Dell D820 - Latitude Laptop Notebook User manual

Dell™ Latitude™ D820
Technical Manual

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) or to run the Dell
Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
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.
•How to set up my computer
•Basic troubleshooting information
•How to run the Dell Diagnostics
•How to set up a printer
•Additional information about setting up
my computer
•How to troubleshoot and solve problems
•How to remove and install parts
•Specifications
•How to contact Dell
Quick Reference Guide
NOTE: This document may be optional and may not ship
with your computer.
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at
support.dell.com.
•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 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
support. It is recommended that you keep a copy
of the Service Tag in a secure location in case
your computer is lost or stolen.
o
•Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call
when contacting technical 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
technical 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® Pentium® 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
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.
To download Notebook System Software:
1. Go to support.dell.com→Downloads.
2. Enter your Service Tag or product model.
3. In the Download Category drop-down menu, click
All.
4. Select the operating system and operating system
language for your computer, and click Submit.
5. Under Select a Device, scroll to System and
Configuration Utilities, and click Dell Notebook
System Software.

configuration.
•Service call status and support history
•Top technical issues for my computer
•Frequently asked questions
•File downloads
•Details on my computer configuration
•Service contract for my computer
Dell Premier Support Website —
premier.support.dell.com
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
corporate, government, and education customers. This
website may not be available in all regions.
•How to use Windows XP
•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 icon in the
Microsoft® Windows® taskbar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet, see Dell™
QuickSet.
•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 Restoring Your
Operating System.)
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.

About Your Computer
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
1
display latch 8 touch pad/track stick buttons
2
display 9 track stick
3
power button 10
keyboard status lights
4
device status lights
11
volume control buttons
5
speakers (2) 12
mute button
6
keyboard 13
ambient light sensor
7
touch pad
display latch — Keeps the display closed.

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
(see Power Management Modes).
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows®
operating system shutdown rather than by pressing the power button.
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
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 wireless devices are enabled. To enable or disable WiFi, use the wireless switch
on the left side of the computer.
Turns on when Bluetooth®wireless technology is enabled. To enable or disable Bluetooth
wireless technology, use the wireless switch on the left side of the computer.
NOTE: Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature on your computer, so the icon
turns on only if you ordered Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer. For more
information, see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth wireless technology.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
oSolid green: The battery is charging.
oFlashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.
oOff: The battery is adequately charged (or external power is not available to charge
the battery).

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
oOff: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).
oFlashing orange: The battery charge is low.
oSolid orange: The battery charge is critically low.
speaker — To adjust the volume of the integrated speaker, press the volume control buttons or mute
button.
keyboard — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For
information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see Numeric Keypad.
touch pad — Provides the functionality of a mouse. See Touch Pad for more information.
Touch pad/track stick buttons — Provide the functionality of a mouse. See Touch Pad for more
information.
NOTE: If you ordered the optional fingerprint reader with your computer, the reader is located
between the touch pad buttons.
ambient light sensor (ALS) — Helps to control display brightness. For more information, see Using the
Ambient Light Sensor.
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.

volume control buttons — Press these buttons to adjust the volume.
mute button — Press this button to turn off the volume.
Left Side View
1
security cable slot
6 infrared sensor
2
air vents 7 wireless switch
3
1394 connector 8 Wi-Fi Catcher™ light
4
audio connectors 9 PC Card slot
5
ExpressCard slot 10
smart card slot
security cable slot — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For
more information, see Security Cable Lock.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
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.
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.
IEEE 1394 connector — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as
some digital video cameras.
audio connectors

Attach headphones to the connector.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
ExpressCard slot — Supports 34- and 54-mm PCI ExpressCards or USB-based ExpressCards (see
Using Cards).
infrared sensor — Lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device
without using cable connections.
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.
wireless switch — Turns on/off wireless devices such as Wi-Fi and internal cards with Bluetooth
technology and scans for Wi-Fi networks. For more information about scanning for wireless networks,
see Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator.
NOTE: The wireless switch does not detect Mobile Broadband networks or networks that use
internal cards with Bluetooth technology.
1 "off" position 2 "on" position 3 "momentary" position
4 Wi-Fi Catcher™ light
Wireless switch positions
"off" Disables wireless devices
"on" Enables wireless devices

"momentary"
Scans for Wi-Fi networks. See Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator for more
information.
Wi-Fi Catcher™ light — The light operates as follows:
oFlashing green: Searching for networks
oSolid green: Strong network found
oSolid yellow: Weak network found
oFlashing yellow: Error
oOff: No signal found
PC Card slot — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships
with a blank installed in the slot. For more information, see Using Cards.
smart card slot — Supports one smart card (see Smart Cards).
Right Side View
1 media bay 2 USB connectors (2)
media bay — Supports a floppy drive, optical drives, or a second battery or second hard drive (see
Using Multimedia).
USB connectors
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
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.
1
network connector (RJ-45)
5
serial connector
2
USB connector 6
video connector

3
powered USB connector 7
AC adapter connector
4
modem connector (RJ-11) 8
air vents
network connector (RJ-45)
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging
the computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.
Connects the computer to a network. The two lights next to the connector indicate
status and activity for wired network connections.
For information on using the network adapter, see the device user's guide supplied
with your computer (see Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband
Modem).
USB 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.
powered USB 2.0 connector
Connects USB 2.0 compliant devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. Can
also be used for peripherals that require more than 5 V of power.
modem connector (RJ-11)
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).
serial connector
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.
video connector
Connects video devices, such as a monitor.
AC adapter connector — Connects an AC adapter to the computer.

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.
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. When you wrap the AC
adapter cable, ensure that you follow the angle of the connector on the AC adapter to avoid
damaging the cable.
air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the
computer from overheating.
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.
Bottom View

1
battery-bay latch release
4
docking-device connector
2
battery 5
fan air vents
3
memory module cover 6
hard drive
battery-bay latch release — Releases the battery. See Replacing the Battery for instructions.
battery — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to
an electrical outlet (see Using a Battery).
memory module cover — Covers the compartment that contains the second memory module (see
Memory).
docking-device connector — Lets you attach your computer to the Media Base or other docking
device. See the Dell documentation that came with your docking device for more information.
fan air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the fan air vents, which
prevents the computer from overheating.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is 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.
hard drive — Stores software and data.

Using a Battery
Dell™ Latitude™ D820 User's Guide
Battery Performance
Checking the Battery Charge
Conserving Battery Power
Power Management Modes
Configuring Power Management Settings
Charging the Battery
Replacing the Battery
Storing 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,
access the Control Panel→Power Options, and then click the Power Meter tab.
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.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second
battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.
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).
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 (see Checking the
Battery Charge). You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is
low (see Configuring 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 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 Windows 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 icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
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.
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. That is, 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 and 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 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 Specifications for more information about the battery operating time.
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.
By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties
window. See Configuring Power Management Settings 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).
•Use the Power Management Wizard 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 Power Management Modes for more 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:
•Click Start→ Shut Down→Stand by.
or
•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:
oPress the power button.
oClose the display.
oPress <Fn><Esc>.
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 or track stick.
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:
•Click Start→Turn off computer, press and hold <Shift>, and then click Hibernate.
or
•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:
oPress the power button.
oClose the display.
oPress <Fn><Esc>.
NOTE: Some PC Cards or ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits
hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the card (see Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard), 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 or track stick. 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.
•To access the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, double-click the icon in the taskbar.
For more information about QuickSet, click the Help button in the Power Management Wizard.
•To access the Power Options Properties window, click the Start button→Control Panel→
Performance and Maintenance→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.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, 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.
Replacing the Battery
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.
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.
For information about replacing the second battery, which is located in the media bay, see Using
Multimedia.
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.
3. Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer until the release clicks.
4. Using the tab on the battery, lift the battery out of the computer.
1 battery tab 2 battery 3 battery-bay latch release
To replace the battery, place the battery in the bay and press down until the battery-bay latch release
clicks.
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).

Using the Keyboard
Numeric Keypad
Key Combinations
Touch Pad
Changing the Track Stick Cap
Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the
keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and symbols are marked in blue on the right of
the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, hold down <Fn> and press the desired key.
•To enable the keypad, press <Num Lk>. The light indicates that the keypad is active.
•To disable the keypad, press <Num Lk> again.
Key Combinations
System Functions
<Ctrl><Shift><Esc>
Opens the Task Manager window
Battery
<Fn><F3>
Displays the Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
Display Functions
<Fn><F7> Scales between widescreen and standard aspect ratio video resolutions.