Dell Latitude 131L User manual

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Dell™ Latitude™ 131L
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP23LB

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.
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.
© 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
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 PP23LB
October 2006 P/N UY373 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Left Side View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Back View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Using a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD . . . . . . 17
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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 computer documentation
• My device documentation
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 or run
the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 16.)
Readme files may be
included on your CD to
provide last-minute
updates about technical
changes to your computer
or advanced technical-
reference material for
technicians or experienced
users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Dell Latitude™ User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows XP 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.

6Quick Reference 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 technical support.
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting technical
support.
• 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 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.
• How to use the Windows operating system
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
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.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
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 drives or batteries) that you have ordered.
• 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 Operating
System CD.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
Drivers and Utilities CD
(ResourceCD) 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 CD varies based on the operating
system you ordered.
• 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 — 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.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
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 9).
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards
or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer.

Quick Reference Guide 9
About Your Computer
Front View
1display latch release 2display latches (2) 3display
4power button 5device status lights 6touch pad
7speakers (2) 8touch pad buttons 9keyboard
10 keyboard and wireless
status lights
1
9
3
6
8
4
7
5
10
2

10 Quick Reference Guide
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
1air vent 2security cable slot 3optical drive bay
4optical-drive-tray eject button
1hard drive 2ExpressCard slot 33-in-1 media memory card reader
4audio connectors (2) 5USB connectors (2)
1AC adapter connector 2network connector (RJ-45) 3modem connector (RJ-11)
4USB connectors (2) 5video connector
3241
34 521
1 4 532

Quick Reference Guide 11
Bottom View
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate
paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.
For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell portable
computer with the main battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to an
electrical outlet the first time you use the computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter
until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, click Start→Settings→Control Panel→Power
Options→Power Meter.
1battery charge gauge 2optical-drive locking screw 3battery-bay latch release
4battery 5hard drive 6modem/memory module cover
7fan
6
7
4
3
1 2
5

12 Quick Reference Guide
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how
often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during
the life of your computer.
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantly reduced
when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
• Using optical drives
• Using wireless communications devices, Express Cards, 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 information on configuring power
management settings in your User’s Guide)
You can check the battery charge (see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 12) before you insert the
battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery
charge is low
( see information on configuring power management settings in your User’s Guide).
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not
use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call
your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery
Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate,
disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children.
Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury
or equipment damage.
Checking the Battery Charge
The 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.
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 13
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
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 the specifications in your User’s Guide.
Low-Battery Warning
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning, and 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. See your User’s Guide for information about accessing
the Power Options Properties window.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: When the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery to 80 percent in
about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You
can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery
from overcharging.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is
connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary,
the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may
not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

14 Quick Reference Guide
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.
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.
NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have up to 1 minute to
complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved data.
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 and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then lift the battery
from the bay.
To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
1battery-bay latch release 2battery
21

Quick Reference Guide 15
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 (see "Charging the
Battery" on page 13) before you use it.
Troubleshooting
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
The computer does not start up
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
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.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
END THE PROGRAM —
1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2 Click Task Manager .
3 Click the program that is no longer responding.
4 Click End Task .
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION —If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft Windows operating system
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program
so it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.
1
Click Start → All Programs → Accessories → Program Compatibility Wizard → Next .
2 Follow the instructions on the screen.

16 Quick Reference Guide
A solid blue screen appears
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF —If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer
turns off. Then restart your computer.
Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING
INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.
See the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY.
USE AVIRUS-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 MENU.
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 —See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 16. If all tests run successfully, the error
condition is related to a software problem.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Lockups and Software
Problems" on page 15 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD.

Quick Reference Guide 17
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 for technical assistance.
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
3 Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4 Run the Dell Diagnostics:
a Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
Diagnostics from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
b
Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board,
keyboard, hard drive, and display.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the
computer, press <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.
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message
Booting Dell
Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue
.
5 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
2 Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows
desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots
according to the devices specified in the system setup program.

18 Quick Reference Guide
3 When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM DeviceCD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and
press <Enter>.
4 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
5 Ty p e 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6 Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select
the version appropriate for your computer.
7 When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
2 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.
3 If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in
the following table for more information.
Option Function
Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes
10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of
tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically
takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer
questions periodically.
Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you
want to run.
Symptom Tree Lists the most common symptoms encountered and
allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the
problem you are having.

Quick Reference Guide 19
4 When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities
CD , remove the CD.
5 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.
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.

20 Quick Reference Guide