Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP15L
February 2005P/N U4802Rev. A01
Contents
Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. Only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all
computers.
NOTE: The latest drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
Dell™ Product Information Guide
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer when shipped
from Dell. You can use the CD to reinstall
drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics, or access
your documentation.
Readme files may be included on your CD
to provide last-minute updates about
technical changes to your computer or
advanced technical-reference material for
experienced users or technicians.
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft
®
Windows® License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on the
bottom of your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your
computer when you use
support.dell.com
technical support
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting
technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all
countries.
or contact
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Latitude™ User’s Guide
Microsoft
1
2
®
Windows® XP Help and Support Center
Click the
Click
Start
button and click
User and System Guides
Help and Support.
and click
User Guides
.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips,
articles from technicians, online courses,
frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with other
Dell customers
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can also use the
customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com.
The website may not be available in all regions.
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as memory, the hard drive,
and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information,
service call and order status, warranty, and
repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and
support history, service contract, online
discussions with technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation,
details on my computer configuration,
product specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and
software updates
• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If you
reinstall the operating system for your
computer, you should also reinstall the NSS
utility. NSS provides critical updates for your
operating system and support for Dell™
3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
Pentium
®
M processors, optical drives, and
®
USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer. The
software automatically detects your computer
and operating system and installs the updates
appropriate for your configuration.
To download Notebook System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
2
Enter your Service Tag or product model.
3
In the
Download Category
All
.
click
4
Select the operating system and operating
and click
Downloads
drop-down menu,
system language for your computer, and click
Submit
.
5
Under
Select a Device
Configuration Utilities
Notebook System Software
, scroll to
, and click
.
System and
Dell
.
Quick Reference Guide7
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a
Windows Help and Support Center
1
2
modem)
3
4
• How to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall
your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your Latitude
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
User’s Guide for instructions.
Click the
Start
button and click
Help and Support
.
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.
After you reinstall your operating system,
use the Drivers and Utilities CD to
reinstall drivers for the devices that came
with your computer.
The operating system product key is
located on your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based
on the operating system you ordered.
NOTE: The Operating System CD is
optional and may not ship with all
computers.
8Quick Reference Guide
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
1
Unpack the accessories box.
2
Set aside the contents of the accessories box, which you will need to complete your computer
setup.
The accessories box also contains user documentation and any software or additional
hardware (such as PC Cards, drives, or batteries) that you have ordered.
3
Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical
outlet.
NOTICE: When using the AC adapter, secure the cable so that the cable is not pulled, tangled, stepped
on, or crushed by objects such as chair legs or desk supports.
NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and
shut down at least once.
Quick Reference Guide9
4
Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
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power button
About Your Computer
See your online
operating system, double-click the
Help and Support Center
click
address some of the more commonly asked questions about the computer.
•
Modem and network adapter:
10/100/1000 Ethernet LOM network adapter. For connector locations, see "Back View" on
page 13. For more information on ports and connectors, see "About Your Computer" in your
online
User’s Guide
•
Battery life and usage:
time from a single fully charged battery with average usage varies. Performing certain types of
operations, such as extended wireless operation, can significantly reduce battery life.
For more information about battery performance and usage, see "Using a Battery" on page 14.
For more information about conserving power and an optional second battery, see your
Guide
.
10Quick Reference Guide
User’s Guide
.
for detailed information about your computer. Depending on your
User’s Guide
, and then click
The computer may include both a v.90 56K modem and a
Various batteries are available for use with your computer. Operating
icon on your desktop, or click the
User and system guides
. The following items
Start
button,
User’s
•
Module bay devices:
the Module Bay" in your online
•
Docking devices:
For information on the module bay and the devices it supports, see "Using
User’s Guide
.
Your computer supports the Dell D/Dock Expansion Station and the Dell
D/Port Advanced Port Replicator.
NOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.
–For information on your optional docking device, see the documentation that
accompanied the device.
–For information on obtaining optimal performance when using a docking device with this
computer, see "Solving Problems" in your online
User’s Guide
.
Front View
keyboard status lights
mute button
volume control
buttons
track stick
track stick/
touch pad
buttons
display latch
display
power button
device status
lights
keyboard
touch pad
display latch
button
speakers (2)
Quick Reference Guide11
Left View
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processorfan air vent
Right View
security
cable slot
module bay
hard drive
audio connectors (2)
PC Card slot
USB 2.0
connectors (2)
smart card slot
air vent
12Quick Reference Guide
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.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after you turn off the computer before you
disconnect an external device.
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
modem connector (RJ-11)
network connector (RJ-45)
infrared sensor
air vent
S-video TV-out connector
serial connector
video connector
AC adapter connector
processorfan air vent
Quick Reference Guide13
Bottom View
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processor-fan air vent
Using a Battery
battery
battery-bay latch release
docking device slot
Mini PCI card/
modem/memory
module cover
air vent
Battery Performance
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
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. Use a battery to run the computer
when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay. Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an
optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more
information about the second battery, see your
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time it 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.
14Quick Reference Guide
User’s Guide
.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
•Using optical drives, such as DVD or CD drives
•Using wireless communications devices, PC 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
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD
or DVD.
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer. You can also set
power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.
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.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a
charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion
battery. See "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,
incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery
away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may
leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft® Windows®
the battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the
battery charge. For information about checking the charge on the optional second battery, see your
User’s Guide
Dell QuickSet Battery Meter
.
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter.
Battery Meter
The
window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery
in your computer.
NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking
device does not power the docking device or computer.
In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the
window includes a
Dock Battery
tab, which displays the charge level and current status of the
docking device battery.
Power Meter
window and icon,
Battery Meter
Quick Reference Guide15
The following icons appear in the
The computer or docking device is running on battery power.
The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is charging.
The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is fully charged.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click
Microsoft Windows Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter,
double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information about the Power Meter tab, see your
User’s Guide
.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
Before you install a battery, press 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.
Battery Meter
window:
Help
.
Health Gauge
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. To
check the battery health, 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.
NOTE: When you press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds,
the charge-level lights will first light to display the current charge status. Then they switch to Health
status, where they represent incremental degradation when lit.
16Quick Reference Guide
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. You can also turn the computer off and install a
second battery in the module bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins
automatically.
A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The
computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During that time,
the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning means that the
combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters
hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 2 hours with the
computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the
computer 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.
Removing a Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.
NOTE: For information about removing the optional second battery,
1
Ensure that the computer is turned off and disconnected from the electrical outlet.
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
see your
User’s Guide
Quick Reference Guide17
.
3
Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove
the battery from the bay.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Installing a Battery
Ensure that the computer is turned off. Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.
For information about installing the optional second battery, see your
User’s Guide
.
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.
Solving Problems
Notebook System Software (NSS)
If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility.
This utility is available on the optional
To download the utility from the Dell Support Website, go to the
website and select your computer model from the pull-down menu. Select the
"System and Configuration Utilities," select your operating system and language, and then follow
the posted instructions.
18Quick Reference Guide
Drivers and Utilities
CD and on the Dell Support Website.
Downloads
section of the
Download Category
NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy
drives, Intel
®
Pentium®M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating
system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.
NOTE: NSS is critical for the correct operation of USB devices, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port,
and D/View devices.
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
The computer does not start up
ENSURETHATTHE AC ADAPTERIS FIRMLY CONNECTEDTO THE COMPUTERANDTO THE
E
LECTRICAL OUTLET
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
TURNTHECOMPUTEROFF — 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
ENDTHEPROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2
Click
Applications
3
Click the program that is no longer responding.
4
Click
End Task
.
.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
CHECKTHESOFTWAREDOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Quick Reference Guide19
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
IF YOU ARE USING WINDOWS XP, RUNTHE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to nonWindows XP operating system environments.
1
Click the
Wizard
2
In the welcome screen, click
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Start
button, point to
.
All Programs→ Accessories
Next
.
, and then click
Program Compatibility
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
A solid blue screen appears
TURNTHECOMPUTEROFF — 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.
SCANTHECOMPUTERFORSPYWARE — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you
frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your
computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware
protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more
information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.
RUNTHE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a
software problem.
Running the Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" (see
your online
assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional
(also known as the
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
User’s Guide
ResourceCD
) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical
Drivers and Utilities
).
CD
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell.
1
Shut down the computer.
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
3
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD. However, the Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may
not have shipped with your computer.
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.
The one-time boot menu displays with a list of bootable devices.
Quick Reference Guide21
5
Use the down-arrow key to select
Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If the boot device list does not display and the screen is blank, press the <End> key. Then press
the <Enter> key to begin the Dell Diagnostics.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system
board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.
•During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
•If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart
the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the
component that failed, press <r>.
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•If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error
code(s) and contact Dell before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics.
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message
Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue
6
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard
drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Optional Drivers and Utilities CD
1
Insert the
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers.
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
Drivers and Utilities
Diagnostics
CD.
and press <Enter> to start the Dell
Booting
.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer
boots according to the devices specified in system setup.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
4
Select the
5
Select the
6
Ty p e 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
7
Ty p e 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
8
Select
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
select the version appropriate for your computer.
9
When the Dell Diagnostics
22Quick Reference Guide
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
Boot from CD-ROM
option from the menu that appears.
Main Menu
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
and press <Enter>.
option from the CD boot menu.
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,
appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
Main Menu
screen appears, click the button for the
option you want.
OptionFunction
Express TestPerforms a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes
and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase
the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended TestPerforms a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or
more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom TestTests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom TreeLists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a
test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
2
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a
description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow
the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.
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.
3
If you run a test from the
Custom Test
or
Symptom Tree
option, click the applicable tab
described in the following table for more information.
TabFunction
ResultsDisplays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
ErrorsDisplays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem
description.
HelpDescribes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
ConfigurationDisplays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from
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.
ParametersAllows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
Quick Reference Guide23
4
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the
Utilities
5
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the
the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
CD, remove the CD.
Main Menu
Main Menu
Drivers and
screen. To exit
screen.
24Quick Reference Guide
Index
A
about your computer, 10
back view, 13
bottom view, 14
front view, 11
left side view, 12
right side view, 12
air vents
location, 12
audio connectors
location, 12
B
battery
charge gauge, 16
charging, 17
checking the charge, 15
health gauge, 16
installing, 18
low-battery warning, 17
performance, 14
power meter, 16
removing, 17
storing, 18
blue screen, 20
computer crashes, 19-20
computer does not start up, 19
computer stops responding, 19
lockups, 19
program crashes, 19
program stops responding, 19
programs and Windows