User's Manual

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TravelingWithYourComputer:Dell™Latitude™L400User'sGuide
Identifying Your Computer
As an antitheft measure, assign a primary password and a hard-disk drive password to prohibit unauthorized access to the computer.
Dell recommends that you follow these precautions before you travel with your computer:
l Write down your service tag and put it in a safe place separate from the computer or carrying case. If the computer is lost or stolen, use the
service tag number when reporting to law enforcement officials and to Dell.
l Use a text editor (such as Microsoft®Windows®Notepad) to create a file called if_found in your root directory. Place information such as
your name, address, and telephone number in this file. (For instructions on using the appropriate text editor, see the documentation that
came with your operating system.)
l Attach your business card or other name tag to the computer.
l Contact your credit-card company and ask if it offers coded identification tags that allow your property to be returned to you without the risk of
revealing your name, address, or telephone number.
l Use a permanent marking or stenciling device to write your driver’s license number or some other unique identifying mark on the computer. If
a lost or stolen computer is recovered, such marking identifies the computer as your property.
Service Tag
The service tag is an alphanumeric sequence on a bar code label located on the bottom of the computer. The service tag is unique to your
computer and allows Dell technical assistance personnel to identify the computer and its configuration quickly if you call for assistance.
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
If your computer is lost or stolen, Dell suggests that you perform the following steps:
1. 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 it down. Also write down the
name, address, and telephone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain the name of the investigating officer.
If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in that area. If you do not know, call a law
enforcement agency where you live.
2. If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the firm.
3. Call Dell technical assistance to report the missing computer.
Provide the computer’s service tag, the case number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the law enforcement agency to
which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.
The Dell support technician will log your report under the computer’s service tag and flag the computer as missing or stolen. If someone
calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your service tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The
technician will attempt to get the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which
you made the report of the missing or stolen computer.
Preparing Your Computer for Travel
To prepare your computer for travel, perform the following steps:
1. Detach any external devices attached to the computer, and store them in a safe place. Remove any cables attached to installed PC Cards
(you do not have to remove the PC Card itself).
2. To maximize battery life, check the charge on your battery. Then fully charge the battery and any spares you plan to carry with you. For more
information, see "Batteries."
Identifying Your Computer
Preparing Your Computer for Travel
Travel Tips