Dell Latitude ATG D620 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ Latitude™ ATG D620
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP18L

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.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the User’s Guide (depending on your operating system,
double-click the
User’s Guide icon on your desktop or click Start → Help and Support Center → User and
system guides
).
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems are not applicable.
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.
____________________
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, Wi-Fi Catcher, ExpressCharge, Dell MediaDirect, and Latitude are trademarks of Dell Inc.;
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; 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 PP18L
December 2006 P/N UW141 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Left Side View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Back View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Replacing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Other Software Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Dell Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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 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" in the computer’s
online User’s Guide) or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see
"Dell Diagnostics" in the online User’s Guide).
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 remove and install parts
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.

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
• 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 the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Click Dell User and System Guides and click System
Guides
.
3 Click the online User’s Guide for your computer.
• 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 Dell for technical
assistance. It is recommended that you keep a copy of the
Service Tag in a secure location in case your computer is
lost or stolen.
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting Dell.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
• 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 support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my
computer configuration, product specifications, and
white papers
• Dell Technical Update Service — Proactive e-mail
notification of software and hardware updates for your
computer
• 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
®
processors, optical
drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct
operation of your Dell computer. The software
automatically detects your computer and operating
system and installs the updates appropriate for your
configuration.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support
site.
To download Notebook System Software:
1 Go to support.dell.com , select your region or business
segment, and enter your Service Tag.
2 Select Drivers & Downloads and click Go .
3 Click your operating system and search for the keyword
Notebook System Software .
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. For more information, see "Accessing the
Dell Support Utility" in the online
User’s Guide for your
computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
• How to use Windows
• 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.
• 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 Features" in your computer’s online User’s
Guide.
• 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 "Reinstalling Microsoft®
Windows®XP" in your online User’s Guide.)
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
optional 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.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 9
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 back of the computer and to the
electrical outlet.
NOTE: You can connect the AC adapter without rotating the port cover downward.
4 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer (see "Front View" on
page 10).
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.
1AC adapter 2port cover
12

10 Quick Reference Guide
About Your Computer
NOTE: For additional information about the functions and use of the features identified in this section, see the
online User’s Guide for your computer.
Front View
1display latch 2display 3power button
4device status lights 5keyboard 6touch pad
7fingerprint reader (optional) 8speaker 9touch pad/track stick buttons
10 track stick 11 keyboard status lights 12 volume control buttons
13 ambient light sensor
NOTE: Press <Fn> and the left-
arrow key to activate the
sensor.
14 mute button 15 keyboard illumination lights
NOTE: Press <Fn> and the
right-arrow key to
enable/disable the lights.
2
3
12
1
4
5
13
14
11
8
9
10
15
76

Quick Reference Guide 11
Left Side View
Right Side View
1air vents 2security cable slot 3audio connectors (2)
4infrared sensor 5smart card slot (with blank) 6wireless switch
7Wi-Fi Catcher™ light 8PC Card or ExpressCard
slot
9hard drive
10 PC Card/ExpressCard
latch release
1optical drive in
media bay
2media-bay device latch
release
3USB connectors (2)
4USB port cover
123456 89710
1 2 3 4

12 Quick Reference Guide
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.
1network connector (RJ-45) 2modem connector (RJ-11) 3USB connectors (2)
4serial connector 5video connector 6AC adapter connector
7air vents 8port cover
1 2 3456 7
8

Quick Reference Guide 13
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 the Start button→Settings→Control Panel→
Power Options→Power Meter tab.
1memory module cover 2battery charge
gauge/health gauge
3battery
4battery-bay latch
releases (2)
5docking-device
connector
6air vents
7hard drive
123
4
5
7
6

14 Quick Reference Guide
You can install an optional second battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time. For
additional information about using a second battery, see "Media Bay" in the online User’s Guide for your
computer.
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. 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 the online
User’s Guide for your computer.)
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 (see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 14) 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 "Configuring Power Management Settings" in the online User’s Guide for your computer) .
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 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.

Quick Reference Guide 15
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.
1 battery 2status button (for battery
charge status)
3charge gauge (for battery
health)
2
1
3

16 Quick Reference Guide
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 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 "Battery" in your online User’s Guide 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, or install a second battery in the media bay. If the battery runs
completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.
The battery status light on the hinge cover (at the lower-right corner of the display) flashes orange when
the battery charge is low, and it is solid orange when the battery charge is critically low. Also, 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 the online User’s Guide for your computer.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, the AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately
1 hour with the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in
the computer as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
NOTE: If you want to use Dell ExpressCharge with a 9-cell battery, you need to use it in conjunction with a 90-W
AC adapter.
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.

Quick Reference Guide 17
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.
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.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.
For information about replacing the second battery, if applicable, see "Media Bay" in your online User’s
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 in hibernate mode (see "Hibernate Mode" in your online User’s
Guide
).
3 Turn the computer upside down, with the front of the computer facing away from you.
4 Slide the battery-bay latch release on the right side of the battery until it engages and locks.
5 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the left side of the battery, grasp the battery by the
battery tab, and slide the battery horizontally toward the front of the computer.
6 Lift to remove the battery from the bay.
To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
1battery 2battery-bay latch release (2) 3battery tab
1
2
3

18 Quick Reference Guide
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges
during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it
(see "Charging the Battery" on page 16).
Troubleshooting
NOTE: For additional troubleshooting guidelines, see the online User’s Guide for your computer.
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><Del> 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 the Start button, point to Programs → Accessories , and then click Program Compatibility
Wizard
.
2 In the welcome screen, click Next .
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.

Quick Reference Guide 19
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 19. 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 18 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 optional Drivers and Utilities CD (also
known as the ResourceCD).

20 Quick Reference Guide
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 (see "Contacting Dell" in your online
User’s Guide).
1 Shut down the 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 Diagnostics can be invoked one of two ways:
• 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.
• Press and hold the <Fn> key while turning on the computer.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the
Dell Diagnostics from the optional 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 <Esc>; 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 (see "Contacting Dell" in the online
User’s Guide for your computer) .
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.