Trademarks used in this text: Dell, ExpressCharge, the DELL logo and Dell Precision are trademarks
of Dell Inc.; Core, Active Management Technology, Centrino, and Intel are registered trademarks of
Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, Windows, Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a
registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; TouchStrip is
a trademark of UPEK, Inc.; 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.
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" in your
User’s Manual) or to run the Dell
Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on
page 21).
Readme files may be included on your
media to provide last-minute updates
about technical changes to your computer
or advanced technical-reference material
for technicians or experienced users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates
can be found at support.dell.com.
Quick Reference Guide5
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• How to set up my computer
• Basic troubleshooting information
• How to run the Dell™ Diagnostics
• How to open my computer
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
In this document
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF
at support.dell.com.
Dell Product Information Guide
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft
®
Windows® License Label
6Quick Reference Guide
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows
License
These labels are located on your
computer:
• Use the Service Tag to identify your
computer when you use
support.dell.com
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct
your call when contacting support.
or contact support.
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and
tips, articles from technicians, and
online courses, frequently asked
questions
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business
segment to view the appropriate support
site.
• Community — Online discussion with
other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as memory, the hard
drive, and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact
information, service call and order
status, warranty, and repair information
• Service and support — Service call
status and support history, service
contract, online discussions with
technical support
• Dell Technical Update Service —
Proactive e-mail notification of
software and hardware updates for your
computer
• Reference — Computer
documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product
specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers,
patches, and software updates
• Notebook System Software (NSS) — If
you reinstall the operating system for
your computer, you should also reinstall
the NSS utility. NSS provides critical
updates for your operating system and
support for processors, optical drives,
USB devices, and so on. NSS is
necessary for correct operation of your
Dell computer. The software
automatically detects your computer
and operating system and installs the
updates appropriate for your
configuration.
To download Notebook System Software:
1
Go to
support.dell.com
region or business segment, and enter
your Service Tag.
2
Select
Go
click
3
Click your operating system and search
for the keywords
Software
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
may vary depending on your selections.
, select your
Drivers & Downloads
.
Notebook System
.
and
Quick Reference Guide7
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting
hints — Frequently asked questions,
hot topics, and general health of your
computing environment
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is an automated
upgrade and notification system installed
on your computer. This support provides
real-time health scans of your computing
environment, software updates, and
relevant self-support information. Access
the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the taskbar.
• How to use Windows XP
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1
Click
Start→
2
Type a word or phrase that describes
your problem and click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your
problem.
4
Follow the instructions on the screen.
• Information on network activity, the
Power Management Wizard, hotkeys,
and other items controlled by Dell
QuickSet.
Dell QuickSet Help
To view
Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the
QuickSet icon in the Microsoft Windows
taskbar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet,
see "Dell QuickSet" In your User’s Guide.
Help and Support
.
8Quick Reference Guide
What Are You Looking For?Find It Here
• 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"
in your User’s Guide).
After you reinstall your operating system,
use the optional Drivers and Utilities
media to reinstall drivers for the devices
that came with your computer.
Your operating system product key label is
located on your computer.
NOTE: The color of your media varies
based on the operating system you ordered.
Quick Reference Guide9
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions 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 the setup of your computer.
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.
4
Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the
computer (see "Front View" on page 11).
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least
once before you install any cards or connect the computer to a docking device or
other external device, such as a printer.
10Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
NOTE: The appearance of your computer may vary slightly from the model shown
in this document.
Front View
1
13
12
2
3
11
10
9
8
7
1display latch2display3power button
4device status lights 5keyboard6touch pad
7fingerprint reader
(optional)
10keyboard status lights11 volume control buttons12 ambient light sensor
13mute button
8touch pad buttons/track
stick buttons
Quick Reference Guide11
6
9track stick
4
5
Left Side View
123657849
1 security cable slot2 air vents3 audio connectors (2)
1 optical drive in media bay 2media-bay device latch
release
12Quick Reference Guide
23
3 USB connectors (2)
Back View
1263475
1 network
connector (RJ-45)
5 video connector6 AC adapter
2 modem connector
(RJ-11)
connector
Bottom View
9
8
7
1
3USB
connectors (2)
7air vents
2
4 serial
connector
3
4
6
5
1 battery charge
gauge/health gauge
4 device locking screw
(if present)
7 air vents 8 hard drive9 hard drive screws (2)
2 battery3 battery-bay latch
releases (2)
5 memory module cover6 docking-device
connector
Quick Reference Guide13
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, click Start
→
Panel
Power Options→ Power Meter.
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 complex 3D graphics applications
Running the computer in maximum performance mode (see "Configuring
Power Management Settings" in your
User’s Guide
).
Control
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases
over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under
which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your
computer.
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet
when writing to a CD or DVD.
14Quick Reference Guide
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations
including, but not limited to, the following:
•Using optical drives.
•Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, Express Cards, media
memory cards, or USB devices.
•Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other powerintensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications.
•Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring
Power Management Settings" in your
Hardware Owner’s Manual
for
information about accessing Windows Power Options Properties or Dell
QuickSet, which you can use to configure power management settings.
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the
computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the
battery charge is low.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or
explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from
Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery
from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery
no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency
for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery Disposal" in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn.
Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures
above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or
leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause
personal injury or equipment damage.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter
window and icon, the battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the lowbattery warning provide information on the battery charge.
Quick Reference Guide15
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet
Battery Meter. The Battery Meter displays status, battery health, charge level,
and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the
taskbar, and click Help.
Microsoft® Windows® XP Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check
the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the
charge gauge on the battery, you can check:
•Battery charge (check by pressing and
•Battery health (check by pressing and
releasing
holding
the status button)
the status button)
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is
charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some
charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of
"charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery
charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents
approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the
battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no
lights appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge
on the battery as described below and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet.
For information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar, and
click Help.
16Quick Reference Guide
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" in your User’s Guide 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" in your
User’s Guide
for
information about accessing QuickSet or the Power Options Properties
window.
Charging the Battery
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery
while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks
the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges
the battery and maintains the battery charge.
NOTE: With Dell ExpressCharge, when the computer is turned off, the AC adapter
charges a completely discharged battery to 80 percent in about 1 hour and to
100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer with the computer
turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The
battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot
environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to
an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately
green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and
allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then
connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
Quick Reference Guide17
Removing the Battery
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or
explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from
Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a
battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect
the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem
from the wall connector and computer, and remove any other external cables from
the computer.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible
connector damage.
To remove the battery:
1
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See
the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
2
Ensure that the computer is turned off.
3
Slide the two latch releases on the bottom of the computer, and then
remove the battery from the bay.
To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
18Quick Reference 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 (see "Charging the Battery" on page 17)
before use.
Troubleshooting
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 ADAPTERISFIRMLYCONNECTEDTOTHECOMPUTERANDTO
THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system
shutdown.
T
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 or CD.
E
ND THE PROGRAM —
1
Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2
Click
Task Manager
3
Click the program that is no longer responding.
4
Click
End Task
CHECKTHESOFTWAREDOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then
.
.
reinstall the program.
Quick Reference Guide19
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system
RUNTHE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD — The Program Compatibility
Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to nonWindows operating system environments.
Windows XP
1
Click
Start→
Wizard
2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
All Programs→ Accessories→
→
Next
.
Program Compatibility
Windows Vista
Click
1
Start→
Use an older program with this version of windows
2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
TURNTHECOMPUTEROFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a
Control Panel→
Control Panel Home→
.
Programs
and click
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.
Other software problems
CHECKTHESOFTWAREDOCUMENTATIONORCONTACTTHESOFTWARE
MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION —
•Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed
on your computer.
•Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements
needed to run the software. See the software documentation for
information.
•Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
•Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
•If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACKUPYOURFILESIMMEDIATELY.
U
SE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR
S .
CD
20Quick Reference Guide
SAVEANDCLOSEANYOPENFILESORPROGRAMSANDSHUTDOWNYOUR
COMPUTER THROUGH THE START MENU.
CAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE — If you are experiencing slow computer
S
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 — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 21. If all tests
run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.
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, perform the checks in
"Lockups and Software Problems" on page 19 and 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 system setup (see "System Setup Program" in your User’s Guide),
review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device
you want to test displays in system setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
Quick Reference Guide21
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" in your User’s Guide).
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
Diagnostics can be invoked in one of two ways:
a
Turn on the computer. 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
computer and try again.
Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on.
b
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
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 <Esc>; 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 (see "Contacting Dell" in
your
User’s Guide
).
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the
message
Press any key to continue
5
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility
Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition.
.
partition on your hard drive.
22Quick Reference Guide
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
1
Insert the
2
Shut down and restart the computer.
Drivers and Utilities
media.
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.
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.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive
and press <Enter>.
4
Select the
Boot from CD-ROM
option from the menu that appears and
press <Enter>.
5
Ty p e 1 to start the menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6
Select
Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
from the numbered list. If
multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your
computer.
7
When the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
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.
Quick Reference Guide23
OptionFunction
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 (see "Contacting
Dell" in your
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test
screen. If you contact Dell, the technical support representative will ask you
for your Service Tag.
3
If you run a test from the
User’s Guide
).
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 the system setup program, 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.
24Quick Reference Guide
4
When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics
from the
5
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the
Menu
the
Drivers and Utilities
media, remove the media.
screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close
Main Menu
screen.
Main
Quick Reference Guide25
26Quick Reference Guide
Index
A
anti-virus software, 20
B
battery
charge gauge, 16
charging, 17
checking the charge, 15
performance, 14
power meter, 16
removing, 18
storing, 19
End User License Agreement, 6
ergonomics, 6
online, 7
Product Information Guide, 6
regulatory, 6
safety, 6
warranty, 6
Drivers and Utilities CD, 5
Drivers and Utilities media
Dell Diagnostics, 21
E
End User License Agreement, 6
ergonomics information, 6
D
Dell Diagnostics
about, 21
starting from the Drivers and
Utilities media, 23
H
hardware
Dell Diagnostics, 21
Help and Support Center, 8
Index27
help file
Windows Help and Support
Center, 8
Q
QuickSet Help, 8
L
labels
Microsoft Windows, 6
Service Tag, 6
O
operating system
reinstalling, 9
Operating System CD, 9
P
problems
blue screen, 20
computer crashes, 19-20
computer does not start up, 19
computer stops responding, 19
Dell Diagnostics, 21
lockups, 19
program crashes, 19
program stops responding, 19
programs and Windows