Latitude 120L - Laptop DELL - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Latitude 120L DELL

www.dell.com | support.dell.com Dell™ Latitude™ 120L Quick Reference Guide Model PP21LFor information on other documentation included with your computer, see "Finding Information" on page 5. Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Abbreviations and Acronyms For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in your computer User’s Guide

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

operating systems are not applicable.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2005 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, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. Model PP21L December 2005 P/N JD925 Rev. A00Contents 3 Contents Finding Information ... 5 Setting Up Your Computer

Checking the Battery Charge

Conserving Battery Power

Charging the Battery

Replacing the Battery

Lockups and Software Problems

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 ContentsQuick Reference Guide 5 Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer. What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My device documentation

• Notebook System Software (NSS) Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD) NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in your User’s Guide) or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" in your User’s Guide). 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 technicians or experienced users. NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Regulatory information

• How to remove and replace parts

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems Dell Latitude™ User’s Guide Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center

Dell User and System Guides

Click the User’s Guide for your computer.

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

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 or contact support.

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

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

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

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

• 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 support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Notebook System Software (NSS)— If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration. Dell Support Website — support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site. To download Notebook System Software:

Go to support.dell.com , select your business segment, and enter your Service Tag.

Select Drivers & Downloads and click Go.

Click your operating system and search for the keyword Notebook System Software

NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary depending on your selections. What Are You Looking For? Find It HereQuick Reference Guide 7

• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints

• Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general health of your computing environment Dell Support Utility The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and notification system installed on your computer. This support provides real-time health scans of your computing environment, software updates, and relevant self-support information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Accessing the Dell Support Utility" in your User’s Guide

• How to work with programs and files

• How to personalize my desktop Windows Help and Support Center

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.

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

• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD NOTE: The Operating System CD 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 optional Operating System CD (see "Using the Operating System CD" in your User’s Guide). After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you ordered. What Are You Looking For? Find It Here8 Quick Reference Guide Setting Up Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

Unpack the accessories box.

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.

Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet.

Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer (see "Front View" on page 9). 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.Quick Reference Guide 9 About Your Computer Front View 1 display latch release 2 display latches (2) 3 display 4 keyboard status lights 5 touch pad 6 touch pad buttons (2) 7 speakers (2) 8 device status lights 9 keyboard 10 power button

21Quick Reference Guide 11 Bottom View 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

Power Meter. 1 memory module/Mini PCI cover 2 optical-drive locking screw 3 hard drive 4 battery 5 battery-bay latch lock 6 battery-bay latch release 7 processor and thermal module cover 8 fan

612 Quick Reference Guide 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. Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

• Using optical drives

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

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

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 14 for information about accessing Windows Power Options Properties or Dell QuickSet, which you can use to configure power management settings. 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, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge. Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer. For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help. Microsoft

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.Quick Reference Guide 13 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. A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level. You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 14 for information about accessing QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window. Conserving Battery Power Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:

• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.

• Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time (see "Power Management Modes" on page 13).

• Use the Power Management Wizard or the Power Options Properties window to select options to optimize your computer’s power usage. These options can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>. NOTE: See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 14 for information on conserving battery power. Power Management Modes Standby Mode Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby mode. NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, it may lose data. To enter standby mode:

• Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods: – Press the power button. – Close the display. – Press <Fn><Esc>.14 Quick Reference Guide To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display, depending on how you set the power management options. You cannot make the computer exit standby mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad. Hibernate Mode Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode. NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your computer is in hibernate mode. Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low. To manually enter hibernate mode:

• Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods to enter hibernate mode: – Press the power button. – Close the display. – Press <Fn><Esc>. NOTE: Some PC Cards or ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the card (see "Removing a Card or Blank in your User’s Guide), or simply restart (reboot) your computer. To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad. For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your operating system. Configuring Power Management Settings You can use the QuickSet Power Management Wizard or Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your computer.

• For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar and click Help

Power Options . For information on any field in the Power Options Properties window, click the question mark icon on the title bar and then click on the area where you need information.Quick Reference Guide 15 Charging the Battery NOTE: When the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery to 80 percent in about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging. When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge. If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet. The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery. For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" in your User’s Guide. Replacing 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.16 Quick Reference Guide To remove the battery:

If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

Ensure that the computer is turned off.

Slide the battery-bay latch lock on the bottom of the computer away from the battery.

Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release, and then remove the battery from the bay. To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order. 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 (see "Charging the Battery" on page 15) fully before you use it. 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. 1 battery 2 battery-bay latch release 3 battery-bay latch lock

3Quick Reference Guide 17 The computer does not start up ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET. The computer stops responding NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

URN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer. A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously and click Task Manager

Click the program that is no longer responding and click End Task

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft

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

Click Next and follow the instructions on the screen. A solid blue screen appears TURN THE COMPUTER OFF — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer. Other software problems CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE 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.

CAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware. RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS — See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 18. 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 16 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 CD is optional and may not ship with your computer. Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD). 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).

Shut down the computer.

If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

Diagnostics can be invoked 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

desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.Quick Reference Guide 19

Press and hold the <Fn> key while starting the computer. NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD. 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 Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue

Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive. Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

Shut down and restart the computer. 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.

Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.

Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.

When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.20 Quick Reference Guide Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.

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 User’s Guide

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

If you run a test from the Custom Test

Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information. Option Function Express Test Performs 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 Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically. Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run. Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having. Tab Function Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered. Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description. Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.Quick Reference Guide 21

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities

When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen. Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device. The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer. Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings. Tab Function22 Quick Reference GuideIndex 23 Index

anti-virus software, 18 anti-virus software, 18

battery charging, 15 checking the charge, 12 conserving power, 13 operating time, 12 performance, 11 power meter, 12 removing, 15 replacing, 15 storing, 16

CDs Drivers and Utilities, 5 Operating System, 7 ResourceCD, 5 computer back view, 10 bottom view, 11 crashes, 17 documentation, 6-7 computer (continued) front view, 9 setting up, 8 side views, 10 slow performance, 18 stops responding, 17

Dell Diagnostics main menu, 20 starting from Drivers and Utilities CD, 19 starting from hard drive, 18 using, 18 Dell support site, 6 documentation End User License Agreement, 5 ergonomics, 5 online, 6 Product Information Guide, 5 regulatory, 5 safety, 5 User’s Guide, 6 warranty, 5 drivers Drivers and Utilities CD, 5 Drivers and Utilities CD Dell Diagnostics, 19

hard drive Dell Diagnostics, 18 hardware Dell Diagnostics, 18 Help and Support Center, 6-7 help file QuickSet, 7 Windows Help and Support Center, 7 hibernate mode, 14

operating system reinstalling, 7 Operating System CD, 724 Index 24 Index

power hibernate mode, 14 management settings, 14 standby mode, 13 problems blue screen, 17 computer crashes, 17 computer does not start up, 17 computer stops responding, 17 Dell Diagnostics, 18 lockups, 16 program crashes, 17 program stops responding, 17 programs and Windows compatibility, 17 slow computer performance, 18 software, 16-17 solving, 16 spyware, 18 Product Information Guide, 5

regulatory information, 5 ResourceCD Dell Diagnostics, 18

safety instructions, 5 Service Tag, 6 setting up computer, 8 software notebook system, 6 problems, 17 spyware, 18 standby mode, 13 support website, 6

troubleshooting Dell Diagnostics, 18 Help and Support Center, 7

Accessories (Accessoires)

Help and Support Center, 30 help file QuickSet, 32 hibernate mode, 39

Help and Support (Aide et support)

Help and Support (Aide et support).

Accessories (Accessoires)

Treibe r Drivers and Utilities CD, 77

Shut Down (Spegni computer)

Shut Down (Spegni computer)

hardware Dell Diagnostics, 115

hardware Dell Diagnostics, 138