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 Dell Precision 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
October 2004P/N U4803Rev. A00
Contents
Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer
About Your Computer
Front View
Left View
Right View
Back View
Bottom View
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
support
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting
technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all
countries.
Quick Reference Guide5
or contact technical
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
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips,
articles from technicians, online courses,
frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with other
Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
components, such as memory, the hard drive,
Dell Precision™ M70 User’s Guide
Microsoft
1
2
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.
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)
Drivers and Utilities CD or Dell Support Website
If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also
reinstall the NSS utility (available on the optional Drivers and Utilities
CD or on the Dell Support Site). NSS provides critical updates for your
operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives,
Intel
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.
• 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
®
Windows® XP Help and Support Center
Click the
Click
Click the
Start
button and click
User and System Guides
®
Pentium®M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is
Start
button and click
Help and Support.
and click
User Guides
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.
6Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• 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 Dell
Precision User’s Guide for instructions.
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.
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.
Quick Reference Guide7
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and
shut down at least once.
8Quick Reference Guide
4
Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
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 12. For more information on ports and connectors, see "About Your Computer" in your
online
•
Battery life and usage:
battery that comes standard with the computer, you can expect from 3 to 4 hours of operating
time from a single fully charged battery with average usage. Performing certain types of
operations, such as extended wireless operation, can significantly reduce battery life.
–For more information on battery performance, usage, and conserving power, see your
–For information on an optional second battery, see your online
User’s Guide
User’s Guide
online
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.92 56K modem and a
.
Various batteries are available for use with your computer. Using the
.
icon on your desktop, or click the
User and system guides
. The following items
User’s Guide
Quick Reference Guide9
Start
.
button,
•
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
.
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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
10Quick Reference Guide
speakers (2)
Left View
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
video-fan
air vent
Quick Reference Guide11
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.
modem connector (RJ-11)
network connector (RJ-45)
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infrared sensor
video-fan
air vent
USB 2.0 connectors (2)
S-video TV-out connector
serial connector
video connector
AC adapter connector
processorfan air vent
12Quick Reference Guide
Bottom View
battery
Using a Battery
battery-bay latch release
docking device slotprocessor-fan air vent
Mini PCI
card/modem/DIMM
module cover
video-fan 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 optional 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.
User’s Guide
.
Quick Reference Guide13
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
•Using CD, DVD, or other optical 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
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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><F8> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter.
Battery Meter
The
in your computer.
NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking
In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the
window includes a
docking device battery.
14Quick Reference Guide
.
device does not power the docking device or computer.
Power Meter
window and icon,
window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery
Dock Battery
Battery Meter
tab, which displays the charge level and current status of the
The following icons appear in the
• The computer or docking device is running on battery power.
• The battery is discharging or idle.
• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and
running on AC power.
• The battery is charging.
• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and
running on AC power.
• The battery is discharging, idle, or charging.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click
Microsoft Windows Power Meter
Battery Meter
window:
Help
.
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.
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. See your
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.
User’s Guide
for more information about the battery operating time.
Quick Reference Guide15
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. For more information about lowbattery alarms, see "Power Management" in your
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Charging the Battery
NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour 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.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see your
User’s Guide
.
User’s Guide
.
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, see your User’s Guide.
Ensure that the computer is turned off and disconnected from the electrical outlet.
1
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions. Slide and hold the battery-bay latch
release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.
16Quick Reference Guide
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.
NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy
drives, Intel
operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating
system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.
®
Pentium®M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct
Drivers and Utilities
CD and on the Dell Support Website.
Downloads
section of the
Download Category
NOTE: NSS is critical for the correct operation of USB devices, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port,
and D/View devices.
Quick Reference Guide17
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
LECTRICAL OUTLET
E
The computer stops responding
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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.
.
.
18Quick Reference Guide
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
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
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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
User’s Guide
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.
) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical
Drivers and Utilities
ResourceCD
).
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 cannot see anything on your display, hold down the mute button and press the computer’s
power button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System
Assessment.
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.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft
®
20Quick Reference Guide
Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
5
When the boot device list appears, highlight
Diagnostics
and press <Enter>.
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>.
•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
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
Drivers and Utilities
CD.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
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.
Booting
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.
When the boot device list appears, highlight
3
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
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
Boot from CD-ROM
option from the CD boot menu.
option from the menu that appears.
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
and press <Enter>.
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed,
select the version appropriate for your computer.
9
When the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
appears, select the test you want to run.
Quick Reference Guide21
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
option you want.
OptionFunction
Express TestPerforms a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes
Extended TestPerforms a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1hour or
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
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
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
described in the following table for more information.
Main Menu
and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase
the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
Custom Test
or
Symptom Tree
screen appears, click the button for the
option, click the applicable tab
Ta bFunction
ResultsDisplays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
ErrorsDisplays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem
HelpDescribes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
ConfigurationDisplays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
ParametersAllows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
22Quick Reference Guide
description.
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.
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
CD, remove the CD.
Main Menu
Main Menu
screen.
Drivers and
screen. To exit
Quick Reference Guide23
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
24Quick Reference Guide
Index
A
about your computer, 9
back view, 12
bottom view, 13
front view, 10
left side view, 11
right side view, 11
air vents
location, 11
audio connectors
location, 11
B
battery
battery life and usage, 9
charge gauge, 15
charging, 16
checking the charge, 14
health gauge, 15
installing, 17
low-battery warning, 16
performance, 13
power meter, 15
removing, 16
storing, 17
blue screen, 19
computer crashes, 18-19
computer does not start up, 18
computer stops responding, 18
lockups, 18
program crashes, 18
program stops responding, 18
programs and Windows
Tämän tekstin kaikenlainen kopioiminen ilman Dell Inc:n kirjallista lupaa on jyrkästi kielletty.
Tekstissä käytetyt tavaramerkit: Dell, DELL-logo ja Dell Precision ovat Dell Inc:n tavaramerkkejä; Microsoft ja Windows ovat Microsoft
Corporationin rekisteröityjä tavaramerkkejä; Intel ja Pentium ovat Intel Corporationin rekisteröityjä tavaramerkkejä.
Muut tekstissä mahdollisesti käytetyt tavaramerkit ja tuotenimet viittaavat joko merkkien ja nimien haltijoihin tai näiden tuotteisiin. Dell Inc.
kieltää omistusoikeuden muihin kuin omiin tavaramerkkeihinsä ja tuotenimiinsä.