Dell Latitude X300 Technical manual

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Dell™ Latitude™ X300
System Information Guide
Guide d'informations du système
Guia de informações do sistema
Guía de información del sistema
Model PP04S

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Dell™ Latitude™ X300
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 click User and system guides).
If you purchased a Dell™ nSeries 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, and TrueMobile are trademarks of Dell Computer
Corporation; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks of the 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 Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names
other than its own.
Model PP04S
June 2003 P/N P1631 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
CAUTION: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Air Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
EMC Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing the Optional Extended Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4Contents
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Starting the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Limited Warranties and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products
(U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . 29
Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware
Products (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy (Canada Only) . . . . . . . 33
Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . 33
1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Intel®Warranty Statement for Pentium®and Celeron®
Processors Only (U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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.

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• 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.
• 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 both a modem RJ-11 connector and a network RJ-45 connector,
which look alike, make sure you 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, disconnect the
AC adapter from the electrical outlet, and remove any battery installed in the battery bay
or module bay.
CAUTION: Safety Instructions (continued)

System Information Guide 7
• 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.
• 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 electromagnetic
compatibility (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.
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,
remove any battery installed in the battery bay or module bay, 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 “If Your
Computer Gets Wet” or “If You Drop or Damage Your Computer” in your User’s Guide.
If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating
properly, contact Dell (see the 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 your 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 any unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the unpainted metal surface 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 any unpainted
metal surface on the back of the computer.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch any unpainted metal surface
on the back of the computer 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 an lithium-ion battery and a reserve battery. For instructions about
replacing the lithium-ion battery in your computer, refer to the section about replacing the
battery in your Dell computer documentation. The reserve battery is a long-life battery, and it
is very possible that you will never need to replace it. However, should you need to replace it,
the procedure must be performed by an authorized service technician.
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 for Your Computer
What are you looking for? Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My computer documentation
• My device documentation
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You
can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics, or access
your documentation.
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.
• How to set up my computer
• Warranty information
• Safety instructions
Dell™ System Information Guide
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com.
• How to remove and replace parts
• Technical specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve
problems
User’s Guide
Windows XP Help and Support Center
1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2Click User’s and system guides and click User’s guides.
Microsoft Windows 2000
Double-click the User’s Guides icon on your desktop.

System Information Guide 13
• 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
technical support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to
direct your call when contacting
technical support. The Express
Service Code is not available in all countries.
• Use the number on the Microsoft Windows License Label if you
reinstall your operating system.
• Latest drivers for my computer
• Answers to technical service and
support questions
• Online discussions with other users
and technical support
• Documentation for my computer
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
The Dell Support website provides several online tools, including:
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from
technicians, and online courses
• 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, order status, warranty, and
repair information
• Downloads — Drivers, patches, and software updates
• Reference — Computer documentation, product specifications, and
white papers
• Service call status and support history
• Top technical issues for my computer
• Frequently asked questions
• File downloads
• Details on my computer configuration
• Service contract for my computer
Dell Premier Support Website —
premiersupport.dell.com
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate,
government, and education customers. This website may not be
available in all regions.
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices
(such as a modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the
arrow icon.
3Click the topic that describes your problem.
4Follow the instructions on the screen.
What are you looking for? Find It Here (continued)

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• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To resintall
your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your User’s
Guide for operating system reinstallation instructions.
After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities
CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.
Your operating system product key
label is located on your computer.
What are you looking for? Find It Here (continued)

System Information Guide 15
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures listed in this section, follow
the safety instructions at the beginning of this document.
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.

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4Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the X300 Media Base until the computer has been
turned on and shut down at least once.
power button

System Information Guide 17
Front View
display
display latch
keyboard
device status lights
keyboard status lights
touchpad buttons (2)
speakers (2)
touch pad
power button

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Left Side View
Right Side View
modem connector
network connector
AC adapter
connector
D/Bay connector
1394 connector PC Card Slot
audio connector Secure Digital memory card slot
air exhaust
infrared sensor
USB connector
video connector