Dell Latitude C640 User manual

Dell™ Latitude™ C540/C640 User's Guide
Click the links to the left for information on the features and operation of your computer. For information on
other documentation included with your computer, see "Finding Information."
CAUTION: Follow the safety instructions in the System Information Guide to help protect
your computer from damage and ensure your own personal safety.
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 Glossary.
____________________
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, AccessDirect, Latitude, Dell Precision, OptiPlex, Inspiron, Dimension, Dell
TravelLite, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks and
Intel Speedstep is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows,Windows NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR
Partner, Dell Computer Corporation has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
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.
Model Number PP01L
April 2003 P/N 2P726 Rev. A03

Finding Information
Safety Instructions
Documentation Updates
Using Microsoft® Windows®
Using Devices
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
Fixing Problems
Installing Parts
Safety Instructions
CAUTION: For precautions on safely handling and using your computer and preventing
electrostatic discharge, see the safety instructions in the System Information Guide.
Documentation Updates
Documentation updates are sometimes included with your computer to describe changes to your computer
or software. Always read these updates before consulting any other documentation because the updates
contain the latest information.
Readme files, which may be installed on your hard drive or found on CDs such as the Drivers and Utilities
CD, provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical reference
material intended for experienced users or technicians.
Using Microsoft® Windows®
Windows Help
Each operating system provides complete online instructions for using it:
In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. For more information, see "About
Microsoft® Windows® XP."
In Windows 2000, click the Start button and click Help.
Microsoft Windows Guide

For more information on using the Windows operating system, see the Microsoft Windows documentation
that came with your computer.
Using Devices
Dell™ User's Guides
For help on using your computer's devices (such as a modem) and options you purchase separately from
your computer, see the device user's guide.
In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. From the Help and Support
window, click User and system guides.
In Windows 2000, click the Start button, point to Programs, and click User's Guides.
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers and utilities, the Dell Diagnostics, and user's guides for your
computer and optional devices. Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers and utilities already
installed-no further installation or configuration is needed. If you ever need to reinstall a driver or utility,
run diagnostics tests on your computer, or access the user's guides, use the Drivers and Utilities CD. See
"Reinstalling Software" and "Using the Dell Diagnostics."
Fixing Problems
For help with fixing computer problems, see "Solving Problems" and "Using the Dell Diagnostics."
Microsoft Windows Guide
For more information on troubleshooting problems, see the Microsoft Windows documentation that came
with your computer.
Dell Support
For personalized online support, driver updates, and instant answers to your questions, access the Dell
Support website at support.dell.com.

Installing Parts
For help with adding parts to your computer, see "Adding and Replacing Parts."
For detailed information on the computer parts and assemblies and how to remove and replace them, see
the computer Service Manual on support.dell.com.

About Your Computer
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

1
display latch
8
module bay
2
display
9
touch pad
3
keyboard status lights
10
battery bay
4
air vent
11
track stick/touch pad buttons
5
keyboard
12
track stick
6
microphone
13
power button
7
device status lights
14
AccessDirect button
Display Latch - Keeps the display closed.
Display - For more information on using your color display, see "Using the Display."
Keyboard Status Lights
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Keyboard Status Lights
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when he scroll lock function is enabled.
Keyboard - The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key .
For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
Microphone - Allows you to record audio.
Device Status Lights
Device Status Lights
Turns on when you turn on the computer.
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 when the computer is in a power management mode. It also blinks to
indicate battery charge status.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
Solid green: The battery is charging.
Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).
Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.
Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.
Module Bay - You can install devices such as an optical drive or Dell™ TravelLite™ module in the module
bay. For more information, see "Using the Module Bay."
Touch Pad - Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the
Keyboard and Touch Pad" for more information.
Battery Bay - When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting it to an electrical
outlet. See "Using a Battery."
Track Stick/Touch Pad Buttons - Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Track Stick - Use the track stick and track stick buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the
Keyboard and Touch Pad" for more information.
Power Button - Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter a power management mode.
NOTICE: Turn off your computer by performing a Windows shutdown rather than by pressing the
power button. Otherwise, you may lose data.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely
(this may take several seconds).
Dell AccessDirect™ Button - Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as your default
Internet browser. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
Dell AccessDirect™ Button

Left Side View

1
security cable slot
2
speaker
3
hard drive
4
PC Card slot
Security Cable Slot - Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.
Instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
Speakers - Press the volume control buttons or volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of
the integrated speakers. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
Hard Drive - Reads and writes data on a hard disk.
PC Card Slot - Has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including modems and network
adapters. For more information, see "Using PC Cards."
Right Side View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

1
modem connector
5
audio connectors
2
network connector
6
infrared sensor
3
S-video TV-out connector
7
speaker
4
air vents
Modem Connector
If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem
connector. (If no modem is included, the connector opening is filled by a plug.)
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with
your computer. See "Finding Information."
Network Connector
NOTE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a telephone
line into the network connector.

Connects the computer to a network. The light on the right flashes yellow to indicate
network activity. The light on the left turns reddish-orange when the computer is
connected to a 100-Mbps network; the light turns green for a 10-Mbps network or a
wireless card.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter
documentation supplied with your computer. See "Finding Information."
S-Video TV-Out Connector
Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Connecting a Television to
the Computer."
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 fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which
is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
Audio Connectors

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
Infrared Sensor - The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-
compatible device without using cable connections.
When you receive your computer, the infrared sensor is disabled. You can use the system setup program to
enable the infrared sensor. For information on transferring data, see Windows Help, the Windows Help and
Support Center, or the documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device.
Back View

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you
disconnect an external device.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
1
serial connector
6
video connector
2
parallel connector
7
AC adapter connector
3
docking connector
8
fan
4
PS/2 connector
9
fan
5
USB connector
Serial Connector
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.
Parallel Connector
Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. You can also connect the optional floppy
drive directly to the parallel connector using the optional floppy drive cable.

Docking Connector
NOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.
Connects the optional docking device. A docking device allows you to easily use
external devices with your computer, such as an external keyboard, mouse, and
monitor.
See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional information.
PS/2 Connector
NOTE: You can use the integrated keyboard and an external keyboard at the same time. When you
attach a keyboard or numeric keypad, the keypad is disabled.
Connects PS/2-compatible devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric
keypad.
Shut down the computer before attaching or removing a PS/2-compatible device. If
the device does not work, install the device drivers from the floppy disk or CD that
came with the device, and restart the computer.
USB Connector
Connects USB 1.1-compliant devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

Video Connector
Connects an external monitor. See "Using the Display."
AC Adapter Connector - Attach 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 either turned on or off. For more information on the optimal and allowable AC
adapter configurations for your computer, see "Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer" and "Docking
Power Considerations."
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 from the computer, grasp the adapter cable
connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
Fans - The computer uses internal fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer
from overheating.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fans when the computer gets hot. The fans may make noise, which
is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

Bottom View
1
Mini PCI card, modem, and memory module cover
2
device latch releases
3
docking device latch
Mini PCI Card, Modem, and Memory Module Cover - Covers the compartment that contains the
memory module(s), optional modem, and optional Mini PCI card. See "Adding and Replacing Parts."
Device Latch Releases - Press to remove a device in the module bay. See "Using the Module Bay" for
instructions.
Docking Device Latch - Latches onto the docking device.

About Microsoft® Windows® XP
Help and Support Center
Switching to Classic View
Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Program Compatibility Wizard
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
Home and Small Office Networking
Internet Connection Firewall
Help and Support Center
To access help with the Windows XP operating system and other support and educational tools, click the
Start button and click Help and Support.
Switching to Classic View
You may change the appearance of the Control Panel, the Start menu, and the Windows desktop to the
classic view of earlier operating systems.
Control Panel
The Control Panel presents information as task-oriented categories. If you are accustomed to performing a
particular task with the icon-oriented classic Control Panel, you can switch to the classic icon view:
Click the Start button, and click Control Panel.1.
Click Switch to Classic View or Switch to Category View in the upper left area of the Control
Panel window.
2.
Start Menu
Right-click the empty area on the taskbar.1.
Click Properties.2.
Click the Start Menu tab.3.
Select Classic Start Menu and click OK.4.

3.
4.
Window and Button Appearance
Right-click anywhere on the main desktop screen and click Properties.1.
Click the Appearance tab.2.
From the Windows and buttons drop-down menu, select Windows Classic style.3.
To customize color, font, and other classic desktop options, click Advanced.4.
When you have completed your appearance selections, click OK.5.
Desktop Cleanup Wizard
By default, the Desktop Cleanup Wizard moves programs that are not frequently used to a designated folder
7 days after you first start your computer and every 60 days after that. The appearance of the Start menu
changes as programs are moved.
To turn off the Desktop Cleanup Wizard:
Right-click an empty spot on the desktop, and click Properties.1.
Click the Desktop tab, and click Customize Desktop.2.
Click Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days to remove the check mark.3.
Click OK.4.
To run the Desktop Cleanup Wizard at any time:
Right-click an empty spot on the desktop, and click Properties.1.
Click the Desktop tab, and click Customize Desktop.2.
Click Clean Desktop Now.3.
When the Desktop Cleanup Wizard appears, click Next.4.
In the list of shortcuts, deselect any shortcuts you want to leave on the desktop, and then click Next.5.
Click Finish to remove the shortcuts and close the wizard.6.
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

NOTE: The time required to collect and transfer data depends on the amount of data collected. Times
can vary from a few minutes to several hours.
The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard allows you to transfer files and settings from one computer to another
(for instance, when upgrading to a new computer), even if the old computer is running an earlier operating
system. You transfer the data to the new computer over a network or direct serial connection, or store it on
a removable medium such as a floppy disk, Zip disk, or writable CD. If a CD drive is not available, the wizard
allows you to create a wizard disk to run on your old computer. For more information, see Windows Help and
Support Center.
Program Compatibility Wizard
NOTE: If you experience problems with your operating system or other programs after performing an
installation, you can use "System Restore" to return your computer to a previous stable condition.
If you encounter problems running a program designed for an earlier Windows operating system, you can
use the Program Compatibility Wizard to help resolve the problem. The Program Compatibility Wizard allows
you to configure a program to run in an environment closer to Windows 95, Windows 98/Me, Windows NT®
4.0 with Service Pack 5, or Windows 2000. For more information, see Windows Help and Support Center.
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
NOTE: Fast User Switching is disabled in Windows XP Professional when the computer is a member of
a computer domain.
Fast User Switching allows multiple users to access the computer. After you log onto the computer with your
specific settings, including the desktop and various programs, other users can log onto the computer without
requiring you to first log off. New users log on and switch from your session to their own. New users can run
their desktop and programs without interfering with yours. You can switch back to your desktop and
programs with the original settings. For more information, see Windows Help and Support Center.
Special Considerations With Fast User Switching
Computers with low memory configurations can experience problems. The computer uses memory to keep
your programs running in the background while a second user is logged on, which can cause the computer to
run slowly. Fast User Switching is off by default on computers with less than 128 MB of RAM.
Home and Small Office Networking
The Network Setup Wizard provides online documentation and support for setting up a home or small office
network. The new wizard automatically enables the personal firewall (see "Internet Connection Firewall").