Dell Latitude D531 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ Latitude™ D531
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP04X

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 in your User’s Guide .
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems are not applicable.
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.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarksusedinthistext:Dell,theDELLlogo,Latitude,andExpressChargearetrademarksofDellInc.;AMDisatrademarkofAdvanced Micro
Devices,Inc.;Microsoft,Outlook,and WindowsareregisteredtrademarksofMicrosoftCorporation.WindowsVistaandtheWindows Vista Start
button are 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 PP04X
April 2007 P/N CT975 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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 Media
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media may be optional and
may not ship with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the media to reinstall drivers and to
run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 17).
Readme files may be
included on your media 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.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media may be optional and
may not ship with your computer.
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
•Howtoremoveandreplaceparts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click Start or → 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 your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you
use
support.dell.com or contact support.
• Enter the Express
Service Code to direct
your call when
contacting support.
NOTE: The Microsoft
Windows License label has been redesigned with a hole, or
"security portal," as an increased security measure.
• 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
• 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, AMD™ 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 or business segment 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.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
• 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 task bar. For more information,
see "Dell Support Utility" in your
User’s Guide .
• How to use Windows operating systems
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button or → 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 QuickSet icon
in the Microsoft®Windows®task bar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™ QuickSet"
in your User’s Guide.
• How to reinstall my operating system The operating system is already installed on your computer.
See "Restoring Your Operating System" in your User’s Guide.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
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 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 2display 3power button
4device status lights 5speakers (2) 6keyboard
7touch pad 8touch pad buttons 9keyboard status lights
10 wireless enable/disable button 11 ambient light sensor
1
5
2
9
7
4
10
3
6
8
11

10 Quick Reference Guide
Left Side View
Right Side View
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.
1security cable slot 2air vent 3IEEE 1394 connector
4audio connectors (2) 5PC Card slot 6hard drive
1media bay 2device latch release 3USB connectors (2)
1network connector (RJ-45) 2S-video TV-out connector 3USB connectors (2)
4modem connector (RJ-11) 5serial connector 6VGA connector
7AC adapter connector 8air vents
4
35
1 62
123
8123 4 5 6 7

Quick Reference Guide 11
Bottom View
1battery charge gauge 2battery-bay latch release 3battery
4memory module/coin-cell battery
cover
5docking device slot 6air vents
7hard drive
1 3
4
5
6
7
2

12 Quick Reference Guide
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
→ Control Panel → Power Options → Power Meter.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how
often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during
the life of your computer.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second
battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
•Usingopticaldrives
• 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 your
User’s Guide ).
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer (see "Checking the
Battery Charge" on page 13). You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery
charge is low
(see "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 lithium-ion battery is designed to work with your Dell computer.
Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call
your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery
Disposal" in the
Product Information Guide .
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate,
disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 60°C (140°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.

Quick Reference Guide 13
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 QuickSet icon in the task bar, and click Help.
Microsoft®Windows®Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click
the icon on the task bar.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery,
you can check:
• Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)
• Battery health (check by pressing and
holding the status button)
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of
charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can
show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate
the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge.
For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights
appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described
below and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet
icon in the task bar, and click Help.
To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery
charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than
80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five
lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the
battery. See "Specifications" in your User’s Guide for more information about the battery operating time.

14 Quick Reference Guide
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.
By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
See
"Configuring Power Management Settings" in your User’s Guide for information about accessing
QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, when the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely
discharged battery to 80 percent in about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer
with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal
circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
NOTE: You must use a 90-Watt AC adaptor to use ExpressCharge a 9-cell battery.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected
to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter
then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may
not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect
the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature.
Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" in your User’s Guide.
Removing 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, which is located in the media bay, see "Using Multimedia" in your User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide 15
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, in hibernate mode, or connected to AC adapter.
NOTICE: Removing the battery in while the computer is in standby mode (without AC power) causes the computer
to shut down and may result in loss of data.
3 Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer.
4 Lift the battery out of the battery bay.
To replace the battery, place the battery in the bay and press down until the battery-bay latch release clicks.
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges
during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it
(see "Charging the Battery" on page 14).
1battery 2battery-bay latch release
1 2

16 Quick Reference Guide
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 M an age r .
3 Click Applications .
4 Click the program that is no longer responding.
5 Click End Task .
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION —If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier operating system version
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program
so that 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.
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.

Quick Reference Guide 17
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 17. 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 16 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 Media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
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 User’s Guide).
NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came
with your docking device for instructions.

18 Quick Reference Guide
1 Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.
2 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3 Start the Dell Diagnostics in one of the following two ways:
a 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.
NOTE: Before attempting option b, the computer must be powered down completely.
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 media.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system
board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, and so on.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and
see "Contacting Dell"
in your User’s Guide .
4 If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you will 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 Media
1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities Media.
2 Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
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.
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.
3 When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and press <Enter>.
4 Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
5 Type 1 to start the 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.

Quick Reference Guide 19
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1 After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer.
2 After you have selected the Test System option from the main menu, the following menu appears.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test from the menu below to run a more thorough
check of devices in the computer.
3 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 contact Dell (see Contacting Dell in
your
User’s Guide ).
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.
Option Function
Test Memory Runs the stand-alone memory test
Test System Runs System Diagnostics
Exit Exits the Diagnostics
Option Function
Express Test Performs a quick test of devices in the
system. This typically can take 10 to
20 minutes.
Extended Test Performs a thorough check of devices in the
system. This typically can take an hour or
more.
Custom Test Use to test a specific device or customize
the tests to be run.
Symptom Tree This option allows you to select tests based
on a symptom of the problem you are having.
This option lists the most common symptoms.

20 Quick Reference Guide
4 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.
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.
6 Remove the Dell Drivers and Utilities media (if applicable).
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.