Dell Latitude D820 Users Manual User's Guide

2014-11-13

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Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Finding Information
About Your Computer
Using a Battery
Using the Keyboard
Using Multimedia
Using the Display
Using Networks
Using Cards
Securing Your Computer
Troubleshooting
System Setup Program
Traveling With Your Computer
Reinstalling Software
Adding and Replacing Parts
Dell™QuickSet
Specifications
Getting Help
Appendix
Glossary
Click the links to the left for information on the features and operation of your computer. For information on other documentation included with your computer,
see Finding Information.
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see Glossary.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft® Windows®operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2006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, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, ExpressCharge, and Dell OpenManage are
trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC
is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has
determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP04X
February 2006 Rev. A01
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Back to Contents Page
About Your Computer
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
display latch — Keeps the display closed.
display — For more information about your display, see Using the Display.
power button — Press the power button to turn on the computer or exit a power management mode (see Power Management Modes).
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (which may take several seconds).
device status lights
1
display latch
8
touch pad/track stick buttons
2
display
9
track stick
3
power button
10
keyboard status lights
4
device status lights
11
volume control buttons
5
speakers (2)
12
mute button
6
keyboard
13
ambient light sensor
7
touch pad
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
¡Solid green: The battery is charging.
¡Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.
¡Off: The battery is adequately charged (or external power is not available to charge the battery).
If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
¡Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).
¡Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.
¡Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.
speaker — To adjust the volume of the integrated speaker, press the volume control buttons or mute button.
keyboard — The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Windows logo key. For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see Numeric
Keypad.
touch pad — Provides the functionality of a mouse. See Touch Pad for more information.
Touch pad/track stick buttons — Provide the functionality of a mouse. See Touch Pad for more information.
ambient light sensor (ALS) — Helps to control display brightness. For more information, see Using the Ambient Light Sensor.
keyboard status lights
Turns on when you turn on the computer and blinks when the computer is in a power management mode.
Turns on when the computer reads or writes data.
NOTICE: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the light is flashing.
Turns on steadily or blinks to indicate battery charge status.
Turns on when wireless devices are enabled. To enable or disable WiFi, use the wireless switch on the left side of the computer.
Turns on when Bluetooth® wireless technology is enabled. To enable or disable Bluetooth wireless technology, use the wireless switch on the left side
of the computer.
NOTE: Bluetooth wireless technology is an optional feature on your computer, so the icon turns on only if you ordered Bluetooth wireless
technology with your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Bluetooth wireless technology.
NOTE: If you ordered the optional fingerprint reader with your computer, the reader is located between the touch pad buttons.
The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
volume control buttons — Press these buttons to adjust the volume.
mute button — Press this button to turn off the volume.
Left Side View
security cable slot — Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. For more information, see Security Cable Lock.
air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
IEEE 1394 connector — Connects devices supporting IEEE 1394 high-speed transfer rates, such as some digital video cameras.
audio connectors
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
1
security cable slot
6
infrared sensor
2
air vents
7
wireless switch
3
1394 connector
8
Wi-Fi Catcher™ light
4
audio connectors
9
PC Card slot
5
ExpressCard slot
10
smart card slot
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
ExpressCard slot — Supports 34- and 54-mm PCI ExpressCards or USB-based ExpressCards (see Using Cards).
infrared sensor — Lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections.
When you receive your computer, the sensor is disabled. You can use the system setup program to enable the sensor. For information on transferring data,
see Windows Help, the Help and Support Center, or the documentation that came with your infrared-compatible device.
wireless switch — Turns on/off wireless devices such as Wi-Fi and internal cards with Bluetooth technology and scans for Wi-Fi networks. For more
information about scanning for wireless networks, see Dell™Wi-FiCatcher™NetworkLocator.
Wireless switch positions
Wi-FiCatcher™light— The light operates as follows:
¡Flashing green: Searching for networks
¡Solid green: Strong network found
¡Solid yellow: Weak network found
¡Flashing yellow: Error
¡Off: No signal found
PC Card slot — Supports one PC Card, such as a modem or network adapter. The computer ships with a blank installed in the slot. For more information, see
Using Cards.
smart card slot — Supports one smart card (see Smart Cards).
Attach headphones to the connector.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
NOTE: The wireless switch does not detect Mobile Broadband networks or networks that use internal cards with Bluetooth technology.
1
"off" position
2
"on" position
3
"momentary" position
4
Wi-Fi Catcher™ light
"off"
Disables wireless devices
"on"
Enables wireless devices
"momentary"
Scans for Wi-Fi networks. See Dell™Wi-FiCatcher™NetworkLocator for more
information.
Right Side View
media bay — Supports a floppy drive, optical drives, or a second battery or second hard drive (see Using Multimedia).
USB connectors
Back View
network connector (RJ-45)
USB connector
powered USB 2.0 connector
1
media bay
2
USB connectors (2)
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
1
network connector (RJ-45)
5
serial connector
2
USB connector
6
video connector
3
powered USB connector
7
AC adapter connector
4
modem connector (RJ-11)
8
air vents
Connects the computer to a network. The two lights next to the connector indicate status and activity for wired network connections.
For information on using the network adapter, see the device user's guide supplied with your computer (see Physically Connecting to a
Network or Broadband Modem).
Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to a USB connector
using the optional floppy drive cable.
modem connector (RJ-11)
serial connector
video connector
AC adapter connector — Connects an AC adapter to the computer.
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.
air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
Bottom View
Connects USB 2.0 compliant devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. Can also be used for peripherals that require more than 5 V of
power.
If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer (see Finding Information).
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.
Connects video devices, such as a monitor.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
battery-bay latch release — Releases the battery. See Replacing the Battery for instructions.
battery — When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to an electrical outlet (see Using a Battery).
memory module cover — Covers the compartment that contains the second memory module (see Memory).
docking-device connector — Lets you attach your computer to the Media Base or other docking device. See the Dell documentation that came with your
docking device for more information.
fan air vents — The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the fan air vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.
hard drive — Stores software and data.
Back to Contents Page
1
battery-bay latch release
4
docking-device connector
2
battery
5
fan air vents
3
memory module cover
6
hard drive
NOTE: The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot. Fan noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fan or the computer.
Back to Contents Page
Appendix
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Cleaning Your Computer
Macrovision Product Notice
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
Cleaning Your Computer
Computer, Keyboard, and Display
lUse a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys on the keyboard.
lMoisten a soft, lint-free cloth with either water or a display cleaner, and wipe the display until it is clean.
lMoisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water and wipe the computer and keyboard. Do not allow water from the cloth to seep between the touch pad and
the surrounding palm rest.
Touch Pad
1. Shut down your computer.
2. Disconnect any attached devices from the computer and from their electrical outlets.
3. Remove any installed batteries. See Replacing the Battery.
4. Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water, and wipe it gently across the surface of the touch pad. Do not allow water from the cloth to seep between the
touch pad and the surrounding palm rest.
Floppy Drive
Clean your floppy drive using a commercially available cleaning kit. These kits contain pretreated floppies to remove contaminants that accumulate during
normal operation.
CDs and DVDs
If you notice problems, such as skipping, with the playback quality of your CDs or DVDs, try cleaning the discs.
1. Hold the disc by its outer edge. You can also touch the inside edge of the center hole.
2. With a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the bottom of the disc (the unlabeled side) in a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the disc.
For stubborn dirt, try using water or a diluted solution of water and mild soap. You can also purchase commercial products that clean discs and provide
some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are also safe to use on DVDs.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to clean drive heads with a swab. You might accidentally misalign the heads which prevents the drive from operating.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the surface, do not wipe in a circular motion around the disc.
Macrovision Product Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright
protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by
Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)
FCC Class B
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction
manual, may cause interference with radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference with radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
lReorient the receiving antenna.
lRelocate the system with respect to the receiver.
lMove the system away from the receiver.
lPlug the system into a different outlet so that the system and the receiver are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, consult a representative of Dell Inc. or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.
The following information is provided on the device or devices covered in this document in compliance with the FCC regulations:
Back to Contents Page
Product name:
Dell™Latitude™D820
Model number:
PP04X
Company name:
Dell Inc.
Worldwide Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Affairs
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682 USA
512-338-4400
Back to Contents Page
Using a Battery
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Battery Performance
Checking the Battery Charge
Conserving Battery Power
Power Management Modes
Configuring Power Management Settings
Charging the Battery
Replacing the Battery
Storing a Battery
Battery Performance
ForoptimalcomputerperformanceandtohelppreserveBIOSsettings,operateyourDell™portablecomputerwiththemainbatteryinstalledatalltimes.One
battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second battery in the media bay to significantly increase
operating time.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
lUsing optical drives
lUsing wireless communications devices, PC Cards, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB devices
lUsing high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games
lRunning the computer in maximum performance mode (see Configuring Power Management Settings).
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer (see Checking the Battery Charge). You can also set power management
options to alert you when the battery charge is low (see Configuring Power Management Settings).
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and icon, the
battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.
Dell™QuickSetBatteryMeter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge
completion time for the battery in your computer.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
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.
NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to an electrical outlet the first time you use the
computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, access the
Control Panel® Power Options, and then click the Power Meter tab.
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.
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
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.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you can check:
lBattery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)
lBattery health (check by pressing and holding the status button)
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some
charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents
approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights
appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and holdthestatusbuttononthebatterychargegaugeforatleast3seconds.Ifnolightsappear,
the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights
appear,lessthan60percentofthechargecapacityremains,andyoushouldconsiderreplacingthebattery.SeeSpecifications for more information about the
battery operating time.
Low-Battery Warning
By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. You can change the settings for the battery alarms in
QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window. See Configuring Power Management Settings for information about accessing QuickSet or the Power
Options Properties window.
Conserving Battery Power
Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:
lConnect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and
recharged.
lPlace the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time (see Power Management
Modes).
lUse the Power Management Wizard to select options to optimize your computer's power usage. These options can also be set to change when you
press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>.
Power Management Modes
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits
standby mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby mode.
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described below and by using the Battery Meter
in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
NOTE: See Power Management Modes for more information on conserving battery power.
To enter standby mode:
lClick Start® Shut Down® Stand by.
or
lDepending on how you set the power management options in the Power Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use
one of the following methods:
¡Press the power button.
¡Close the display.
¡Press <Fn><Esc>.
To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display depending on how you set the power management options. You cannot make the computer
exit standby mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad or track stick.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then completely turning off the computer. When the
computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.
Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low.
To manually enter hibernate mode:
lClick Start® Turn off computer, press and hold <Shift>, and then click Hibernate.
or
lDepending on how you set the power management options in the Power Options Properties window or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use
one of the following methods to enter hibernate mode:
¡Press the power button.
¡Close the display.
¡Press <Fn><Esc>.
To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate
mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad or track stick. For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your
operating system.
Configuring Power Management Settings
You can use the QuickSet Power Management Wizard or Windows Power Options Properties to configure the power management settings on your computer.
lTo access the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, double-click the icon in the taskbar. For more information about QuickSet, click the Help button
in the Power Management Wizard.
lTo access the Power Options Properties window, click the Start button® Control Panel® Performance and Maintenance® Power Options. For
information on any field in the Power Options Properties window, click the question mark icon on the title bar and then click on the area where you need
information.
Charging the Battery
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the
battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an
electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the
computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your computer is in hibernate mode.
NOTE: Some PC Cards or ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits hibernate mode. Remove and reinsert the card (see
Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard), or simply restart (reboot) your computer.
NOTE: WithDell™ExpressCharge™,whenthecomputeristurnedoff,theACadapterchargesacompletelydischargedbatteryto80percentinabout1
hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as
long as you like. The battery's internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see Power Problems.
Replacing the Battery
For information about replacing the second battery, which is located in the media bay, see Using Multimedia.
To remove the battery:
1. If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
2. Ensure that the computer is turned off.
3. Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer until the release clicks.
4. Using the tab on the battery, lift the battery out of the computer.
To replace the battery, place the battery in the bay and press down until the battery-bay latch release clicks.
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period,
recharge the battery fully before you use it (see Charging the Battery).
Back to Contents Page
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.
1
battery tab
2
battery
3
battery-bay latch release
Back to Contents Page
Using Cards
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Card Types
Card Blanks
Extended Cards
Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard
Removing a Card or Blank
Card Types
See Specifications for information on supported card types.
The PC Card slot has one connector that supports a single Type I or Type II card. The PC Card slot supports CardBus technology and extended PC Cards.
"Type" of card refers to its thickness, not its functionality.
The ExpressCard slot has one connector that supports 54-mmcards.Theslotalsosupportsadaptersfor34-mmcards.
Card Blanks
Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the card slots. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when
no PC Card is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.
To remove the blank, see Removing a Card or Blank.
Extended Cards
An extended card (for example, a wireless network adapter) is longer than a standard card and extends outside the computer. Follow these precautions when
using extended PC or ExpressCards:
lProtect the exposed end of an installed card. Striking the end of the card can damage the system board.
lAlways remove an extended card before you pack the computer in its carrying case.
Installing a PC Card or ExpressCard
You can install a PC Card or ExpressCard in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.
Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent
incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.
PC Card
1. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up. The latch may need to be in the "in" position
before you insert the card.
2. Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.
If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.
NOTE: A PC Card is not a bootable device.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
The computer recognizes most cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's
drivers, use the floppy disk or CD that came with the PC Card.
ExpressCard
1. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up. The latch may need to be in the "in" position
before you insert the card.
2. Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.
If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.
The computer recognizes most cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's
drivers, use the floppy disk or CD that came with the card.
If you have an adapter, such as the one shown below, you can use 34-mm ExpressCards in the PC Card slot. For information about using the PC Card slot,
see PC Card.
Removing a Card or Blank
Press the latch and remove the card or blank. For some latches, you must press the latch twice: once to pop the latch out, and then a second time to pop the
card out.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Using the Display
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Adjusting Brightness
Switching the Video Image
Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate
Dual Independent Display Mode
Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays
Using the Ambient Light Sensor
Adjusting Brightness
WhenaDell™computerisrunningonbatterypower,youcanconservepowerbysettingthebrightnesstothelowestcomfortablesettingbypressing<Fn>
and the up- or down-arrow key on the keyboard.
You can press the following keys to adjust display brightness:
lPress <Fn> and the up-arrow key to increase brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).
lPress <Fn> and the down-arrow key to decrease brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).
Switching the Video Image
When you start the computer with an external device (such as an external monitor or projector) attached and turned on, the image may appear on either the
computer display or the external device.
Press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image between the display only, the external device only, or the display and the external device simultaneously.
Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate
To display a program at a specific resolution, both the graphics card and the display must support the program, and the necessary video drivers must be
installed.
Before you change any of the default display settings, make a note of the default settings for future reference.
If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Display® Settings.
2. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
If the video resolution setting is higher than that supported by the display, the computer enters pan mode. In pan mode, the entire screen cannot be
displayed at one time. For example, the taskbar that usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the rest of the screen,
use the touch pad or track stick to pan up, down, left, and right.
Dual Independent Display Mode
You can attach an external monitor or projector to your computer and use it as an extension of your display (known as "dual independent display" or
"extended desktop" mode). This mode allows you to use both screens independently and drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the
amount of viewable work space.
1. Connect the external monitor, TV, or projector to the computer.
NOTE: Brightness key combinations only affect the display on your portable computer, not monitors or projectors that you attach to your portable
computer or docking device. If your computer is connected to an external monitor and you try to change the brightness level, the Brightness Meter may
appear, but the brightness level on the external device does not change.
NOTE: Use only the Dell-installed video drivers, which are designed to offer the best performance with your Dell-installed operating system.
NOTE: As the resolution increases, icons and text appear smaller on the screen.
2. Click Start® Control Panel® Display® Settings.
3. Click the monitor 2 icon® Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor® Apply.
4. Change Screen resolution to the appropriate sizes for both displays and click Apply.
5. If prompted to restart the computer, click Apply the new color setting without restarting® OK.
6. If prompted, click OK to resize your desktop.
7. If prompted, click Yes to keep the settings.
8. Click OK to close the Display Properties window.
To disable dual independent display mode:
1. Click Settings in the Display Properties window.
2. Click the monitor 2 icon, uncheck the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor option, and click Apply.
If necessary, press <Fn><F8> to bring the screen image back to the computer display.
Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays
To swap your primary and secondary display designations (for example, to use your external monitor as your primary display after docking):
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Display® Settings® Advanced® Displays.
See the documentation that came with your video card for additional information.
Using the Ambient Light Sensor
The ambient light sensor (ALS) is located on the bottom of the computer display panel. The ALS detects available environmental light and automatically
increases or decreases the display backlighting to compensate for low-light and high-light environments.
You can enable or disable the ALS feature by pressing the <Fn> and left-arrow key combination.
The ALS is disabled when your computer is shipped to you. If you enable the ALS and then use any of the display brightness key combinations, the ALS is
disabled and the display brightness is increased or decreased accordingly.
Dell™QuickSetallowsyoutoenableordisabletheALSfeature.Youcanalsoadjustmaximumandminimumbrightnesssettingsthatareactivatedwhenyou
enable the ALS feature. For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported
values. For more information, see your operating system documentation.
NOTE: Do not cover the ALS with any adhesive labels. If covered up, the ALS automatically sets the display brightness to the minimum level.
1
ambient light sensor
NOTE: Rebooting the computer returns the ambient light sensor to the last setting of enabled or disabled.
NOTE: The ambient light sensor adjusts the display backlighting on your portable computer only. It does not control the brightness on any external
monitors or projectors.
Back to Contents Page
Finding Information
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For?
Find It Here
lA diagnostic program for my computer
lDrivers for my computer
lMy device documentation
lNotebook System Software (NSS)
Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may not ship
with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You
can use the CD to reinstall drivers (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities)
or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
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.
lHow to set up my computer
lBasic troubleshooting information
lHow to run the Dell Diagnostics
lHow to set up a printer
lAdditional information about setting up my computer
lHow to troubleshoot and solve problems
lHow to remove and install parts
lSpecifications
lHow to contact Dell
Quick Reference Guide
NOTE: This document may be optional and may not ship with your
computer.
NOTE: This document is available as a PDF at support.dell.com.
lWarranty information
lTerms and Conditions (U.S. only)
lSafety instructions
lRegulatory information
lErgonomics information
lEnd User License Agreement
Dell™ProductInformationGuide
lService Tag and Express Service Code
lMicrosoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft®Windows®License
These labels are located on the bottom of your computer.
lUse the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use
support.dell.com or contact support. It is recommended that you
keep a copy of the Service Tag in a secure location in case your
computer is lost or stolen.
lEnter the Express Service Code to direct your call when
contacting technical support.
lSolutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, and
online courses, frequently asked questions
lCommunity — Online discussion with other Dell customers
lUpgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard
drive, and the operating system
lCustomer Care — Contact information, service call and order status,
warranty, and repair information
lService and support — Service call status and support history, service
contract, online discussions with technical support
lReference — Computer documentation, details on my computer
configuration, product specifications, and white papers
lDownloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates
lNotebook 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.
To download Notebook System Software:
1. Go to support.dell.com® Downloads.
2. Enter your Service Tag or product model.
3. In the Download Category drop-down menu, click All.
4. Select the operating system and operating system language for
your computer, and click Submit.
5. Under Select a Device, scroll to System and Configuration
Utilities, and click Dell Notebook System Software.
lService call status and support history
lTop technical issues for my computer
lFrequently asked questions
lFile downloads
lDetails on my computer configuration
lService contract for my computer
Dell Premier Support Website — premier.support.dell.com
The Dell Premier Support website is customized for corporate,
government, and education customers. This website may not be
available in all regions.
lHow to use Windows XP
lHow to work with programs and files
lHow to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1. Click Start® 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.
lInformation on network activity, the Power Management Wizard, hotkeys,
and other items controlled by Dell QuickSet
Dell QuickSet Help
To view Dell QuickSet Help, right-click the icon in the Microsoft®
Windows®taskbar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet, see Dell™QuickSet.
lHow to reinstall my operating system
Operating System CD
NOTE: The Operating System CD may be optional and may not ship with
your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall
your operating system, use the optional Operating System CD (see
Restoring Your Operating System.)
After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities
CD (ResourceCD) to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your
computer.
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating system you
ordered.
Back to Contents Page
Glossary
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer.
A
AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter power cable in to an electrical outlet.
ACPI — advanced configuration and power interface — A power management specification that enables Microsoft®Windows®operating systems to put a
computer in standby or hibernate mode to conserve the amount of electrical power allocated to each device attached to the computer.
AGP — accelerated graphics port — A dedicated graphics port that allows system memory to be used for video-related tasks. AGP delivers a smooth, true-color
video image because of the faster interface between the video circuitry and the computer memory.
ALS — ambient light sensor.
antivirus software — A program designed to identify, quarantine, and/or delete viruses from your computer.
APR — advanced port replicator — A docking device that allows you to conveniently use an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other devices with your
portable computer.
ASF — alert standards format — A standard to define a mechanism for reporting hardware and software alerts to a management console. ASF is designed to
be platform- and operating system-independent.
B
backup — A copy of a program or data file on a floppy, CD, DVD, or hard drive. As a precaution, back up the data files from your hard drive regularly.
battery — A rechargeable internal power source used to operate portable computers when not connected to an AC adapter and an electrical outlet.
battery life span — The length of time (years) during which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted and recharged.
battery operating time — The length of time (minutes or hours) that a portable computer battery holds a charge while powering the computer.
BIOS — basic input/output system — A program (or utility) that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. Unless you
understand what effect these settings have on the computer, do not change them. Also referred to as system setup program.
bit — The smallest unit of data interpreted by your computer.
Bluetooth® wireless technology — A wireless technology standard for short-range (9 m [29 feet]) networking devices that allows for enabled devices to
automatically recognize each other.
boot sequence — Specifies the order of the devices from which the computer attempts to boot.
bootable CD — A CD that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have
a bootable CD or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and Utilities or ResourceCD is a bootable CD.
bootable disk — A disk that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always
have a bootable CD or floppy disk available.
bps — bits per second — The standard unit for measuring data transmission speed.
BTU — British thermal unit — A measurement of heat output.
bus — A communication pathway between the components in your computer.
bus speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast a bus can transfer information.
byte — The basic data unit used by your computer. A byte is usually equal to 8 bits.
C
C — Celsius — Atemperaturemeasurementscalewhere0°isthefreezingpointand100°istheboilingpointofwater.
cache — A special high-speed storage mechanism which can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. The
cache enhances the efficiency of many processor operations.
L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.
L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external to the processor or incorporated into the processor architecture.
carnet — An international customs document that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also known as a merchandise passport.
CD — compact disc — An optical form of storage media, typically used for audio and software programs.
CD drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read data from CDs.
CD player — The software used to play music CDs. The CD player displays a window with buttons that you use to play a CD.
CD-R — CD recordable — A recordable version of a CD. Data can be recorded only once onto a CD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written
over.
CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a CD. Data can be written to a CD-RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten).
CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times,
but you can write to CD-R discs only once.
CD-RW/DVD drive — A drive, sometimes referred to as a combo drive, that can read CDs and DVDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R
(recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can write to CD-R discs only once.
clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast computer components that are connected to the system bus operate.
COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your computer. Also referred to as the Product Key or Product ID.
Control Panel — A Windows utility that allows you to modify operating system and hardware settings, such as display settings.
controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and memory or between the processor and devices.
CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module — A special module that has no memory chips and is used to fill unused RIMM slots.
cursor — The marker on a display or screen that shows where the next keyboard, touch pad, or mouse action will occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an
underline character, or a small arrow.
D
DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving system performance.
DDR2 SDRAM — double-data-rate 2 SDRAM — A type of DDR SDRAM that uses a 4-bit prefetch and other architectural changes to boost memory speed to over
400 MHz.
device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or keyboard that is installed in or connected to your computer.
device driver — See driver.
DIN connector — A round, six-pin connector that conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards; it is typically used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse
cable connectors.
disk striping — A technique for spreading data over multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations that retrieve data from disk storage.
Computers that use disk striping generally allow the user to select the data unit size or stripe width.
DMA — direct memory access — A channel that allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the processor.
docking device — See APR.
DMTF — Distributed Management Task Force — A consortium of hardware and software companies who develop management standards for distributed
desktop, network, enterprise, and Internet environments.
domain — A group of computers, programs, and devices on a network that are administered as a unit with common rules and procedures for use by a specific
group of users. A user logs on to the domain to gain access to the resources.
DRAM — dynamic random-access memory — Memory that stores information in integrated circuits containing capacitors.
driver — Software that allows the operating system to control a device such as a printer. Many devices do not work properly if the correct driver is not
installed in the computer.
DSL — Digital Subscriber Line — A technology that provides a constant, high-speed Internet connection through an analog telephone line.
dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as extended display mode.
DVD — digital versatile disc — A high-capacity disc usually used to store movies. DVD drives read most CD media as well.
DVD drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read data from DVDs and CDs.
DVD player — The software used to watch DVD movies. The DVD player displays a window with buttons that you use to watch a movie.
DVD-R — DVD recordable — A recordable version of a DVD. Data can be recorded only once onto a DVD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or
written over.
DVD+RW — DVD rewritable — A rewritable version of a DVD. Data can be written to a DVD+RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten). (DVD+RW
technology is different from DVD-RW technology.)
DVD+RW drive — drive that can read DVDs and most CD media and write to DVD+RW (rewritable DVDs) discs.
DVI — digital video interface — A standard for digital transmission between a computer and a digital video display.
E
ECC — error checking and correction — A type of memory that includes special circuitry for testing the accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory.
ECP — extended capabilities port — A parallel connector design that provides improved bidirectional data transmission. Similar to EPP, ECP uses direct memory
access to transfer data and often improves performance.
EIDE — enhanced integrated device electronics — An improved version of the IDE interface for hard drives and CD drives.
EMI — electromagnetic interference — Electrical interference caused by electromagnetic radiation.
ENERGY STAR® — Environmental Protection Agency requirements that decrease the overall consumption of electricity.
EPP — enhanced parallel port — A parallel connector design that provides bidirectional data transmission.
ESD — electrostatic discharge — A rapid discharge of static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits found in computer and communications equipment.
expansion card — A circuit board that installs in an expansion slot on the system board in some computers, expanding the capabilities of the computer.
Examples include video, modem, and sound cards.
expansion slot — A connector on the system board (in some computers) where you insert an expansion card, connecting it to the system bus.
ExpressCard — A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of ExpressCards. ExpressCards
support both the PCI Express and USB 2.0 standard.
Express Service Code — AnumericcodelocatedonastickeronyourDell™computer.UsetheExpressServiceCodewhencontactingDellforassistance.
Express Service Code service may not be available in some countries.
extended display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as dual display mode.
extended PC Card — A PC Card that extends beyond the edge of the PC Card slot when installed.
F
Fahrenheit — Atemperaturemeasurementscalewhere32°isthefreezingpointand212°istheboilingpointofwater.
FCC — Federal Communications Commission — A U.S. agency responsible for enforcing communications-related regulations that state how much radiation
computers and other electronic equipment can emit.
floppy — An electromagnetic form of storage media. Also known as a floppy diskette or a floppy disk.
floppy drive — A disk drive that can read and write to floppy disks.
folder — A term used to describe space on a disk or drive where files are organized and grouped. Files in a folder can be viewed and ordered in various ways,
such as alphabetically, by date, and by size.
format — The process that prepares a drive or disk for file storage. When a drive or disk is formatted, the existing information on it is lost.
FSB — front side bus — The data path and physical interface between the processor and RAM.
FTP — file transfer protocol — A standard Internet protocol used to exchange files between computers connected to the Internet.
G
G — gravity — A measurement of weight and force.
GB — gigabyte — A measurement of data storage that equals 1024 MB (1,073,741,824 bytes). When used to refer to hard drive storage, the term is often
rounded to 1,000,000,000 bytes.
GHz — gigahertz — A measurement of frequency that equals one thousand million Hz, or one thousand MHz. The speeds for computer processors, buses, and
interfaces are often measured in GHz.
graphics mode — A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Graphics modes can display an unlimited variety of
shapes and fonts.
GUI — graphical user interface — Software that interacts with the user by means of menus, windows, and icons. Most programs that operate on the Windows
operating systems are GUIs.
H
hard drive — A drive that reads and writes data on a hard disk. The terms hard drive and hard disk are often used interchangeably.
heat sink — A metal plate on some processors that helps dissipate heat.
help file — A file that contains descriptive or instructional information about a product. Some help files are associated with a particular program, such as Help in
Microsoft Word. Other help files function as stand-alone reference sources. Help files typically have a filename extension of .hlp or .chm.
hibernate mode — A power management mode that saves everything in memory to a reserved space on the hard drive and then turns off the computer.
When you restart the computer, the memory information that was saved to the hard drive is automatically restored.
HTML — hypertext markup language — A set of codes inserted into an Internet web page intended for display on an Internet browser.
HTTP — hypertext transfer protocol — A protocol for exchanging files between computers connected to the Internet.
Hz — hertz — A unit of frequency measurement that equals 1 cycle per second. Computers and electronic devices are often measured in kilohertz (kHz),
megahertz (MHz), gigahertz (GHz), or terahertz (THz).
I
IC — integrated circuit — A semiconductor wafer, or chip, on which thousands or millions of tiny electronic components are fabricated for use in computer,
audio, and video equipment.
IDE — integrated device electronics — An interface for mass storage devices in which the controller is integrated into the hard drive or CD drive.
IEEE 1394 — Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. — A high-performance serial bus used to connect IEEE 1394-compatible devices, such as
digital cameras and DVD players, to the computer.
infrared sensor — A port that allows you to transfer data between the computer and infrared-compatible devices without using a cable connection.
integrated — Usually refers to components that are physically located on the computer's system board. Also referred to as built-in.
I/O — input/output — An operation or device that enters and extracts data from your computer. Keyboards and printers are I/O devices.
I/O address — An address in RAM that is associated with a specific device (such as a serial connector, parallel connector, or expansion slot) and allows the
processor to communicate with that device.
IrDA — Infrared Data Association — The organization that creates international standards for infrared communications.
IRQ — interrupt request — An electronic pathway assigned to a specific device so that the device can communicate with the processor. Each device connection
must be assigned an IRQ. Although two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.
ISP — Internet service provider — A company that allows you to access its host server to connect directly to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, and access
websites. The ISP typically provides you with a software package, user name, and access phone numbers for a fee.
K
Kb — kilobit — A unit of data that equals 1024 bits. A measurement of the capacity of memory integrated circuits.
KB — kilobyte — A unit of data that equals 1024 bytes but is often referred to as 1000 bytes.
key combination — A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time.
kHz — kilohertz — A measurement of frequency that equals 1000 Hz.
L
LAN — local area network — A computer network covering a small area. A LAN usually is confined to a building or a few nearby buildings. A LAN can be
connected to another LAN over any distance through telephone lines and radio waves to form a wide area network (WAN).
LCD — liquid crystal display — The technology used by portable computer and flat-panel displays.
LED — light-emitting diode — An electronic component that emits light to indicate the status of the computer.
local bus — A data bus that provides a fast throughput for devices to the processor.
LPT — line print terminal — The designation for a parallel connection to a printer or other parallel device.
M
Mb — megabit — A measurement of memory chip capacity that equals 1024 Kb.
Mbps — megabits per second — One million bits per second. This measurement is typically used for transmission speeds for networks and modems.
MB — megabyte — Ameasurementofdatastoragethatequals1,048,576bytes.1MBequals1024KB.Whenusedtorefertoharddrivestorage,thetermis
often rounded to 1,000,000 bytes.
MB/sec — megabytes per second — One million bytes per second. This measurement is typically used for data transfer ratings.
memory — A temporary data storage area inside your computer. Because the data in memory is not permanent, it is recommended that you frequently save
your files while you are working on them, and always save your files before you shut down the computer. Your computer can contain several different forms of
memory, such as RAM, ROM, and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is used as a synonym for RAM.
memory address — A specific location where data is temporarily stored in RAM.
memory mapping — The process by which the computer assigns memory addresses to physical locations at start-up. Devices and software can then identify
information that the processor can access.
memory module — A small circuit board containing memory chips, which connects to the system board.
MHz — megahertz — A measure of frequency that equals 1 million cycles per second. The speeds for computer processors, buses, and interfaces are often
measured in MHz.
Mobile Broadband network — A wireless high-speed data network using cellular technology and covering a much larger geographic area than WLAN. Also
known as WWAN.
modem — A device that allows your computer to communicate with other computers over analog telephone lines. Three types of modems include: external, PC
Card, and internal. You typically use your modem to connect to the Internet and exchange e-mail.
module bay — Abaythatsupportsdevicessuchasopticaldrives,asecondbattery,oraDellTravelLite™module.
monitor — The high-resolution TV-like device that displays computer output.
mouse — A pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor on your screen. Typically you roll the mouse over a hard, flat surface to move the pointer
or cursor on your screen.
ms — millisecond — A measure of time that equals one thousandth of a second. Access times of storage devices are often measured in ms.
N
network adapter — A chip that provides network capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter on its system board, or it may contain a PC Card with
an adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a NIC (network interface controller).
NIC — See network adapter.
notification area — The section of the Windows taskbar that contains icons for providing quick access to programs and computer functions, such as the clock,
volume control, and print status. Also referred to as system tray.
ns — nanosecond — A measure of time that equals one billionth of a second.
NVRAM — nonvolatile random access memory — A type of memory that stores data when the computer is turned off or loses its external power source. NVRAM
is used for maintaining computer configuration information such as date, time, and other system setup options that you can set.
O
optical drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read or write data from CDs, DVDs, or DVD+RWs. Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD
drives, CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives.
P
parallel connector — An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your computer. Also referred to as an LPT port.
partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each partition can contain
multiple logical drives.
PC Card — A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of PC Cards.
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a local bus that supports 32-and 64-bit data paths, providing a high-speed data path between the
processor and devices such as video, drives, and networks.
PCI Express — A modification to the PCI interface that boosts the data transfer rate between the processor and the devices attached to it. PCI Express can
transferdataatspeedsfrom250MB/secto4GB/sec.IfthePCIExpresschipsetandthedevicearecapableofdifferentspeeds,theywilloperateatthe
slower speed.
PCMCIA — Personal Computer Memory Card International Association — The organization that establishes standards for PC Cards.
PIN — personal identification number — A sequence of numerals and/or letters used to restrict unauthorized access to computer networks and other secure
systems.
PIO — programmed input/output — A method of transferring data between two devices through the processor as part of the data path.
pixel — A single point on a display screen. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as
the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.
Plug-and-Play — The ability of the computer to automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility
with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and all devices are Plug and Play compliant.
POST — power-on self-test — Diagnostics programs, loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic tests on the major computer components, such as
memory, hard drives, and video. If no problems are detected during POST, the computer continues the start-up.
processor — A computer chip that interprets and executes program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred to as the CPU (central processing unit).
program — Any software that processes data for you, including spreadsheet, word processor, database, and game packages. Programs require an operating
system to run.
PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.
PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM (Wired for Management) standard that allows networked computers that do not have an operating system to
be configured and started remotely.
R
RAID — redundant array of independent disks — Amethodofprovidingdataredundancy.SomecommonimplementationsofRAIDincludeRAID0,RAID1,
RAID5,RAID10,andRAID50.
RAM — random-access memory — The primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you shut
down your computer.
readme file — A text file included with a software package or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide installation information and describe new
product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented.
read-only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:
¡It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
¡It is located on a network in a directory and the system administrator has assigned rights only to specific individuals.
refresh rate — The frequency, measured in Hz, at which your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency). The
higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye.
resolution — The sharpness and clarity of an image produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image.
RFI — radio frequency interference — Interference that is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of 10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are
at the lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and are more likely to have interference than the higher frequency radiations, such as infrared
and light.
ROM — read-only memory — Memory that stores data and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the computer. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its
contents after you shut down your computer. Some programs essential to the operation of your computer reside in ROM.
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often measured in rpm.
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the system board that keeps the date and time after you shut down the computer.
RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the system board of some computers that can often be used for troubleshooting problems.
S
ScanDisk — A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders, and the hard disk's surface for errors. ScanDisk often runs when you restart the computer after it has
stopped responding.
SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory — A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the optimal clock speed of the processor.
serial connector — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera to your computer.
Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that identifies your computer when you access Dell Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for
customer service or technical support.
setup program — A program that is used to install and configure hardware and software. The setup.exe or install.exe program comes with most Windows
software packages. Setup program differs from system setup.
shortcut — An icon that provides quick access to frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. When you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop
and double-click the icon, you can open its corresponding folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcut icons do not change the location of files. If you
delete a shortcut, the original file is not affected. Also, you can rename a shortcut icon.
shutdown — The process of closing windows and exiting programs, exiting the operating system, and turning off your computer. You can lose data if you turn
off your computer before completing a shutdown.
smart card — A card that is embedded with a processor and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used to authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart
cards.
software — Anything that can be stored electronically, such as computer files or programs.
S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from one file to another without converting it to and
from an analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file.
standby mode — A power management mode that shuts down all unnecessary computer operations to save energy.
Strike Zone™— Reinforced area of the platform base that protects the hard drive by acting as a dampening device when a computer experiences resonating
shock or is dropped (whether the computer is on or off).
surge protectors — Prevent voltage spikes, such as those that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering the computer through the electrical outlet.
Surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes or against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal
AC-line voltage level.
Network connections cannot be protected by surge protectors. Always disconnect the network cable from the network connector during electrical storms.
SIM — Subscriber Identity Module. A SIM card contains a microchip that encrypts voice and data transmissions. SIM cards can be used in phones or portable
computers.
SVGA — super-video graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA resolutions are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768.
The number of colors and resolution that a program displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video controller and its drivers, and the amount of
video memory installed in the computer.
S-video TV-out — A connector used to attach a TV or digital audio device to the computer.
SXGA — super-extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.
SXGA+ — super-extended graphics array plus — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1400 x 1050.
system board — The main circuit board in your computer. Also known as the motherboard.
system setup program— A utility that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. The system setup program allows
you to configure user-selectable options in the BIOS, such as date and time or system password. Unless you understand what effect the settings have on the
computer, do not change the settings for this program.
system tray — See notification area.
T
TAPI — telephony application programming interface — Enables Windows programs to operate with a wide variety of telephony devices, including voice, data,
fax, and video.
text editor — A program used to create and edit files that contain only text; for example, Windows Notepad uses a text editor. Text editors do not usually
provide word wrap or formatting functionality (the option to underline, change fonts, and so on).
travel module — A plastic device designed to fit inside the module bay of a portable computer to reduce the weight of the computer.
U
UMA — unified memory allocation — System memory dynamically allocated to video.
UPS — uninterruptible power supply — A backup power source used when the electrical power fails or drops to an unacceptable voltage level. A UPS keeps a
computer running for a limited amount of time when there is no electrical power. UPS systems typically provide surge suppression and may also provide
voltage regulation. Small UPS systems provide battery power for a few minutes to enable you to shut down your computer.
USB — universal serial bus — A hardware interface for a low-speed device such as a USB-compatible keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, set of speakers,
printer, broadband devices (DSL and cable modems), imaging devices, or storage devices. Devices are plugged directly in to a 4-pin socket on your computer
or in to a multi-port hub that plugs in to your computer. USB devices can be connected and disconnected while the computer is turned on, and they can also be
daisy-chained together.
UTP — unshielded twisted pair — Describes a type of cable used in most telephone networks and some computer networks. Pairs of unshielded wires are
twisted to protect against electromagnetic interference, rather than relying on a metal sheath around each pair of wires to protect against interference.
UXGA — ultra extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1600 x 1200.
V
video controller — The circuitry on a video card or on the system board (in computers with an integrated video controller) that provides the video
capabilities—in combination with the monitor—for your computer.
video memory — Memory that consists of memory chips dedicated to video functions. Video memory is usually faster than system memory. The amount of
video memory installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display.
video mode — A mode that describes how text and graphics are displayed on a monitor. Graphics-based software, such as Windows operating systems,
displays in video modes that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors. Character-based software, such as text editors, displays in
video modes that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters.
video resolution — See resolution.
virus — A program that is designed to inconvenience you or to destroy data stored on your computer. A virus program moves from one computer to another
through an infected disk, software downloaded from the Internet, or e-mail attachments. When an infected program starts, its embedded virus also starts.
A common type of virus is a boot virus, which is stored in the boot sectors of a floppy disk. If the floppy disk is left in the drive when the computer is shut down
and then turned on, the computer is infected when it reads the boot sectors of the floppy disk expecting to find the operating system. If the computer is
infected, the boot virus may replicate itself onto all the floppy disks that are read or written in that computer until the virus is eradicated.
V — volt — The measurement of electric potential or electromotive force. One V appears across a resistance of 1 ohm when a current of 1 ampere flows
through that resistance.
W
W — watt — The measurement of electrical power. One W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt.
WHr — watt-hour — A unit of measure commonly used to indicate the approximate capacity of a battery. For example, a 66-WHr battery can supply 66 W of
power for 1 hour or 33 W for 2 hours.
wallpaper — The background pattern or picture on the Windows desktop. Change your wallpaper through the Windows Control Panel. You can also scan in
your favorite picture and make it wallpaper.
WLAN — wireless local area network. A series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves using access points or
wireless routers to provide Internet access.
write-protected — Files or media that cannot be changed. Use write-protection when you want to protect data from being changed or destroyed. To write-
protect a 3.5-inch floppy disk, slide its write-protect tab to the open position.
WWAN — wireless wide area network. See Mobile Broadband network.
WXGA — wide-aspect extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 800."
X
XGA — extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1024 x 768.
Z
ZIF — zero insertion force — A type of socket or connector that allows a computer chip to be installed or removed with no stress applied to either the chip or
its socket.
Zip — A popular data compression format. Files that have been compressed with the Zip format are called Zip files and usually have a filename extension
of .zip. A special kind of zipped file is a self-extracting file, which has a filename extension of .exe. You can unzip a self-extracting file by double-clicking it.
Zip drive — A high-capacity floppy drive developed by Iomega Corporation that uses 3.5-inch removable disks called Zip disks. Zip disks are slightly larger than
regular floppy disks, about twice as thick, and hold up to 100 MB of data.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Getting Help
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Obtaining Assistance
Problems With Your Order
Product Information
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Before You Call
Contacting Dell
Obtaining Assistance
1. Complete the procedures in Troubleshooting.
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
3. Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist and fill it out.
4. Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures.
5. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
NOTE: Call support from a telephone near or at the computer so that a support representative can assist you with any necessary procedures.
NOTE: Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.
When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do
not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.
For instructions on using the support service, see "Support Service."
NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on
availability.
Online Services
You can access Dell Support at support.dell.com. Select your region on the WELCOME TO DELL SUPPORT page, and fill in the requested details to access
help tools and information.
You can contact Dell electronically using the following addresses:
lWorld Wide Web
www.dell.com/
www.dell.com/ap/ (Asian/Pacific countries only)
www.dell.com/jp (Japan only)
www.euro.dell.com (Europe only)
www.dell.com/la/ (Latin American countries)
www.dell.ca (Canada only)
lAnonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)
ftp.dell.com/
Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.
lElectronic Support Service
mobile_support@us.dell.com
CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer covers, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets.
support@us.dell.com
apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only)
support.jp.dell.com (Japan only)
support.euro.dell.com (Europe only)
lElectronic Quote Service
apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only)
sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only)
AutoTech Service
Dell's automated support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their portable and
desktop computers.
When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions.
TheAutoTechserviceisavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweek.Youcanalsoaccessthisservicethroughthesupportservice.Forthetelephonenumberto
call, see the contact numbers for your region.
Automated Order-Status Service
TocheckonthestatusofanyDell™productsthatyouhaveordered,youcangotosupport.dell.com, or you can call the automated order-status service. A
recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your
region.
Support Service
Dell'ssupportserviceisavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweek,toansweryourquestionsaboutDellhardware.Oursupportstaffusescomputer-based
diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers.
To contact Dell's support service, see "Obtaining Assistance" and then call the number for your country as listed in Contacting Dell.
Problems With Your Order
If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or
packing slip handy when you call. For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your region.
Product Information
If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the
telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, see the contact numbers for your region.
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:
1. Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.
For the telephone number to call, see the contact numbers for your region.
2. Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.
3. Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indicating the tests you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics.
4. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software floppy disks, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.
5. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.
You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment
to Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.
Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at Dell's receiving dock and returned to you.
Before You Call
NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.
Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your computer before you call Dell for assistance and call from a telephone at or near the
computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps
possible only at the computer itself. Ensure that the computer documentation is available.
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:
lwww.dell.com
lsupport.dell.com (support)
lpremiersupport.dell.com (support for educational, government, healthcare, and medium/large business customers, including Premier, Platinum, and
Gold customers)
For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.
NOTE: In certain countries, support specific to Dell XPS portable computers is available at a separate telephone number listed for participating countries. If you
do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for XPS portable computers, you may contact Dell through the support number listed and your call will be
routed appropriately.
When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes provided in the following table. If you need assistance in
determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, follow the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.
Diagnostics Checklist
Name:
Date:
Address:
Phone number:
Service Tag (bar code on the back of the computer):
Express Service Code:
Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician):
Operating system and version:
Devices:
Expansion cards:
Are you connected to a network? Yes No
Network, version, and network adapter:
Programs and versions:
See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system's start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file.
Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.
Error message, beep code, or diagnostic code:
Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed:
NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-Mail Address
Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and
Toll-Free Numbers
Anguilla
General Support
toll-free:800-335-0031
Antigua and Barbuda
General Support
1-800-805-5924
Argentina (Buenos Aires)
International Access Code: 00
Website: www.dell.com.ar

E-mail: us_latin_services@dell.com
E-mail for desktop and portable computers:
la-techsupport@dell.com
E-mail for servers and EMC®storage products:
Country Code: 54
City Code: 11
la_enterprise@dell.com
Customer Care
toll-free:0-800-444-0730
Tech Support
toll-free:0-800-444-0733
Tech Support Services
toll-free:0-800-444-0724
Sales
0-810-444-3355
Aruba
General Support
toll-free:800-1578
Australia (Sydney)
International Access Code:
0011
Country Code: 61
City Code: 2
E-mail (Australia): au_tech_support@dell.com

E-mailCustomerCare(AustraliaandNewZealand):apcustserv@dell.com

Home and Small Business
1-300-655-533
Government and Business
toll-free:1-800-633-559
Preferred Accounts Division (PAD)
toll-free:1-800-060-889
Customer Care (after sales)
toll-free1-333-55(option 3)
Support (portables and desktops)
toll-free:1-300-655-533
Support (servers and workstations)
toll-free:1-800-733-314
Corporate Sales
toll-free:1-800-808-385
Transaction Sales
toll-free:1-800-808-312
Fax
toll-free:1-800-818-341
Austria (Vienna)
International Access Code: 900
Country Code: 43
City Code: 1
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com

Home/Small Business Sales
082024053000
Home/Small Business Fax
082024053049
Home/Small Business Customer Care
082024053014
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care
082024053016
Support for XPS portable computers only
082024053081
Home/Small Business Support for all other Dell computers
082024053014
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Support
06608779
Switchboard
082024053000
Bahamas
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6818
Barbados
General Support
1-800-534-3066
Belgium (Brussels)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 32
City Code: 2
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail for French-speaking Customers:
support.euro.dell.com/be/fr/emaildell/

Support for XPS portable computers only
024819296
Support for all other Dell computers
024819288
Support Fax
024819295
Customer Care
027131565
Corporate Sales
024819100
Fax
024819299
Switchboard
024819100
Bermuda
General Support
1-800-342-0671
Bolivia
General Support
toll-free:800-10-0238
Brazil
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 55
City Code: 51
Website: www.dell.com/br

Customer Support, Support
0800903355
Support Fax
514815470
Customer Care Fax
514815480
Sales
0800903390
British Virgin Islands
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6820
Brunei
Country Code: 673
Customer Support (Penang, Malaysia)
6046334966
Customer Care (Penang, Malaysia)
6046334888
Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)
6046334955
Canada (North York, Ontario)
International Access Code: 011
Online Order Status: www.dell.ca/ostatus
AutoTech (automated support)
toll-free:1-800-247-9362
Customer Care (Home Sales/Small Business)
toll-free:1-800-847-4096
Customer Care (med./large business, government)
toll-free:1-800-326-9463
Support (Home Sales/Small Business)
toll-free:1-800-847-4096
Support (med./large bus., government)
toll-free:1-800-387-5757
Support (printers, projectors, televisions, handhelds, digital jukebox, and
wireless)
1-877-335-5767
Sales (Home Sales/Small Business)
toll-free:1-800-387-5752
Sales (med./large bus., government)
toll-free:1-800-387-5755
Spare Parts Sales & Extended Service Sales
18664403355
Cayman Islands
General Support
1-800-805-7541
Chile (Santiago)
Country Code: 56
City Code: 2
Sales, Customer Support, and Support
toll-free:1230-020-4823
China (Xiamen)
Country Code: 86
City Code: 592
Support website: support.dell.com.cn

Support E-mail: cn_support@dell.com

Customer Care E-mail: customer_cn@dell.com
Support Fax
5928181350
Support(Dell™Dimension™andInspiron)
toll-free:8008582969
Support(OptiPlex™,Latitude™,andDellPrecision™)
toll-free:8008580950
Support (servers and storage)
toll-free:8008580960
Support (projectors, PDAs, switches, routers, and so on)
toll-free:8008582920
Support (printers)
toll-free:8008582311
Customer Care
toll-free:8008582060
Customer Care Fax
5928181308
Home and Small Business
toll-free:8008582222
Preferred Accounts Division
toll-free:8008582557
Large Corporate Accounts GCP
toll-free:8008582055
Large Corporate Accounts Key Accounts
toll-free:8008582628
Large Corporate Accounts North
toll-free:8008582999
Large Corporate Accounts North Government and Education
toll-free:8008582955
Large Corporate Accounts East
toll-free:8008582020
Large Corporate Accounts East Government and Education
toll-free:8008582669
Large Corporate Accounts Queue Team
toll-free:8008582572
Large Corporate Accounts South
toll-free:8008582355
Large Corporate Accounts West
toll-free:8008582811
Large Corporate Accounts Spare Parts
toll-free:8008582621
Colombia
General Support
980-9-15-3978
Costa Rica
General Support
0800-012-0435
Czech Republic (Prague)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 420
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com

Support
225372727
Customer Care
225372707
Fax
225372714
Tech Fax
225372728
Switchboard
225372711
Denmark (Copenhagen)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 45
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/dk/da/emaildell/

Support for XPS portable computers only
7010 0074
Support for all other Dell computers
70230182
Customer Care (Relational)
70230184
Home/Small Business Customer Care
32875505
Switchboard (Relational)
32871200
Switchboard Fax (Relational)
32871201
Switchboard (Home/Small Business)
32875000
Switchboard Fax (Home/Small Business)
32875001
Dominica
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6821
Dominican Republic
General Support
1-800-148-0530
Ecuador
General Support
toll-free:999-119
El Salvador
General Support
01-899-753-0777
Finland (Helsinki)
International Access Code: 990
Country Code: 358
City Code: 9
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fi/fi/emaildell/
Support
0925331360
Customer Care
0925331338
Fax
0925331399
Switchboard
0925331300
France (Paris) (Montpellier)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 33
City Codes: (1) (4)
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/fr/fr/emaildell/

Home and Small Business

Support for XPS portable computers only
0825 387 129
Support for all other Dell computers
0825387270
Customer Care
0825823833
Switchboard
0825004700
Switchboard (calls from outside of France)
0499754000
Sales
0825004700
Fax
0825004701
Fax (calls from outside of France)
0499754001
Corporate

Support
0825004719
Customer Care
0825338339
Switchboard
0155947100
Sales
0155947100
Fax
0155947101
Germany (Langen)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 49
City Code: 6103
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_support_central_europe@dell.com
Support for XPS portable computers only
06103 766-7222
Support for all other Dell computers
06103766-7200
Home/Small Business Customer Care
0180-5-224400
Global Segment Customer Care
06103766-9570
Preferred Accounts Customer Care
06103766-9420
Large Accounts Customer Care
06103766-9560
Public Accounts Customer Care
06103766-9555
Switchboard
06103766-7000
Greece
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 30
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/gr/en/emaildell/
Support
00800-44 14 95 18
Gold Service Support
00800-44 14 00 83
Switchboard
2108129810
Gold Service Switchboard
2108129811
Sales
2108129800
Fax
2108129812
Grenada
General Support
toll-free:1-866-540-3355
Guatemala
General Support
1-800-999-0136
Guyana
General Support
toll-free:1-877-270-4609
Hong Kong
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 852
Website: support.ap.dell.com

Support E-mail: apsupport@dell.com

Support (Dimension and Inspiron)
29693188
Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)
29693191
Support(PowerApp™,PowerEdge™,PowerConnect™,andPowerVault™)
29693196
Customer Care
34160910
Large Corporate Accounts
34160907
Global Customer Programs
34160908
Medium Business Division
34160912
Home and Small Business Division
29693105
India
E-mail: india_support_desktop@dell.com
india_support_notebook@dell.com
india_support_Server@dell.com
Support
1600338045
and 1600448046
Sales (Large Corporate Accounts)
1600338044
Sales (Home and Small Business)
1600338046
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com

Support for XPS portable computers only
1850 200 722
Support for all other Dell computers
1850543543
Ireland (Cherrywood)
International Access Code: 16
Country Code: 353
City Code: 1
U.K. Support (dial within U.K. only)
08709080800
Home User Customer Care
012044014
Small Business Customer Care
012044014
U.K. Customer Care (dial within U.K. only)
08709060010
Corporate Customer Care
1850200982
Corporate Customer Care (dial within U.K. only)
08709074499
Ireland Sales
012044444
U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only)
08709074000
Fax/Sales Fax
012040103
Switchboard
012044444
Italy (Milan)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 39
City Code: 02
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/it/it/emaildell/

Home and Small Business

Support
0257782690
Customer Care
0269682114
Fax
0269682113
Switchboard
0269682112
Corporate

Support
0257782690
Customer Care
0257782555
Fax
0257503530
Switchboard
02577821
Jamaica
General Support (dial from within Jamaica only)
1-800-682-3639
Japan (Kawasaki)
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 81
City Code: 44
Website: support.jp.dell.com
Support (servers)
toll-free: 0120-198-498
Support outside of Japan (servers)
81-44-556-4162
Support (Dimension and Inspiron)
toll-free: 0120-198-226
Support outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron)
81-44-520-1435
Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)
toll-free:0120-198-433
Support outside of Japan (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)
81-44-556-3894
Support (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers)
toll-free: 0120-981-690
Support outside of Japan (PDAs, projectors, printers, routers)
81-44-556-3468
Faxbox Service
044-556-3490
24-Hour Automated Order Service
044-556-3801
Customer Care
044-556-4240
Business Sales Division (up to 400 employees)
044-556-1465
Preferred Accounts Division Sales (over 400 employees)
044-556-3433
Large Corporate Accounts Sales (over 3500 employees)
044-556-3430
Public Sales (government agencies, educational institutions, and medical
institutions)
044-556-1469
Global Segment Japan
044-556-3469
Individual User
044-556-1760
Switchboard
044-556-4300
Korea (Seoul)
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 82
City Code: 2
E-mail: krsupport@dell.com
Support
toll-free:080-200-3800
Support (Dimension, PDA, Electronics and Accessories)
toll-free: 080-200-3801
Sales
toll-free:080-200-3600
Fax
2194-6202
Switchboard
2194-6000
Latin America
Customer Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
512728-4093
Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
512728-3619
Fax (Support and Customer Service) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
512728-3883
Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
512728-4397
SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
512728-4600
or512728-3772
Luxembourg
International Access Code: 00
Website: support.euro.dell.com

Support
3420808075
Home/Small Business Sales
+32(0)27131596
Corporate Sales
26257781
Country Code: 352
Customer Care
+32(0)24819119
Fax
26257782
Macao
Country Code: 853
Support
toll-free:0800105
Customer Service (Xiamen, China)
34 160 910
Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China)
29 693 115
Malaysia (Penang)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 60
City Code: 4
Website: support.ap.dell.com
Support (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)
toll-free:1800880193
Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories)
toll-free:1800881306
Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)
toll-free:1800881386
Customer Care
toll-free:1800881306(option6)
Transaction Sales
toll-free:1800888202
Corporate Sales
toll-free:1800888213
Mexico
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 52
Customer Support
001-877-384-8979
or 001-877-269-3383
Sales
50-81-8800
or 01-800-888-3355
Customer Service
001-877-384-8979
or 001-877-269-3383
Main
50-81-8800
or 01-800-888-3355
Montserrat
General Support
toll-free:1-866-278-6822
Netherlands Antilles
General Support
001-800-882-1519
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 31
City Code: 20
Website: support.euro.dell.com
Support for XPS portable computers only
0206744594
Support for all other Dell computers
0206744500
Support Fax
0206744766
Home/Small Business Customer Care
0206744200
Relational Customer Care
0206744325
Home/Small Business Sales
0206745500
Relational Sales
0206745000
Home/Small Business Sales Fax
0206744775
Relational Sales Fax
0206744750
Switchboard
0206745000
Switchboard Fax
0206744750
New Zealand
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 64
E-mail (New Zealand): nz_tech_support@dell.com

E-mailCustomerCare(AustraliaandNewZealand):apcustserv@dell.com

Customer Care
toll-free:0800-289-335(option3)
Support (for desktop and portable computers)
toll-free:0800446255
Support (for servers and workstations)
toll-free:0800443563
Home and Small Business
0800446255
Government and Business
0800444617
Sales
0800441567
Fax
0800441566
Nicaragua
General Support
001-800-220-1006
Norway (Lysaker)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 47
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/no/no/emaildell/
Support for XPS portable computers only
815 35 043
Support for all other Dell products
67116882
Relational Customer Care
67117575
Home/Small Business Customer Care
23162298
Switchboard
67116800
Fax Switchboard
67116865
Panama
General Support
001-800-507-0962
Peru
General Support
0800-50-669
Poland (Warsaw)
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: pl_support_tech@dell.com
Customer Service Phone
5795700
International Access Code: 011
Country Code: 48
City Code: 22
Customer Care
5795999
Sales
5795999
Customer Service Fax
5795806
Reception Desk Fax
5795998
Switchboard
5795999
Portugal
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 351
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/pt/en/emaildell/

Support
707200149
Customer Care
800300413
Sales
800300410or800300411or
800300412or214220710
Fax
214240112
Puerto Rico
General Support
1-800-805-7545
St. Kitts and Nevis
General Support
toll-free:1-877-441-4731
St. Lucia
General Support
1-800-882-1521
St. Vincent and the
Grenadines
General Support
toll-free:1-877-270-4609
Singapore (Singapore)
International Access Code: 005
Country Code: 65
Website: support.ap.dell.com
Support (Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories)
toll-free:18003947430
Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)
toll-free:18003947488
Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)
toll-free:18003947478
Customer Care
toll-free:18003947430(option6)
Transaction Sales
toll-free:18003947412
Corporate Sales
toll-free:18003947419
Slovakia (Prague)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 421
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com

Support
0254415727
Customer Care
420225372707
Fax
0254418328
Tech Fax
0254418328
Switchboard (Sales)
0254417585
South Africa (Johannesburg)
International Access Code:
09/091
Country Code: 27
City Code: 11
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_za_support@dell.com
Gold Queue
0117097713
Support
0117097710
Customer Care
0117097707
Sales
0117097700
Fax
0117060495
Switchboard
0117097700
Southeast Asian and Pacific
Countries
Customer Support, Customer Service, and Sales (Penang, Malaysia)
6046334810
Spain (Madrid)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 34
City Code: 91
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/es/es/emaildell/
Home and Small Business

Support
902100130
Customer Care
902118540
Sales
902118541
Switchboard
902118541
Fax
902118539
Corporate

Support
902100130
Customer Care
902115236
Switchboard
917229200
Fax
917229583
Sweden (Upplands Vasby)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 46
Website: support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/se/sv/emaildell/
Support for XPS portable computers only
0771 340 340
Support for all other Dell products
0859005199
Relational Customer Care
0859005642
Home/Small Business Customer Care
0858770527
City Code: 8
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support
201401444
Support Fax
0859005594
Sales
0859005185
Switzerland (Geneva)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 41
City Code: 22
Website: support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: Tech_support_central_Europe@dell.com

E-mail for French-speaking HSB and Corporate Customers:
support.euro.dell.com/ch/fr/emaildell/

Support for XPS portable computers only
0848 33 88 57
Support (Home and Small Business) for all other Dell products
0844811411
Support (Corporate)
0844822844
Customer Care (Home and Small Business)
0848802202
Customer Care (Corporate)
0848821721
Fax
0227990190
Switchboard
0227990101
Taiwan
International Access Code: 002
Country Code: 886
Website: support.ap.dell.com
E-mail: ap_support@dell.com
Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron, Dimension, and Electronics and
Accessories)
toll-free:00801861011
Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)
toll-free:00801601256
Customer Care
toll-free:00801601250
(option5)
Transaction Sales
toll-free:00801651228
Corporate Sales
toll-free:00801651227
Thailand
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 66
Website: support.ap.dell.com
Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision)
toll-free:1800006007
Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault)
toll-free:1800060009
Customer Care
toll-free:1800006007
(option7)
Corporate Sales
toll-free:1800006009
Transaction Sales
toll-free:1800006006
Trinidad/Tobago
General Support
1-800-805-8035
Turks and Caicos Islands
General Support
toll-free:1-866-540-3355
U.K. (Bracknell)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 44
City Code: 1344
Website: support.euro.dell.com
Customer Care website:
support.euro.dell.com/uk/en/ECare/Form/Home.asp
E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com
Support (Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees])
08709080500
Support for XPS portable computers only
0870 366 4180
Support (direct and general) for all other products
08709080800
Global Accounts Customer Care
01344373186
Home and Small Business Customer Care
08709060010
Corporate Customer Care
01344373185
Preferred Accounts (500–5000 employees) Customer Care
08709060010
Central Government Customer Care
01344373193
Local Government & Education Customer Care
01344373199
Health Customer Care
01344373194
Home and Small Business Sales
08709074000
Corporate/Public Sector Sales
01344860456
Home and Small Business Fax
08709074006
Uruguay
General Support
toll-free:000-413-598-2521
Automated Order-Status Service
toll-free:1-800-433-9014
AutoTech (portable and desktop computers)
toll-free:1-800-247-9362
Support (Dell TV, Printers, and Projectors) for Relationship customers
toll-free1-877-459-7298
Consumer (HomeandHomeOffice)SupportforallotherDellproducts
toll-free:1-800-624-9896
Customer Service
toll-free:1-800-624-9897
DellNet™ServiceandSupport
toll-free:1-877-Dellnet
(1-877-335-5638)
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers
toll-free:1-800-695-8133
Financial Services website:
www.dellfinancialservices.com
Financial Services (lease/loans)
toll-free:1-877-577-3355
Back to Contents Page
U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)
International Access Code: 011
Country Code: 1
Financial Services (Dell Preferred Accounts [DPA])
toll-free:1-800-283-2210
Business
Customer Service and Support
toll-free:1-800-456-3355
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers
toll-free:1-800-695-8133
Printers and Projectors Support
toll-free:1-877-459-7298
Public(government,education,andhealthcare)
Customer Service and Support
toll-free:1-800-456-3355
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers
toll-free:1-800-695-8133
Dell Sales
toll-free:1-800-289-3355
or toll-free:1-800-879-3355
Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers)
toll-free:1-888-798-7561
Software and Peripherals Sales
toll-free:1-800-671-3355
Spare Parts Sales
toll-free:1-800-357-3355
Extended Service and Warranty Sales
toll-free:1-800-247-4618
Fax
toll-free:1-800-727-8320
Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired
toll-free:1-877-DELLTTY
(1-877-335-5889)
U.S. Virgin Islands
General Support
1-877-673-3355
Venezuela
General Support
8001-3605
Back to Contents Page
Using the Keyboard
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Numeric Keypad
Key Combinations
Touch Pad
Changing the Track Stick Cap
Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the keypad has multiple functions. The keypad numbers and
symbols are marked in blue on the right of the keypad keys. To type a number or symbol, hold down <Fn> and press the desired key.
lTo enable the keypad, press <Num Lk>. The light indicates that the keypad is active.
lTo disable the keypad, press <Num Lk> again.
Key Combinations
System Functions
Battery
Display Functions
Power Management
<Ctrl><Shift><Esc>
Opens the Task Manager window
<Fn><F3>
DisplaystheDell™QuickSetBatteryMeter
<Fn><F7>
Scales between widescreen and standard aspect ratio video resolutions.
<Fn><F8>
Switches the video image to the next display option. The options include the integrated display, an external monitor, and both
displays simultaneously.
<Fn> and left-arrow key
Activates the ambient light sensor, which controls brightness of the display based on light level in the current environment.
<Fn> and up-arrow key
Increases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).
<Fn> and down-arrow
key
Decreases brightness on the integrated display only (not on an external monitor).
Microsoft®Windows®Logo Key Functions
To adjust keyboard operation, such as the character repeat rate, open the Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and click Keyboard. For
information about the Control Panel, see the Windows Help and Support Center (see Windows Help and Support Center).
Touch Pad
The touch pad detects the pressure and movement of your finger to allow you to move the cursor on the display. Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as
you would use a mouse.
lTo move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the touch pad.
lTo select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button.
lTo select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad. On the second tap, leave your finger on the
touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger over the surface.
lTo double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and tap twice on the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch-pad button twice.
You can also use the track stick to move the cursor. Press the track stick left, right, up, or down to change the direction of the cursor on the display. Use the
track stick and track stick buttons as you would use a mouse.
Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick
You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad and track stick or adjust their settings.
1. Open the Control Panel, and then click Mouse. For information about the Control Panel, see Windows Help and Support Center.
2. In the Mouse Properties window:
<Fn><Esc>
Activates a power management mode. You can reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different power management mode using the
Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window (see Configuring Power Management Settings).
<Fn><F1>
Puts the computer into hibernate mode. Dell QuickSet is required (see Dell™QuickSet).
Windows logo key and <m>
Minimizes all open windows
Windows logo key and
<Shift><m>
Restores all minimized windows. This key combination functions as a toggle to restore minimized windows following the use of
the Windows logo key and <m> key combination.
Windows logo key and <e>
Runs Windows Explorer
Windows logo key and <r>
Opens the Run dialog box
Windows logo key and <f>
Opens the Search Results dialog box
Windows logo key and
<Ctrl><f>
Opens the Search Results-Computer dialog box (if the computer is connected to a network)
Windows logo key and
<Pause>
Opens the System Properties dialog box
1
touch pad
2
touch pad buttons
NOTE: If you ordered the optional fingerprint reader with your computer, the reader is located between the touch pad buttons.
lClick the Device Select tab to disable the touch pad and track stick.
lClick the Touch Pad tab to adjust touch pad and track stick settings.
3. Click OK to save the settings and close the window.
Changing the Track Stick Cap
You can replace your track stick cap if it wears down from prolonged use or if you prefer a different color. You can purchase additional caps by visiting the Dell
website at www.dell.com.
1. Pull the cap off the track stick.
2. Align the new cap over the square track-stick post and gently press the cap down onto the post.
3. Test the track stick to ensure that the cap is seated properly.
Back to Contents Page
NOTICE: The track stick can damage the display if it is not properly seated on the post.
Back to Contents Page
Using Multimedia
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Playing CDs or DVDs
Adjusting the Volume
Adjusting the Picture
Playing CDs or DVDs
1. Press the eject button on the front of the drive.
2. Pull out the tray.
3. Place the disc, label side up, in the center of the tray and snap the disc onto the spindle.
4. Push the tray back into the drive.
To format CDs for storing data, to create music CDs, or to copy CDs, see the CD software that came with your computer.
Adjusting the Volume
Volume Control Window
1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs (or Programs)® Accessories® Entertainment (or Multimedia), and then click Volume Control.
2. In the Volume Control window, click and drag the bar in the Volume Control column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume.
For more information on volume control options, click Help in the Volume Control window.
NOTICE: Do not press down on the CD or DVD tray when you open or close it. Keep the tray closed when you are not using the drive.
NOTICE: Do not move the computer while playing CDs or DVDs.
NOTE: If you use a module that shipped with another computer, you need to install the drivers and software necessary to play DVDs or write data. For
more information, see the Drivers and Utilities CD (the Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not be available for your computer or in certain
countries).
NOTE: Ensure that you follow all copyright laws when you create CDs.
NOTE: When the speakers are muted, you do not hear the CD or DVD playing.
Volume Control Buttons
You can adjust the volume with the volume control buttons on your computer. See volume control buttons.
Adjusting the Picture
If an error message notifies you that the current resolution and color depth are using too much memory and preventing DVD playback, adjust the display
properties.
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Display.
2. Click Settings and click and drag the bar in Screen resolution to change the setting to 1024 by 768 pixels.
3. Click the drop-down menu under Color quality® Medium (16 bit)® OK.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Using Networks
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
Dell™Wi-FiCatcher™NetworkLocator
Internet Connection Firewall
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem
Before you connect your computer to a network that is not wireless, the computer must have a network cable connected to it.
To connect a network cable:
1. Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back of your computer.
2. Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device or a network wall connector.
3. Connect the other end of the network cable to a network connection device or a network wall connector.
Network Setup Wizard
The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet
connection between computers in a home or small office.
1. Click the Start button, point to Programs® Accessories® Communications, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
2. On the welcome screen, click Next.
3. Click Checklist for creating a network.
4. Complete the checklist.
5. Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
NOTE: Insert the cable connector until it clicks into place, and then gently pull the cable to ensure that it is securely attached.
NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall connector.
NOTE: Do not use a network cable with a telephone wall connector.
NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows
XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).
A WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves rather than through a network cable connected to each
computer. In a WLAN, a radio communications device called an access point or wireless router connects network computers and provides Internet, or network,
access. The access point or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air
waves.
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection
Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
lHigh-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
lA broadband modem that is connected and working
lA wireless router or access point
lA wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN
lA network cable with the network (RJ-45) connector
Checking Your Wireless Network Card
Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of configurations. To confirm that your computer has a
wireless network card and to determine the type of card, use one of the following:
lThe Start button and the Connect To option
lYour original computer invoice
Start Button and Connect To Option
1. Click the Start button.
2. Point to Connect To, and then click Show all connections.
If Wireless Network Connection does not appear under LAN or High-Speed Internet, you may not have a wireless network card.
If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. To view detailed information about the wireless network card:
1. Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
2. Click Properties. The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears. The wireless network card's name and model number are listed on
the General tab.
Order Confirmation
The order confirmation that you received when you ordered your computer lists the hardware and software that shipped with your computer.
Setting Up a New WLAN
Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information about the connection requirements for your broadband modem.
Connecting a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem
1. Ensure that you have wired Internet access through your broadband modem before you attempt to set up a wireless Internet connection (see
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem).
2. Install any software required for your wireless router. Your wireless router may have been shipped with an installation CD. Such CDs usually contain
installation and troubleshooting information. Install the required software according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Shut down your computer and any other wireless-enabled computers in the vicinity through the Start menu.
4. Disconnect your broadband modem power cable from the electrical outlet.
5. Disconnect the network cable from the computer and the modem.
NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, you can view network connections by clicking the Start button, pointing to Settings,
and then pointing to Network Connections. If Wireless Network Connection does not appear, you may not have a wireless network card.
6. Disconnect the AC adapter cable from your wireless router to ensure that there is no power connected to the router.
7. Insert a network cable into the network (RJ-45) connector on the unpowered broadband modem.
8. Connect the other end of the network cable into the Internet network (RJ-45) connector on the unpowered wireless router.
9. Ensure that no network or USB cables, other than the network cable connecting the modem and the wireless router, are connected to the broadband
modem.
10. Turn on only your broadband modem and wait for at least 2 minutes for the broadband modem to stabilize. After 2 minutes, proceed to step 11.
11. Turn on your wireless router and wait for at least 2 minutes for the wireless router to stabilize. After 2 minutes, proceed to step 12.
12. Start your computer and wait until the boot process completes.
13. See the documentation that came with your wireless router to do the following in order to set up the wireless router:
lEstablish communication between your computer and your wireless router.
lConfigure your wireless router to communicate with your broadband router.
lFind out your wireless router's broadcast name. The technical term for the name of your router's broadcast name is Service Set Identifier (SSID)
or network name.
14. If necessary, configure your wireless network card to connect to the wireless network. See Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network.
Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network
This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network via wireless technology. Specific network names and configuration details vary. See
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) for more information about how to prepare for connecting your computer to a WLAN.
Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers for connecting to a network. The software is already installed.
Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager
Depending on the software installed on your computer, different wireless configuration utilities may manage your network devices:
lYour wireless network card's client utility
lThe Windows XP operating system
To determine which wireless configuration utility is managing your wireless network card:
1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network Connections.
3. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.
If the Choose a wireless network window states Windows cannot configure this connection, the wireless network card's client utility is managing the
wireless network card.
If the Choose a wireless network window states Click an item in the list below to connect to a wireless network in range or to get more information, the
Windows XP operating system is managing the wireless network card.
For specific information about the wireless configuration utility installed on your computer, see your wireless network documentation in the Windows Help and
Support Center.
To access the Help and Support Center:
1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
NOTE: Wait for a minimum of 5 minutes after disconnecting your broadband modem before you continue with the network setup.
NOTE: Restart your wireless equipment in the order described below to prevent a potential connection failure.
NOTE: Before you connect to a WLAN, ensure that you have followed the instructions in Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
NOTE: The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth® wireless technology or cellular products.
NOTE: If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions in the user documentation for your wireless network card. Verify the type of
wireless network card installed in your computer and then search for that name on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. For information on the
type of wireless network card that is installed in your computer, see Checking Your Wireless Network Card.
2. Under Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System Guides.
3. Under Device Guides, select the documentation for your wireless network card.
Completing the Connection to the WLAN
When you turn on your computer and a network (for which your computer is not configured) is detected in the area, a pop-up appears near the network icon
in the notification area (in the lower-right corner of the Windows desktop).
Follow the instructions provided in any utility prompts that appear on your screen.
Once you have configured your computer for the wireless network that you selected, another pop-up notifies you that your computer is connected to that
network.
Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer within the range of the wireless network that you selected, the same pop-up notifies you of the wireless
network connection.
MonitoringtheStatusofWirelessNetworkConnectionsThroughDell™QuickSet
The wireless activity indicator provides an easy way to monitor the status of your computer's wireless devices. Right-click the Dell QuickSet icon in your taskbar
to select or deselect Wireless Activity Indicator Off to turn the wireless activity indicator on or off.
The wireless activity indicator indicates whether your computer's wireless devices are enabled or disabled. When you turn the wireless networking function on
or off, the wireless activity indicator changes to display the status.
For more information about the wireless activity indicator, see the Dell QuickSet Help file. For information about QuickSet and how to access the Dell QuickSet
Help file, see Dell™QuickSet.
Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
Much like a WLAN, a Mobile Broadband network (also known as a WWAN) is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other through
wireless technology. However, a Mobile Broadband network uses cellular technology and therefore provides Internet access in the same varied locations from
which cellular telephone service is available. Your computer can maintain the Mobile Broadband network connection regardless of its physical location, as long
as the computer remains in the service area of your cellular service provider.
What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection
To set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need:
lA Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini-Card (depending on your computer's configuration). For instructions on using ExpressCards, see Using Cards.
lThe Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility (already installed on your computer if you purchased the card when you purchased your computer, or on the CD
that accompanied your card if purchased separately from your computer)
If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user's guide for instructions. The user's guide is
available through the Windows Help and Support Center (or on the CD that accompanied your card if you purchased it separately from your computer).
To access the Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center.
Checking Your Mobile Broadband Network Card
For information, see Checking Your Wireless Network Card.
Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network
NOTE: If you select a secure network, you must enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted. Network security settings are unique to your network. Dell
cannot provide this information.
NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network.
NOTE: Depending on your computer, you can use either a Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini-Card, but not both, to establish a Mobile Broadband
network connection.
NOTE: Mobile Broadband cards may not be available in all regions.
NOTE: These instructions only apply to Mobile Broadband ExpressCards or Mini-Cards. They do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth®wireless
technology or WLAN Mini-Cards.
NOTE: Before you connect to the Internet, you must activate Mobile Broadband service through your cellular service provider. For instructions and for
additional information about using the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility, see the user's guide available through the Windows Help and Support Center.
To access the Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center. The user's guide is also available on the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com and on the CD included with your Mobile Broadband card if you purchased the card separately from your computer.
Use the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility to establish and manage a Mobile Broadband network connection to the Internet:
1. Click the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility icon, , in the Windows taskbar, to run the utility.
2. Click Connect.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to manage the network connection with the utility.
Enabling/Disabling the Dell Mobile Broadband Network Card
You can turn your Mobile Broadband card on and off using the wireless switch on your computer.
You can turn your computer's wireless devices on and off with the wireless switch on the left side of the computer (see Left Side View).
If the switch is in the "on" position, move the switch to the "off" position to disable the switch and the Mobile Broadband card. If the switch is in the "off"
position, move the switch to the "on" position to enable the switch and the Dell Mobile Broadband card. For information about the wireless switch positions,
see wireless switch.
To monitor the status of your wireless device, see MonitoringtheStatusofWirelessNetworkConnectionsThroughDell™QuickSet.
Managing Your Network Settings Through the Dell QuickSet Location Profiler
The QuickSet Location Profiler helps you manage network settings that correspond to your computer's physical location. It includes two categories of profile
settings:
lLocation Profile Settings
lGeneral Mobility Settings
You can use Location Profile Settings to create profiles for accessing the Internet with your computer in your office, home, or other public places with Internet
services. General Mobility Settings allows you to change the way network connections are handled. The profiles consist of different network settings and
equipment that you need when using your computer in different locations.
For information about Dell QuickSet, see Dell™QuickSet.
Dell™Wi-FiCatcher™NetworkLocator
The wireless switch on your Dell computer uses the Dell Wi-FiCatcher™NetworkLocatortoscanspecificallyforWiFiwirelesslocalareanetworks(LAN)inyour
vicinity.
To scan for WiFi wireless LAN, slide and hold the switch in the "momentary" position for a few seconds. The Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator functions regardless
of whether your computer is turned on or off, in hibernate mode, or in standby mode, as long as the switch is configured through QuickSet or the BIOS (system
setup program) to control WiFi network connections.
Because the Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator is disabled and not configured for use when your computer is shipped to you, you must first use Dell QuickSet to
enable and configure the switch to control WiFi network connections.
For more information on the Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator and to enable the feature through QuickSet, see the Dell QuickSet Help. To access the Help file,
right-click the icon in the taskbar.
Internet Connection Firewall
The Internet Connection Firewall provides basic protection from unauthorized access to the computer while the computer is connected to the Internet. The
firewall is automatically enabled when you run the Network Setup Wizard. When the firewall is enabled for a network connection, the firewall icon appears
with a red background in the Network Connections section of the Control Panel.
Note that enabling the Internet Connection Firewall does not reduce the need for virus-checking software.
For more information, see the Help and Support Center for the Microsoft®Windows®XP operating system. To access the Help and Support Center, see
Windows Help and Support Center.
NOTE: The Connect button changes to the Disconnect button.
NOTE: If you are unable to connect to a Mobile Broadband network, ensure that you have all the components for establishing a Mobile Broadband
connection (see What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection), and then verify that your Mobile Broadband card is enabled by
verifying the setting of the wireless switch.
NOTE: For more information about the wireless switch, see wireless switch.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Adding and Replacing Parts
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Before You Begin
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
lYou have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.
lYouhavereadthesafetyinformationinyourDell™Product Information Guide.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lPhillips screwdriver
lSmall plastic scribe
lFlash BIOS update (see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com)
Turning Off Your Computer
1. Shut down the operating system:
a. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click Start® Shut Down.
b. Select Shut down® OK.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
2. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut
down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.
1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer).
Before You Begin
Memory
Hard Drive
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card
Media Bay
Wireless Cards
Hinge Cover
Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology
Keyboard
Coin-Cell Battery
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
3. Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.
4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
5. Remove the battery (see Replacing the Battery).
6. Press the power button to ground the system board.
7. Remove any installed ExpressCards or PC Cards (see Removing a Card or Blank).
Hard Drive
To replace the hard drive in the hard drive bay:
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Turn the computer upside-down, and remove the two screws that secure the hard drive carrier to the chassis.
3. Slide the hard drive carrier out of the computer.
4. Remove the new drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.
5. Slide the new hard drive into the bay and into the connector until it is fully seated.
6. Replace the screws.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall connector.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.
CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile; even a slight bump can damage the drive.
NOTE: DelldoesnotguaranteecompatibilityorprovidesupportforharddrivesfromsourcesotherthanDell.
NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard
drive.
1
screws (2)
NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector.
7. Install the operating system for your computer (see Restoring Your Operating System).
8. Install the drivers and utilities for your computer (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities).
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell
Return your old hard drive to Dell in its original or comparable foam packaging. Otherwise, the hard drive may be damaged in transit.
Media Bay
Removing the Device Security Screw
If present, you must remove the device security screw before you remove the device:
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and 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. Close the display and turn the computer upside-down.
4. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the device security screw from the bottom of the computer.
Removing and Installing Media Bay Devices
1
foam packaging
2
hard drive
NOTE: If the device security screw is not present, you can remove and install devices while the computer is running and connected to a docking device
(docked).
1
device security screw
2
device latch release
NOTE: If the device security screw is not installed, you can remove and install devices while the computer is running and connected to a docking device
(docked).
1. If present, remove the device security screw from the bottom of the computer (see Removing the Device Security Screw).
2. If the computer is running, double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, click the device you want to eject, and click Stop.
3. Press the device latch release.
4. Pull the device out of the media bay.
5. Push the new device into the bay until it clicks.
Hinge Cover
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Turn the computer top-side up, and then open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it rests on your work surface.
3. Insert a scribe in the indent to carefully pry up the hinge cover on the right side.
4. Ease the hinge cover up, moving from right to left, and remove it.
5. To replace the hinge cover, insert the left edge of the cover into the hinge cover slot, and press from left to right until the cover snaps into place.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: The hinge cover is fragile and can be damaged if extreme force is used. Be careful when removing the hinge cover.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the hinge cover, do not lift the cover on both sides simultaneously.
1
hinge cover
2
indent
Keyboard
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
3. Remove the three screws at the top of the keyboard.
4. Rotate the keyboard forward and lay it on the palm rest to allow access to the keyboard connector on the system board.
5. Pull up on the pull-tab to disconnect the keyboard cable connector from the keyboard connector on the system board.
6. To replace the keyboard, connect the keyboard connector to the system board.
7. Place the tabs along the front edge of the keyboard into the palm rest and lay the keyboard down on the palmrest.
8. Replace the three screws at the top of the keyboard.
9. Replace the hinge cover.
Memory
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See Specifications for information on the memory supported by
your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
1
keyboard
2
keyboard screws
3
cable connector
4
keyboard connector
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
The computer has two memory slots, DIMM A and DIMM B. DIMM A is located on top of the computer under the keyboard, and DIMM B is located on the bottom
of the computer under the memory module cover. DIMM A holds the basic memory module as configured from the factory. If you did not order additional
memory, DIMM B is empty. Generally, if you add memory, you use DIMM B. If you are upgrading memory, you may need to install memory in DIMM A and DIMM
B, depending on the extent of the upgrade.
To install a memory module in DIMM A:
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
4. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
5. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:
a. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.
b. Remove the module from the connector.
6. Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
a. Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.
b. Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove
the module and reinstall it.
7. Replace the keyboard (see Keyboard).
8. Replace the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
9. Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.
10. Turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.
To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click Start, click Help and Support, and then click Computer Information.
To install a memory module in DIMM B:
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Turn the computer upside-down, loosen the captive screw on the memory module cover, and then remove the cover.
NOTICE: If you leave the area, ground yourself again when you return to the computer.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module securing clips.
1
memory module
2
securing clips (2)
NOTICE: Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
3. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:
a. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.
b. Remove the module from the connector.
4. Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
a. Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.
b. Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove
the module and reinstall it.
5. Replace the memory module cover and tighten the screw.
6. Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.
7. Turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.
To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click the Start button, click Help and Support, and then click Computer Information.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card
1
captive screw
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module securing clips.
1
memory module
2
securing clips (2)
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may damage your computer.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the battery (see Replacing the Battery).
3. Slide the SIM card into the compartment with the cut-off corner of the card facing away from the compartment.
Wireless Cards
If you ordered a wireless LAN or WAN card with your computer, the card is already installed.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Cards
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
4. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
5. If a card is not already installed, go to step 6. If you are replacing a card, remove the existing card:
a. Disconnect the antenna cable from the card.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
1
SIM card
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
NOTE: If you leave the area, ground yourself again when you return to the computer.
b. Release the card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops up slightly.
c. Lift the card out of its connector.
6. Install the card:
a. Move any antenna cables out of the way to make space for the WLAN card.
b. Align the card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card into the connector until it clicks.
7. Connect the antenna cables to the WLAN card, ensuring that you route the cables correctly.
Mobile Broadband Cards
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
1
antenna cables
1
WLAN card
2
metal securing tabs (2)
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and realign the card.
NOTE: Do not insert a Mobile Broadband network card into the WLAN card slot.
NOTE: The WLAN card may have two or three connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the WLAN card, never place cables on top of or under the card.
NOTE: Your WLAN card may have two or three connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered. Most connectors have color-coded markings that
correspond to the type of cable required.
NOTE: For more specific information about which cable to connect to which connector, see the documentation that came with your WLAN card.
4. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
5. If a card is not already installed, go to step 6. If you are replacing a card, remove the existing card:
a. Disconnect the antenna cables from the card.
b. Release the card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops up slightly.
c. Lift the card out of its connector.
6. Install the card:
a. Align the card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card into the connector until it clicks.
b. Connect the antenna cable or cables to the Mobile Broadband card, ensuring that you route the cables correctly.
Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology
NOTE: If you leave the area, ground yourself again when you return to the computer.
1
antenna cables
1
Mobile Broadband card
2
metal securing tabs (2)
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and realign the card.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mobile Broadband card, never place cables on top of or under the card.
NOTE: Most connectors have color-coded markings that correspond to the type of cable required. For more specific information about which cable to
connect to which connector, see the documentation that came with your Mobile Broadband card.
CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, read the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
If you ordered an internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, it is already installed.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
3. Remove the card from its compartment in the computer.
a. Slide the card to the right.
b. Rotate the card toward the front of the computer.
c. Lift the card out of the computer.
4. Disconnect the card from the card cable connector.
Coin-Cell Battery
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
1
metal tab
2
card
3
card cable connector
NOTICE: Be careful when removing the card to avoid damaging the card, card cable, or surrounding components.
1
card
2
card connector
3
card cable connector
CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, follow the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
4. Remove the battery cable connector from the connector on the system board.
5. Being careful not to break the plastic, slightly raise the corner of the mylar above the battery.
6. While holding the mylar, grasp the battery and pull out of the battery compartment.
Back to Contents Page
1
mylar
2
coin-cell battery
3
battery cable connector
Back to Contents Page
Dell™QuickSet
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Dell™QuickSetprovidesyouwitheasyaccesstoconfigureorviewthefollowingtypesofsettings:
lNetwork connectivity
lPower management
lDisplay
lSystem information
DependingonwhatyouwanttodoinDell™QuickSet,youcanstartitbyeitherclicking, double-clicking, or right-clicking the QuickSet icon, , in the
Microsoft®Windows®taskbar. The taskbar is located in the lower-right corner of your screen.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon and select Help.
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: This feature may not be available on your computer.
Back to Contents Page
Securing Your Computer
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Security Cable Lock
Smart Cards
Passwords
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Security Management Software
Computer Tracking Software
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
Security Cable Lock
Asecuritycablelockisacommerciallyavailableantitheftdevice.Tousethelock,attachittothesecuritycableslotonyourDell™computer.Formore
information, see the instructions included with the device.
Smart Cards
About Smart Cards
Smart cards are portable credit-card shaped devices with internal integrated circuits. The top surface of the smart card usually contains an embedded
processor under the gold contact pad. The combination of the small size and integrated circuits make smart cards valuable tools for security, data storage, and
special programs. Using smart cards can improve system security by combining something a user has (the smart card) with something only the user should
know (a PIN) to provide more secure user-authentication than passwords alone.
Installing a Smart Card
You can install a smart card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.
To install a smart card:
1. Hold the card so that the gold contact pad is facing upward and pointing toward the smart card slot.
NOTE: For information on how to secure your computer while traveling, see Traveling With Your Computer.
NOTE: Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot on your computer.
NOTE: The smart card feature may not be available on your computer.
2. Slide the smart card into the smart card slot until the card is completely seated in its connector. The smart card protrudes approximately 1/2 inch from
the slot. The smart card slot is located below the PC Card slot.
If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.
Passwords
A primary (or system) password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways.
The following table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see Contacting Dell). For your protection, Dell support staff will ask you
for proof of your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.
Using a Primary/System Password
The primary (system) password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
Access User Accounts from the Control Panel to create user accounts and add or change passwords. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it
each time you turn on your computer.
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for the
administrator password.
1
gold contact pad
2
smart card (top)
NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.
Type of
Password
Features
Primary/System
lProtects the computer from unauthorized access
Administrator
lGives system administrators or service technicians access to
computers for repair or reconfiguration
lAllows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way a
primary password restricts access to the computer
lCan be used instead of the primary password
Hard drive
lHelps protect the data on your hard drive or external hard drive (if
one is being used) from unauthorized access
NOTE: Some hard drives do not support hard drive passwords.
NOTE: DellOpenManage™ClientInstrumentationversion7.3orlatermustbeinstalledonthecomputerforsystemadministratorstoassignpasswords
remotely.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.
Using an Administrator Password
The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. The
administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers, allowing you to assign a unique primary password.
To set or change administrator passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.
When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in the system setup program. The Configure Setup option allows
you to restrict access to system setup in the same way that a primary password restricts access to the computer.
The administrator password can be used instead of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the
administrator password.
If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator password
assigned but forget them both, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Using a Hard Drive Password
The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for an external hard drive (if
one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive.
After assigning a hard drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you restore the computer to normal operation
from standby mode.
If the hard drive password is enabled, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer: A message appears asking for the hard drive password.
To continue, enter your password (with no more than eight characters) and press <Enter>.
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
If you enter the wrong password, a message tells you that the password is invalid. Press <Enter> to try again.
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the computer tries to start from another bootable device if the Boot First Device option in the
system setup program is set to allow start-up from another device. If the Boot First Device option is not set to allow the computer to start from another
device, the computer returns to the operating state it was in when you turned it on.
If the hard drive password, the external hard-drive password, and the primary password are the same, the computer prompts you only for the primary
password. If the hard drive password is different from the primary password, the computer prompts you for both. Two different passwords provide greater
security.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
TPM is a hardware-based security feature that can be used to create and manage computer-generated encryption keys. When combined with security
software, the TPM enhances existing network and computer security by enabling features such as file protection capabilities and protected e-mail. The TPM
feature is enabled through a system setup option.
Enabling the TPM Feature
1. Enable the TPM software:
a. Restartthecomputerandpress<F2>duringthePowerOnSelfTesttoenterthesystemsetupprogram.
b. Select Security® TPM Security and press <Enter>.
c. Under TPM Security, select On.
d. Press <Esc> to exit the setup program.
e. If prompted, click Save/Exit.
2. Activate the TPM setup program:
a. Restartthecomputerandpress<F2>duringthePowerOnSelfTesttoenterthesystemsetupprogram.
b. Select Security® TPM Activation and press <Enter>.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.
NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard drive when a hard drive password is
assigned.
NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard drive when a hard drive password is
assigned.
NOTE: The TPM feature supports encryption only if the operating system supports TPM. For more information, see the TPM software documentation and
the help files that came with the software.
c. Under TPM Activation, select Activate and press <Enter>.
d. Once the process is complete, the computer either restarts automatically or prompts you to restart your computer.
Security Management Software
The security management software is designed to utilize four different features to help you secure your computer:
lLog-in management
lPre-boot authentication (using a fingerprint reader, smart card, or password)
lEncryption
lPrivate information management
Activating the Security Management Software
1. Enable the TPM feature (see Enabling the TPM Feature).
2. Load the security management software:
a. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
b. WhentheDELL™logoappears,press<F2>immediately.IfyouwaittoolongandtheWindowslogoappears,continuetowaituntilyouseethe
Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
c. In the drop-down menu, select Dell EMBASSY Trust Suite and press <Enter> to create the icons for the software components on the computer
desktop.
d. Press <Esc> to exit the setup program.
e. If prompted, click Save/Exit.
Using the Security Management Software
For information about how to use the software and the different security features, see the Getting Started Guide for the software:
Click Start® All Programs® Dell EMBASSY Trust Suite® Getting Started Guide.
Computer Tracking Software
Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is optional and may be purchased when you order your
Dell™computer,oryoucancontactyourDellsalesrepresentativeforinformationaboutthissecurityfeature.
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
lCall a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the Service Tag in your description of the computer. Ask that a case
number be assigned and write down the number, along with the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain
the name of the investigating officer.
lIf the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.
lContact Dell customer service to report the missing computer. Provide the computer Service Tag, the case number, and the name, address, and phone
number of the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.
The Dell customer service representative will log your report under the computer Service Tag and record the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls
Dell for technical assistance and gives your Service Tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The representative will attempt to get
the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which you reported of the missing computer.
NOTE: You only need to activate the program once.
NOTE: You must first enable the TPM in order for the security management software to have full functionality.
NOTE: Computer tracking software may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: If you have computer tracking software and your computer is lost or stolen, you must contact the company that provides the tracking service to
report the missing computer.
NOTE: If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in that area. If you do not know, call a law enforcement
agency where you live.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
System Setup Program
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Overview
Viewing the System Setup Screens
System Setup Screens
Commonly Used Settings
Overview
You can use the system setup program as follows to:
lSet or change user-selectable features—for example, your computer password
lVerify information about the computer's current configuration, such as the amount of system memory
After you set up the computer, run the system setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration information and optional settings. You may
want to write down the information for future reference.
The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer, such as:
lSystem configuration
lBoot order
lBoot (start-up) configuration and docking-device configuration settings
lBasic device-configuration settings
lSystem security and hard-drive password settings
Viewing the System Setup Screens
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. WhentheDELL™logoappears,press<F2>immediately.IfyouwaittoolongandtheWindowslogoappears,continuetowaituntilyouseethe
Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
System Setup Screens
In the system setup program, primary categories of settings are listed on the left. To view the types of settings in a category, highlight the category and press
<Enter>. When you highlight a setting type, the right side of the screen displays the value for that setting type. You can change settings that appear as white
type on the screen. Values that you cannot change (because they are determined by the computer) appear less bright.
System-setup key functions are listed across the bottom of the screen.
Commonly Used Settings
Certain settings require that you reboot the computer for new settings to take effect.
Changing the Boot Sequence
The boot sequence tells the computer where to look to find the software needed to start the operating system. You can control the boot sequence and
enable/disable devices using the Boot Sequence page, which is located in the System category.
NOTE: Your operating system may automatically configure most of the options available in the system setup program, thus overriding options that you
set through the system setup program. (An exception is the External Hot Key option, which you can disable or enable only through the system setup
program.) For more information on configuring features for your operating system, access the Help and Support Center (see Windows Help and Support
Center).
NOTE: For information about a specific item on a system setup screen, highlight the item and see the Help area on the screen.
The Boot Sequence page displays a general list of the bootable devices that may be installed in your computer, including but not limited to the following:
lDiskette Drive
lModular bay HDD
lInternal HDD
lCD/DVD/CD-RW drive
During the boot routine, the computer starts at the top of the list and scans each enabled device for the operating system start-up files. When the computer
finds the files, it stops searching and starts the operating system.
To control the boot devices, select (highlight) a device by pressing the down-arrow or up-arrow key, and then enable or disable the device or change its order
in the list.
lTo enable or disable a device, highlight the item and press the space bar. Enabled items appear as white and display a small triangle to the left;
disabled items appear blue or dimmed without a triangle.
lTo reorder a device in the list, highlight the device and then press <u> or <d> (not case-sensitive) to move the highlighted device up or down.
Boot sequence changes take effect as soon as you save the changes and exit the system setup program.
Performing a One-Time Boot
You can set a one-time-only boot sequence without entering the system setup program. (You can also use this procedure to boot the Dell Diagnostics on the
diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.)
1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
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. If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait
until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
5. When the boot device list appears, highlight the device from which you want to boot and press <Enter>.
The computer boots to the selected device.
The next time you reboot the computer, the previous boot order is restored.
Changing COM Ports
Serial Port, which is located in the Onboard Devices category, allows you to map the serial port COM address or disable the serial port and its address, which
frees computer resources for another device to use.
Enabling the Infrared Sensor
1. Locate Fast IR under Onboard Devices.
2. Press <Enter>.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the infrared COM port setting.
4. Press <Enter>.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen.
After you enable the infrared sensor, you can use it to establish a link to an infrared device. To set up and use an infrared device, see the infrared device
documentation and Windows Help and Support Center.
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: To change the boot sequence on a one-time-only basis, see Performing a One-Time Boot.
NOTE: Ensure that the COM port that you select is different from the COM port assigned to the serial connector.
Back to Contents Page
Reinstalling Software
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Drivers
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Restoring Your Operating System
Drivers
What Is a Driver?
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.
A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only
its driver recognizes.
Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:
lUpgrade your operating system.
lReinstall your operating system.
lConnect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
1. Click Start® Control Panel® System.
2. Click Hardware® Device Manager.
3. Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities).
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously
installed version.
1. Click Start® Control Panel® System.
2. Click Hardware® Device Manager.
3. Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
4. Click Drivers® Roll Back Driver.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you
installed the new driver (see Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore).
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the
ResourceCD).
1. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
In most cases, the CD starts running automatically. If it does not, start Windows Explorer, click your CD drive directory to display the CD contents, and
then double-click the autorcd.exe file. The first time that you run the CD, it might prompt you to install setup files. Click OK, and follow the instructions
on the screen to continue.
3. From the Language drop-down menu in the toolbar, select your preferred language for the driver or utility (if available). A welcome screen appears.
4. Click Next.
The CD automatically scans your hardware to detect drivers and utilities used by your computer.
5. After the CD completes the hardware scan, you can also detect other drivers and utilities. Under Search Criteria, select the appropriate categories from
the System Model, Operating System, and Topic drop-down menus.
A link or links appear(s) for the specific drivers and utilities used by your computer.
6. Click the link of a specific driver or utility to display information about the driver or utility that you want to install.
7. Click Install (if present) to begin installing the driver or utility. At the welcome screen, follow the screen prompts to complete the installation.
If Install is not present, automatic installation is not an option. For installation instructions, either see the appropriate instructions in the following
subsections, or click Extract, follow the extracting instructions, and then read the readme file.
If instructed to navigate to the driver files, click the CD directory on the driver information window to display the files associated with that driver.
Manually Reinstalling Drivers
1. After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section, right-click My Computer on the Windows desktop® Properties®
Hardware® Device Manager.
2. Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver (for example, Modems or Infrared devices).
3. Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
4. Click Driver® Update Driver.
5. Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)® Next.
6. Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files.
7. When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next® Finish and restart your computer.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to
resolve the incompatibility.
1. Click Start® Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
3. Click Hardware Troubleshooter® I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer® Next.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may be optional and may not ship with your computer.
NOTE: If you are reinstalling an infrared sensor driver, you must first enable the infrared sensor in the system setup program (see Enabling the Infrared
Sensor) before continuing with the driver installation.
Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
lMicrosoft® Windows® XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the
first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files.
lIf you received an Operating System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System CD
also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the CD only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting
data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help
and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center.
Creating a Restore Point
1. Click Start® Help and Support.
2. Click the task for System Restore.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback) to resolve the problem. If that is
unsuccessful, then use System Restore.
1. Click Start® All Programs® Accessories® System Tools® System Restore.
2. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points
appear in boldface type.
4. Select a restore point and click Next.
If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the
restore point that you prefer.
5. Click Next.
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.
6. After the computer restarts, click OK.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.
Undoing the Last System Restore
1. Click Start® All Programs® Accessories® System Tools® System Restore.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.
NOTE: TheproceduresinthisdocumentwerewrittenfortheWindowsdefaultview,sotheymaynotapplyifyousetyourDell™computertothe
Windows Classic view.
2. Click Undo my last restoration® Next.
Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is
enabled:
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Performance and Maintenance® System® System Restore.
2. Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
Using the Operating System CD
Before You Begin
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver
Rollback (see Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your
operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver (see Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore).
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
lDell™Operating System CD
lDell Drivers and Utilities CD
Reinstalling Windows XP
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus
protection program, and other software.
1. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2. Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears and restart the computer.
3. Press<F12>immediatelyaftertheDELL™logoappears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
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NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any
required, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller. drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your computer,
or whether you requested the CDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and Operating System CD may not ship with your system.
Back to Contents Page
Specifications
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Processor
Processor type
Intel®Core™Duoprocessor
L1 cache
64 KB (internal)
L2 cache
2 MB (on die)
External bus frequency
533 or 667 MHz
SystemInformation
System chipset
Intel 945GM and 945PM
Data bus width
64 bits
DRAM bus width
64 bits
Processor address bus width
36 bits
PCCard
CardBus controller
O2Micro Oz601 CardBus controller
PC Card connector
one (supports one Type I or Type II card)
Cards supported
3.3 V and 5 V
PC Card connector size
80 pins
Data width (maximum)
PCMCIA 16 bits
CardBus 32 bits
SmartCard
Read/write capabilities
reads and writes to all ISO 7816 1/2/3/4
microprocessor cards (T=0, T=1)
Cards supported
3 V and 5 V
Program technology supported
Java cards
Interface speed
9600–115,200 BPS
EMV level
level 1 certified
WHQL certification
PC/SC
Compatibility
compatible within a PKI environment
Insert/eject cycles
certified for up to 100,000 cycles
Memory
Memory module connector
two user-accessible SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities
256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB
Memory type
533/667 DDRII SDRAM
Minimum memory
256 MB
Maximum memory
4 GB
PortsandConnectors
Serial
9-pin connector; 16550C-compatible,
16-byte buffer connector
Video
15-hole connector
Audio
microphone miniconnector, stereo
headphones/speakers miniconnector
USB
four 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors
Infrared sensor
sensor compatible with IrDA Standard 1.1 (Fast IR)
and IrDA Standard 1.0 (Slow IR)
Modem
RJ-11 support
Network adapter
RJ-45 port
D-Dock
Standard D-dock connector for devices such as D-
Docks advanced port replicators and expansion
stations.
Communications
Modem:
Type
v.92 56K MDC
Controller
softmodem
Interface
Intel HDA bus
Network adapter
1 Gb Ethernet LAN on system board
Wireless
internal WLAN, WWAN, and Bluetooth®wireless
support (if optional cards are purchased)
Graphics
Graphics type
Pixel Shader 3.0
Data bus
PCI Express
Controller/ Memory
NVidia G72MV on 128-MB video memory
NVidia G72M on 256-MB video memory
LCD interface
LVDS
TV support
NTSC or PAL in S-video and composite modes
(through dock only)
Audio
Audio type
High Definition Audio (Soft Audio)
Audio controller
SigmaTel STAC9200
Stereo conversion
24-bit (stereo digital-to-analog),
24-bit (stereo analog-to-digital)
Interfaces:
Internal
PCI bus/HDA
External
microphone miniconnector, stereo
headphones/speakers miniconnector
Speaker
two 4-ohm speakers
Internal speaker amplifier
2-W channel into 4ohms
Volume controls
keyboard shortcuts or program menus
Display
Type (active-matrix TFT)
WXGA, WSXGA+, or WUXGA
Dimensions:
Height
222.5 mm max (8.7 inches)
Width
344.5 mm (13.56 inches)
Diagonal
391.16 mm (15.4 inches)
Operating angle
0°(closed)to180°
Viewing angles:
WXGA horizontal
40/40°
WXGA vertical
10/30°
WSXGA+ horizontal
65/65°
WSXGA+ vertical
50/50°
WUXGA horizontal
65/65°
WUXGA vertical
50/50°
Pixel pitch:
WXGA
0.2588 (15.4-inch)
WSXGA+
0.1971 (15.4-inch)
WUXGA
0.1725 (15.4-inch)
Power consumption (panel with backlight) (typical):
WXGA
5.0 W (max.)
WSXGA+
5.5 W (max.)
WUXGA
6.0 W (max.)
Controls
brightness can be controlled through keyboard
shortcuts
Keyboard
Number of keys
87 (U.S. and Canada); 88 (Europe); 91 (Japan)
Key travel
2.7 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.11 inch ± 0.016 inch)
Key spacing
19.05 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.75 inch ± 0.012 inch)
Layout
QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji
TouchPad
X/Ypositionresolution(graphicstablemode)
240 cpi
Size:
Width
64.88 mm (2.55-inch) sensor-active area
Height
48.88-mm (1.92-inch) rectangle
TrackStick
X/Ypositionresolution(graphicstablemode)
250 count/sec @ 100 gf
Size
protrudes 0.5 mm higher than surrounding keycaps
Battery
Type:
9-cell lithium-ion battery
85 WHr
6-cell lithium-ion battery
53 WHr
Dimensions:
Depth
77.2 mm (3.08 inches)
Height
20.0 mm (0.80 inch)
Width
187.03 mm (7.48 inches)
Weight:
9-cell lithium-ion battery
0.485kg(1.07lb)typical
6-cell lithium-ion battery
0.355kg(0.783lb)typical
Voltage
14.8 VDC
Charge time (approximate):
Computer on
2.5 hours
Computer off
1 hour
Operating time
varies depending on operating conditions and can be
significantly reduced under certain power-intensive
conditions.
See Battery Performance for more information.
Life span (approximate)
500 discharge/charge cycles
Temperature range:
Operating
0° to35°C(32°to95°F)
Storage
–40° to65°C(–40°to149°F)
ACAdapter
Input voltage
100–240 VAC
Input current (maximum)
1.5 A
Input frequency
50–60 Hz
Output current
4.62 A
Output power
90 W
Back to Contents Page
Rated output voltage
19.5 VDC
Dimensions:
Height
27.94 mm (1.1 inches)
Width
58.42 mm (2.3 inches)
Depth
133.85 mm (5.25 inches)
Weight (with cables)
0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
Temperature range:
Operating
0°to35°C(32°to95°F)
Storage
–40°to65°C(–40°to149°F)
Physical
Height
35.3 mm (1.4 inches)
Width
361 mm (14.2 inches)
Depth
262.6 mm (10.3 inches)
Weight
approximately 6.1 lb, depending on configuration
Environmental
Temperature range:
Operating
0° to35°C(32°to95°F)
Storage
–40° to65°C(–40°to149°F)
Relative humidity (maximum):
Operating
10% to 90% (noncondensing)
Storage
5% to 95% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration (using a random-vibration
spectrum that simulates user environment):
Operating
0.66 GRMS
Storage
1.30 GRMS
Maximum shock (measured with hard drive in head-
parked position and a 2-ms half-sine pulse):
Operating
122 G
Storage
163 G
Altitude (maximum):
Operating
–15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage
–15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)
Back to Contents Page
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Click the links to the left for information on the features and operation of your computer. For information on other documentation included with your computer,
see Finding Information.
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see Glossary.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft® Windows®operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2006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, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, ExpressCharge, and Dell OpenManage are
trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Outlook, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC
is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Dell Inc. has
determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP04X
February 2006 Rev. A01
Back to Contents Page
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.
Back to Contents Page
Traveling With Your Computer
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Identifying Your Computer
Packing the Computer
Travel Tips
Identifying Your Computer
lAttach a name tag or business card to the computer.
lWrite down your Service Tag and store it in a safe place away from the computer or carrying case. Use the Service Tag if you need to report a loss or
theft to law enforcement officials and to Dell.
lCreate a file on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop called if_found. Place information such as your name, address, and phone number in this file.
lContact your credit card company and ask if it offers coded identification tags.
Packing the Computer
lRemove any external devices attached to the computer and store them in a safe place. Remove any cables attached to installed PC Cards, and remove
any extended PC Cards (see Removing a Card or Blank).
lTomakethecomputeraslightaspossible,replaceanydevicesinstalledinthemodulebaywiththeDellTravelLite™module.
lFully charge the main battery and any spare batteries that you plan to carry with you.
lShut down the computer.
lDisconnect the AC adapter.
lRemove any extraneous items, such as paper clips, pens, and paper, from the keyboard and palm rest and close the display.
lUsetheoptionalDell™carryingcasetopackthecomputeranditsaccessoriestogethersafely.
lAvoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food.
lProtect the computer, the batteries, and the hard drive from hazards such as extreme temperatures and overexposure to sunlight, dirt, dust, or liquids.
lPack the computer so that it does not slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead storage compartment.
Travel Tips
lConsider changing your power management options to maximize battery operating time (see Configuring Power Management Settings).
lIf you are traveling internationally, carry proof of ownership—or of your right to use the computer if it is company-owned—to speed your passage
through customs. Investigate the customs regulations of the countries you plan to visit, and consider acquiring an international carnet (also known as a
merchandise passport) from your government.
lFind out what type of electrical outlets are used in the countries you will visit, and have appropriate power adapters.
lCheck with your credit card company for information about the kinds of emergency travel assistance it offers to users of portable computers.
Traveling by Air
lEnsure that you have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.
lPrior to entering the airplane, verify that using a computer is permitted. Some airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during flight. All airlines forbid
the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing.
NOTICE: When the display is closed, extraneous items on the keyboard or palm rest could damage the display.
NOTICE: If the computer has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow it to acclimate to room temperature for 1 hour before turning it on.
NOTICE: Do not move the computer while using the optical drive to prevent loss of data.
NOTICE: Do not check the computer as baggage.
NOTICE: Do not walk the computer through a metal detector. Send the computer through an X-ray machine or have it hand-inspected.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Troubleshooting
Dell™Latitude™D820User'sGuide
Dell Technical Update Service
The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can be
customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications.
To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com/technicalupdate.
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for
technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the 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.
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. The Dell Diagnostics can be invoked in one of two ways:
lTurnonthecomputer.WhentheDELL™logoappears,press<F12>immediately.SelectDiagnostics from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
lPress and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on.
Dell Technical Update Service
Memory Problems
Dell Diagnostics
Network Problems
Dell Support Utility
PC Card or ExpressCard Problems
Drive Problems
Power Problems
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Printer Problems
Error Messages
Scanner Problems
IEEE 1394 Device Problems
Sound and Speaker Problems
Keyboard Problems
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
Lockups and Software Problems
Video and Display Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: TheDellDiagnosticsworksonlyonDell™computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft®Windows®desktop. Then shut
down your computer and try again.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the optional Drivers and
Utilities CD.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.
lDuring the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
lIf a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press <Esc>; to continue to the next
test, press <y>; to retest the component that failed, press <r>.
lIf failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to
continue.
5. PressanykeytostarttheDellDiagnosticsfromthediagnosticsutilitypartitiononyourharddrive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
2. Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and press <Enter>.
4. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
5. Type 1 to start the menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
7. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test that you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
2. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and
problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in
the system setup program.
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices. The test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to
increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended
Test
Performs a thorough check of devices. The test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically
Custom Test
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom
Tree
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service
Tag.
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
4. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.
5. When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the
Main Menu screen.
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is installed on your computer and available from the Dell Support, , icon on the taskbar or from the Start button. Use this support
utility for self-support information, software updates, and health scans of your computing environment.
Accessing the Dell Support Utility
Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon on the taskbar or from the Start menu.
If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your taskbar:
1. Click Start® All Programs® Dell Support® Dell Support Settings.
2. Ensure that the Show icon on the taskbar option is checked.
The Dell Support Utility is customized for your computing environment.
The icon in the taskbar functions differently when you click, double-click, or right-click the icon.
Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Click or right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:
lCheck your computing environment
lView the Dell Support Utility settings
lAccess the help file for the Dell Support Utility
lView frequently asked questions
lLearn more about the Dell Support Utility
lTurn the Dell Support Utility off
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon
Double-click the icon to manually check your computing environment, view frequently asked questions, access the help file for the Dell Support Utility, and
view Dell Support settings.
For more information about the Dell Support Utility, click the question mark (?) at the top of the Dell™ Support screen.
Drive Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
Configuration
Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays
the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on
your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
NOTE: If the Dell Support Utility is not available from the Start menu, go to support.dell.com and download the software.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Ensure that Microsoft®Windows®recognizes the drive — Click the Start button and click My Computer. If the floppy, CD, or DVD drive, is not listed,
perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.
Test the drive —
lInsert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective.
lInsert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
Clean the drive or disk — See Cleaning Your Computer.
Ensure that the CD is snapped onto the spindle
Check the cable connections
Check for hardware incompatibilities — See Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.
Run the Dell Diagnostics — See Dell Diagnostics.
CD and DVD drive problems
Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive
Close other programs — The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all
programs before you write to the CD/DVD-RW.
Turn off Standby mode in Windows before writing to a CD/DVD-RW disc — See Standby Mode or search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and
Support Center for information on power management modes.
Change the write speed to a slower rate — See the help files for your CD or DVD creation software.
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray
1. Ensure that the computer is turned off.
2. Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until the tray is partially ejected.
3. Gently pull out the tray until it stops.
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
lEnsure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.
lEnsure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.
Hard drive problems
Allow the computer to cool before turning it on — A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to
room temperature before turning it on.
Run Check Disk —
NOTE: High-speed CD or DVD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.
1. Click Start® My Computer.
2. Right-click Local Disk C:.
3. Click Properties® Tools® Check Now.
4. Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors® Start.
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
Check the Microsoft Outlook®Express Security Settings — If you cannot open your e-mail attachments:
1. In Outlook Express, click Tools® Options® Security.
2. Click Do not allow attachments to remove the checkmark.
Check the telephone line connection —
Check the telephone connector —
Connect the modem directly to the telephone wall connector —
Use a different telephone line —
lVerify that the telephone line is connected to the connector on the modem. (The connector has either a green label or a connector-shaped icon next to
it.)
lEnsure that you insert the telephone line connector into the modem until it clicks.
lDisconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
lIf you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, bypass the devices
andconnectthemodemdirectlytothetelephonewallconnector.Ifyouareusingalinethatis3m(10ft)ormoreinlength,tryashorterone.
Run the Modem Helper diagnostics — Click the Start button, point to All Programs and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the screen to
identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available on all computers.)
Verify that the modem is communicating with Windows —
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Printers and Other Hardware® Phone and Modem Options® Modems.
2. Click the COM port for your modem® Properties® Diagnostics® Query Modem to verify that the modem is communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
Ensure that you are connected to the Internet — Ensure that you have subscribed to an Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open,
click File. If Work Offline has a checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact your Internet service
provider.
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.
Error Messages
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Connect the modem to an analog telephone connector only. The modem does not operate while it is connected to a digital telephone network.
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
Auxiliary device failure — The touch pad, track stick, or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing
Device option in the system setup program. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Bad command or file name — Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct pathname.
Cache disabled due to failure — The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
CD drive controller failure — The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer (see Dell Support Utility).
Data error — The hard drive cannot read the data (see Dell Support Utility).
Decreasing available memory — One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace
them (see Memory).
Disk C: failed initialization — The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Drive not ready — The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay (see Hard Drive).
Error reading PCMCIA card — The computer cannot identify the PC Card. Reinsert the card or try another PC Card (see Using Cards).
Extended memory size has changed — The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Restart the
computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).The file being copied is too large for the destination drive.
The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.
A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames.
Gate A20 failure — A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them (see Memory).
General failure — The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The message is usually followed by specific information—for example, Printer
out of paper. Take the appropriate action.
Hard-disk drive configuration error — The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard Drive), and
boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell
Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Hard-disk drive controller failure 0 — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive
(see Hard Drive), and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists,
try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Hard-disk drive failure — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard
Drive), and boot the computer from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another
drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Hard-disk drive read failure — The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard Drive), and boot the computer
from a CD. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive
tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Insert bootable media — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable CD. Insert a bootable CD.
Invalid configuration information-please run System Setup Program — The system configuration information does not match the hardware configuration.
The message is most likely to occur after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program (see System Setup
Program).
Keyboard clock line failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell
Diagnostics).
Keyboard controller failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse
during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Keyboard data line failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell
Diagnostics).
Keyboard stuck key failure — For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys
during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules
and, if necessary, replace them (see Memory).
Memory allocation error — The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down the
computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try to run the program again. If the error message still appears, see the software documentation.
Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules
(see Memory) and, if necessary, replace them.
Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory
modules (see Memory) and, if necessary, replace them.
Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory
modules (see Memory) and, if necessary, replace them.
Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules
(see Memory) and, if necessary, replace them.
No boot device available — The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated,
and partitioned as a boot device.
No boot sector on hard drive — The operating system may be corrupted. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).No timer tick interrupt
A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Not enough memory or resources. Exit some programs and try again — You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program that
you want to use.
Operating system not found — Reinstall the hard drive (see Hard Drive). If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Optional ROM bad checksum — The optional ROM apparently failed. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).A required .DLL file was not found
The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program.
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Add or Remove Programs.
2. Select the program you want to remove.
3. Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen.
4. See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Sector not found — The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted FAT on the hard drive. Run
the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the hard drive. See the Help and Support Center for instructions. If a large number of sectors
are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the hard drive.
Seek error — The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive.
Shutdown failure — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Time-of-day clock lost power — System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the
problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup program. Then immediately exit the program. If the message reappears, contact Dell
(see Contacting Dell).
Time-of-day clock stopped — The reserve battery that supports the system configuration settings may require recharging. Connect your computer to an
electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Time-of-day not set-please run the System Setup program — The time or date stored in the system setup program does not match the system clock. Correct
the settings for the Date and Time options (see System Setup Program).
Timer chip counter 2 failed — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode — The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests
and the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
x:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
Warning: Battery is critically low — The battery is running out of charge. Replace the battery, or connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Otherwise,
activate hibernate mode or shut down the computer.
IEEE 1394 Device Problems
Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is recognized by Windows —
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Printers and Other Hardware.
If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.
If you have problems with an IEEE 1394 device —
If the device was provided by Dell, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell). If the device was provided by a different manufacturer, contact that manufacturer.
Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is properly inserted into the connector
Keyboard Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you perform the various checks.
External Keyboard problems
Check the keyboard cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
Check the external keyboard —
1. Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.
2. Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.
3. From the Windows desktop, click Start® All Programs® Accessories® Notepad.
4. Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.
To verify that the problem is with the external keyboard, check the integrated keyboard —
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the external keyboard.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. From the Windows desktop, click Start® All Programs® Accessories® Notepad.
5. Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Run the keyboard diagnostics tests — Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). If the tests indicate a
defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Unexpected characters
Disable the numeric keypad — Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is
not lit.
Lockups and Software Problems
The computer does not start up
Ensure that the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet.
The computer stops responding
NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you attach an external keyboard, the
integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Turn the computer off — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for
at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
End the program —
1. Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Click Applications.
4. Click the program that is no longer responding.
5. Click End Task.
Check the software documentation — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft®Windows® operating system
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 Start® All Programs® Accessories® Program Compatibility Wizard® Next.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
Turn the computer off — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for
at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.
Other software problems
Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information —
lEnsure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
lEnsure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.
lEnsure that the program is installed and configured properly.
lVerify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
lIf necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Back up your files immediately
Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, or CDs
Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu
Scan the computer for spyware — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.
problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your
program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword
spyware.
Run the Dell Diagnostics — See Dell Diagnostics. If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.
Memory Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
If you receive an insufficient memory message —
lSave and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem.
lSee the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see Memory).
lReseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory (see Memory).
lRun the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
If you experience other memory problems —
lReseat the memory modules (see Memory) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
lEnsure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see Memory).
lRun the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Network Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.
General
Check the network cable connector — Ensure that the network cable is firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer and the
network connector.
Check the network lights on the network connector — No light indicates that no network communication exists. Replace the network cable.
Restart the computer and log on to the network again.
Check your network settings — Contact your network administrator or the person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are correct
and that the network is functioning.
Mobile Broadband Network
Cannot connect — The Dell Mobile Broadband Card must be activated on the network in order to connect. Position the mouse over the icon in the
notification area to read the status of the connection. If the status indicates the mobile broadband card is not activated, see Activate your Mobile Broadband
card for more information. If problems persist, contact your Mobile Broadband service carrier for details on your plan.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user's guide is located under Help and Support. You can also download the user's guide from
support.dell.com.
Check your Mobile Broadband network service — Contact your Mobile Broadband service carrier to verify coverage plan and supported services.
Check the status in the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility — Click the icon in the taskbar to launch the utility. Check the status in the main window:
lNo card detected – Restart the computer and launch the utility again.
lWireless Disabled – Ensure that the Dell Wi-FiCatcher™switchisinthe"on"position.Additionally,right-click the icon and ensure that the switch
is enabled.
lSearching – The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility has not yet located a Mobile Broadband network. If the searching state persists, ensure that the
signal strength is adequate.
lNo service – The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility did not locate a Mobile Broadband network. Ensure that the signal strength is adequate. Restart
the Dell wireless utility or contact your Mobile Broadband network provider.
lCheck your WWAN service – Contact your Mobile Broadband network service provider to verify coverage plan and supported services.
Activate your Mobile Broadband card — Before you connect to the Internet, you must activate the Mobile Broadband service through your cellular service
provider. For instructions and for additional information about using the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility, see the user's guide available through the
Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center. The user's guide is also available on the
Dell Support website at support.dell.com and on the CD included with your Mobile Broadband card if you purchased the card separately from your computer.
PC Card or ExpressCard Problems
Check the card — Ensure that the card is properly inserted into the connector.
Ensure that the card is recognized by Windows — Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.
If you have problems with a Dell-provided Card — Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
If you have problems with a Card not provided by Dell — Contact the PC Card manufacturer.
Power Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
Check the power light — When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—
press the power button to exit standby mode. If the light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer.
Charge the battery — The battery charge may be depleted.
1. Reinstall the battery.
2. Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3. Turn on the computer.
Check the battery status light — If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer
to an electrical outlet.
If the battery status light flashes green and orange, the battery is too hot to charge. Shut down the computer, disconnect the computer from the electrical
outlet, and then let the battery and computer cool to room temperature.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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.
If the battery status light rapidly flashes orange, the battery may be defective. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Check the battery temperature — Ifthebatterytemperatureisbelow0°C(32°F),thecomputerwillnotstartup.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer
turns on.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
Adjust the power properties — See Configuring Power Management Settings.
Reseat the memory modules — If the computer power light turns on but the display remains blank, reinstall the memory modules (see Memory).
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer
Your computer is designed to use a 65-W or 90-W AC adapter. However, for optimum system performance, you should always use a 90-W adapter.
Using less-powerful AC adapters, including the 65-W AC adapter, will cause you to receive a WARNING message.
Docking Power Considerations
Due to the extra power consumption when a computer is docked to the Dell D/Dock, normal computer operation is not possible on battery power alone.
Ensure that the AC adapter is connected to your computer when the computer is docked to the Dell D/Dock.
Docking While the Computer Is Running
If a computer is connected to the Dell D/Dock or Dell D/Port while the computer is running, presence of the docking device is ignored until the AC adapter is
connected to the computer.
AC Power Loss While the Computer Is Docked
If a computer loses AC power while docked to the Dell D/Dock or Dell D/Port, the computer immediately goes into low-performance mode.
Printer Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
Ensure that the printer is turned on
Check the printer cable connections —
lSee the printer documentation for cable connection information.
lEnsure that the printer cables are securely connected to the printer and the computer.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your printer, contact the printer's manufacturer.
Verify that the printer is recognized by Windows —
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Printers and Other Hardware® View installed printers or fax printers.
2. If the printer is listed, right-click the printer icon.
3. Click Properties® Ports. For a parallel printer, ensure that the Print to the following port(s): setting is LPT1 (Printer Port). For a USB printer, ensure
that the Print to the following port(s): setting is USB.
Reinstall the printer driver — See the printer documentation for instructions.
Scanner Problems
Check the scanner documentation — See the scanner documentation for setup and troubleshooting information.
Unlock the scanner — Ensure that your scanner is unlocked if it has a locking tab or button.
Restart the computer and try the scanner again
Check the cable connections —
lSee the scanner documentation for cable connection information.
lEnsure that the scanner cables are securely connected to the scanner and the computer.
Verify that the scanner is recognized by Microsoft Windows —
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Printers and Other Hardware® Scanners and Cameras.
If your scanner is listed, Windows recognizes the scanner.
Reinstall the scanner driver — See the scanner documentation for instructions.
Sound and Speaker Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
No sound from integrated speakers
Adjust the Windows volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that
the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Reinstall the sound (audio) driver — See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.
No sound from external speakers
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you need technical assistance for your scanner, contact the scanner's manufacturer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Ensure that the subwoofer and the speakers are turned on — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers. If your speakers have volume controls,
adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and
that the sound is not muted.
Disconnect headphones from the headphone connector — Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the
computer's front-panel headphone connector.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.
Reinstall the audio driver — See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.
Run the Dell Diagnostics — See Dell Diagnostics.
No sound from headphones
Check the headphone cable connection — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone connector.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and
that the sound is not muted.
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
Check the touch pad settings —
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Printers and Other Hardware® Mouse.
2. Try adjusting the settings.
Check the mouse cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable, check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a mouse extension cable, disconnect it and connect the mouse directly to the computer.
To verify that the problem is with the mouse, check the touch pad —
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the mouse.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. At the Windows desktop, use the touch pad to move the cursor around, select an icon, and open it.
If the touch pad operates correctly, the mouse may be defective.
NOTE: The volume control in some MP3 players overrides the Windows volume setting. If you have been listening to MP3 songs, ensure that you did not
turn the player volume down or off.
Check the system setup program settings — Verify that the system setup program lists the correct device for the pointing device option. (The computer
automatically recognizes a USB mouse without making any setting adjustments.) For more information on using the system setup program, see System Setup
Program.
Test the mouse controller — To test the mouse controller (which affects pointer movement) and the operation of the touch pad or mouse buttons, run the
Mouse test in the Pointing Devices test group in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Reinstall the touch pad driver — See Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities.
Video and Display Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist) as you complete these checks.
If the display is blank
Check the battery — If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet
using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer
turns on.
Adjust the power properties — Search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and Support Center (see Windows Help and Support Center).
Switch the video image — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image to the display.
If the display is difficult to read
Adjust the brightness — Press <Fn> and the up- or down-arrow key.
Move the external subwoofer away from the computer or monitor — If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at
least60cm(2ft)awayfromthecomputerorexternalmonitor.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
Rotate the computer to face a different direction — Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.
Adjust the Windows display settings —
1. Click Start® Control Panel® Appearance and Themes.
2. Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is recommended that you attach an external monitor
to your computer.
3. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
Run the Video diagnostics tests — If no error message appears and you still have a display problem, but the display is not completely blank, run the Video
device group in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). Then contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
See "Error Messages" — If an error message appears, see Error Messages.
If only part of the display is readable
Connect an external monitor —
1. Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
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