Dell Precision D5185 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell Precision™ M70 Mobile
Workstation
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP15L

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.
The
Drivers and Utilities CD and the Operating System CD are optional and may not ship with all computers.
_________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel 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 PP15L
October 2004 P/N D5185 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information for Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Notebook System Software (NSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4Contents

Quick Reference Guide 5
Finding Information for Your Computer
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or 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 computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD)
Documentation and drivers are already
installed on your computer when shipped
from Dell. 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
experienced users or technicians.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all
computers.
NOTE: The latest drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. Only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft
®
Windows
®
License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License
These labels are located on the
bottom of your computer.
•Use the Service Tag to identify your
computer when you use
support.dell.com or contact 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.

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• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Dell Precision™ M70 User’s Guide
Microsoft®Windows®XP Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2 Click User and System Guides and click User Guides .
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips,
articles from technicians, online courses,
frequently asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with other
Dell customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as memory, the hard drive,
and the operating system
• Customer Care — Contact information,
service call and order status, warranty, and
repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and
support history, service contract, online
discussions with technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation,
details on my computer configuration,
product specifications, and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and
software updates
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support site.
NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers can also use the
customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com.
The website may not be available in all regions.
• Notebook System Software (NSS) Drivers and Utilities CD or Dell Support Website
If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also
reinstall the NSS utility (available on the optional Drivers and Utilities
CD or on the Dell Support Site). NSS provides critical updates for your
operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives,
Intel®Pentium®M 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.
• How to use Windows XP
• Documentation for my computer
• Documentation for devices (such as a
modem)
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support .
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow
icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located 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 your computer
setup.
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.
NOTICE: When using the AC adapter, secure the cable so that the cable is not pulled, tangled, stepped
on, or crushed by objects such as chair legs or desk supports.
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System CD
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall
your operating system, use the Operating System CD. See your Dell
Precision User’s Guide for instructions.
After you reinstall your operating system,
use the Drivers and Utilities CD to
reinstall drivers for the devices that came
with your computer.
The operating system product key is
located on your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based
on the operating system you ordered.
NOTE: The Operating System CD is
optional and may not ship with all
computers.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
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NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and
shut down at least once.

Quick Reference Guide 9
4 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
About Your Computer
See your online User’s Guide for detailed information about your 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 may include both a v.92 56K modem and a
10/100/1000 Ethernet LOM network adapter. For connector locations, see "Back View" on
page 12. For more information on ports and connectors, see "About Your Computer" in your
online
User’s Guide .
•
Battery life and usage: Various batteries are available for use with your computer. Using the
battery that comes standard with the computer, you can expect from 3 to 4 hours of operating
time from a single fully charged battery with average usage. Performing certain types of
operations, such as extended wireless operation, can significantly reduce battery life.
– For more information on battery performance, usage, and conserving power, see your
online
User’s Guide .
– For information on an optional second battery, see your online
User’s Guide .
power button

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• Module bay devices: For information on the module bay and the devices it supports, see "Using
the Module Bay" in your online
User’s Guide .
•
Docking devices: Your computer supports the Dell D/Dock Expansion Station and the Dell
D/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 "Solving Problems" in your online
User’s Guide .
Front View
display latch
keyboard
display
track stick
touch pad
volume control
buttons device status
lights
track stick/
touch pad
buttons
mute button
power button
display latch
button
speakers (2)
keyboard status lights

Quick Reference Guide 11
Left View
Right View
I
processor-
fan air vent
security
cable slot PC Card slot smart card slot
hard drive
module bay audio connectors (2) USB 2.0
connectors (2)
video-fan
air vent

12 Quick Reference Guide
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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.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after you turn off the computer before you
disconnect an external device.
video-fan
air vent
infrared sensor
network connector (RJ-45)
modem connector (RJ-11)
USB 2.0 connectors (2) S-video TV-out connector
serial connector
video connector
AC adapter connector
processor-
fan air vent

Quick Reference Guide 13
Bottom View
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
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. Use a battery to run the computer
when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay. Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an
optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more
information about the optional second battery, see your
User’s Guide .
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time it 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
Mini PCI
card/modem/DIMM
module cover
battery-bay latch release
docking device slotprocessor-fan air vent video-fan air vent

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Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
• Using CD, DVD, or other optical drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs
such as 3D games
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode
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. You can also set
power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.
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 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery
away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may
leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Power Meter window and icon,
the battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the
battery charge. For information about checking the charge on the optional second battery, see your
User’s Guide .
Dell QuickSet Battery Meter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F8> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter.
The
Battery Meter window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery
in your computer.
NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking
device does not power the docking device or computer.
In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the Battery Meter
window includes a
Dock Battery tab, which displays the charge level and current status of the
docking device battery.

Quick Reference Guide 15
The following icons appear in the Battery Meter window:
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, 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 taskbar. For more information about the Power Meter tab, see
your
User’s Guide .
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
Before you install a battery, press 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.
Health Gauge
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. To
check the battery health, 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 your
User’s Guide for more information about the battery operating time.
NOTE: When you press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds,
the charge-level lights will first light to display the current charge status. Then they switch to Health
status where they represent incremental degradation when lit.
• The computer or docking device is running on battery power.
• The battery is discharging or idle.
• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and
running on AC power.
• The battery is charging.
• The computer or docking device is connected to an electrical outlet and
running on AC power.
• The battery is discharging, idle, or charging.

16 Quick Reference Guide
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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. You can also turn the computer off and install a
second battery in the module bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins
automatically.
A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. The
computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During that time,
the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning means that the
combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters
hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level. For more information about low-
battery alarms, see "Power Management" in your
User’s Guide .
Charging the Battery
NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with the
computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the
computer as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
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 your
User’s Guide .
Removing a Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack
NOTE: For information about removing the optional second battery, see your User’s Guide.
1
Ensure that the computer is turned off and disconnected from the electrical outlet.
2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions. Slide and hold the battery-bay latch
release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.

Quick Reference Guide 17
Installing a Battery
Ensure that the computer is turned off. Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.
For information about installing the optional second battery, see your
User’s Guide .
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery
discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before
you use it.
Solving Problems
Notebook System Software (NSS)
If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the NSS utility.
This utility is available on the optional
Drivers and Utilities CD and on the Dell Support Website.
To download the utility from the Dell Support Website, go to the
Downloads section of the
website and select your computer model from the pull-down menu. Select the
Download Category
"System and Configuration Utilities," select your operating system and language, and then follow
the posted instructions.
NSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy
drives, Intel
®
Pentium
®
M 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.
NOTE: NSS is critical for the correct operation of USB devices, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port,
and D/View devices.

18 Quick Reference Guide
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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
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
A program stops responding
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
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.
END THE PROGRAM —
1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2 Click Applications .
3 Click the program that is no longer responding.
4 Click End Task .
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION —If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

Quick Reference Guide 19
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
A solid blue screen appears
Other software problems
IFYOU ARE USING WINDOWS XP, RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non-
Windows XP operating system environments.
1 Click the Start button, point to All Programs → Accessories , and then click Program Compatibility
Wizard
.
2 In the welcome screen, click Next .
3 Follow the instructions on the screen.
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.
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

20 Quick Reference Guide
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Running the Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" (see
your online
User’s Guide ) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical
assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD
(also known as the
ResourceCD ).
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.
1
Shut down the computer.
2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
3 Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4 Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you cannot see anything on your display, hold down the mute button and press the computer’s
power button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System
Assessment.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.
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.
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 —If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a
software problem.