Dell Latitude D505L User manual

Dell™ Latitude™ D505L User's Guide
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows®
operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2003 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, Dell Precision, OptiPlex, Inspiron, Dimension, Dell TravelLite, and
DellNet are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Intel SpeedStep and Centrino are trademarks
of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows,Windows NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is
a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. 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.
Model PP10L
September 2003 P/N M1794 Rev. A00
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.
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Finding Information for Your Computer
What are you looking
for?
Find It Here
zA diagnostic
program for my
computer
zDrivers for my
computer
zMy computer
documentation
zMy device
documentation
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. 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 technicians or experienced users.
zHow to set up my
computer
zWarranty
information
zSafety instructions
Dell™ System Information Guide
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com.
zHow to remove and
replace parts
zTechnical
specifications
zHow to configure
system settings
zHow to troubleshoot
and solve problems
User's Guide
Windows XP Help and Support Center
1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2. Click User's and system guides and click User's guides.
Microsoft Windows 2000
Double-click the User's Guides icon on your desktop.
zService Tag and
Express Service
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
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Code
zMicrosoft Windows
License Label
These labels are located on your computer.
zUse the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use
support.dell.com or contact technical support.
zEnter the Express Service Code to direct your call when contacting
technical support. The Express Service Code is not available in all
countries.
zUse the number on the Microsoft Windows License Label if you reinstall
your operating system.
zLatest drivers for my
computer
zAnswers to technical
service and support
questions
zOnline discussions
with other users and
technical support
zDocumentation for
my computer
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:
zSolutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians,
and online courses
zCommunity — Online discussion with other Dell customers
zUpgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the
hard drive, and the operating system
zCustomer Care — Contact information, order status, warranty, and
repair information
zDownloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
zReference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and white
papers
zService call status
and support history
zTop technical issues
for my computer
zFrequently asked
questions
zFile downloads
zDetails on my
computer
configuration
zService contract for
my computer
Dell Premier Support Website — premiersupport.dell.com
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate, government,
and education customers. This website may not be available in all regions.
zHow to use Windows
XP
zDocumentation for
my computer
zDocumentation for
devices (such as a
modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2. Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow
icon.
3. Click the topic that describes your problem.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
zHow to reinstall my
operating system
Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To resintall your
operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your User's Guide for
operating system reinstallation instructions.
After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to
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reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.
Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.
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About Your Computer
Front View
Left View
Right View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
1 display 6 speakers
2 power button 7 touch pad buttons
3 device status lights 8 touch pad
4 keyboard 9 keyboard status lights
5 display latch
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display — For more information about your display, see "Using the Display."
power button — Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely
(which may take several seconds).
device status lights
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.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows®
operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.
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.
Turns on when Bluetooth™ is enabled. To enable or disable Bluetooth, press <Fn><F2>.
NOTE: Bluetooth is an optional feature on your computer, so the icon turns on only if you ordered
Bluetooth with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your
Bluetooth wireless technology.
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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.
keyboard — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key . For
information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
display latch — Keeps the display closed.
speakers — To adjust the volume of the integrated speakers, press the volume control buttons, mute button,
or volume-control keyboard shortcuts. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
touch pad buttons — Provide the functionality of a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" for
more information.
touch pad — Provides the functionality of a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad" for more
information.
keyboard status lights
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
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Left View
air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
PC Card slot — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. For more information, see
"Using PC Cards."
infrared sensor — Lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without
using cable connections.
IEEE 1394 connector —
Use to attach devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.
When you receive your computer, the sensor is disabled. You can use the system setup program 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
1 air vents (2) 4 infrared sensor
2 IEEE 1394 connector 5 audio connectors (2)
3 PC Card slot 6 security cable slot
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not
indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do
not store your Dell™ 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.
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security cable slot — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more
information, see the instructions included with the device.
Right View
Attach a microphone to the connector.
Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
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security cable slot — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more
information, see the instructions included with the device.
module bay — You can install devices such as an optical drive or a Dell TravelLite™ module in the module
bay. For more information, see "Using the Module Bay."
device latch release — Releases the module bay device. See "Using the Module Bay" for instructions.
Back View
1 security cable slot
2 module bay
3 device latch release
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
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USB connectors
S-video TV-out connector
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.
1 USB connectors (2) 6 video connector
2 S-video TV-out connector 7 serial connector
3 modem connector (RJ-11) (optional) 8 AC adapter connector
4 network connector (RJ-45) 9 air vents
5 parallel connector
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect the
optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector using the optional floppy-drive cable.
Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting a Television to the
Computer."
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modem connector (RJ-11) (optional)
network connector (RJ-45)
parallel connector
video connector
serial connector
AC adapter connector — Attach an AC adapter to the computer.
If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem
connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with
your computer. See "Finding Information for Your Computer."
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the
computer, do not plug a telephone line in to the network connector.
Connects the computer to a network. The green and yellow lights next to the connector
indicate activity for both wired and wireless network communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the device user's guide supplied with
your computer. See "Finding Information for Your Computer."
Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.
Connects an external monitor. For more information, see "Using the Display."
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.
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The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC
adapter with your computer turned either on or off.
air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
Bottom View
CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power
connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or
improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or
equipment damage.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the
cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not
indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
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.
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memory module cover — Covers the compartment that contains the memory module(s). See "Adding and
Replacing Parts."
battery-bay latch release — Releases the battery. See "Using a Battery" for instructions.
battery charge gauge — Provides information on the battery charge. See "Using a Battery."
battery — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an
electrical outlet. See "Using a Battery."
docking device slot — Lets you attach your computer to a docking device. See the documentation that came
with your docking device for additional information.
fan — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer
from overheating.
1 memory module cover 5 docking device slot
2 battery-bay latch release 6 fan
3 battery charge gauge 7 Mini PCI card cover
4 battery 8 hard drive
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not
indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
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.
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Mini PCI card cover — Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card. See "Adding and Replacing
Parts."
hard drive — Stores software and data.
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About Microsoft® Windows® XP
Help and Support Center
Switching to Classic View
Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Program Compatibility Wizard
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
Home and Small Office Networking
Internet Connection Firewall
Help and Support Center
The Help and Support Center provides help with the Windows XP operating system and other support and
educational tools. To access the Help and Support Center, click the Start button and click Help and Support.
Switching to Classic View
You may change the appearance of the Control Panel, the Start menu, and the Windows desktop to the
classic view of earlier Windows operating systems.
Control Panel
The Control Panel presents information as task-oriented categories. If you are accustomed to performing a
particular task with the icon-oriented classic Control Panel, you can switch to the classic icon view:
1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2. Click Switch to Classic View or Switch to Category View in the upper-left area of the Control
Panel window.
Start Menu
1. Right-click the empty area on the taskbar.
2. Click Properties.
3. Click the Start Menu tab.
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4. Select Classic Start Menu and click OK.
Window and Button Appearance
1. Right-click anywhere on the main desktop screen and click Properties.
2. Click the Appearance tab.
3. From the Windows and buttons drop-down menu, select Windows Classic style.
4. To customize color, font, and other classic desktop options, click Advanced.
5. When you have completed your appearance selections, click OK.
Desktop Cleanup Wizard
By default, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard moves programs that are not frequently used to a designated folder
7 days after you first start your computer and every 60 days after that. The appearance of the Start menu
changes as programs are moved.
To turn off the Desktop Cleanup Wizard:
1. Right-click an empty spot on the desktop, and click Properties.
2. Click the Desktop tab and click Customize Desktop.
3. Click Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days to remove the check mark.
4. Click OK.
To run the Desktop Cleanup Wizard at any time:
1. Right-click an empty spot on the desktop, and click Properties.
2. Click the Desktop tab and click Customize Desktop.
3. Click Clean Desktop Now.
4. When the Desktop Cleanup Wizard appears, click Next.
5. In the list of shortcuts, deselect any shortcuts you want to leave on the desktop, and then click Next.
6. Click Finish to remove the shortcuts and close the wizard.
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard allows you to transfer files and settings from one computer to another
(for instance, when upgrading to a new computer), even if the old computer is running an earlier operating
system. The time required to collect and transfer data depends on the amount of data collected. Times can
vary from just a few minutes to several hours.
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You can transfer the data to the new computer over a network or direct serial connection, or you can store it
on a removable medium such as a floppy disk or writable CD. If a CD drive is not available, the wizard allows
you to create a wizard disk to run on your old computer.
For more information, see the Help and Support Center.
Program Compatibility Wizard
If you encounter problems running a program designed for an earlier Windows operating system, you can use
the Program Compatibility Wizard to help resolve the problem. The Program Compatibility Wizard allows you
to configure a program to run in an environment closer to that of Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows
Millennium Edition (Me), Windows NT® 4.0 with Service Pack 5, or Windows 2000.
If you experience problems with your operating system or other programs after performing an installation,
you can use the system restore feature to return your computer to a previous stable condition.
For more information, see the Help and Support Center.
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
Fast User Switching allows multiple users to access the computer. After you log on to the computer with your
specific settings, including the desktop and various programs, other users can log on to the computer without
requiring you to first log off. New users log on and switch from your session to their own. New users can run
their desktop and programs without interfering with yours. You can switch back to your desktop and programs
with the original settings. For more information, see the Help and Support Center.
Special Considerations With Fast User Switching
zComputers with low memory configurations can experience problems. The computer uses memory to
keep your programs running in the background while a second user is logged on, which can cause the
computer to run slowly. Fast User Switching is off by default on computers with less than 128 MB of
RAM.
zFast User Switching is disabled in Windows XP Professional when the computer is a member of a
computer domain.
Home and Small Office Networking
The Network Setup Wizard provides online documentation and support for setting up a home or small office
network. The new wizard automatically enables the personal firewall (see "Internet Connection Firewall").
The Network Setup Wizard includes a checklist and steps to guide you through the process of sharing
resources, such as files, printers, or an Internet connection, between computers in a home or small office. For
more information, see the Help and Support Center.
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Internet Connection Firewall
The Internet Connection Firewall provides basic protection from unauthorized access to the computer while
the computer is connected to the Internet. The firewall is automatically enabled when you run the Network
Setup Wizard. When the firewall is enabled for a network connection, the firewall icon appears with a red
background in the Network Connections portion of the Control Panel.
Note that enabling the Internet Connection Firewall does not reduce the need for virus-checking software.
For more information, see the Help and Support Center.
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Dell™ QuickSet Features
Clicking the QuickSet Icon
Double-Clicking the QuickSet Icon
Right-Clicking the QuickSet Icon
Dell™ QuickSet runs from the icon located in the taskbar and functions differently when you click, double-
click, or right-click the icon.
Clicking the QuickSet Icon
Click the icon to perform the following tasks:
zAdjust power management settings using the Power Management Wizard.
zAdjust the size of icons and toolbars.
zSelect a power scheme that you set in the Power Management Wizard.
zTurn presentation mode on or off.
Double-Clicking the QuickSet Icon
Double-click the icon to adjust power management settings using the Power Management Wizard.
Right-Clicking the QuickSet Icon
Right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:
zEnable or disable the Brightness Meter on the screen.
zEnable or disable the Volume Meter on the screen.
zTurn wireless activity on or off.
zView Dell QuickSet Help.
zView the version and copyright date of the QuickSet program installed on your computer.
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