Page 2 - About Your Computer; Determining Your Computer's Configuration; Front View
Back to Contents Page About Your Computer Dell Precision™ M90 User's Guide Determining Your Computer's Configuration Front View Left Side View Right Side View Back View Bottom View Determining Your Computer's Configuration Based on selections that you made when purchasing your ...
Page 5 - Left Side View; Right Side View
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 vent — The computer uses fan(s) to create airflow through the vent(s), which prevents the computer from overheating. USB conn...
Page 6 - Back View
5-in-1media memory card reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, and videos stored on a media memory card. The 5-in-1 media memory card reader reads the following digital media memory cards: ¡ Secure Digital (SD) card/SDIO ¡ MultiMediaCard (MMC) ¡ ...
Page 8 - Bottom View
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 ...
Page 10 - Appendix; Cleaning Your Computer; Touch Pad; CDs and DVDs; Macrovision Product Notice
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 ...
Page 11 - FCC Class B
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 ...
Page 12 - Using a Battery; Battery Performance; DellTM QuickSet Battery Meter
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...
Page 13 - Check the Battery Charge; Check the Battery Health; Conserving Battery Power; Standby Mode
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...
Page 14 - Hibernate Mode; Configuring Power Management Settings
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...
Page 15 - Replacing the Battery; Storing a Battery
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...
Page 16 - Using Cards; ExpressCards; ExpressCard Blanks; Installing an ExpressCard
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...
Page 17 - Media Memory Cards
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...
Page 18 - Installing a Media Memory Card; Removing a Media Memory Card
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...
Page 19 - Using the Display; Adjusting Brightness
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...
Page 20 - Finding Information
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...
Page 23 - Glossary
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...
Page 31 - Getting Help; Obtaining Assistance; Online Services
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...
Page 32 - Problems With Your Order
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...
Page 33 - Before You Call; Contacting Dell
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...
Page 41 - Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad; Numeric Keypad; Key Combinations; System Functions
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...
Page 43 - Customizing the Touch Pad
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 ...
Page 44 - Using Multimedia; Playing CDs or DVDs; Adjusting the Volume
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. ...
Page 45 - Adjusting the Picture
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...
Page 46 - Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device; S-Video and Standard Audio
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 ...
Page 48 - Composite Video and Standard Audio
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...
Page 49 - Composite Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio
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...
Page 50 - Component Video and Standard Audio
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 (...
Page 51 - Component Video and S/PDIF Digital Audio
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...
Page 52 - Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio; Setting Up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones
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...
Page 53 - Video Controller
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...
Page 54 - Using Networks; Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem
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...
Page 55 - Start Button and Connect To Option; Setting Up a New WLAN; Connecting a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem
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 ...
Page 56 - Connecting to a WLAN; Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager
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...
Page 57 - Mobile Broadband; What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection
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 ,...
Page 58 - Internet Connection Firewall
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...
Page 59 - Adding and Replacing Parts; Before You Begin; Recommended Tools; Before Working Inside Your Computer
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...
Page 60 - Hard Drive
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...
Page 61 - Returning a Hard Drive to Dell; Memory
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...
Page 63 - Modem
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...
Page 66 - Hinge Cover; Keyboard
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...
Page 68 - Internal Card With Bluetooth
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...
Page 70 - DellTM QuickSet
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...
Page 71 - Securing Your Computer
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) ...
Page 72 - Passwords; About Passwords
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...
Page 73 - Using a Primary Password; Using a Hard Drive Password
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...
Page 74 - Enabling the TPM Feature; Computer Tracking Software
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...
Page 75 - If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
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...
Page 76 - Overview; Viewing the System Setup Screens; System Setup Screens; Changing the Boot Sequence
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...
Page 77 - Performing a One-Time Boot
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...
Page 78 - Reinstalling Software; Drivers; Identifying Drivers; Windows XP; Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
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...
Page 79 - Using the Drivers and Utilities CD; Manually Reinstalling Drivers
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...
Page 80 - Software and Hardware Incompatibilities; Restoring Your Operating System; Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore; Creating a Restore Point
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...
Page 81 - Using the Operating System CD; Reinstalling Windows XP
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...
Page 88 - Transferring Information to a New Computer
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...
Page 90 - Traveling With Your Computer; Identifying Your Computer; Traveling by Air
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...
Page 92 - Troubleshooting; Dell Technical Update Service; When to Use the Dell Diagnostics; Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
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...
Page 93 - Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD; Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
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...
Page 94 - Dell Support Utility; Accessing the Dell Support Utility; Drive Problems
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....
Page 95 - CD and DVD drive problems; If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
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...
Page 97 - Error Messages
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 ...
Page 99 - ExpressCard Problems
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 . ...
Page 100 - IEEE 1394 Device Problems; Keyboard Problems; External Keyboard problems
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...
Page 101 - Unexpected characters; Lockups and Software Problems; The computer does not start up; A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
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...
Page 102 - A solid blue screen appears; Memory Problems
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...
Page 103 - Network Problems; General
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 . ...
Page 104 - Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer; Docking Power Considerations; Docking While the Computer Is Running
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...
Page 105 - AC Power Loss While the Computer Is Docked; Printer Problems; Scanner Problems
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...
Page 106 - Sound and Speaker Problems; No sound from integrated speakers; No sound from external speakers; No sound from headphones
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...
Page 107 - Touch Pad or Mouse Problems; Video and Display Problems; If the display is blank
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 ...
Page 108 - If the display is difficult to read; If only part of the display is readable
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...