Dell Latitude LS User's Guide

Dell™ Latitude™ LS Family Portable Computers User'sGuidePrefaceIntroductionSetup and OperationPowering Your ComputerTraveling With Your ComputerD

Two power conservation modes—suspend (or standby) mode and suspend-to-disk (S2D) mode—that help youconserve battery power. If the batteries run out of

System Time Sets the computer to the time you specify (usually the current time) in24-hour format. Type the appropriate information. Use the tab key t

Advanced ScreenTable 2. Advanced Screen OptionsOption FunctionI/O DeviceConfigurationSelect this option and press <Enter> to display the I/O Dev

Display DeviceSelectionSpecifies whether the screen image will appear on the computer display,an attached external monitor, or both. Options are LCD (

Serial port: BaseI/O AddressAppears only if Serial port A is set to Enabled. Allows you to configurethe base address and interrupt request (IRQ). Opti

Parallel Port:DMA ChannelIf Parallel port: Mode is set to ECP, you can use Parallel port: DMAChannel to select the DMA channel. Options are:DMA 0● D

Option FunctionHD Password is: Indicates whether a password has been assigned for the hard-disk drive.Settings are Set and Clear. This option has no u

NOTE: In the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system, if you change settings in thePower Management Properties window in the Control Panel, you overri

PowerManagementAllows you to select from three power management timeout strategies:Maximum Battery Life — conserves the greatest amount ofsystem power

Suspend Mode Lets you select one of two suspend modes: Save to RAM and Save toDisk. Save to RAM conserves battery power by stopping almost all compute

Boot ScreenThe Boot Screen defines the order of the devices from which the computer attempts to boot whenyou turn it on (see Table 6).The boot device

NOTE: If Dell did not install an operating system on your hard-disk drive, the drivers, system utilities, and diagnosticsare available separately from

Hard Disk If this option appears first on the list, the computer boots only from thehard-disk drive.ATAPI CD-ROMDriveIf this option appears first on t

Load SetupDefaultsDiscards any changes you made and reverts all options to their defaults,without exiting the system setup program.Discard Changes Ret

Back to Contents PageSuspend-to-Disk Utility: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideOverviewCreating an S2D File for Windows 95 or Win

The computer restarts and automatically begins to run the Dell Diagnostics.Type x to exit to MS-DOS® mode.6. At the MS-DOS prompt, type d:\, where d

Creating an S2D File for Windows NT®NOTE: The following procedure assumes that your hard-disk drive is unpartitioned andunformatted or you have a mini

To check the size of the S2D file, at an MS-DOS prompt type phdisk /info and press<Enter>.If you need to delete the S2D file, at an MS-DOS promp

Back to Contents PageError Messages, IRQs, and Memory Assignments: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideError Messages Memory Allocat

02B0:Diskette drive A error02B1:Diskette drive B errorA connector may be loose orthe diskette may be faulty.If the diskette-drive accessindicator ligh

assistance.0212:Keyboard controller failedThe keyboard controller isfaulty.Call Dell for technicalassistance. 0211:Keyboard errorIf an external keyboa

02D0:System cache error—cachedisabledThe primary cache internal tothe microprocessor has failed.Call Dell for technicalassistance.0251:System CMOS che

Back to Contents PageSetup and Operation: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideAC AdapterBatteriesDisplayMedia OptionsKeyboardPC Card

IRQ6 Generated by the diskette drive controller to indicate that the diskette drive requires the attention of themicroprocessorIRQ7 Parallel port; ava

When the microprocessor or a program addresses a location within the upper memory area, it is physically addressing a location within one of thesedevi

0060-0060 Keyboard controller0061-0061 System speaker0064-0064 Keyboard controller0070-007F RTC and NMI enable0080-009F DMA page registers00A0-00BF In

Back to Contents PageHelp Overview: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideTechnical Assistance Product InformationHelp Tools Returning

Help ToolsDell provides a number of tools to assist you. These tools are described in the followingsections.NOTE: Some of the following tools are not

Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)● ftp.dell.com/Log in as user: anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.Electronic Support Serv

Automated Order-Status SystemYou can call this automated service to check on the status of any Dell products that you haveordered. A recording prompts

error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics.Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables,software diskettes,

Operating system and version:Peripherals: Expansion cards:Are you connected to a network? Yes NoNetwork, version, and network card:Programs and vers

Back to Contents PageContacting Dell: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideOverview Europe Contact NumbersInternational Dialing Codes

Back to Contents PagePowering Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideAC AdapterPower Management SettingsBatteriesBack to

The codes required depend on where you are calling from as well as the destination of yourcall; in addition, each country has a different dialing prot

France (Paris)(Montpellier)00 33 (1) (4)Germany (Langen) 00 49 6103Hong Kong 001 852 NotrequiredIreland (Bray) 16 353 1Italy (Milan) 00 39 2Japan (Kaw

Taiwan 002 886 —Thailand 001 66 —U.K. (Bracknell) 010 44 1344U.S.A. (Austin,Texas)011 1 NotrequiredAmericas Contact NumbersCountry(City)Department Nam

Chile(Santiago)NOTE:Customers inChile call theU.S.A. forsales,customer,and technicalassistanceSales, Customer Support,and Technical Support toll free:

AutoTech (Automatedtechnical support) toll free: 1-800-247-9362Dell Home and Small Business Group:Customer Technical Support(Return MaterialAuthorizat

Dell Services for the Deaf,Hard-of-Hearing, orSpeech-Impaired toll free: 1-877-DELLTTY(1-877-335-5889)Switchboard 512 338-4400Europe Contact NumbersCo

Switchboard 02 481 91 00Web site:http://support.euro.dell.com/be E-mail: [email protected] Czech Republic(Prague)Technical Support 02 22 83 27 27Cu

Web site:http://support.euro.dell.com/fi E-mail: [email protected] France(Paris/Montpellier)Technical Support 0803 387 270Customer Care (Par

(Bray)NOTE:Customers inIreland call theU.K. forHome/SmallBusinesscustomerassistance.Customer Care 01 204 4026Home/Small Business CustomerCare (Brackne

Customer Care (Brussels,Belgium)02 481 91 19Switchboard (Brussels, Belgium) 02 481 91 00Fax (Brussels, Belgium) 02 481 92 99Web site:http://support.eu

Back to Contents PageTraveling With Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideIdentifying Your ComputerPreparing Your Compu

E-mail: [email protected] Poland(Warsaw)Technical Support 22 60 61 999Customer Care 22 60 61 999Sales 22 60 61 999Switchboard 22 60 61 999Fax 22

E-mail: [email protected] Switzerland(Geneva)Technical Support 0844 811 411Customer Care 0848 802 802Switchboard 022 799 01 01Fax 022 799 01 90We

Customer Care toll free:1-800-819-339Corporate Sales toll free:1-800-808-385Transaction Sales toll free:1-800-808-312Fax toll free:1-800-818-341Brunei

Customer Care 044 556-4240Direct Sales 044 556-3344Commercial Sales 044 556-3430556-3440Faxbox Service 03-5972-5840Switchboard 044 556-4300Korea(Seoul

Technical Support (Othersystems) 0800 446 255Customer Service 0800 444 617Sales 0800 441 567Fax 0800 441 566Singapore(Singapore)NOTE:Customers inSinga

Thailand—referto individuallistings forthesecountries)TaiwanNOTE:Customers inTaiwan callMalaysia forcustomerassistance.Technical Support toll free:008

Back to Contents PageCD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives: Dell™ Latitude™LS Portable Computers User's GuideUsing CD-ROM and DVD-ROM DrivesCaring for CDs an

If you are using the Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98 operating system, disable theautoplay feature while you use the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. (The

CD-I (mode-2 form 1 and form 2)● CD-I Ready● CD-Bridge● Photo CD, CD-recordable (CD-R) (single and multisession)● Video CD● CD-rewritable (C

Back to Contents PageDiskette Drive: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideYour computer was shipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive in

personnel to identify the computer and its configuration quickly if you call for assistance.If Your Computer Is Lost or StolenIf your computer is lost

cable.Disconnect the AC adapter.4. NOTICE: When the display is closed, items left on the keyboard could damage thedisplay.Make sure that there is not

Be sure to have a charged battery or the AC adapter and power cable available in caseyou are asked to turn on the computer.● Do not check the comput

Travel TipsConsider changing the settings of your power management options to maximize batterylife if you will be using battery power for extended per

Back to Contents PageDrivers: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Portable ComputersUser's GuideInstalling Microsoft® Windows® 95 and Windows 98 DriversInstalling

or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than itsown.Initial Release: 12 Oc

Back to Contents PageCustomizing Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideUsing the System Setup ProgramSystem Setup Optio

Back to Contents PageReplacing the Hard-Disk Drive: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideRead the following notices carefully before

With the computer still upside-down, press down on the drive carrier assembly'sthree grip lines and pull the assembly straight out to the side to

partition and logically format the hard-disk drive. For more information, see both your operatingsystem and your drive documentation.Back to Contents

Back to Contents PageTroubleshooting Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™LS Portable Computers User's GuideDell DiagnosticsError Messages, IRQs, and Me

Back to Contents PageTechnical Specifications: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideChip Set and Bus Integrated ModemPC Cards Keyboar

PC Card slots one (supports type I and type II cards, including ZV cardson computers running the Microsoft® Windows® 95 orWindows 98 operating system)

NIC RJ-11 connectorAudioAudio type Sound Blaster (software emulation-capable)Audio controller NeoMagic NMG5 + AC97 CODECStereo conversion 16 bit (anal

Maximum resolution/colors 800 x 600; 262,144 colorsResponse time (typical) 50 msViewing angles:Horizontal ± 45°Vertical +10°/–30°Dot pitch 0.30 mmPowe

Dimensions:Height 12.7 mm (0.5 inch)Depth 57.25 mm (2.25 inches)Width 262.49 mm (10.33 inches)Weight 214 g (.47 lb) for 4-cell version; 288 g (0.63 lb

Back to Contents PagePreface: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Portable ComputersUser's GuideAbout This Guide Notational ConventionsWarranty and Return Policy

Operating 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140°F)PhysicalHeight 25.7 mm (1.01 inches)Width 272 mm (10.7 inches)Depth 220.0 mm (8.

Storage –18 to 10,600 m (–59 to 35,000 ft)Touch PadInterface PS/2 (compatible with Microsoft mouse driver)X/Y position resolution Minimum 20 points/mm

Back to Contents PageGetting Help: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideHelp OverviewContacting DellBack to Contents PageGetting Help

Back to Contents PageExternal Media Bay: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Family PortableComputers User's GuideYou can use the external media bay (see Figure 1

device through the slot in the back of the bay.Make sure that the securing clips are fully engaged and the connector is fully seated.b. Connect the o

Back to Contents PageUsing the System Setup Program: Dell™ Latitude™LS Portable Computers User's GuideOverviewEntering the System Setup ProgramOv

The system setup screens display the current setup and configuration information and optionalsettings for your computer. Information on the screens is

Back to Contents PageDell™ Diagnostics: Dell Latitude™ LS Portable Computers User's GuideOverview Dell Diagnostics Main Screen OverviewFeatures o

In the system setup program, go to the Boot screen and set the following boot sequence:Removable Devices1. ATAPI CD-ROM Drive2. Hard Disk3. Boot to

Two lines at the bottom of the screen make up the menu area. The first line lists the categories you can select; press the left- orright-arrow key to

Warranty and Return Policy InformationDell Computer Corporation ("Dell") manufactures its hardware products from parts andcomponents that ar

How to Use Dell DiagnosticsSix comprehensive, menu-driven, online Help categories provide instructions on how to use the program and explain each menu

Back to Contents PageAC Adapter: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideUsing the AC AdapterConnecting the AC AdapterTurning On the Com

Plug the AC adapter power cable into an electrical outlet.3. Figure 1. Connecting the AC Adapter1ACadapter 2ACadapter'sattachedcable3ACadapterco

Back to Contents PageBatteries: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Portable ComputersUser's GuideAbout the Batteries First Low-Battery WarningUsing the Battery S

NOTE: If the battery is totally drained the alert functions will not operate. You can charge the battery whenever you like without fear of reducing i

NOTE: To extend battery life, store batteries at room temperature. Charging the BatteryEach time you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or i

and may damage the battery and the computer.If the computer is not allowed to return to room temperature, the battery stops chargingbefore it reaches

Position the new battery as shown in Figure 2, and lower the outside edge of the batteryinto the battery compartment.Four small tabs on the battery fi

1Battery charge indicators(4)2Battery test buttonNOTES: A charge indicator that blinks rapidly indicates a temporary failure or apotentially recoverab

First Low-Battery WarningThe first low-battery warning—consisting of a battery warning icon that appears on the screenand a triple beep from the speak

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates the potential for bodily harm and tells you howto avoid the problem. Typographical ConventionsThe following list defines

Battery DisposalCAUTION: Do not puncture or incinerate the battery.NOTE: To purchase a new battery, call Dell or access the Dell World Wide Web site a

Turning On the ComputerTo turn on the computer, press the power button.NOTES: If your computer's operating system is "locked up"—that i

Back to Contents PageDisplay: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Portable ComputersUser's GuideAdjusting the Brightness Dual-Display ModeExpanded Video Mode If Y

Expanded Video ModeWhen working in MS-DOS® text mode, you can select the font used to display text. Press<Fn><F7> to toggle between regula

the computer's display, using this resolution sets the display to pan mode, which allows you toscroll left, right, up, and down to view the entir

supported combination.Customizing Video ResolutionClick the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.The Control Panel window app

Change the Desktop Area to 1024 by 768 pixels.6. Click Advanced...7. Click the NeoMagic tab.8. Select the Set Dual-Display checkbox and click Appl

NOTE: It takes several seconds to switch the video image.Cleaning the Display and Touch PadIf the display or touch pad become smudged from use, they c

Back to Contents PageMedia Options: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideExternal Media BayCD-ROM and DVD-ROM DrivesDiskette DriveBac

Back to Contents PageKeyboard: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Portable ComputersUser's GuideEmbedded Numeric Keypad Speaker Key CombinationsDisplay Key Combi

be a system message, for example, or it can be text that you are instructed to type as partof a command (referred to as a command line). Screen text i

Table 1. Embedded Numeric Keypad Key CombinationsWhen Keypad Is On Function<Fn><F9> Toggles the embedded numerickeypad offWhen Keypad Is O

Power Conservation Key CombinationsNOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if theExternal Hot-Key option is e

System Function Key CombinationsNOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if theExternal Hot-Key option is enab

Back to Contents PagePC Cards: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Portable ComputersUser's GuideAbout PC Cards Removing PC CardsInstalling PC Cards Configuring P

Installing PC CardsPC Cards are generally marked with a symbol, such as a triangle or an arrow, to indicate whichend should be inserted into the slot.

Removing PC CardsNOTICE: If you are using Windows 95 or Windows 98, use the PC Card configurationutility on the taskbar to select and stop a card befo

If drivers are not available on the hard-disk drive, prompts you to install them by using thedevice driver diskette that came with the card● The ope

Back to Contents PageTouch Pad: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideUsing the Touch PadCustomizing the Touch PadCleaning the Touch P

To select an object, gently tap once on the surface of the touch pad.● To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and

the display to the bottom.Back to Contents PageTouch Pad: Dell Latitude LS Portable Computers User's Guidefile:///C|/Documents and Settings/Admin

Back to Contents PageIntroduction: Dell™ Latitude™ LS Portable Computers User'sGuideOverview Available OptionsFeatures Getting HelpOverviewThe De

Back to Contents PageSecuring Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideAbout Passwords Using a Hard-Disk Drive PasswordUsi

The supervisor password overrides the user password. Whenever you are prompted to enterthe user password, you can enter the supervisor password instea

If you enter the wrong password, the following message appears:Invalid password[Press Enter to retry]If the correct password is not entered in three a

NOTE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Before purchasing such a device,make sure that it will work with the security cable slot in your com

Back to Contents PageConnecting External Devices: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideAbout the I/O Connectors AC AdapterMouse, Keyb

7AC adapterconnector8External media bayconnector9Parallel connector10Video connector11Modem connector12NIC connector13External media bayMouse, Keyboar

computer, the embedded numeric keypad is automatically disabled.On an external keyboard, the <Scroll Lock> key acts the same way as the <Fn&g

NOTICE: When the diskette drive is not being used externally, remove the parallel diskette-drive cable from theparallel connector.NOTICE: Use the para

cable is not permanently attached to the monitor, connect it to the monitor.Be sure to tighten all the screws on the video cable connector(s) to elimi

Modem ConnectorYou can connect a telephone line to the integrated modem through the RJ11 modem connector on the back of thecomputer. NOTICE: Do not co

15KeyboardNOTICE: To avoid overheating the computer, do not place the external media bay close to the air inlet or fanintake/exhaust vents (see Figure

Back to Contents PagePower Management Settings: Dell™ Latitude™ LSPortable Computers User's GuideExperimenting With PowerConservationStandby Mode

Turn off display To activate, press <Fn><F1>.To deactivate, move the cursor orpress a key on the integrated orexternal keyboard. (If nothi

NOTICE: Windows 95 and Windows NT save data to random-access memory (RAM), notto your hard-disk drive, before entering suspend mode. If the computer e

Place the computer in S2D mode if you intend to store the computer for a month or more. S2Dmode preserves the configuration information stored in nonv

power management settings.Alarms — allows you to set the Low Battery and Critical Battery alarms toalert you when the battery charge falls below a cer

Back to Contents PageInstalling the Microsoft® Windows® 95 andWindows 98 Operating System Drivers: Dell™Latitude™ LS Portable Computers User's Gu

Installing Video Drivers for Windows 95Video drivers control features such as screen resolution and the number of screen colors.NOTE: If you need to u

To activate the drivers, remove the CD and restart your computer.13. After installing the video drivers and restarting your computer, set the display

When the Update Driver Wizard appears, click Next>.7. Select Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location, and click Next>.8. When

Installing Audio DriversDell provides audio drivers so that you can customize the audio features of your computer. Toinstall the audio drivers, perfor

9Battery10Hard-disk drive bayFeaturesYour Dell computer provides the following features:Full multimedia capability through the following standard feat

Installing Touch Pad DriversTouch pad drivers and associated utilities allow you to use and customize the integrated touchpad or an external mouse. To

computer at the end of this procedure to complete the installation.Insert the Dell System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and browse tot

Click OK.16. After the files are copied to the hard-disk drive, the modem driver installation is complete.Installing the NIC DriverTo install the NIC

Back to Contents PageInstalling the Microsoft® Windows NT® OperatingSystem Drivers: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideOverview Ins

Installing Video DriversVideo drivers control features such as screen resolution and the number of screen colors.NOTE: If you need to use extended vid

To activate the drivers, remove the CD and restart your computer.14. Installing the Power Management UtilityDell provides a power management utility

Diagnostics window appears.Follow the instructions on your display, and when prompted, remove the CD and restartyour computer to activate the utility.

computer at the end of this procedure to complete the installation.Insert the Dell System Software CD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.2. Click the S

Browse to d:\softex\baymgr\setup (where d is your drive letter), and then click OKor press <Enter>.3. Follow the instructions on the screen to

Back to Contents PageSystem Setup Options: Dell™ Latitude™ LS PortableComputers User's GuideMain Screen Power ScreenAdvanced Screen Boot ScreenSe