Dell Latitude D530

Innovative Design : Designed with usability in mind
Essential Productivity, Exceptional Value
Dells QuickSet software allows users to customise wireless, power and display settings Freedom to work where you want with dual battery capability, QuickSet Battery Health Meter and power management options Dells Location Profiler empowers users to configure mobility settings for easy adapter and profile matching RoadReady Quality : Extended Durability Uncompromised quality for years of reliable performance A magnesium alloy frame and Dells patented Strike Zone deliver a rigid and durable system Over 13,000 hours of testing during the development phase to ensure RoadReadiness Spill-resistant keyboard helps protect internal circuitry from accidental spills Solid State Hard Drive for enhanced reliability Complete your experience with optional Dell CompleteCover Accidental Damage Service HyperConnect : Wireless-extended connectivity Dual-band capable Wi-Fi (802.11a/g) gives you access to private and public hotspots The Draft 802.11n design enables superior wireless performance, up to 5x better performance than 802.11g The Bluetooth 2.0 EDR enables cable-free connections to Bluetoothenabled personal devices and peripherals Smart Security : A comprehensive yet flexible security suite WPA2 & CCX compatibility enables the ability to deploy the level of network security you need Optional security features such as Encrypted Hard Drive or Wave Embassy Trust Suite provide additional security
The Latitude D530 delivers exceptional value with many of the latest technologies and a generous set of features. IT managers demand the excellent quality, common peripherals and support for key industry trends such as Draft 802.11n Wi-Fi and the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system provided by the Latitude D530. Users are delighted by its long battery life, 15 standard aspect LCD option and abundant ports. The Latitude D530 is the smart choice for productivity and value.
SYSTEM Processor Type Processor Features Operating Systems Chipset Memory Display External Display Graphics Hard Drives Keyboard Pointing Device Audio Dimensions Weight POWER Power Supply Batteries 65 Watt or 90 Watt AC adapter with cord wrapping Primary 4-cell/32WHr Smart Lithium Ion battery with external battery gauge and ExpressCharge Primary 6-cell/56WHr Smart Lithium Ion battery with external battery gauge and ExpressCharge Secondary 6-cell/48WHr Smart Lithium Ion battery with external battery gauge and ExpressCharge 56K v.92 Internal Modem; 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN with TPM 1.2 Intel PRO/Wireless 3945A/G (802.11a/g), Intel PRO Wireless 4965 (802.11a/g/ Draft n), Dell Wireless 1390 (802.11g), Dell Wireless 1490 (802.11a/g), Dell Wireless 1505 (802.11a/g/Draft n) Dell Wireless 360 Bluetooth internal wireless card One Type I or Type II; Supports 34mm ExpressCard via USB interface through PCMCIA adapter Serial, IEEE-1394, docking connector, 4 USB, VGA, S-Video, headphone/speaker out, infrared port, RJ-11, RJ-45, AC power D/Port , D/View Notebook Stand, D/Monitor Stand 24X CD-ROM, 8X DVD-ROM, 24X CD-RW/DVD, 8X DVD+/-RW Floppy Disk Drive, Secondary 6-cell battery, 80GB Hard Drive or Travel Lite Module Various capacity USB Memory Keys (optional) Steel-reinforced Cable Lock Slot, Media Module and Hard Drive locks Optional Smart Card reader via USB or PCMCIA; primary system, hard drive and administrator passwords TPM 1.2, 802.11 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), 802.11i (WPA2), Virtual Private Networks (VPN) 802.1x with EAP modes and compatible CCX 4.0 Helps reduce the total cost of ownership by enabling IT departments to manage and support networked systems. OpenManage enables software deployment and migration, hardware configuration and system health, asset management and remote support. For more information visit: www.dell.com/openmanage. 1 Year Next Business Day On-site Service Intel Core 2 Duo processors 800 MHz Front Side Bus & up to 4M Smart L2 Cache Intel Celeron M processors 533 MHz Front Side Bus & 1M L2 Cache Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7700 (2.40GHz), T7500 (2.20GHz), T7250 (2GHz) Intel Celeron M processor 540 (1.86GHz)

Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Home SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows Vista Business 64-Bit, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
GM965 or GL960 Min. 512MB DDR2 shared with graphics; 667MHz Max. 4GB DDR2 shared with graphics 667MHz with GM965; or max. 2GB DDR2 shared with graphics 533MHz with GLXGA (1024 x 768 resolution) or 15 SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 resolution) Supports up to a maximum resolution of WUXGA (1920 x 1200) Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, 120GB Hybrid Hard Drive, 120GB Encrypted Hard Drive, 32GB Solid State Drive 87-Key US, Canada, China; 88-Key Europe; 89-Key Brazil; 91-Key Japan; Key travel 2.5mm; Key spacing 19.05mm; Sealed keyboard design Touch pad - PS/2 compatible High Definition Audio codec speaker, 1.0W (4 ohms), integrated omni-directional microphone H 35.8mm/1.4 x W 338.3mm/13.3 x D 273mm/10.75 Starting weight of 5.32lbs (2.41kg) for the D530 is with a 15 XGA display, Intel X3100 graphics, Travel Lite Module and 4-cell battery Starting weight of 5.70lbs (2.59kg) for the D530 is with a 15 XGA display, Intel X3100 graphics, CD-ROM drive and 6-cell battery
CONNECTIVITY Wired Wi-Fi Bluetooth EXPANDABILITY PC Card I/O Ports Docking Modular Options USB Memory Keys SECURITY Physical Security User & System Security Network Security MANAGEABILITY Dell Client Manager (DCM)
SERVICE & SUPPORT Service & Support
DELLS NORMAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY AND ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE OR UPON REQUEST. All efforts will be made to check for errors in typography and photography; however inadvertent errors may occur for which Dell may not be responsible. Dell the Dell logo, Latitude, ExpressCharge, TrueLife, RoadReady, HyperConnect and CompleteCover are registered trademarks or trademarks of Dell Inc. AMD, Sempron, ATI Radeon and Turion are all trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices. Intel, Intel inside logo, Intel Core 2 Duo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. 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 disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Copyright 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. LAT_D530(ANZ)/0108/R_F

Dell Latitude D530 Users Guide

Model PP17L

w w w. d e l l. c o m | s u p p o r t. d e l l. c o m
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.

____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Latitude, ExpressCharge, Dell TravelLite, and Undock & Go are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Core is a trademark and Intel and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Outlook, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; 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.

September 2007

P/N JU373

Rev. A00

Contents

Finding Information

About Your Computer

Front View

Left Side View
Right Side View Back View

Bottom View

Setting Up Your Computer.
Transferring Information to a New Computer Microsoft Windows Vista Turning Off Your Computer

Microsoft Windows XP.

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

Checking the Battery Charge
Dell QuickSet Battery Meter.
Microsoft Windows Power Meter. Contents

Charge Gauge

Low-Battery Warning Conserving Battery Power
Power Management Modes. Standby and Sleep Mode Hibernate Mode
Configuring Power Management Settings Accessing Power Options Properties Charging the Battery. Replacing the Battery Storing a Battery.

Using the Keyboard

Numeric Keypad

Key Combinations Battery

System Functions CD or DVD Tray

Display Functions.

Wireless Networking and Bluetooth Wireless Technology Function. Power Management Speaker Functions
Microsoft Windows XP Logo Key Functions. Microsoft Windows Vista Logo Key Functions.

Touch Pad

Customizing the Touch Pad

Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness Using a Projector
Making Images and Text Look Bigger or Sharper Windows Vista
Using Both a Monitor and Your Computer Display Windows Vista
Using a Monitor as Your Primary Display Windows Vista

Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs
For more information on playing CDs or DVDs, click Help on the CD or DVD player (if available). Adjusting the Volume Adjusting the Picture

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device. S-Video and Standard Audio. S-Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio
Composite Video and Standard Audio Component Video and Standard Audio
Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio Setting Up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones Enabling the Display Settings for a TV
Setting Up and Using Networks
Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable. Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection. Checking Your Wireless Network Card
Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem. Connecting to a WLAN
Mobile Broadband/Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN).
What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection.
Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card
Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Microsoft Windows Firewall

Using Cards

Card Types

Card Blanks

Extended Cards
Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard Removing a Card or Blank
10 Securing Your Computer
Security Cable Lock Passwords.

About Passwords

Using a Primary (or System) Password Using an Administrator Password Using a Hard Drive Password Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Enabling the TPM Feature
Security Management Software
Activating the Security Management Software.
Using the Security Management Software Computer Tracking Software
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
11 Cleaning Your Computer

102 102

Computer, Keyboard, and Display Touch Pad

Floppy Drive

CDs and DVDs

12 Troubleshooting.

Dell Technical Update Service Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive. Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Optional 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 Solving Problems
Drive Problems Error Messages
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems IEEE 1394 Device Problems. Memory Problems Network Problems Power Problems
Lockups and Software Problems.

Printer Problems

121 121

Scanner Problems

Sound and Speaker Problems Touch Pad or Mouse Problems Video and Display Problems If the display is blank.
If the display is difficult to read

How to reinstall my operating system
NOTE: The Operating System media may be
optional and may not ship with your computer.
Find It Here The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System media (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 131).
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 (see "Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License Label" on page 15).
NOTE: The color of your operating system
media varies according to the operating system you ordered.

DISPLAY

display keyboard display latch touch pad buttons power button
device status lights touch pad speaker keyboard status lights
For more information about your display, see "Using the Display" on

page 53.

DEVICE STATUS LIGHTS
Turns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the
light is flashing. Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
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.
K E Y B O A R D The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard" on page 47. TOUCH PAD
Provides the functionality of a mouse (see "Touch Pad" on page 51). Keeps the display closed.

DISPLAY LATCH

S P E A K E R To adjust the volume of the integrated speaker, press the volume control buttons, mute button, or volume-control keyboard shortcuts (see "Key Combinations" on page 48"). TOUCH PAD BUTTONS
Use these buttons much like the buttons on a mouse when you use the touch pad to move the cursor on the display (see "Touch Pad" on page 51).

KEYBOARD STATUS LIGHTS

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled. Turns on when wireless devices are enabled.
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when Bluetooth wireless technology is enabled. To enable or disable Bluetooth wireless technology or other wireless devices, press <Fn><F2>. NOTE: Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature on your computer, so the icon turns on only if Bluetooth wireless technology is installed on your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth wireless technology. Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

POWER BUTTON

Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode (see "Power Management Modes" on page 43). Windows operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).
security cable slot PC Card/ExpressCard slot audio connectors (2)
IEEE 1394 Connector infrared sensor hard drive

SECURITY CABLE SLOT

Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device About Your Computer
to the computer (see "Security Cable Lock" on page 93). IEEE 1394 C O N N E C T O R Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras. P C C A R D / E X P R E S S C A R D S L O T Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter, or an ExpressCard (with a PCMCIA adapter). The computer ships with a blank installed in the slot to prevent foreign matter from entering the computer interior when a card is not installed (see "Card Types" on page 89).

INFRARED SENSOR

Lets you transfer files from your computer to another infraredcompatible device without using cable connections. When you receive your computer, the sensor is disabled. You can use the system setup program (see "System Setup Program" on page 123) to enable the sensor. For information on transferring data, see Windows Help, the Help and Support Center, or the documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device.

AUDIO CONNECTORS

Attach headphones or speakers to the Attach a microphone to the

HARD DRIVE

connector.

normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
memory module/modem/WLAN Mini-Card/coin-cell battery cover battery charge gauge/health gauge docking-device connector hard drive M I N I -C A R D / C O I N - C E L L B A T T E R Y C O V E R 2 battery-bay latch release

battery air vents

MEMORY MODULE/MODEM/WLAN
Covers the compartment that contains one memory module, the modem, the WLAN Mini-Card, and the coin-cell battery.
BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE

Release the battery.

BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE/HEALTH GAUGE BATTERY
Provides information on the battery charge (see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 40). When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet (see "Using a Battery" on page 39).

DOCKING-DEVICE CONNECTOR

Lets you attach your computer to a docking device. See the Dell documentation that came with your docking device for more information.
NOTICE: Your computer features Undock & Go technology that allows you to undock your computer without going into standby mode. Because the computer may not automatically go into standby mode when it is undocked, be sure the settings in the Power Options control panel do not prohibit the computer from going into standby mode. If you change the Power Options control panel to prohibit the computer from going into standby mode, you greatly increase the chances of causing your battery to wear down quickly or causing your computer to overheat.
The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the fan air vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is
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.

Setting Up Your Computer

Transferring Information to a New Computer
You can use your operating system wizards to help you transfer files and other data from one computer to anotherfor example, from an old computer to a new computer. For instructions, see the following section that corresponds to the operating system that your computer is running.

Microsoft Windows XP

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides 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 removable media, such as a writable CD, for transfer to the new computer. NOTE: You can transfer information from an old computer to a 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 certain 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 certain computers. To prepare a new computer for the file transfer: 1 Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click Start All Programs Accessories System Tools Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. 2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next. 3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer Next. 4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD Next. 5 When the Now go to your old computer screen appears, go to your old or source computer. Do not click Next at this time. To copy data from the old computer: 1 On the old computer, insert the Windows XP Operating System media. 2 On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform additional tasks. 3 Under What do you want to do?, click Transfer files and settings Next. 4 On the Which computer is this? screen, click Old Computer Next. 5 On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method you prefer. 6 On the What do you want to transfer? screen, select the items you want to transfer and click Next. After the information has been copied, the Completing the Collection Phase screen appears. 7 Click Finish. To transfer data to the new computer:
1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next. 2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next. The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer. When all of the settings and files have been applied, the Finished screen appears. 3 Click Finished and restart the new computer.

<Fn><F1>

Speaker Functions
<Fn><Page Up> Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached. Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached. Enables and disables the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached.
<Fn><Page Dn>

<Fn><End>

Microsoft Windows XP Logo Key Functions
Windows logo key and <m> Windows logo key and <Shift><m> 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. Runs Windows Explorer. Opens the Run dialog box. Opens the Search Results dialog box. Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the computer is connected to a network). Opens the System Properties dialog box. Using the Keyboard
Windows logo key and <e> Windows logo key and <r> Windows logo key and <f> Windows logo key and <Ctrl><f>
Windows logo key and <Pause>
Microsoft Windows Vista Logo Key Functions
Windows logo key and <TAB> Cycle through programs on the Windows Notification area by using Windows Flip 3-D (only if using the Aero interface). Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the Windows Notification area by using Windows Flip 3-D (only if using the Aero interface). Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar (if using Windows Sidebar). Cycles through Windows Sidebar gadgets (if using Windows Sidebar). Opens the Ease of Access Center. Opens the Windows Mobility Center. Opens the Quick Launch shortcut that is in the position that corresponds to the number. For example, use the Windows logo key and <1> to launch the first shortcut in the Quick Launch menu. 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. Runs Windows Explorer. Opens the Run dialog box. Opens the Search Results dialog box. Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the Tablet-PC is connected to a network). Opens the System Properties dialog box.

15 If necessary, configure your wireless network card to connect to the wireless network (see "Connecting to a WLAN" on page 83).

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 80. NOTE: The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth wireless technology 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 80 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 81.
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 cards 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: 1 Click Start Settings Control Panel Network Connections. 2 Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon, and then click View Available Wireless Networks. If the Choose a wireless network window states Windows cannot configure this connection, the wireless network cards client utility is managing the wireless network card. 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: 1 Click Connect To Manage wireless networks. 2 Double-click a profile to open the wireless network properties screen. For specific information about the wireless configuration utility installed on your computer, see your wireless network documentation in Windows Help and Support (see "Windows Help and Support" on page 18).

the disc.

2 With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc. For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are also safe to use on DVDs.

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

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Lockups and Software Problems" on page 113 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.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional 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 149).
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 The Dell Diagnostics can be invoked in one of two ways: 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 Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on. NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has

1 Click Start All Programs Modem Helper. 2 Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems.
Modem Helper is not available on certain computers. Windows Vista: 1 Click Start All Programs Modem Diagnostic Tool. 2 Follow the instructions on the screen to identify and resolve modem problems. Modem diagnostics are not available on all computers. VE R I F Y T H A T T H E M O D E M I S C O M M U N I C A T I N G W I T H W I N D O W S Windows XP: 1 Click Start Control Panel Printers and Other Hardware Phone and Modem Options Modems. 2 Click the COM port for your modem Properties Diagnostics Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows. If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly. Windows Vista: 1 Click Start Control Panel Hardware and Sound Phone and Modem Options Modems. 2 Click the COM port for your modem Properties Diagnostics Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows. If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly. E N S U R E T H A T Y O U A R E C O N N E C T E D T O T H E I N T E R N E T 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.

Error Messages

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. If the error message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? < > | Do not use these characters in filenames. A R E Q U I R E D. D L L F I L E W A S N O T F O U N D The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program: Windows XP: 1 Click Start Control Panel Add or Remove Programs Programs and Features. Troubleshooting
2 Select the program you want to remove. 3 Click Uninstall. 4 See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Windows Vista: 1 Click Start Control Panel Programs Programs and Features. 2 Select the program you want to remove. 3 Click Uninstall. 4 See the program documentation for installation instructions. drive letter : \ I S N O T A C C E S S I B L E. T H E D E V I C E I S N O T R E A D Y The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive and try again. I N S E R T B O O T A B L E M E D I A Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD. N O N - S YS T E M D I S K E R R O R Remove the floppy disk from the floppy drive and restart your computer.
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. CLOSE SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you may have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first. O P E R A T I N G S YS T E M N O T F O U N D Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 149).

C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K C A B L E C O N N E C T O R Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into the network connector on the back of the computer and the network jack. C H E C K T H E N E T W O R K L I G H T S O N T H E B A C K O F T H E C O M P U T E R If the link integrity light is off, no network communication is occurring. Replace the network cable.
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN C H E C K Y O U R N E T W O R K S E T T I N G S Contact your network administrator or the person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning. R U N T H E H A R D W A R E TR O U B L E S H O O T E R See "Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems" on page 83.

Power Problems

C H E C K T H E P O W E R L I G H T When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby modepress the power button to exit standby mode. If the light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer. I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S B L I N K I N G G R E E N The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation. I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S O F F The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power. Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet. Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly. Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on. Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S B L I N K I N G A M B E R The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem may exist. Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable). I F T H E P O W E R L I G H T I S S T E A D Y A M B E R A device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. Remove and then reinstall all memory modules (see the Service Manual for your system on support.dell.com).
Remove and then reinstall any expansion cards, including graphics cards (see the Service Manual for your system on support.dell.com). E L I M I N A T E I N T E R F E R E N C E Some possible causes of interference are: Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables Too many devices connected to the same power strip Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR 1 Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer. 2 Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls. If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 149).

System Setup Program

NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in the system setup program, thus overriding options that you set through the system setup program. (An exception is the External Hot Key option, which you can disable or enable only through the system setup program.) For more information on configuring features for your operating system, access Help and Support. To access Help and Support in Windows XP, click Start Help and Support. In Help and Support. Windows Vista, click Start You can use the system setup program as follows: To set or change user-selectable featuresfor example, your computer password To verify information about the computer's current configuration, such as the amount of system memory
After you set up the computer, run the system setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. You may want to write down the information for future reference. The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer, such as: System configuration Boot order Boot (start-up) configuration and docking-device configuration settings Basic device-configuration settings System security and hard-drive password settings NOTE: Unless you are an expert computer user or are directed to do so by Dell technical support, do not change the system setup settings. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.
Viewing the System Setup Screens
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2 When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately. If you wait too long and the Microsoft Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

System Setup Screens

NOTE: For information about a specific item on a system setup screen, highlight the item and see the Help area on the screen. On each screen, the system setup options are listed at the left. To the right of each option is the setting or value for that option. You can change settings that appear as white type on the screen. Options or values that you cannot change (because they are determined by the computer) appear less bright. The upper-right corner of the screen displays help information for the currently highlighted option; the lower-right corner displays information about the computer. System-setup key functions are listed across the bottom of the screen.

networks and some computer networks. Pairs of unshielded wires are twisted to protect against electromagnetic interference, rather than relying on a metal sheath around each pair of wires to protect against interference. UXGA ultra extended graphics array A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1600 x 1200.
video controller The circuitry on a video card or on the system board (in computers with an integrated video controller) that provides the video capabilitiesin combination with the monitorfor your computer. video memory Memory that consists of memory chips dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually faster than system memory. The amount of video memory installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display. video mode A mode that describes how text and graphics are displayed on a monitor. Graphics-based software, such as Windows operating systems, displays in video modes that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Character-based software, such as text editors, displays in video modes that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters. video resolution See resolution. virus A program that is designed to inconvenience you or to destroy data stored on your computer. A virus program moves from one computer to another through an infected disk, software downloaded from the Internet, or e-mail attachments. When an infected program starts, its embedded virus also starts. A common type of virus is a boot virus, which is stored in the boot sectors of a floppy disk. If the floppy disk is left in the drive when the computer is shut down and then turned on, the computer is infected when it reads the boot sectors of the floppy disk expecting to find the operating system. If the computer is infected, the boot virus may replicate itself onto all the floppy disks that are read or written in that computer until the virus is eradicated. V volt The measurement of electric potential or electromotive force. One V appears across a resistance of 1 ohm when a current of 1 ampere flows through that resistance.
W watt The measurement of electrical power. One W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt. WHr watt-hour A unit of measure commonly used to indicate the approximate Glossary
capacity of a battery. For example, a 66-WHr battery can supply 66 W of power for 1 hour or 33 W for 2 hours. wallpaper The background pattern or picture on the Windows desktop. Change your wallpaper through the Windows Control Panel. You can also scan in your favorite picture and make it wallpaper. WLAN wireless local area network. A series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves using access points or wireless routers to provide Internet access. write-protected Files or media that cannot be changed. Use write-protection when you want to protect data from being changed or destroyed. To write-protect a 3.5-inch floppy disk, slide its write-protect tab to the open position. WWAN wireless wide area network. A wireless high-speed data network using cellular technology and covering a much larger geographic area than WLAN. WXGA wide-aspect extended graphics array A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 800.