Dell Precision M6300 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell Precision™
Mobile Workstation M6300
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP05XA

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, Dell Precision,and Express Charge are trademarks
of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell
under license; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names other than its own.
Model PP05XA
July 2007 P/N XU458 Rev. A01

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . 21
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4Contents

Quick 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 Media
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media may
be optional and may not ship with your
computer.
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer. You can use
the Drivers and Utilities media to reinstall
drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and
Utilities" in your User’s Guide) and to run
the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 23).
Readme files may be included on your
media to provide last-minute updates
about technical changes to your computer
or advanced technical reference material
for technicians or experienced users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates
can be found at support.dell.com.

6Quick Reference Guide
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Product Key
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows
Product Key
These labels are located on 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.
NOTE: As an increased security measure,
the newly designed Microsoft Windows
license label incorporates a missing portion
or hole to discourage removal of the label.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Dell Precision™ User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows XP and Windows
Vista™ Help and Support Center
1 Click Start → Help and Support → Dell
User and System Guides
→ System
Guides
.
2 Click the User’s Guide for your
computer.
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and
tips, articles from technicians, online
courses, and frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with
other Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as the memory, hard
drive, and operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information,
service call and order status, and
warranty and repair information
• Service and support — Service call
status, support history, service contract,
and online discussions with support
• Dell Technical Update Service —
Proactive e-mail notification of software
and hardware updates for your computer
• Reference — Computer documentation,
details on my computer configuration,
product specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches,
and software updates
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business
segment to view the appropriate support
site.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
• Notebook System Software (NSS) — If
you reinstall the operating system for
your computer, you should also reinstall
the NSS utility. NSS automatically
detects your computer and operating
system and installs the updates
appropriate for your configuration,
providing critical updates for your
operating system and support for
processors, optical drives, USB devices,
etc. NSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer.
To download Notebook System Software:
1 Go to support.dell.com , select your
country/region, and then click
Drivers &
Downloads
.
2 Click Select a Model or Enter a Tag ,
make the appropriate selections or enter
the appropriate information for your
computer, and then click
Confirm .
3 Scroll down to System and
Configuration Utilities
→ Dell
Notebook System Software
, and then
click
Download Now .
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
may vary depending on your selections.
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting
hints — Frequently asked questions, hot
topics, and general health of your
computing environment
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is an automated
upgrade and notification system installed
on your computer. This support provides
real-time health scans of your computing
environment, software updates, and
relevant self-support information. Access
the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the taskbar.
• How to use
Microsoft Windows XP and
Microsoft Windows Vista
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click Start → 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.
• Information on network activity, the
Power Management Wizard, hotkeys,
and other items controlled by
Dell QuickSet.
Dell QuickSet Help
To view Dell QuickSet Help , right-click the
QuickSet icon in the Microsoft Windows
taskbar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet,
see "Dell™ QuickSet" in the User’s Guide.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 9
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System Media
NOTE: The Operating System media may be
optional and may not ship with your
computer.
The operating system is already installed
on your computer. To reinstall your
operating system, use the Operating
System media (see "Restoring Your
Operating System" in your User’s Guide).
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.
NOTE: The color of your operating system
installation media varies according to the
operating system you ordered.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

10 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.
1 Unpack the accessories box.
2 Set aside the contents of the accessories box, which you will need to
complete the setup of your computer.
The accessories box also contains user documentation and any software or
additional hardware (such as PC Cards, drives, or batteries) that you have
ordered.
3 Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer
and to the electrical outlet.
4 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the
computer (see "Front View" on page 11).
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least
once before you install any cards or connect the computer to a docking device or
other external device, such as a printer.

Quick Reference Guide 11
About Your Computer
Front View
1 display latches (2) 2 display latch release button
3 display 4 power button
5 device status lights 6 biometric reader (optional)
7 touch pad 8 media control buttons
9 speakers (2) 10 touch pad buttons
11 touch pad scroll zone 12 keyboard
13
QuickSet/battery conservation button 14 keyboard and wireless status lights
2
12
3
7
10
4
9
14 5
8
1
13
11
6

12 Quick Reference Guide
Left Side View
Right Side View
1 security cable slot 2 air vent
3 USB connectors (2) 4 optical drive
5 optical-drive-tray eject button
1 smart card slot 2 hard drive
3 ExpressCard slot 4 IEEE 1394 connector
5 5-in-1 media memory card reader 6 audio connectors (2)
7 air vent
1234 5
2345671

Quick Reference Guide 13
Back View
1 air vent 2 S-video TV-out connector
3 network (RJ-45) connector 4 modem (RJ-11) connector
5 USB connectors (2) 6 USB connectors (2)
7 Digital Video Interface (DVI) connector 8 video (VGA) connector
9 AC adapter connector 10 air vent
12345 6 7 8 9 10

14 Quick Reference Guide
Bottom View
1 battery charge/health gauge 2 battery release latch
3 battery 4 strike zone
5 cover for optional internal card with
Bluetooth®wireless technology
6 hard drive
7 air vent 8 mini card/modem cover
9 docking device connector 10 memory module cover
11 air vent 12 optical drive security screw
123
5
6
7
89
11
12
10
4

Quick Reference Guide 15
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, check the Power Meter in
Power Options (see "Accessing Power Options Properties" in your User’s Guide).
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 complex 3D graphics applications.
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring
Power Management Settings" in your
User’s Guide for information about
accessing Windows Power Options Properties or Dell QuickSet, which you
can use to configure power management settings.
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: The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Using an
incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the
battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. Do not use a battery
from other computers with your computer.

16 Quick Reference Guide
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, or disassemble the battery, and do not 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 XP Power Meter
window and icon, the Microsoft Windows Vista Power Meter window
and icon, the battery charge gauge and health gauge, 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 QuickSet icon in the
taskbar, and click Help.
Microsoft Windows Vista Power Meter
The Windows Vista Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge.
To check the Power Meter, move your cursor over the Power icon in the
Notification area to display the Power icon flyout.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the Power icon flyout
displays the (plugged in charging) message.
Microsoft Windows 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 17
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the
charge gauge on the battery, you can check:
• Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)
• Battery health (check by pressing and
holding the status button)
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is
charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some
charge capacity, or battery health; consequently, a battery can show a status of
charged but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery
charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents
approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the
battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no
lights appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge
on the battery as described below or by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet.
For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status
button on the battery charge gauge for at least three 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 "Battery
Performance" on page 15 for more information about the battery operating
time.

18 Quick Reference Guide
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. 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.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the
Power Options Properties window. See "Configuring Power Management
Settings" in your User’s Guide for information about accessing QuickSet or
the Power Options Properties window.
Conserving Battery Power
Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:
• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible.
• Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave
the computer unattended for long periods of time (see "Power
Management Modes" in your
User’s Guide ).
• 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" in your User’s Guide for
information on conserving battery power.

Quick Reference Guide 19
Charging the Battery
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery
while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks
the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges
the battery and maintains the battery charge.
NOTE: With Dell ExpressCharge™, when the computer is turned off, the AC adapter
charges a completely discharged battery to 80 percent in approximately one hour
and to 100 percent in approximately two hours. Charge time is longer with the
computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like.
The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot
environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to
an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately
green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and
allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature, then
connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
For information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power
Problems" in your User’s Guide.
Removing the Battery
CAUTION: The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Using an
incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the
battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. 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 all other external cables from
the computer.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible
connector damage.

20 Quick Reference Guide
To remove the battery:
1
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See
the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
2 Ensure that the computer is turned off or suspended in a power
management mode.
3 Slide the battery release latch on the bottom of the computer, and then
remove the battery from the bay.
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 (see "Charging the Battery"
on page 19).
1 battery release latch 2 battery
1 2