Dell Latitude C540 Series User guide

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Dell™ Latitude™ C540/C640 Series
System Information Guide
Píručka k zaízení
Systeminformation
Järjestelmätiedot
Οδηγός Πληροφοριών Συστήµατος
Rendszerinformációs kézikönyv
Systeminformasjonsveiledning
Przewodnik z informacjami o systemie
Руководство по системе
Príručka - systémové informácie
Priročnik z informacijami o sistemu
Systeminformationsguide
למערכת מידע מדריך
Model PP01L

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Dell™ Latitude™ C540/C640 Series
System Information Guide

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 the Start
button, click Help and Support Center, and then click 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.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002–2003 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly
forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Latitude, TrueMobile, and AccessDirect are trademarks of Dell
Computer Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and
Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names
other than its own.
March 2003 P/N 4R028 Rev. A02

Contents 3
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Air Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
EMC Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
California Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ergonomic Computing Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
When Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4Contents

System Information Guide 5
CAUTION: Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect
your computer and working environment from potential damage.
General
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service
technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.
• If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere
rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the
ampere rating of the extension cable.
• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire
or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
• Do not store your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a carrying case or a
closed briefcase, while the computer is turned on. Restricting airflow can damage the
computer or cause a fire.
• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling
vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer
in a closed-in wall unit or on a bed, sofa, or rug.
• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor, when you
use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with
papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside
a carrying case.
• The AC adapter may become hot during normal operation of your computer. Use care
when handling the adapter during or immediately after operation.
• Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed
skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during
normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact
with exposed skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.
• Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or
swimming pool or in a wet basement
• If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the
modem cable if an electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk of electric
shock from lightning via the telephone line.

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• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any
cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical
storm. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been
disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.
• If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be
manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-
compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
• Before you open the memory module/Mini PCI card/modem cover on the bottom of your
computer, disconnect all cables from their electrical outlets and disconnect the telephone
cable.
• If your computer has a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector, insert the
telephone cable into the RJ-11 connector, not the RJ-45 connector.
• PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC
Cards after their continuous operation.
• Before you clean your computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.
Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.
Power
• Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of
another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.
• Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage
rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power
source.
• To remove the computer from all power sources, turn the computer off, remove the
battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and device power cables into properly
grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with 3-prong plugs to
provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the
grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the
appropriate type, 2-prong or 3-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)

System Information Guide 7
• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and that the cable is not
located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.
• If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use caution when plugging the AC
adapter’s power cable into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you to insert the
plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage
to your computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the ground
prong of the power plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of the power strip.
Battery
• Use only Dell™ battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of
other types may increase the risk of fire or explosion.
• Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects
(such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting
excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage
to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.
• The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it.
Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged,
electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.
• Keep the battery away from children.
• Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator,
fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or otherwise expose it
to temperatures in excess of 60ºC (140ºF). When heated to excessive temperatures,
battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.
• Do not dispose of your computer’s battery in a fire or with normal household waste.
Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer’s
instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose
of a spent or damaged battery promptly.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)

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Air Travel
• Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions
may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are on board an aircraft. For
example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic
device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or
other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.
– In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is
equipped with Dell TrueMobile™ or some other wireless communication device,
please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions
provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.
– Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable computer, may be prohibited in
aircraft during certain critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing. Some
airlines may further define the critical flight phase as any time the aircraft is below
3050 m (10,000 ft.). Please follow the airline’s specific instructions as to when the use
of a PED is allowed.
EMC Instructions
Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for
the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you
can order a cable from Dell at its worldwide website at www.dell.com.
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s
electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer’s input/output panel.
California Residents
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product, or cords associated with accessories sold with
this product, will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash your hands after handling the cord .
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)

System Information Guide 9
When Using Your Computer
Observe the following safe-handling guidelines to prevent damage to your computer:
• When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
• When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put your computer
through an X-ray security machine, but never put your computer through a metal
detector. If you have the computer checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery
available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.
• When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap the drive in a
nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you have the drive checked by hand, be
ready to install the drive in the computer. You can put the hard drive through an X-ray
security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.
• When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage compartments where it
could slide around. Do not drop your computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.
• Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental hazards such as dirt,
dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexposure to sunlight.
• When you move your computer between environments with very different temperature
and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within the computer. To avoid
damaging the computer, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using
the computer.
NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a warmer environment
or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow the computer to acclimate to
room temperature before turning on power.
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the
cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly
oriented and aligned.
• Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by its edges,
not its pins.
• When preparing to remove a memory module from the system board or disconnect a
device from the computer, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and
then wait 5 seconds before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.

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• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and water. Apply the water to the cloth; then
stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to
the bottom. Remove moisture from the display quickly and keep the display dry. Long-
term exposure to moisture can damage the display. Do not use a commercial window
cleaner to clean your display.
• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in "Solving
Problems" in your online User’s Guide. If, after following these procedures, you confirm
that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell (see "Getting Help" in your
User’s Guide for the appropriate contact information).
Ergonomic Computing Habits
CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.
CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of
time may result in eye strain.
For comfort and efficiency, observe the ergonomic guidelines in the Appendix of your online
User’s Guide when setting up and using your computer.
This portable computer is not designed for continuous operation as office equipment. For
extended use in an office, it is recommended that you connect an external keyboard.
When Working Inside Your Computer
Before removing or installing memory modules, Mini PCI cards, or modems, perform the
following steps in the sequence indicated.
NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is when you are
installing memory modules, a Mini PCI card, or a modem.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a device or removing
a memory module, Mini PCI card, or modem to help prevent possible damage to the system board.
1Shut down your computer and turn off any attached devices.
2Disconnect your computer and devices from electrical outlets to reduce the potential for
personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from
the computer.
3Remove the main battery from the battery bay and, if necessary, the second battery from
the module bay.
When Using Your Computer (continued)

System Information Guide 11
4Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel on the back of
the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any static electricity that
might harm internal components.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s
electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer’s I/O panel.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O connector to remove
any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove
the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the
component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static
electricity from your body.
• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or
packaging.
• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads
and workbench pads.
Battery Disposal
Your computer uses a lithium-ion battery. For instructions about replacing the lithium-ion
battery in your computer, see "Removing a Battery" later in this document and "Using a
Battery" in your online User’s Guide.
Do not dispose of the battery along with household waste. Contact your local waste disposal
agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.
When Using Your Computer (continued)

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Finding Information and Assistance
The following table lists the resources that Dell provides as support tools. Additional
resources may be shipped with your computer.
Resource Contents Using the Resource
Drivers and Utilities CD
• Dell Diagnostics
• Drivers
• Utilities
• Computer and device
documentation
See the main menu on the Drivers and Utilities CD
that came with your computer. Use the pull-down
menu to make selections appropriate for your
computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on
your computer when shipped from Dell. You can use
this CD to access documentation or reinstall drivers.
You can also use the CD to run diagnostic tools if
you are unable to run the diagnostics located on
your hard drive.
For more information, see your online User’s Guide.
Service and Registration Labels
• Express Service Code and
Service Tag Sequence
• Product Key (also called the
Product ID or Certificate of
Authenticity [COA])
The Express Service Code and Service Tag are
unique identifiers for your Dell™ computer.
You will need the Product Key (or Product ID)
number to complete the operating system setup.
Operating System CD To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating
System CD that came with your computer.
NOTE: The Operating System CD may not include
all the latest drivers for your computer. If you
reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and
Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices
shipped with your computer. Alternatively, you can
go to support.dell.com to obtain the latest drivers.

System Information Guide 13
Dell Support website
• Frequently asked questions
• Downloads for your computer
• Documentation
• Online discussions about your
computer
• Searchable database
Go to support.dell.com and complete the one-time
registration:
• Get help with general usage, installation, and
troubleshooting questions (Ask Dudley, Dell
Knowledge Base)
• Access documentation about your computer and
devices (Dell Documents)
• Get the latest versions of the drivers for your
computer (Downloads for Your Dell)
• Join online discussions with other Dell customers
and Dell technical professionals (Dell Talk)
• Explore a list of online links to Dell's primary
vendors
Dell Premier Support website
• Service call status
• Top technical issues by
product
• Frequently asked questions by
product number
• Customized service tags
• System configuration detail
Go to premiersupport.dell.com:
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
corporate, government, and education customers. It
is available to self-maintaining customers who
subscribe to the Premier Support program.
This service may not be available in all regions.
Resource Contents Using the Resource

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Setting Up Your Computer
1Unpack the accessories box.
2Set 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) you have ordered.
3Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector and to the electrical outlet.

System Information Guide 15
4Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
NOTE: Do not dock the computer until it has been turned on and shut down at least once.
1power button
1

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About Your Computer
See your online User’s Guide for detailed information about the computer. Depending on
your operating system, double-click the User’s Guide icon on your desktop, or click the
Start button, click Help and Support Center, and then click User and system guides. The
following items address some of the more commonly asked questions about the computer.
•Modem and network adapter: The computer includes both a v.92 56K modem and a
10/100 Ethernet LOM network adapter. For connector locations, see "Right Side View"
later in this document. For more information on ports and connectors, see "About
Your Computer" in your online User’s Guide.
•Battery life and usage: Using the 4460-mAh battery that comes standard with the
computer, you can expect from 3 to 4 hours of operating life from a single fully loaded
battery with average usage. Performing certain types of operations can significantly
reduce battery life.
– For more information on battery usage and conserving power, see "Using a Battery"
and "Power Management" in the User’s Guide.
– For information on using lower-capacity batteries, see "Ensuring Sufficient Power
for Your Computer" in the "Solving Problems" section of the User’s Guide.
•Module bay devices: For information on the module bay and the devices it supports, see
"Using the Module Bay" in the User’s Guide.
•Docking devices: Your computer supports the Dell C/Dock Expansion Station and the
Dell C/Port Advanced Port Replicator.
NOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.
– For information on your optional docking device, see the documentation that
accompanied the device.
– For information on obtaining optimal performance when using a docking device
with this computer, see "Docking Power Considerations" in the "Solving Problems"
section of the User’s Guide.

System Information Guide 17
Front 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.
1display latch 8module bay
2display 9touch pad
3keyboard status lights 10 battery bay
4air vent 11 track stick/touch pad buttons
5keyboard 12 track stick
6microphone 13 power button
7device status lights 14 AccessDirect button
1
2
8
3
13
9
14
5
6
7
10
12
11
4

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Left Side View
1PC Card slot
2hard drive
3security cable slot
4speaker
1234