Dell Precision M20 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell Precision™
Mobile Workstation M20
Quick Reference 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 your online User’s Guide . To access your User’s Guide,
(depending upon your operating system) either 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™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems are not applicable.
NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.
____________________
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.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks
of 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
October 2004 P/N T7623 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Battery Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Microsoft®Windows®Power Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Charge Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Health Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Storing a Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Notebook System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4Contents

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 5
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features 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 computer documentation
• My device documentation
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
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.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is 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
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
User’s Guide
Microsoft®Windows®XP Help and Support Center
1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support .
2 Click User’s and system guides and click User’s guides .
The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers
and Utilities
CD .

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• 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.
• 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
• 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, 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.
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.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 7
• 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.
• 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 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.
Your operating system
product key label 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

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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.

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 9
4 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
NOTE: Do not connect the computer to the docking device until the computer has been turned on and
shut down at least once.
Battery Performance
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial 1-year period of the limited
warranty for your computer. For more 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.
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.
power button

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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 second battery, see your
User’s Guide .
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
• Using optical drives, such as DVD and CD 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 more information about checking the charge on the 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.

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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.
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 insert 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.
• 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.

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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.
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 module bay. If the
battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.
A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. For
more information about low-battery alarms, see your
User’s Guide .
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 your
User’s Guide .

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 13
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.
For information about removing the second battery, see your User’s Guide .
NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have up to 1
minute to complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down and loses any unsaved
data.
1
Ensure that the computer is turned off, suspended in a power management mode, or
connected to an 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.
3 Slide and hold the battery-bay (or module-bay) latch release on the bottom of the computer,
and then remove the battery from the bay.

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Installing a Battery
Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.
For information about installing the 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, charge the battery fully before you
use it.

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 15
About Your Computer
Front View
display
touch pad
power button
volume control
buttons
display
latch
mute button
keyboard
track stick
track stick/touch
pad button
keyboard and
wireless status lights
device status
lights
speakers

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Left View
audio
connectors (2)
PC Card
slot
smart card
slot
infrared sensor
security cable slot

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 17
Right View
module bay device latch
release
USB
connectors (2)

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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.
air vents
network
connector
(RJ-45)
S-video TV-out
connector USB connectors (2)
modem connector (RJ-11)
parallel connector
serial connector video connector AC adapter
connector

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M20 Quick Reference Guide 19
Bottom View
Solving Problems
Notebook System Software
Notebook System Software (NSS) is a utility that provides critical updates for your operating
system. Install the NSS program to gain 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 portable computer.
NOTICE: NSS is critical for the correct operation of USB devices, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock,
D/Port, and D/View devices.
fan
memory module cover
battery
docking device slot
modem cover
battery-bay latch
release
battery charge gauge
hard drive

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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.