Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M50 User guide

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Dell Precision™ Mobile Workstation M50
System Information Guide
Guide d'information sur le système
Guia de Informações do Sistema
Guía de información del sistema
Model PP01X

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Dell Precision™ Mobile Workstation M50
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, click User and system guides, and click User Guide).
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002 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, Dell Precision, TrueMobile, and AccessDirect are trademarks of
Dell Computer 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.
March 2002 P/N 9P897 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Safety and EMC Instructions:
Mobile Workstation Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Caution: Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
EMC Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
When Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Ergonomic Computing Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Finding Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Removing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Installing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Running the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Regulatory Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
FCC Notices (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Modem Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
NOM Information (Mexico Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4Contents
Limited Warranties and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
One-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Two-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Three-Year Limited Warranty (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 38
One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Two-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . 46
“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . 50
One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee
(Latin America and the Caribbean Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

System Information Guide 5
Safety and EMC Instructions:
Mobile Workstation Computers
The following information defines the meaning of additional symbols used
only in the Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Instructions.
Caution: Safety Instructions
General
Risk of explosion Aircraft
Risk of fire Use of this feature may be prohibited
on aircraft
Risk of electric shock
• Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless
you are an authorized 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.
• 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.

6System Information Guide
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• 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 mobile workstation 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 bathtub, sink, or swimming pool or in a
wet basement.
• 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.
• PC Cards may become very warm during normal
operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their
continuous operation.
• Before you clean your computer, remove power. Clean
your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may
contain flammable substances.

System Information Guide 7
Caution: Power (Safety Instructions, continued)
• 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 power from the computer, turn it off,
remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and
peripheral power cables into properly grounded power
sources. These power cables may be equipped with
three-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, two-
prong or three-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.

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Caution: Battery (Safety Instructions, continued)
• 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.

System Information Guide 9
Caution: Air Travel (Safety Instructions, continued)
EMC Instructions
• Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate
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 world-wide 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.
• 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 mobile workstation 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 mobile
workstation 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.

10 System Information Guide
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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.

System Information Guide 11
• 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 peripheral device from the computer, turn off the
computer, disconnect the AC adapter cable, and then wait 5 seconds
before proceeding to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
• Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window
cleaner that does not contain wax or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the
cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving
from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains
grease or some other contaminant, use isopropyl alcohol instead of
commercial window cleaner.
• If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures
described in “Troubleshooting Your Computer” in your User’s Guide.
If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is
not operating properly, contact Dell (see “Getting Help” in your 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 following ergonomic guidelines
when setting up and using your computer:
• This is a portable computer and is not designed for continuous
operation as office equipment. For extended use in an office, an
external keyboard is recommended.
• Position your computer directly in front of you as you work.
• Adjust the tilt of the computer’s display, its contrast and/or brightness
settings, and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk
lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize
reflections and glare on the display.

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• When using an external monitor with your computer, set the monitor
at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters [20
to 24 inches] from your eyes). Make sure the monitor screen is at eye
level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
• Use a chair that provides good lower-back support.
• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral,
comfortable position while using the keyboard, touch pad, track stick,
or external mouse.
• Always use the palm rest with the keyboard, touch pad, or track stick.
Leave space to rest your hands when using an external mouse.
• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
• Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not
on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a
footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.
• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not
have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try
to do things that use both hands.

System Information Guide 13
Before removing or installing memory modules, 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.
NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting
a peripheral device or removing a memory module to help prevent possible
damage to the system board.
computer positioned
directly in front of
user
wrists relaxed
and flat
arms at
desk level

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1Turn off your computer and any attached peripherals.
2Disconnect your computer and peripherals 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 compartment and, if
necessary, the secondary battery from the module bay.
4Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O
panel on the back of the computer.
While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel 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 an unpainted metal surface on the
computer’s I/O panel.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O
connector 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.
The following notice may appear throughout your Dell documentation to
remind you of these precautions:
NOTICE: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in your System
Information Guide.

System Information Guide 15
Finding Information and Assistance
The following table lists the resources that Dell provides as support tools.
Additional resources may be shipped with your computer.
Resources and Support Tools
Resource Contents Using the Resource
User’s guides for your
computer and devices
Depending on your operating system, double-click the
User’s Guides icon on your desktop, or click the Start
button and then select Help and Support to access the
documentation stored on your hard drive.
Obtain information on the following:
• Using your computer
• Configuring system settings
• Removing and installing parts
• Installing and configuring software
• Diagnosing a problem
• Technical specifications
• Getting technical assistance
Drivers and Utilities CD
• Dell Diagnostics
• Drivers
• Utilities
• Computer and device
documentation
See the main menu on the Drivers and Utilities CD that
came with your computer. Use the pull-down menu to
make selections appropriate for your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer when shipped from Dell. You can use this CD
to access documentation, reinstall drivers, or run
diagnostics tools.
For more information, see your computer User’s Guide.
Service and Registration
Labels
• Express Service Code and
Service Tag Sequence
• Product Key (also called the
Product ID or Certificate of
Authenticity [COA])
The Express Service Code and Service Tag Sequence are
unique identifiers for your Dell computer.
You will need the Product Key (or Product ID) number to
complete the operating system setup.
User’s Guides

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Operating System CD To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating
System CD that came with your computer.
NOTE: The Operating System CD may not include all
the latest drivers for your computer. If you reinstall your
operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to
reinstall drivers for the devices shipped with your
computer.
For more information about installing your operating
system, see the Dell-installed Microsoft®Windows®
Setup Guide that came with your computer.
Dell-installed Windows Setup
Guide
See the Setup Guide for information on installing and
configuring your operating system.
NOTE: To obtain information on your operating system,
click the Start button and click Help or Help and Support,
depending on your operating system.
Dell | Support website
• Frequently asked questions
• Downloads for your
computer
• Documentation
• Online discussions about
your computer
• Searchable database
Go to support.dell.com and complete the one-time
registration:
•ViewtheUser’s Guide for your computer
• Get help with general usage, installation, and
troubleshooting questions (Ask Dudley, Dell
Knowledge Base)
• Access documentation about your computer and
devices (Dell Documents)
• Get the latest versions of the drivers for your computer
(Downloads for Your Dell)
• Join online discussions with other Dell customers and
Dell technical professionals (Dell Talk)
• Explore a list of online links to Dell's primary vendors
Resource Contents Using the Resource

System Information Guide 17
Setting Up Your Computer
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.
Connecting the AC Adapter
Dell Premier Support website
• Service call status
• Top technical issues by
product
• Frequently asked questions
by product number
• Customized service tags
• System configuration detail
Go to premiersupport.dell.com:
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for
corporate, government, and education customers.
This service may not be available in all regions.
Resource Contents Using the Resource

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4Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the
computer.
Power Button
NOTE: Do not dock the
computer until it has been
turned on and shut down
at least once.
About Your Computer
Front View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to
accumulate in the air vents. Doing so can damage the computer or
cause a fire.