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Dell Latitude D631 User's Guide - Page 139

Getting Help, Obtaining Assistance, Technical Support and Customer Service

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17 Getting Help Obtaining Assistance CAUTION: If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the computer power and modem cables from all electrical outlets. If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem: 1 See for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is experiencing. 2 See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 79 for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics. 3 Fill out the "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 143. 4 Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (support.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures. See "Online Services" on page 140 for a more extensive list of Dell Support online. 5 If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, see "Contacting Dell" on page 142. NOTE: Call Dell Support from a telephone near or at the computer so that the support staff 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 Dell Support, see "Technical Support and Customer Service" on page 139. 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. Technical Support and Customer Service Dell's support service is available 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 "Before You Call" on page 142, and then see the contact information for your region or go to support.dell.com. Getting Help 139

Section	Page
User’s Guide	1
Finding Information	11
About Your Computer	15
Front View	15
Left Side View	19
Right Side View	21
Back View	22
Bottom View	25
Transferring Information to a New Computer	27
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard With the Operating System CD	27
Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System CD	28
Easy Transfer Cable for Windows Vista®	29
Using a Battery	31
Battery Performance	31
Checking the Battery Charge	32
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter	32
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter	32
Charge Gauge	32
Low-Battery Warning	33
Conserving Battery Power	33
Power Management Modes	34
Standby and Sleep Mode	34
Hibernate Mode	34
Configuring Power Management Settings	35
Accessing Power Options Properties	35
Charging the Battery	35
Replacing the Battery	36
Storing a Battery	37
Battery Errors	37
Using the Keyboard	39
Numeric Keypad	39
Key Combinations	39
System Functions	39
Battery	40
Display Functions	40
Power Management	40
Microsoft® Windows® Logo Key Functions	40
Touch Pad	41
Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick	42
Changing the Track Stick Cap	42
Using the Display	43
Adjusting Brightness	43
Switching the Video Image	43
Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate	43
Dual Independent Display Mode	44
Swapping Primary and Secondary Displays	45
Using the Ambient Light Sensor	45
Using ATI Catalyst® Control Center	46
Launching Catalyst Control Center	46
Setting Up and Using Networks	49
Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable	49
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System	50
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista® Operating System	50
Wireless Local Area Network	50
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection	50
Checking Your Wireless Network Card	50
Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem	51
Connecting to a WLAN	52
Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network)	54
What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection	54
Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card	54
Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network	55
Enabling/Disabling the Dell™ Mobile Broadband Card	55
Managing Your Network Settings Through the Dell QuickSet Location Profiler	56
Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator	56
Microsoft® Windows® Firewall	56
Using Multimedia	59
Playing CDs or DVDs	59
Copying CDs and DVDs	60
How to Copy a CD or DVD	61
Using Blank CDs and DVDs	61
Helpful Tips	62
Adjusting the Volume	63
Adjusting the Picture	63
Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System	63
Microsoft Windows Vista® Operating System	64
Using Cards	65
Card Types	65
PC Cards	65
Smart Cards	65
Card Blanks	65
Extended Cards	65
Installing a PC Card	66
PC Card	66
Removing a Card or Blank	66
Securing Your Computer	69
Security Cable Lock	69
Smart Card	69
About Smart Cards	70
Installing a Smart Card	70
Passwords	71
About Passwords	71
Using a Primary (or System) Password	72
Using an Administrator Password	73
Using a Hard Drive Password	73
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)	74
Enabling the TPM Feature	74
Security Management Software	74
Activating the Security Management Software	75
Using the Security Management Software	75
Computer Tracking Software	75
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen	75
Cleaning Your Computer	77
Computer, Keyboard, and Display	77
Touch Pad	77
Floppy Drive	77
CDs and DVDs	77
Troubleshooting	79
Dell™ Technical Update Service	79
Dell Diagnostics	79
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics	79
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive	79
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media	80
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu	81
Dell Support Utility	82
Accessing the Dell Support Utility	82
Clicking the Dell Support Icon	82
Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon	83
Drive Problems	83
CD and DVD drive problems	83
If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive tray	84
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound	84
Hard drive problems	84
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems	84
Error Messages	86
IEEE 1394 Device Problems	89
Keyboard Problems	90
External Keyboard problems	90
Unexpected characters	90
Lockups and Software Problems	91
The computer does not start up	91
The computer stops responding	91
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly	91
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating system	91
A solid blue screen appears	91
Other software problems	91
Memory Problems	92
Network Problems	93
General	93
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)	93
Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network)	93
PC Card Problems	94
Power Problems	94
Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer	95
Docking Power Considerations	95
Printer Problems	96
Scanner Problems	96
Sound and Speaker Problems	97
No sound from integrated speakers	97
No sound from external speakers	97
No sound from headphones	98
Touch Pad or Mouse Problems	98
Video and Display Problems	99
If the display is blank	99
If the display is difficult to read	99
If only part of the display is readable	100
Reinstalling Software	101
Drivers	101
What Is a Driver?	101
Identifying Drivers	101
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities	102
Using the Hardware Troubleshooter Tool	104
Microsoft Windows XP	104
Microsoft Windows Vista	104
Restoring Your Operating System	104
Using Microsoft® Windows® System Restore	105
Using the Operating System CD	106
System Setup Program	109
Overview	109
Viewing the System Setup Screens	109
System Setup Screens	110
Commonly Used Options	110
Changing the Boot Sequence	110
Changing Printer Modes	111
Changing COM Ports	111
Adding and Replacing Parts	113
Before You Begin	113
Recommended Tools	113
Turning Off Your Computer	113
Before Working Inside Your Computer	113
Hinge Cover	115
Keyboard	115
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology	117
Coin-Cell Battery	118
Memory	119
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Card	124
Mobile Broadband Card	126
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card	129
Hard Drive	130
Use the Drivers and Utilities media to install the drivers and utilities for your computer (see \	131
Returning a Hard Drive to Dell	131
Media Bay	133
Removing Media Bay Devices	133
Dell™ QuickSet	135
Traveling With Your Computer	137
Identifying Your Computer	137
Packing the Computer	137
Travel Tips	138
Traveling by Air	138
Getting Help	139
Obtaining Assistance	139
Technical Support and Customer Service	139
DellConnect	140
Online Services	140
AutoTech Service	141
Automated Order-Status Service	141
Problems With Your Order	141
Product Information	141
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit	141
Before You Call	142
Contacting Dell	142
Specifications	145
Appendix	153
FCC Notice (U.S. Only)	153
FCC Class B	153
Macrovision Product Notice	154

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Getting Help

139

Getting Help

Obtaining Assistance

CAUTION:

If you need to remove the computer cover, first disconnect the computer power and modem

cables from all electrical outlets.

If you experience a problem with your computer, you can complete the following steps to diagnose

and troubleshoot the problem:

See for information and procedures that pertain to the problem your computer is

experiencing.

See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 79 for procedures on how to run Dell Diagnostics.

Fill out the "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 143.

Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support (

support.dell.com

) for

help with installation and troubleshooting procedures. See "Online Services" on page 140 for a

more extensive list of Dell Support online.

If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, see "Contacting Dell" on page 142.

NOTE:

Call Dell Support from a telephone near or at the computer so that the support staff 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 Dell Support, see "Technical Support and Customer Service" on

page 139.

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.

Technical Support and Customer Service

Dell's support service is available 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 "Before You Call" on page 142, and then see the contact

information for your region or go to

support.dell.com