Precision M70 - Laptop DELL - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Precision M70 DELL

www.dell.com | support.dell.com Dell Precision™ M70 Mobile Workstation Quick Reference Guide Model PP15LNotes, 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 User’s Guide (depending on your operating system, double-click the User’s Guide icon on your desktop, or click the Start button, click Help and Support Center

and then click User and system guides

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

operating systems are not applicable. The Drivers and Utilities CD and the Operating System CD are optional and may not ship with all computers.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2004 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 Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. Model PP15L October 2004 P/N Y4303 Rev. A00Contents 3 Contents Finding Information for Your Computer ... 5 Setting Up Your Computer

Checking the Battery Charge

Charging the Battery

Installing a Battery

Lockups and Software Problems

Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 ContentsQuick Reference Guide 5 Finding Information for Your Computer NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer. What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• Notebook System Software (NSS) Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD) Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer when shipped from Dell. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics, or access your documentation. Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for experienced users or technicians. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers. NOTE: The latest drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.

• Warranty information

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. Only)

• Regulatory information

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

License Label Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact technical support

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all countries.6 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com

• How to remove and replace parts

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems Dell Precision™ M70 User’s Guide Microsoft

XP Help and Support Center

Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

Click User and System Guides and click User Guides

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, 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 technical support

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

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates Dell Support Website — support.dell.com NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site. NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available in all regions.

• Notebook System Software (NSS) Drivers and Utilities CD or Dell Support Website If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility (available on the optional Drivers and Utilities CD or on the Dell Support Site). NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

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.

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem) Windows Help and Support Center

Click the Start button and click Help and Support

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen. What Are You Looking For? Find It HereQuick Reference Guide 7 Setting Up Your Computer CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

Unpack the accessories box.

Set aside the contents of the accessories box, which you will need to complete your computer setup. The accessories box also contains user documentation and any software or additional hardware (such as PC Cards, drives, or batteries) that you have ordered.

Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet. NOTICE: When using the AC adapter, secure the cable so that the cable is not pulled, tangled, stepped on, or crushed by objects such as chair legs or desk supports.

• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your Dell Precision User’s Guide for instructions. After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer. The operating system product key is located on your computer. NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you ordered. NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not ship with all computers. What Are You Looking For? Find It Here8 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and shut down at least once.Quick Reference Guide 9

Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer. About Your Computer See your online User’s Guide for detailed information about your computer. Depending on your operating system, double-click the User’s Guide icon on your desktop, or click the Start button, click Help and Support Center , and then click User and system guides . The following items address some of the more commonly asked questions about the computer.

Modem and network adapter: The computer may include both a v.92 56K modem and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LOM network adapter. For connector locations, see "Back View" on page 12. For more information on ports and connectors, see "About Your Computer" in your online User’s Guide

Battery life and usage: Various batteries are available for use with your computer. Using the battery that comes standard with the computer, you can expect from 3 to 4 hours of operating time from a single fully charged battery with average usage. Performing certain types of operations, such as extended wireless operation, can significantly reduce battery life. – For more information on battery performance, usage, and conserving power, see your online User’s Guide

– For information on an optional second battery, see your online User’s Guide

Module bay devices: For information on the module bay and the devices it supports, see "Using the Module Bay" in your online User’s Guide

Docking devices: Your computer supports the Dell D/Dock Expansion Station and the Dell D/Port Advanced Port Replicator. NOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries. For information on your optional docking device, see the documentation that accompanied the device. For information on obtaining optimal performance when using a docking device with this computer, see "Solving Problems" in your online User’s Guide

Front View display latch keyboard display track stick touch pad volume control buttons device status lights track stick/ touch pad buttons mute button power button display latch button speakers (2) keyboard status lightsQuick Reference Guide 11 Left View Right View processor- fan air vent security cable slot PC Card slot smart card slothard drive module bay audio connectors (2) USB 2.0 connectors (2) video-fan air vent12 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com Back View CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire. NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after you turn off the computer before you disconnect an external device. video-fan air vent infrared sensor network connector (RJ-45) modem connector (RJ-11) USB 2.0 connectors (2) S-video TV-out connector serial connector video connector AC adapter connector processor- fan air ventQuick Reference Guide 13 Bottom View Using a Battery Battery Performance CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer. For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. Use a battery to run the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay. Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more information about the optional second battery, see your User’s Guide

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time it can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your computer. battery Mini PCI card/modem/DIMM module cover battery-bay latch release docking device slotprocessor-fan air vent video-fan air vent14 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

• Using CD, DVD, or other optical drives

• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices

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

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD. You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low. CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer. CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage. Checking the Battery Charge The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft

Power Meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge. For information about checking the charge on the optional second battery, see your User’s Guide

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F8> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer. NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking device does not power the docking device or computer. In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the Battery Meter window includes a Dock Battery tab, which displays the charge level and current status of the docking device battery.Quick Reference Guide 15 The following icons appear in the Battery Meter window: For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears. Charge Gauge Before you install a battery, press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge. Health Gauge The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity, or battery health. To check the battery health, press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See your User’s Guide for more information about the battery operating time. NOTE: When you press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds, the charge-level lights will first light to display the current charge status. Then they switch to Health status where they represent incremental degradation when lit.

• The computer or docking device is running on battery power.

• The battery is discharging or idle.

• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and running on AC power.

• The battery is charging.

• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and running on AC power.

• The battery is discharging, idle, or charging.16 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com Low-Battery Warning NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. You can also turn the computer off and install a second battery in the module bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically. A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During that time, the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning means that the combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level. For more information about low- battery alarms, see "Power Management" in your User’s Guide

Charging the Battery NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging. When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge. If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet. The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery. For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see your User’s Guide

Removing a Battery CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack NOTE: For information about removing the optional second battery, see your User’s Guide.

Ensure that the computer is turned off and disconnected from the electrical outlet.

If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions. Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.Quick Reference Guide 17 Installing a Battery Ensure that the computer is turned off. Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks. For information about installing the optional second battery, see your User’s Guide

Storing a Battery Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it. Solving Problems Notebook System Software (NSS) If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility. This utility is available on the optional Drivers and Utilities CD and on the Dell Support Website. To download the utility from the Dell Support Website, go to the Downloads section of the website and select your computer model from the pull-down menu. Select the Download Category "System and Configuration Utilities," select your operating system and language, and then follow the posted instructions. NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

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.18 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com NOTE: NSS is critical for the correct operation of USB devices, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port, and D/View devices. Lockups and Software Problems CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. The computer does not start up The computer stops responding NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD. ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE

LECTRICAL OUTLET 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.

Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.

Click the program that is no longer responding.

CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.Quick Reference Guide 19 A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system A solid blue screen appears Other software problems IF YOU ARE USING WINDOWS XP, 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 the Start button, point to All Programs

In the welcome screen, click Next

Follow the instructions on the screen. 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. 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.

USE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE Start MENU20 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com Running the Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. When to Use the Dell Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" (see your online User’s Guide ) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers. Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities

(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.

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.

Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. NOTE: If you cannot see anything on your display, hold down the mute button and press the computer’s power button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System Assessment. NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft

desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. SCAN 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 — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.Quick Reference Guide 21

When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press <Enter>. The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.

• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.

• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that failed, press <r>.

• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics. If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message 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 Optional 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 system setup.

Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.

to start the Dell Diagnostics.

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.22 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.com 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. 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 1hour 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. 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.Quick Reference Guide 23

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.24 Quick Reference Guide www.dell.com | support.dell.comIndex 25 Index

about your computer, 9 back view, 12 bottom view, 13 front view, 10 left side view, 11 right side view, 11 air vents location, 11 audio connectors location, 11

battery battery life and usage, 9 charge gauge, 15 charging, 16 checking the charge, 14 health gauge, 15 installing, 17 low-battery warning, 16 performance, 13 power meter, 15 removing, 16 storing, 17

computer crashes, 18-19 slow performance, 20 stops responding, 18

Help and Support Center, 6

problems blue screen, 19 computer crashes, 18-19 computer does not start up, 18 computer stops responding, 18 lockups, 18 program crashes, 18 program stops responding, 18 programs and Windows compatibility, 19 slow computer performance, 20 software, 18-19 solving, 17 spyware, 20

troubleshooting Help and Support Center, 6

for at starte menuen for ResourceCD (Resurse-cd).

for at starte Dell Diagnostics (Dell-diagnoser).