

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

• A 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

• Your original computer invoice

Start Button and Connect To Option

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

In Microsoft Windows Vista, click → 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:

52 Setting Up and Using Networks

Start

button and the

Right-click

Click

Properties

Connect To

Wireless Network Connection

option

The

Wireless Network Connection Properties

model number are listed on the

NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, you can view network connections by clicking

→

Settings→ Network Connections. If Wireless Network Connection does not appear, you may not have a

Start

wireless network card.

The Order Confirmation for Your Computer

General

window appears. The wireless network card’s name and

tab.

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 51).

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.

Shut down your computer and any other wireless-enabled computers in the vicinity through the or

menu.

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 there is no power connected to the router.

Start

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.

Setting Up and Using Networks 53

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 54).

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 52.

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

or cellular products.

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 52 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 52.

wireless technology

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

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

Click

Start→

Right-click the

Settings→

Wireless Network Connection

Control Panel→

Network Connections

icon, and then click

View 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.

54 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.

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

Click the Windows Vista Start button

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

→

Connect To→ Manage wireless networks.

For specific information about the wireless configuration utility installed on your computer, see your wireless network documentation in the Windows Help and Support Center. Click the Start button or the Windows Vista® Start button

Completing the Connection to the WLAN

→ Help and Support.

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.

Monitoring the Status of Wireless Network Connections 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 (see "Dell™ QuickSet" on page 129).

Setting Up and Using Networks 55

Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)

Much like a WLAN, a Mobile Broadband network (also known as a WWAN) is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other through wireless technology. However, a Mobile Broadband network uses cellular technology and therefore provides Internet access in the same varied locations from which cellular telephone service is available. Your computer can maintain the Mobile Broadband network connection regardless of its physical location, as long as the computer remains in the service area of your cellular service provider.

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.

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection

NOTE: Depending on your computer, you can use either a Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini-Card, but not

both, to establish a Mobile Broadband network connection.

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

• A Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini-Card (depending on your computer’s configuration). For instructions on using ExpressCards, see "Using Cards" on page 61.

• 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 (or on the CD that accompanied your card if you purchased it separately from your computer). To access the Help and Support Center, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on page 12.

Checking Your 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→

problems

Under

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.

56 Setting Up and Using Networks

Help and Support→

Tools

, click

My Computer Information→

Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose

Find information about the hardware installed on

NOTE: The Mobile Broadband card is listed under Modems.

Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network

NOTE: These instructions only apply to Mobile Broadband ExpressCards or Mini-Cards. 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. To access the Help and Support Center, click Start or 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

Click

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

Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility icon,

Connect

NOTE: The Connect button changes to the Disconnect button.

Click

Start→ All Programs→

Click

Dell Wireless Broadband

→ Help and Support. The user's guide is also available on the Dell Support website at

, in the Windows taskbar, to run the utility.

Dell Wireless

and follow the instructions on the screen.

Enabling/Disabling the Dell Mobile Broadband Network Card

NOTE: If you are unable to connect to a Mobile Broadband network, ensure that you have all the components for

establishing a Mobile Broadband connection (see "What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection" on page 56), and then verify that your Mobile Broadband card is enabled by verifying the setting of the wireless switch.

You can turn your Mobile Broadband card on and off using the wireless switch on your computer.

You can turn your computer’s wireless devices on and off with the wireless switch on the left side of the computer (see "Left Side View" on page 17).

If the switch is in the "on" position, move the switch to the "off" position to disable the switch and the Mobile Broadband card. If the switch is in the "off" position, move the switch to the "on" position to enable the switch and the Dell Mobile Broadband card. For information about the wireless switch positions, see "wireless switch" on page 18.

To monitor the status of your wireless device, see "Monitoring the Status of Wireless Network Connections Through Dell™ QuickSet" on page 55.

Setting Up and Using Networks 57

Managing Your Network Settings Through the Dell QuickSet Location Profiler

The QuickSet Location Profiler helps you manage network settings that correspond to your computer’s physical location. It includes two categories of profile settings:

• Location Profile Settings

• General Mobility Settings

You can use Location Profile Settings to create profiles for accessing the Internet with your computer in your office, home, or other public places with Internet services. General Mobility Settings allows you to change the way network connections are handled. The profiles consist of different network settings and equipment that you need when using your computer in different locations.

For information about Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™ QuickSet" on page 129.

Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator

The wireless switch on your Dell computer uses the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator to scan specifically for WiFi wireless local area networks (LAN) in your vicinity.

NOTE: For more information about the wireless switch, see "wireless switch" on page 18.

To scan for WiFi wireless LAN, slide and hold the switch in the "momentary" position for a few seconds. The Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator functions regardless of whether your computer is turned on or off, in hibernate mode, or in standby mode, as long as the switch is configured through QuickSet or the BIOS (system setup program) to control WiFi network connections.

The Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator light appears only when the computer is turned off and wireless networking is activated in the system setup program. While working in Microsoft Windows operating systems, the light is designed not to appear.

Because the Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator is disabled and not configured for use when your computer is shipped to you, you must first use Dell QuickSet to enable and configure the switch to control WiFi network connections.

For more information on the Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator and to enable the feature through QuickSet, see the Dell QuickSet Help. To access the Help file, right-click the Quickset icon in the taskbar.

Internet Connection Firewall

The Internet Connection Firewall provides basic protection from unauthorized access to the computer while the computer is connected to the Internet. The firewall is automatically enabled when you run the Network Setup Wizard. When the 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 that enabling the Internet Connection Firewall does not reduce the need for virus-checking software.

58 Setting Up and Using Networks

For more information, see the Help and Support Center for the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system. To access the Help and Support Center, click the Start button or the Windows Vista Start button

→

Help and Support.

Setting Up and Using Networks 59

60 Setting Up and Using Networks

Using Cards

Card Types

See "Specifications" on page 131 for information on supported card types.

NOTE: A PC Card is not a bootable device.

The PC Card slot has one connector that supports a single Type I or Type II card. The PC Card slot supports CardBus technology and extended PC Cards. "Type" of card refers to its thickness, not its functionality.

The ExpressCard slot has one connector that supports 54-mm cards. The slot also supports adapters for 34-mm cards.

Card Blanks

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

To remove the blank, see "Removing a Card or Blank" on page 63.

Extended Cards

An extended card (for example, a wireless network adapter) is longer than a standard card and extends outside the computer. Follow these precautions when using extended PC or ExpressCards:

• Protect the exposed end of an installed card. Striking the end of the card can damage the system board.

• Always remove an extended card before you pack the computer in its carrying case.

Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard

You can install a PC Card or ExpressCard in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) 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.

Using Cards 61

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

Information Guide

PC Card

Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up. The latch may need to be in the "in" position before you insert the card.

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.

The computer recognizes most cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the floppy disk or CD that came with the PC Card.

ExpressCard

Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up. The latch may need to be in the "in" position before you insert the card.

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.

62 Using Cards

If you have an adapter, such as the one shown below, you can use 34-mm ExpressCards in the PC Card slot. For information about using the PC Card slot, see "PC Card" on page 62.

Removing a Card or Blank

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Product

Information Guide.

Using Cards 63

NOTICE: Click the icon (in the taskbar) to select a card and stop it from functioning before you remove it from

the computer. If you do not stop the card in the configuration utility, you could lose data. Do not attempt to eject a card by pulling its cable, if one is attached.

Press the latch and remove the card or blank. For some latches, you must press the latch twice: once to pop the latch out, and then a second time to pop the card out.

64 Using Cards

Securing Your Computer

NOTE: For information on how to secure your computer while traveling, see "Traveling With Your Computer"

on page 97.

Security Cable Lock

NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot on your

computer.

NOTE: Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock.

A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. To use the lock, attach it to the security cable slot on your Dell™ computer. For more information, see the instructions included with the device.

Smart Cards

About Smart Cards

Smart cards are portable credit-card shaped devices with internal integrated circuits. The top surface of the smart card usually contains an embedded processor under the gold contact pad. The combination of the small size and integrated circuits make smart cards valuable tools for security, data storage, and special programs. Using smart cards can improve system security by combining something a user has (the smart card) with something only the user should know (a PIN) to provide more secure user-authentication than passwords alone.

Securing Your Computer 65

Installing a Smart Card

You can install a smart card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

To install a smart card:

Hold the card so that the gold contact pad is facing upward and pointing toward the smart card slot.

1 gold contact pad 2 smart card (top)

Slide the smart card into the smart card slot until the card is completely seated in its connector. The smart card protrudes approximately .5 inch from the slot. The smart card slot is located below the PC Card slot.

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

Passwords

NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.

66 Securing Your Computer

A primary (or system) password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways. The following table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.

Type of Password Features

Primary/System

Administrator

Hard drive

NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not

foolproof. If you require more security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data encryption programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.

NOTE: Some hard drives do not support hard drive passwords.

If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see

Dell" on page 142

). For your protection, Dell support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to ensure

• Protects the computer from unauthorized access

• Gives system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration

• Allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way a primary password restricts access to the computer

• Can be used instead of the primary password

• Helps protect the data on your hard drive or external hard drive (if one is being used) from unauthorized access

"Contacting

that only an authorized person can use the computer.

NOTE: Dell OpenManage™ Client Instrumentation version 7.3 or later must be installed on the computer for system

administrators to assign passwords remotely.

Using a Primary/System Password

The primary (system) password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.

Access User Accounts from the Control Panel to create user accounts and add or change passwords. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer.

If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.

NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.

If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for the administrator password.

Using an Administrator Password

The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers, allowing you to assign a unique primary password.

To set or change administrator passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.

Securing Your Computer 67

When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in the system setup program. The Configure Setup option allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way that a primary password restricts access to the computer.

The administrator password can be used instead of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the administrator password.

NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.

NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard

drive when a hard drive password is assigned.

If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator password assigned but forget them both, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

Using a Hard Drive Password

The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for an external hard drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive.

After assigning a hard drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you restore the computer to normal operation from standby mode.

If the hard drive password is enabled, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer: A message appears asking for the hard drive password.

To continue, enter your password (with no more than eight characters) and press <Enter>.

If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.

If you enter the wrong password, a message tells you that the password is invalid. Press <Enter> to try again.

If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the computer tries to start from another bootable device if the Boot First Device option in the system setup program is set to allow start-up from another device. If the Boot First Device option is not set to allow the computer to start from another device, the computer returns to the operating state it was in when you turned it on.

If the hard drive password, the external hard-drive password, and the primary password are the same, the computer prompts you only for the primary password. If the hard drive password is different from the primary password, the computer prompts you for both. Two different passwords provide greater security.

NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard

drive when a hard drive password is assigned.

If the administrative password is installed when the user creates the primary hard disk password, then the administrative password can be used in place of the primary hard disk password. This feature allows an administrator to unlock password-protected hard disks as long as an administrative password is installed before deploying the computers.

68 Securing Your Computer

There are two behaviors associated with this feature that help to preserve the integrity of the hard disk’s password:

• The administrative password will only work to unlock a hard disk on the computer on which the hard disk password was created. This means a password-protected hard disk can not be removed from one computer, placed in a second computer and be unlocked using the administrative password on the second computer.

• Installing an administrative password on a computer after the hard disk password has been created will not enable unlocking of the hard disk using the administrative password.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

NOTE: Computers shipping into China are not equipped with the TPM feature.

NOTE: The TPM feature supports encryption only if the operating system supports TPM. For more information, see

the TPM software documentation and the help files that came with the software.

TPM is a hardware-based security feature that can be used to create and manage computer-generated encryption keys. When combined with security software, the TPM enhances existing network and computer security by enabling features such as file protection capabilities and protected e-mail. The TPM feature is enabled through a system setup option.

NOTICE: To secure your TPM data and encryption keys, follow the backup procedures documented in the Archive

and Restore section of the EMBASSY Security Center help file. In the event of these backups being incomplete,

lost, or damaged, Dell will be unable to assist in the recovery of encrypted data.

Enabling the TPM Feature

Enable the TPM software:

Restart the computer and press <F2> during the Power On Self Test to enter the system setup program.

Select

Security→

Under

TPM Security

Press <Esc> to exit the setup program.

If prompted, click

Activate the TPM setup program:

Restart the computer and press <F2> during the Power On Self Test to enter the system setup program.

Select

Security→

Under

TPM Activation

TPM Security

and press <Enter>.

, select On.

Save/Exit

TPM Activation

, select

Activate

and press <Enter>.

NOTE: You only need to activate TPM once.

Securing Your Computer 69

Once the process is complete, the computer either restarts automatically or prompts you to restart your computer.

Security Management Software

The security management software is designed to utilize four different features to help you secure your computer:

• Log-in management

• Pre-boot authentication (using a fingerprint reader, smart card, or password)

• Encryption

• Private information management

For information about how to use the software and the different security features, see the Getting Started Guide for the software:

Click Start

→

All Programs→ Wave Systems Corp→ Getting Started Guide

Computer Tracking Software

Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is optional and may be purchased when you order your Dell™ computer, or you can contact your Dell sales representative for information about this security feature.

NOTE: Computer tracking software may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: If you have computer tracking software and your computer is lost or stolen, you must contact the company

that provides the tracking service to report the missing computer.

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

• Call a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the Service Tag in your description of the computer. Ask that a case number be assigned and write down the number, along with the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain the name of the investigating officer.

NOTE: If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in that area. If you do not

know, call a law enforcement agency where you live.

• If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.

• Contact Dell customer service to report the missing computer. Provide the computer Service Tag, the case number, and the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.

70 Securing Your Computer

The Dell customer service representative will log your report under the computer Service Tag and record the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your Service Tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The representative will attempt to get the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer.

Securing Your Computer 71

72 Securing Your Computer

Troubleshooting

Dell Technical Update Service

The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications.

To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com/technicalupdate.

Dell Diagnostics

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

Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.

Enter the system setup program, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in the system setup program and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.

NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

NOTE: 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 connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.

Turn on (or restart) your computer.

Start the Dell Diagnostics in one of the following two ways:

Troubleshooting 73

When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select Diagnostics from the boot menu and press <Enter>.

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the

Microsoft

NOTE: Before attempting option B, the computer must be powered down completely.

Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell

Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.

Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.

The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.

• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.

• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and

see "Contacting Dell" on page 142.

If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you will receive the message, "

Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition.Press any key to continue"

Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.

Booting

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media

Insert the

Shut down and restart the computer.

When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

Drivers and Utilities

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the

Microsoft

Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.

media.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots

according to the devices specified in the system setup program.

When the boot device list appears, highlight

Select the

Ty p e 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.

Select

Boot from CD-ROM

option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.

Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics

CD/DVD/CD-RW

and press <Enter>.

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select

the version appropriate for your computer.

When the Dell Diagnostics

Main Menu

screen appears, select the test you want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the you want.

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer.

74 Troubleshooting

Main Menu

screen appears, click the button for the option

Option Function

Test Memory Runs the stand-alone memory test

Test System Runs System Diagnostics

Exit Exits the Diagnostics

After you have selected the

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test from the menu below to run a more thorough

check of devices in the computer.

Option Function

Express Test Performs a quick test of devices in the

system. This typically can take 10 to 20 minutes.

Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices in

the system. This typically can take an hour or more.

Custom Test Use to test a specific device or

customize the tests to be run.

Symptom Tree This option allows you to select tests

based on a symptom of the problem you are having. This option lists the most common symptoms.

Test System

option from the main menu, the following menu appears.

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell,

technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

If you run a test from the

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

option, click the applicable tab

described in the following table for more information.

Tab Function

Results Displays the results of the test and any

error conditions encountered.

Errors Displays error conditions encountered,

error codes, and the problem description.

Troubleshooting 75

Tab Function (continued)

Help Describes the test and may indicate

requirements for running the test.

Configuration Displays your hardware configuration

for the selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test by

changing the test settings.

When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the

Remove the Dell

Drivers and Utilities

media (if applicable).

Main Menu

screen.

Dell Support Utility

screen. To exit the Dell

The Dell Support Utility is installed on your computer and available from the Dell Support, , icon on the taskbar or from the Start button. Use this support utility for self-support information, software updates, and health scans of your computing environment.

Accessing the Dell Support Utility

Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon on the taskbar or from the Start menu.

If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your taskbar:

Click

Start→ All Programs→ Dell Support→

Ensure that the

Show icon on the taskbar

Dell Support Settings

option is checked.

NOTE: If the Dell Support Utility is not available from the Start menu, go to support.dell.com and download the software.

The Dell Support Utility is customized for your computing environment.

The icon in the taskbar functions differently when you click, double-click, or right-click the icon.

Clicking the Dell Support Icon

Click or right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:

76 Troubleshooting

• Check your computing environment.

• View the Dell Support Utility settings.

• Access the help file for the Dell Support Utility.

• View frequently asked questions.

• Learn more about the Dell Support Utility.

• Turn the Dell Support Utility off.

Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon

Double-click the icon to manually check your computing environment, view frequently asked questions, access the help file for the Dell Support Utility, and view Dell Support settings.

For more information about the Dell Support Utility, click the question mark (?) at the top of the Dell Support screen.

Drive Problems

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

Information Guide.

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73) as you complete these checks.

ENSURE THAT MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® RECOGNIZES THE DRIVE —

For Windows XP:

• Click

For Windows Vista:

• Click the Windows Vista Start button →

If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

EST THE DRIVE —

• Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.

• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

CLEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK — See "Cleaning Your Computer" on page 145.

ENSURE THAT THE CD IS SNAPPED ONTO THE SPINDLE

CHECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS

CHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIES — See "Using the Hardware Troubleshooter Tool in Microsoft

Windows XP and Windows Vista Operating Systems" on page 102

UN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS —

Start→

My Computer

Computer

See

"Dell Diagnostics" on page 73

™

Troubleshooting 77

CD and DVD drive problems

NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in

the drive or the CD or DVD.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.

URN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC — See "Standby Mode" on

page 31 or search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support Center for information on power management modes.

HANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE — See the help files for your CD or DVD creation software.

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray

Ensure that the computer is turned off.

Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until the tray is partially ejected.

Gently pull out the tray until it stops.

If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound

• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.

• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.

Hard drive problems

ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO COOL BEFORE TURNING IT ON — A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on.

UN CHECK DISK —

For Windows XP:

Click

Start→

My Computer

Right-click

Click

Local Disk C:

Properties→ To ol s→

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors→ Start

For Windows Vista:

Click the Windows Vista Start button →

Right-click

Click

Local Disk C:

Properties→ To ol s→

78 Troubleshooting

Check Now

Computer

NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click

Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.

Click

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors→ Start

E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems

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

Information Guide.

NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone connector only. The modem does not operate while it is

connected to a digital telephone network.

HECK THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK

attachments:

In Outlook Express, click

Click

Do not allow attachments

CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION CHECK THE TELEPHONE CONNECTOR CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL CONNECTOR USE A DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —

• Verify that the telephone line is connected to the connector on the modem. (The connector has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to it.)

• Ensure that you insert the telephone line connector into the modem until it clicks.

• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.

• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, bypass the devices and connect the modem directly to the telephone wall connector. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.

RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS — Click Start→ All Programs→ Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on certain computers.)

ERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —

Click

Start→

Control Panel→

Click the COM port for your modem, and then click verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.

If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.

EXPRESS SECURITY SETTINGS — If you cannot open your e-mail

Tools→

Options→

Security

to remove the checkmark.

Printers and Other Hardware→ Phone and Modem Options→ Modems

Properties→ Diagnostics→

Query Modem

ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service provider.

CAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE —If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently

receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for

Troubleshooting 79

the keyword spyware.

Error Messages

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 143) as you complete these checks.

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

Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE — The touch pad, track stick, or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup program. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

AD COMMAND OR FILE NAME — Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper

place, and used the correct pathname.

ACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE — The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact Dell

(

see "Contacting Dell" on page 142

CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE — The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer (see "Dell Support Utility" on page 76).

ATA ERROR — The hard drive cannot read the data (see "Dell Support Utility" on page 76).

ECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY — One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall

the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them (see "Memory" on page 115).

ISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION — The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell

Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

RIVE NOT READY — The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard drive in

the hard drive bay (see "Hard Drive" on page 108).

RROR READING PCMCIA CARD — The computer cannot identify the PC Card. Reinsert the card or try another

PC Card (see "Using Cards" on page 61).

XTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED — The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the

memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

HE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DESTINATION DRIVE — The file that you are trying to copy is too

large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.

FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these

characters in filenames.

ATE A20 FAILURE — A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace

them (see "Memory" on page 115).

ENERAL FAILURE — The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The message is usually followed by

specific information—for example,

ARD-DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR — The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the

Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate action.

80 Troubleshooting

computer, remove the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 108), and boot the computer from a CD or DVD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

ARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0—The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.

Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 108), and boot the computer from a CD or DVD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

ARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the

computer, remove the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 108), and boot the computer from a CD or DVD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

ARD-DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE — The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer, remove the hard

drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 108), and boot the computer from a CD or DVD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

NSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable CD or DVD. Insert a

bootable CD or DVD.

NVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION-PLEASE RUN SYST E M SETUP PROGRAM — The system configuration

information does not match the hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program (see "System Setup Program" on page 93).

EYBOARD CLOCK LINE FAILURE — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard

Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

EYBOARD CONTROLLER FAILURE — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and

avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

EYBOARD DATA LINE FAILURE — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard

Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

EYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE — For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection. Restart the

computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

EMORY ADDRESS LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE — A memory module may be

faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them (see "Memory" on page 115).

EMORY ALLOCATION ERROR — The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating system,

another program, or a utility. Shut down the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try to run the program again. If the error message still appears, see the software documentation.

EMORY DATA LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE — A memory module may be faulty

or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 115) and, if necessary, replace them.

EMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE — A memory module may

be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 115) and, if necessary, replace them.

EMORY ODD/EVEN LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE — A memory module may be

Troubleshooting 81

faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 115) and, if necessary, replace them.

EMORY WRITE/READ FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE — A memory module may be

faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 115) and, if necessary, replace them.

O BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE — The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is your boot device,

ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated, and partitioned as a boot device.

O BOOT SECTOR ON HARD DRIVE — The operating system may be corrupted. Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell"

on page 142).

O TIMER TICK INTERRUPT — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the

Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

OT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN — You have too many programs

open. Close all windows and open the program that you want to use.

PERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND — Reinstall the hard drive (see "Hard Drive" on page 108). If the problem

persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

PTIONAL ROM BAD CHECKSUM — The optional ROM apparently failed. Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on

page 142).

REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file.

Remove and then reinstall the program.

Click

Start→

Control Panel→ Add or Remove Programs

Select the program you want to remove.

Click

Remove

See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Change/Remove

and follow the prompts on the screen.

SECTOR NOT FOUND — The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted FAT on the hard drive. Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the hard drive. See the Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center for instructions. Click the Start button or the Windows Vista

Start button → Help and Support. If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data

(if possible), and then reformat the hard drive.

EEK ERROR — The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive.

HUTDOWN FAILURE — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell

Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

IME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER — System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an

electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup program (see "System Setup Program" on page 93). Then immediately exit the program. If the message reappears, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

IME-OF-DAY CLOCK STOPPED — The reserve battery that supports the system configuration settings may require

recharging. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 142).

IME-OF-DAY NOT SET-PLEASE RUN THE SYST E M SETUP PROGRAM — The time or date stored in the system

setup program does not match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and Time options (see "System

82 Troubleshooting

Setup Program" on page 93).

IMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FAILED — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in

the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

NEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE — The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory

module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73).

X :\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY — Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

ARNING: BATTERY IS CRITICALLY LOW — The battery is running out of charge. Replace the battery, or connect

the computer to an electrical outlet. Otherwise, activate hibernate mode or shut down the computer.

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

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

Information Guide.

NSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS —

For Windows XP:

Click

Start→

Control Panel

Under

Pick a Category

Click

System

In the

System Properties

Click

Device Manager

For Windows Vista:

Click the Windows Vista Start button → Control Panel→ System and Maintenance→ Device

Manager

, click

Performance and Maintenance

window, click the

Hardware

tab.

NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click

Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.

If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394 DEVICE — If the device was provided by Dell, contact Dell ( "Contacting Dell" on page 142 manufacturer.

NSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE CONNECTOR

). If the device was provided by a different manufacturer, contact that

see

Keyboard Problems

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

Information Guide.

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 143) as you perform the various checks.

Troubleshooting 83

NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you

attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

External keyboard problems

NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

HECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for

damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.

If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.

CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD —

Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.

Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.

From the Windows desktop, click

Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.

TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE INTEGRATED KEYBOARD —

Shut down the computer.

Disconnect the external keyboard.

Turn on the computer.

From the Windows desktop, click

Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.

If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see

Start→ All Programs→

"Contacting Dell" on page 142

Accessories→

Notepad

RUN THE KEYBOARD DIAGNOSTICS TESTS — Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 73). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see Dell" on page 142

"Contacting

Unexpected characters

DISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD — Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.

Lockups and Software Problems

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

Information Guide.

84 Troubleshooting

The computer does not start up

ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET.

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

URN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your

mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly

NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk, CD, or DVD.

ND THE PROGRAM —

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

Click

Task Manager→ click

Click the program that is no longer responding.

Click

End Task

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

Applications

A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system

RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD — The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.

Click

Start→

All Programs→ Accessories→ Program Compatibility Wizard→ Next

Follow the instructions on the screen.

A solid blue screen appears

TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.

Dell TX453 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual