Dell Latitude C540 User Manual

Dell™ Latitude™ C540/C640 User's GuideClick the links to the left for information on the features and operation of your computer. For information

1security cable slot2speaker3hard drive4PC Card slotSecurity Cable Slot - Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer.I

a.b.Lift the Mini PCI card out of its connector.c.Align the new Mini PCI card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI card int

NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile; even a slight bump can damage the drive.CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the dr

Lift the hard drive cover until you hear a click.9.Slide the hard drive out of the computer.10.Remove the new drive from its packaging.11.Save the ori

9.If a modem is not already installed, go to step 11. If you are replacing a modem, remove the existingmodem:Remove the screw(s) securing the modem to

Connect the modem cable to the modem.11.NOTICE: The cable connectors are keyed for correct insertion; do not force the connections.Align the modem wit

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:1S-video cable2audio cableTurn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you

Plug the other end of the S-video cable into your television.3.Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on your c

To connect the computer to a television that has a composite video input only, Dell provides a composite TV-out adapter cable. Before you begin, ensur

1S-video TV-out connector2S-video connector3composite TV-out adaptercable4composite video connectorPlug one end of the composite video cable into the

Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into the audio input connectors onyour television or other audio device.6.Enabling the

1modem connector5audio connectors2network connector6infrared sensor3S-video TV-out connector7speaker4air vents Modem ConnectorIf you ordered the opti

Click the Displays tab.3.Click the upper-left corner of the TV button to enable the television.4.To play a DVD on the television, click the small &quo

Setting Up the Dolby HeadphoneNOTE: The Dolby headphone feature is available only if your computer has a DVD drive.Double-click the Intervideo Win DVD

Using the System Setup Program Overview Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup Screens Commonly Used OptionsOverviewNOTE: Your operating s

System Setup ScreensThe system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer. Each screenis laid out with the sys

Internal HDDCD/DVD/CD-RW driveDuring the boot routine, the computer starts at the top of the list and scans each enabled device for theoperating syste

Changing Printer ModesSet the Parallel Mode option according to the type of printer or device connected to the parallel connector.To determine the cor

7.At the end of the installation process, click Yes to restart the computer.8.After you enable the infrared sensor, you can use it to establish a link

Specifications Microprocessor System Information PC Card Memory Ports and Connectors Communications Video Audio Display Keyboard

Memory Memory module connectortwo user-accessible SODIMMsocketsMemory module capacities128, 256, and 512 MBMemory type266-MHz DDR SDRAMStandard memory

Video Video type64-bit hardware acceleratedData bus4X AGPVideo controllerATI Mobility RADEON 7500CVideo memory32 MBLCD interfaceLVDSTV supportNTSC or

Connects the computer to a network. The light on the right flashes yellow to indicatenetwork activity. The light on the left turns reddish-orange when

Operating angle0° (closed) to 180°Viewing angles: Horizontal±40°Vertical+10°/–30°Pixel pitch0.28 x 0.28 mm (XGA)0.20 x 0.20 mm (SXGA+)Power Consumptio

Battery Type8-cell "smart" lithium ion (4460mAh)Dimensions: Depth88.5 mm (3.48 inches)Height21.5 mm (0.83 inch)Width139.0 mm (5.47 inches)We

PhysicalHeight36.8 mm (1.4 inches)Width319.5 mm (12.5 inches)Depth253.6 mm (9.9 inches)Weight (with 8-cell battery): With travel module2.4 kg (5.3 lb)

Getting Help Technical Assistance Problems With Your Order Product Information Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Before You Call Co

You can contact Dell electronically using the following addresses:World Wide Webwww.dell.com/www.dell.com/ap/ (for Asian/Pacific countries only)www.eu

The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access this service throughthe technical support service. For the teleph

2.Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indicating the tests you have run and any error messagesreported by the Dell Diagnostics.3.Include any a

Network, version, and network adapter:Programs and versions:See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system's sta

City Code: 11Customer Care Fax11 4515 7138ArubaGeneral Supporttoll-free: 800-1578Australia (Sydney)International AccessCode: 0011Country Code: 61City

International AccessCode: 00Country Code: 55City Code: 51Customer Support, Technical Support0800 90 3355Tech Support Fax51 481 5470Customer Care Fax51

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.Attach a microphone to the connector.Infrared Sensor - The infrared sensor lets you transfer files

Large Corporate Accounts North Government andEducationtoll-free: 800 858 2955Large Corporate Accounts Easttoll-free: 800 858 2020Large Corporate Accou

International AccessCode: 990Country Code: 358City Code: 9E-mail: [email protected] E-mail Support (servers): [email protected] Technical Su

International AccessCode: 00Country Code: 30E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/gr/en/emaildell/ Technical Support080044149518Gold Technical Support08844140

International AccessCode: 00Country Code: 39City Code: 02E-mail: support.euro.dell.com/it/it/emaildell/ Home and Small Business Technical Suppor

International AccessCode: 001Country Code: 82City Code: 2Salestoll-free: 080-200-3600Customer Service (Seoul, Korea)toll-free: 080-200-3800Customer Se

Main50-81-8800or 01-800-888-3355MontserratGeneral Supporttoll-free: 1-866-278-6822Netherlands AntillesGeneral Support001-800-882-1519Netherlands(Amste

Country Code: 47E-mail Support (desktop computers):[email protected] E-mail Support (servers):[email protected] Technical Support671 1

International AccessCode: 005Country Code: 65Transaction Salestoll-free: 800 6011 054Corporate Salestoll-free: 800 6011 053South Africa(Johannesburg)I

Fax Technical Support08 590 05 594Sales08 590 05 185Switzerland(Geneva)International AccessCode: 00Country Code: 41City Code: 22Website: support.euro.

Corporate Customer Care01344 373 185Preferred Accounts (500–5000 employees) CustomerCare0870 906 0010Central Government Customer Care01344 373 193Loca

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before youdisconnect an external device.CAUTION: Do not block, p

Faxtoll-free: 1-800-727-8320Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, orSpeech-Impairedtoll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY(1-877-335-5889)U.S. Virgin IslandsG

Appendix Regulatory Notices Macrovision Product Notice Warranty and Return PolicyRegulatory NoticesElectromagnetic Interference (EMI) is any signal

A Notice About Shielded Signal Cables: Use only shielded cables for connecting devices to any Delldevice to reduce the possibility of interference wit

interference with radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in aparticular installation. If this equipment

If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify youin advance that service may be temporarily disc

The IC label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meetstelecommunications network protective, operational, and

Current Emissions (Equipment Input Current Up to and Including 16 A Per Phase)."EN 61000-3-3 - "Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Part 3

New Zealand Telecom WarningsGeneral"The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted thatthe

"Under power failure conditions, this telephone may not operate. Please ensure that a separate telephone,not dependent on local power, is availab

use for extended periods of time, particularly at night and on weekends.Simplified Chinese Class A Warning Notice (China Only)On Class A systems, the

Docking ConnectorNOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.Connects the optional docking device. A docking device allows you to easi

back panel of your computer. Once you have determined your computer's VCCI classification, read theappropriate VCCI notice.Class A ITEThis is a C

MIC Notice (Republic of Korea Only)To determine which classification (Class A or B) applies to your computer (or other Dell digital device),examine th

Class B DevicePlease note that this device has been approved for nonbusiness purposes and may be used in anyenvironment, including residential areas.M

A protection mark "B" confirms that the equipment is in compliance with the protection usage requirementsof standards PN-93/T-42107 and PN-E

BSMI Notice (Taiwan Only)If you find a or mark on the regulatorylabel on the bottom, side, or back panel of your computer, the following section i

NOM Information (Mexico Only)

The following information is provided on the device(s) described in this document in compliance with therequirements of the official Mexican standards

Glossary A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W X Z AAC - alternating currentThe form of electricit

bit - The smallest unit of data interpreted by your computer.bootable CD - A CD that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is

A metric unit of measure equal to 0.39 inch.cm/sec - centimeters per secondControl Panel - A utility that allows you to modify operating system and

Video ConnectorConnects an external monitor. See "Using the Display."AC Adapter Connector - Attach an AC adapter to the computer.The AC ada

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 mo

NOTE: If an extended PC Card is installed, you may have trouble inserting a second PC Card. Alwaysinstall extended cards in the top PC Card connector.

Hhard drive - A drive that reads and writes data on a hard disk. The terms hard drive and hard disk areoften used interchangeably.heat sink - A meta

a software package, user name, and access phone numbers for a monthly fee. If your computer has amodem, you can connect to the Internet, access websit

A unit of measure commonly used to indicate the approximate capacity of a battery. For example, a 4400-mAh battery can supply 4400 mA (or 4.4 A) of cu

A unit of length that equals one thousandth of a meter or 1/25 inch.modem - A device that allows your computer to communicate with other computers ov

Pparallel connector - An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your computer.partition - A physical storage area on a hard drive that

It is located on a network in a directory and the system administrator has assigned read-only rights toyou.refresh rate - The frequency, measured in

setup program - A program that is used to install and configure hardware and software. The setup.exe orinstall.exe program comes with most Windows so

SXGA - super extended graphics arrayA video standard for video cards and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.SXGA+ - super exten

Bottom View1Mini PCI card, modem, and memory module cover2device latch releases3docking device latchMini PCI Card, Modem, and Memory Module Cover - C

port hub that plugs into your computer. USB devices can be connected and disconnected while the computeris turned on and they can also be daisy-chaine

W - wattThe measurement of electrical power. One W is 1 ampere of current flowing at 1 volt.WHr - watt-hourA unit of measure commonly used to indica

About Microsoft® Windows® XP Help and Support Center Switching to Classic View Desktop Cleanup Wizard Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Program

3.4.Window and Button AppearanceRight-click anywhere on the main desktop screen and click Properties.1.Click the Appearance tab.2.From the Windows and

Finding Information Safety Instructions Documentation Updates Using Microsoft® Windows® Using Devices Using the Drivers and Utilities CD Fixing

NOTE: The time required to collect and transfer data depends on the amount of data collected. Timescan vary from a few minutes to several hours.The Fi

The Network Setup Wizard includes a checklist and steps to guide you through the process of sharingresources, such as files, printers, or an Internet

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Dell™ AccessDirect™ Button Numeric Keypad Keyboard Shortcuts Touch Pad Track Stick Customizing the Touch Pad a

2.3.In Windows 2000Open the Control Panel, and then double-click the Keyboard icon.1.Click the AccessDirect tab in the Keyboard Properties window.2.Cl

System Functions Opens the Windows Security windowEnables and disables the numeric keypad Enables and disables scroll lockDisplay FunctionsSwitches

Increases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speakers, if attached Decreases the volume of the integrated speakers and external speak

To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the smooth sensor area.To select an object, lightly tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use

To move the cursor, press the track stick. Press up or down to move the cursor to the top or bottom ofthe display screen. Press left or right to move

To disable the touch pad or mouse, highlight the device and click Disable. (If your computer is dockedand is connected to a PS/2 mouse, the touch pad

Using the Module Bay About the Module Bay Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Turned Off Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Running Using

For more information on using the Windows operating system, see the Microsoft Windows documentationthat came with your computer.Using DevicesDell™ Use

NOTICE: Insert devices before you dock and turn on the computer.Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.5.Turn on the c

1.2.Click OK, and wait until the device you want to eject is cleared from the list of devices in the Unplugor Eject Hardware window.3.Keep the display

For more information on playing CDs or watching movies, click Help on the CD player or DVD player (ifavailable).Adjusting the VolumeNOTE: Ensure that

1.Click the Settings tab.2.Click and drag the bar in Screen area, and change the setting to 1024 by 768 pixels by moving thebar to the left or right.3

Using a Battery Battery Performance Checking the Battery Charge Charging the Battery Removing a Battery Installing a Battery Storing a BatteryB

NOTE: Batteries lose some charge capacity over time as they are repeatedly charged and discharged.You can check the battery charge before you insert t

Health GaugeThe battery life span is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of chargeand discharge cycles, batteries

charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet; instead, the light flashes alternatelygreen and orange. Ensure that the computer is di

Storing a BatteryRemove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery dischargesduring prolonged storage. After a

Power Management Management Tips Power Management Modes Power Options PropertiesManagement TipsNOTE: See "Using a Battery" for more info

Installing PartsFor help with adding parts to your computer, see "Adding and Replacing Parts."For detailed information on the computer parts

Press the power button.Close the display.Press .To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display depending on how you set the opti

Open the Control Panel.1.Double-click the Power Options icon.2.In Windows XPClick the Start button and click Control Panel.1.Under Pick a category, cl

Power Meter TabThe Power Meter tab displays the current power source and amount of battery charge remaining.Advanced TabThe Advanced tab allows you to

computer is connected to an electrical outlet.To change additional Intel SpeedStep options:Click the Advanced button and then click one of the followi

Using PC Cards PC Card Types PC Card Blanks Extended PC Cards Installing a PC Card Removing a PC Card or BlankPC Card TypesSee "Specificati

these precautions when using extended PC Cards:Protect the exposed end of an installed card. Striking the end of the card can damage the systemboard.A

The computer recognizes most PC Cards and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If theconfiguration program tells you to load the manufac

Traveling With Your Computer Identifying Your Computer Packing the Computer Travel TipsIdentifying Your ComputerAttach a name tag or business card

NOTICE: If the computer has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow it to acclimate to roomtemperature for 1 hour before powering on.Pack the comp

NOTE: If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in thatarea. If you do not know, call a law enforcement agency

About Your Computer Front View Left Side View Right Side View Back View Bottom ViewFront ViewCAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow

Passwords About Passwords Using a Primary Password Using an Administrator Password Using a Hard Drive Password Assigning an Asset TagAbout Passw

computer does not specifically prompt you for the administrator password.NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is al

If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous state.If you enter the wrong password, the following message app

Boot the computer using a bootable floppy disk or CD.1.Type cd c:\Dell\Util and press .2.Type asset and a space followed by the new number, and pres

4.The computer displays the new owner tag.Deleting an Owner TagNOTE: For security, you cannot set, change, or delete the owner tag if the primary or a

Solving Problems Power Problems Error Messages Video and Display Problems Sound and Speaker Problems Printer Problems Modem and Internet Connec

Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet - Bypass power protection devices,power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the comp

AC AdapterRatingComputerUndockedUsing Dell C/PortAPRUsing Dell C/Dock ExpansionStation90 Wmaximumperformancemaximum performancemaximum performance70 W

Diskette subsystem reset failed - The floppy drive controller may be faulty. Run theDiskette tests as described in "Using the Dell Diagnostics.&

Insert bootable media - The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootablefloppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.Invalid configu

1display latch8module bay2display9touch pad3keyboard status lights10battery bay4air vent11track stick/touch pad buttons5keyboard12track stick6micropho

No boot device available - The computer cannot find the floppy disk or hard drive. Ifthe floppy drive is your boot device, ensure that a bootable flo

Shutdown failure - A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run theSystem Set tests as described in "Using the Dell Diagnostics."T

Check the light - When the light is blinking, the computer has power.If the light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode-press the power

Adjust the brightness - See "Adjusting Brightness" for instructions on adjusting thebrightness.Move the subwoofer away from the computer or

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.If you have a problem with integrated speakersAdjust the Windows volume control - Dou

Run the Misc. PCI Devices diagnostic test - See "Using the Dell Diagnostics."If the tests complete successfully, the controller is function

Check the printer - Run the printer self-test. If the test does not complete successfully, theprinter is probably defective. Contact the printer manu

1.2.then select the proper code as listed in your telephone directory.3.Click Apply and click OK.4.Close the Phone and Modems Options window.5.Close t

Check the touch pad settingsWindows XPClick the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and OtherHardware.1.Click Mouse.2.Try adjus

Check the keyboard cable - Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable andcheck it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check the cable connector f

Keyboard Status LightsTurns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.Turns on when he scroll lock

If you cannot save a file to a floppy disk driveEnsure that Windows recognizes the drive - In Windows XP, click the Start button andclick My Computer

Ensure that Windows recognizes the drive - In Windows XP, click the Start button andclick My Computer. In other operating systems, double-click My Co

Disable standby mode in Windows before writing to a CD-RW - Search for the keywordstandby in Windows Help.Change the write speed to a slower rate -

Network ProblemsFill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.Check the network cable connector - Ensure that the network cable con

A solid blue screen appearsTurn the computer off - If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a propershutdown, press the power button until

9.NOTICE: Do not use artificial means, such as a hair dryer or a fan, to speed the drying process.CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shock, verify th

Go to the Dell Support website - Go to support.dell.com for help with general usage,installation, and troubleshooting questions. See "Getting He

Using the Display Adjusting Brightness Switching the Video Image Setting Display Resolution Dual Independent Display Mode Swapping Primary and S

1.2.Under Pick a task..., click the area you want to change, or under or pick a Control Panel icon, clickDisplay.3.Try different settings for Color qu

2.3.NOTE: If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settingsadjust automatically to the closest possib

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).Flashi

1.2.Click the buttons under the appropriate pictures (monitor, display panel, or TV) to select your primaryand secondary displays, and then click Appl

Using the Dell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Features of the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics Advanced Testing Conf

Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were completed successfullyError messages that appear if any problems are detectedStar

6.After the Dell Diagnostics loads, the Diagnostics Menu appears. To select an option, highlight theoption and press , or press the key that corresp

When you select Advanced Testing from the Diagnostics Menu, the following screen appears, listing thediagnostic test device groups and devices of the

HelpCategoryDescriptionMenuProvides descriptions of the main menu screen area, the Device Groups, and thedifferent diagnostic menus and commands and i

Identification tests of the microprocessor, the video controller, the keyboard controller, and other keycomponentsBIOS configuration information tempo

Cleaning Your Computer Computer and Keyboard Display Touch Pad Floppy Drive CD, CD-RW, and DVD DrivesComputer and KeyboardShut down and turn off

3.Floppy DriveUse only a commercially available cleaning kit to clean your floppy drive. Such kits contain pretreated floppydisks to remove contaminan

Reinstalling Software Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restor

Left Side View

Click the link of a specific driver or utility to display information about the driver or utility that youwant to install.5.Click the Install button (

After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described previously, click the Start button andright-click My Computer.1.Click Properties.2.C

Click the Start button and click Control Panel.1.Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.2.Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

checking specific devices.7.Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.8.Double-click the icon for the specific device in

Click the Start button and click Control Panel.1.Click the Performance and Maintenance.2.Click System.3.Click the System Restore tab.4.Ensure that Tur

1.Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.2.Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.3.T

Adding and Replacing Parts Adding Memory Adding a Mini PCI Card Replacing the Hard Drive Adding a Modem Connecting a Television to the Computer

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the innermetal tabs that secure the memory module.If you are repl

NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in theconnector labeled "JDIM (DIMMA)" before you i

If you ordered a Mini PCI card at the same time that you ordered your computer, Dell has already installedthe card for you.NOTE: Handle components and