Dell Precisio M90 Mobile Workstation- Manuals

  Bottom View   subwoofer — Produces a broader bass output than is provided by the speakers.   battery charge/health gauge — Provides information on the battery charge status. For more information, see Checking the Battery Charge .   battery-bay latch release — Releases the battery from the battery ...

Back to Contents Page   Appendix Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Cleaning Your Computer    Macrovision Product Notice    FCC Notice (U.S. Only)   Cleaning Your Computer     Computer, Keyboard, and Display   l   Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys on the keyboard and ...

  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 ...

Back to Contents Page   Using a Battery Dell Precision™ M90 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   Batter...

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 pressing (or pressing and holding) the status bu...

To enter standby mode: l   Click Start ® Shut Down ® Stand by . o r l   Depending on how you set the power management options on the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window, use one of the following methods: ¡   Press the power button. ¡   Close the display. ¡   Press <Fn><Esc&g...

  Replacing the Battery     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 and hold the battery-bay latch release on t...

Back to Contents Page   Using Cards Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    ExpressCards    Media Memory Cards   ExpressCards ExpressCards leverage PC Card technology to provide a fast and convenient way to add memory, wired and wireless network communications (including wireless wide area network [WWAN...

The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the CD that came with the ExpressCard.   Removing an ExpressCard or Blank   Press the latch and remove the card or blank. Pres...

Installing a Media Memory Card You can install a media memory card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card. Media memory cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to indicate which end to insert into the sl...

Back to Contents Page   Using the Display Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Adjusting Brightness    Switching the Video Image    Setting Display Resolution   Adjusting Brightness When a Dell™ computer is running on battery power, you can conserve power by setting the brightness to the lowest comfo...

Back to Contents Page   Finding Information Dell Precision™ M90 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 Lo...

Back to Contents Page   Glossary Dell Precision™ M90 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...

Back to Contents Page   Getting Help Dell Precision™ M90 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 "Troubl...

support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) support.euro.dell.com (Europe only) l   Electronic Quote Service [email protected] (Asian/Pacific countries only) [email protected] (Canada only)   AutoTech Service Dell's automated technical support service — AutoTech — provides recorded answers to the questions mos...

  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 technical assistance an...

Back to Contents Page   Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Numeric Keypad    Key Combinations    Touch Pad   Numeric Keypad The numeric keypad functions like the numeric keypad on an external keyboard. Each key on the keypad has multiple functions. The keypad number...

The touch pad has silk screening on the right side and the bottom to indicate scrolling abilities. Scrolling is enabled by default. To disable this feature, modify the mouse properties within the Control Panel.   Customizing the Touch Pad You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch ...

Back to Contents Page   Using Multimedia Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Playing CDs or DVDs    Adjusting the Volume    Adjusting the Picture    Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device   Playing CDs or DVDs   1. Press the eject button on the front of the drive.   2. Pull out the tray.  ...

You can also adjust the volume with the Volume Control option through the Start menu.   1. Click Start ® All Programs ® Accessories ® Entertainment ® Volume Control .   2. Click and drag the bar in the Volume Control column and slide it up or down to increase or decrease the volume. For more informa...

  Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device Your computer has an S-video TV-out connector that, together with a standard S-video cable, a composite video adapter cable, or a component video adapter cable (available from Dell), enable you to connect the computer to a TV. Your TV has either an ...

  4. Plug the other end of the S-video cable into the S-video input connector on the TV.   5. Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the digital audio connector on the composite video adapter cable.   6. Plug the other end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable into the audio input connector...

  4. Plug the other end of the composite video cable into the composite video-input connector on the TV.   5. Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on the computer.   6. Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable in to the audio input conn...

  5. Plug one end of the S/PDIF digital audio cable in to the S/PDIF audio connector on the composite video adapter.   6. Plug the other end of the digital audio cable into the S/PDIF input connector on your TV or other audio device.   7. Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (...

4. Plug all three connectors from the other end of the component video cable into the component video- input connectors on the TV. Make sure that the red, green, and blue colors of the cable match the colors of the TV input connectors.   5. Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the h...

  6. Plug the other end of the digital audio cable into the S/PDIF input connector on your TV or other audio device.   7. Turn on the TV, turn on any audio device that you connected (if applicable), and then turn on the computer.   8. See Enabling the Display Settings for a TV to ensure that the com...

  4. Click the DVD option.   5. Click the DVD Audio Setting icon.   6. Click the arrows beside the Speaker Configuration setting to scroll through the options, and select the Headphones option.   7. Click the arrows beside the Audio listening mode setting to scroll through the options, and select th...

Back to Contents Page   Using Networks Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem    Network Setup Wizard    Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)    Connecting to a WLAN    Mobile Broadband    Internet Connection Firewall   Physically Connecting to a Netw...

  Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 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 ...

  5. Disconnect your broadband modem power cable from the electrical outlet.   6. Disconnect the network cable from the computer and the modem.   7. Disconnect the AC adapter cable from your wireless router to ensure that there is no power connected to the router.   8. Insert a network cable into th...

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 .   2. Under Pick a Help topic ,...

  Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of configurations. To determine your computer configuration, see one of the following: l   Your order confirmation l   Microsoft ®  W i n d o w s ®  Help and Support...

Back to Contents Page   Adding and Replacing Parts Dell Precision™ M90 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: l   You have perf...

  2. Turn off your computer. See Turning Off Your 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. Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of...

  3. Slide the hard drive 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 hard drive into the bay until it is fully seated.   6. Replace and tighten the screws.   7. If the new hard drive is not alr...

  6. Replace the memory module cover.   7. Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.   8. Reinstall the hard drive. See Hard Drive .   9. Reinstall the optical drive. See Optical Drive .   10. Turn on the computer. As the computer b...

  6. Replace the Mini-Card/modem cover.   Hinge Cover     1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .   2. Remove the hinge cover: a.   Open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it lies flat against your work surface. b.   Insert a scribe into the indent to lift the hinge cover on the ri...

  5. Install the replacement battery: a.   Insert the battery at a 30-degree angle under the release latch with the positive side up, and then push the battery into place. b.   Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board.   6. Replace the keyboard (see Keyboard ).   7. Replace the...

Back to Contents Page   Dell™ QuickSet  Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide Dell™ QuickSet provides you with easy access to configure or view the following types of settings: l   Network connectivity l   Power management l   Display l   System information Depending on what you want to do in Dell™ Quick...

Back to Contents Page   Securing Your Computer Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Security Cable Lock    Smart Cards    Installing a Smart Card    P a s s w o r d s    Trusted Platform Module (TPM)    Computer Tracking Software    If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen    Alert Standard Format (ASF)   ...

  2. Slide the smart card into the smart card slot until the card is completely seated in its connector. The smart card will protrude approximately 1/2 inch from the slot. If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.   Passwords   About Passw...

p a s s w o r d s . l   It is recommended that you do not write down passwords. If you do write it down, however, ensure that the password is stored in a secure place. l   Do not share passwords with other people. l   Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password(s). If you for...

  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 a...

  If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen l   Call 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 enforceme...

Back to Contents Page   System Setup Program Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Overview    System Setup Screens    Commonly Used Options   Overview You can use system setup as follows: l   To set or change user-selectable features — for example, your computer password l   To verify information abo...

l   Modular bay HDD l   Internal HDD l   CD/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...

Back to Contents Page   Reinstalling Software Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Drivers    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 requir...

2. Under Pick a Category , click Performance and Maintenance .   3. Click System .   4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.   5. Click Device Manager .   6. Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties .   7. Click the Drivers tab.   8. Clic...

  8. Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files.   9. When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next .   10. Click Finish and restart your computer.   Software and Hardware Incompatibilities If a device is either not detected during the opera...

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 Re...

Back to Contents Page   Transferring Information to a New Computer Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide The Microsoft ® W i n d o w s ®  XP operating system provides a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to move data from a source computer to a new computer. You can transfer data, such as: l   E-mail mes...

Back to Contents Page   Traveling With Your Computer Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide    Identifying Your Computer    Packing the Computer    Travel Tips   Identifying Your Computer l   Attach a name tag or business card to the computer. l   Write down your Service Tag and store it in a safe place a...

Back to Contents Page   Troubleshooting Dell Precision™ M90 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 h...

l   During the assessment, answer any questions that appear. l   If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that failed, press <r>. l   If failu...

  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 completed, 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....

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 — l   Insert another floppy disk, CD, or DVD to eliminate the possibility that the original one is defective. l   Insert a bootable flo...

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 ...

  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 .  ...

  Check the ExpressCard — Ensure that the ExpressCard 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 ExpressCar...

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, clic...

  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 the Start button, point to Al...

If you experience other memory problems — l   Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory (see Memory ). l   Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines. See Memory . l   Run the Dell Diagnostics. See Dell Diagnostics .   ...

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...

  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.     Ensu...

  1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel , and then click Printers and Other Hardware .   2. Click 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 F...

  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 the Start button, click Control Panel ...

  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...