book.book Page 1 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Dell Precision™ M6400 Setup and Quick Reference Guide This guide provides a features overview, specifications, and quick setup, software, and troubleshooting information for your computer. For more information about your operating system, devices, and technologies, see the Dell Technology Guide at support.dell.com. Model PP08X w w w. d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l .
book.book Page 2 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
book.book Page 3 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Contents 1 About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Battery Removal Wireless Switch and Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
book.book Page 4 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . 29 Power Problems Memory Problems Lockups and Software Problems Dell Technical Update Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Dell Support Utility . Dell Diagnostics 5 Reinstalling Software . Drivers .
book.book Page 5 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 . . . . . 46 Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
book.
book.book Page 7 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM About Your Computer Front View 1 2 3 21 20 19 4 5 6 18 17 7 16 10 15 9 8 11 14 13 1 camera (optional) and microphone (2) 2 12 display latch (2) 3 display 4 fingerprint swipe/FIPS reader 5 power button 6 USB 2.
book.
book.book Page 9 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 5 audio and microphone connectors 6 1394 port (6-pin, powered) 7 security cable slot 8 AC adapter connector 9 air vents (2) CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your Dell™ computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.The computer turns on the fan when the computer gets hot.
book.book Page 10 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Wireless Switch and Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator wireless switch icon Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator icon Use the wireless switch to enable or disable wireless network devices and the Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator to locate networks. For information about connecting to the Internet, see "Connecting to the Internet" on page 14.
book.book Page 11 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Setting Up Your Computer Quick Setup CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.
book.book Page 12 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 2 Connect the network cable. 3 Connect USB devices, such as a mouse or keyboard. 4 Connect IEEE 1394 devices, such as a DVD player. 5 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer.
book.book Page 13 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer. 6 Connect to the Internet. See "Connecting to the Internet" on page 14 for more information.
book.book Page 14 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service provider (ISP). If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your computer and to the telephone wall connector before you set up your Internet connection.
book.book Page 15 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 5 Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup. Transferring Information to a New Computer Microsoft® Windows Vista® Operating System 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and then click Transfer files and settings→ Start Windows Easy Transfer. 2 In the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue. 3 Click Start a new transfer or Continue a transfer in progress.
book.book Page 16 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM To prepare a new computer for the file transfer: 1 Open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. 2 When the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next. 3 On the Which computer is this? screen, click New Computer→ Next. 4 On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD→ Next.
book.book Page 17 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Without the Operating System Media To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard without the Operating System media, you must create a wizard disk that will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media.
book.book Page 18 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM To transfer data to the new computer: 1 On the Now go to your old computer screen on the new computer, click Next. 2 On the Where are the files and settings? screen, select the method you chose for transferring your settings and files and click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen. The wizard reads the collected files and settings and applies them to your new computer.
book.book Page 19 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
book.book Page 20 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM PC Card NOTE: The PC Card slot is designed only for PC Cards. It does NOT support ExpressCards. CardBus controller Ricoh R5C847 PC Card connector one (supports one Type I or Type II card) Cards supported 3.3 V and 5 V PC Card connector size 80 pins ExpressCard NOTE: The ExpressCard slot is designed only for ExpressCards. It does NOT support PC Cards.
book.book Page 21 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Smart Card (continued) Interface speed 9600–115,200 BPS EMV level level 1 certified WHQL certification PC/SC Ports and Connectors Audio microphone connector, stereo headphone/speakers connector Mini-Card one dedicated half Mini-Card slot for WLAN one dedicated full Mini-Card slot for WWAN (Mobile Broadband) one dedicated full Mini-Card slot for WPAN (Bluetooth® or ultra wideband [UWB]) Network adapter RJ-45 port USB two 4-pin USB 2.
book.
book.book Page 23 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Display (continued) Dimensions: Height: WXGA+/WUXGA (CCFL) 245mm (9.64 inches) WUXGA (LED) 248mm (9.76 inches) Width (WXGA+/WUXGA) 383mm (15.08 inches) Diagonal 432mm (17.0 inches) Maximum resolutions: WXGA+ (CCFL) 1440 x 900 at 262 K colors WUXGA (CCFL) 1930 x 1200 at 262 K colors WUXGA (LED) 1930 x 1200 at 16.
book.book Page 24 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Keyboard Number of keys in United States: 101 keys in United Kingdom: 102 keys in Brazil: 104 keys in Japan: 105 keys Layout QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji Touch Pad Resolution: X Axis 57.52 units per mm Y Axis 78.12 units per mm Active Area X Axis 80.0 mm Y Axis 47.
book.book Page 25 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM AC Adapter Input voltage 100–240 VAC Input current (maximum) 2.5 A/3.5 A Input frequency 50–60 Hz Output current 6.7 A/ 10.8 A Output power 130 W/ 210 W or higher Output voltage 19.5 VDC Dimensions: Height 100 mm (3.94 in) Width 44 mm (1.73 in) Depth 198 mm (7.
book.book Page 26 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Environmental Temperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Relative humidity (maximum): Operating 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Storage 5% to 95% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration (using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment): Operating 0.66 Grms (2-600 Hz) Storage 1.
book.book Page 27 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Troubleshooting Tips CAUTION: Always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. NOTE: For detailed troubleshooting information, including responding to system messages, see your Service Manual on support.dell.com. Using the Hardware Troubleshooter 1 Click the Windows Vista Start button , and click Help and Support. 2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press to start the search.
book.book Page 28 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM • Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly. • Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on. • Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp. • Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board.
book.book Page 29 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Memory Problems CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. IF YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE — • Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem. • See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements.
book.book Page 30 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM The computer does not start up ENSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET A program stops responding END THE PROGRAM — 1 Press simultaneously to access the Task Manager, and click the Applications tab. 2 Click to select the program that is no longer responding, and click End Task.
book.book Page 31 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM • Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information. • Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly. • Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program. • If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
book.book Page 32 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 3 When the DELL™ logo appears, press immediately. Select Diagnostics from the start menu and press . NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, and then shut down your computer and try again. NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.
book.book Page 33 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Reinstalling Software Drivers Identifying Drivers If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver. Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ Control Panel. 2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance, and click System. 3 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager.
book.book Page 34 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. Returning to a Previous Device Driver Version Windows XP: 1 Click Start→ My Computer→ Properties→ Hardware→ Device Manager.
book.book Page 35 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 2 When the Drivers and Utilities media installation program starts, follow the prompts on the screen. NOTE: In most cases, the Drivers and Utilities program starts running automatically. If it does not, start Windows Explorer, click your media drive directory to display the media contents, and then double-click the autorcd.exe file.
book.book Page 36 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 3 Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver (for example, Audio or Video). 4 Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver. 5 Click the Driver tab→ Update Driver→ Browse my computer for driver software. 6 Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files. 7 When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click the name of the driver→ OK→ Next.
book.book Page 37 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them. NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your computer to the Windows Classic view. Starting System Restore Windows XP: NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
book.book Page 38 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Windows Vista: 1 Click Start . 2 In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press . 3 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next. Enabling System Restore NOTE: Windows Vista does not disable System Restore; regardless of low disk space. Therefore, the steps below apply only to Windows XP. If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled.
book.book Page 39 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 3 In the System Recovery Options window, select a keyboard layout and click Next. 4 To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type administrator in the user name field, then click OK. 5 Click Dell Factory Image Restore. NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore. The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
book.book Page 40 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM To reinstall Windows, you need the Dell™ Operating System media and the Dell Drivers and Utilities media. NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed during the assembly of the computer. Use the Dell Drivers and Utilities media to load any required drivers.
book.book Page 41 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Finding Information 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. Document/Media/Label Contents Service Tag/Express Service Code • Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact support. The Service Tag/Express Service Code is located on your computer.
book.book Page 42 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Document/Media/Label Contents Service Manual • How to remove and replace parts The Service Manual for your computer can be found at support.dell.com. • How to configure system settings Dell Technology Guide • About your operating system The Dell Technology Guide is available at support.dell.com. • Using and maintaining devices Microsoft® Windows® License Label • Provides your operating system product key.
book.book Page 43 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 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. Follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
book.book Page 44 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 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.
book.book Page 45 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM • Dell Support e-mail addresses: mobile_support@us.dell.com support@us.dell.com la-techsupport@dell.com (Latin America and Caribbean countries only) apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) • Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addresses: apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only) • Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP): ftp.dell.
book.book Page 46 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call for your region or to speak to a sales specialist, see "Contacting Dell" on page 49.
book.book Page 47 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM 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. You may also be asked for your Service Tag (located on the back or bottom of your computer). Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 48).
book.
book.book Page 49 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM Contacting Dell For customers in the United States, call 800-WWW-DELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area.
book.
book.
book.
book.
book.