Dell M6400 manual

www .dell.com | support.dell.com Dell Precision™ M6400 Setup and Quick Reference Guide This guide provides a features over view , specifi cations, and quick setup, software, and troubleshooting inform ation for your computer . For more information about your operating sy st em, devices, and technologies, see the Dell T echnology Guide at support.[...]

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 ha rdware 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. If you purchased[...]

Contents 3 Contents 1 About Y our Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Battery Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Wireless Switch and De ll™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

4 Contents Ti p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . 29 Dell T echnical Update Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Dell Support Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

Contents 5 Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Returning Items fo r Warr anty Repair or Credit . . . . . 46 Before Y ou Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 book.book Page 5 Monday[...]

6 Contents book.book Page 6 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM[...]

About Y our Computer 7 About Y our Computer Front V iew 1 camera (optional) and micropho ne (2) 2 display latch (2) 3 display 4 fingerprint swipe/FIPS reader 5 power button 6 USB 2.0 and eSA T A connector 2 3 21 6 1 7 8 10 13 15 18 20 4 9 11 16 17 14 19 12 5 book.book Page 7 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM[...]

8 About Y our Computer Back V iew 7 VGA 8 DisplayPort 9 network connector (RJ-45) 10 ExpressCard slot 11 wireless switch and Wi-Fi Catcher™ network locator button 12 keyboard 13 wireless smartcard reader 14 track stick 15 track stick buttons (3) 1 6 display latch release 17 touch pad/jog shuttle 1 8 touch pad buttons (3) 19 keyboard status ligh t[...]

About Y our Computer 9 CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumula te in the air vents. Do not store your Dell™ computer in a low-airflow envir onment, 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. F[...]

10 About Y our Computer Wireless Switch and Dell™ Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator Use the wireless switch to enable or di sable wire less network devices and the W i-F i Catcher Network L ocator to locate networks. F or information about connecting to the Internet , see "Connecting to th e Internet" on page 14. wireless switch icon Del[...]

Setting Up Y our Computer 11 Setting Up Y our Computer Quick Setup CAUTION: Before you begin any of the proc edures in this section, follow the safety instructions that sh ipped with your computer . CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrica l outlets worldwide. However , power connectors and power strips vary among coun tries. Using an incompati[...]

12 Setting Up Y our Computer 2 Connect the network cable. 3 Connect USB devices, such as a mouse or keyboar d. 4 Connect IEEE 1394 devices, such as a D VD player . 5 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer . book.book Page 12 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM[...]

Setting Up Y our Computer 13 NOTE: It is recommended tha t you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards or connect the compu ter 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. 1 Internet ser[...]

14 Setting Up Y our Computer Connecting to the Internet NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country . T o 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 connect or on your computer and to the telephone wall connect[...]

Setting Up Y our Computer 15 5 F ollow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup. T ransferring Information to a New Computer Microsoft ® Windows Vista ® Operating Sy stem 1 Click the W indows Vista Start button , and then click T ransfer files and settings → Start Windows Easy T ran[...]

16 Setting Up Y our Computer T o prepar e a new computer for the file transfer: 1 Open the F iles and Settings T ransfer W izard: click Start → All P rograms → Accessories → System T ools → F iles and Settings T ransfer Wizard . 2 When the F iles and Settings T ransfer Wizard welcome screen appears, click Next . 3 On the Which computer is t[...]

Setting Up Y our Computer 17 Running the Files and Settings T ransfer Wizard Without the Operating Sy stem Media T o run the F iles and Settings T ransfer W izard without the Operating System media, you must cr eate a wizard disk th at will allow you to create a backup image file to removable media. T o create a wizar d disk, use your new computer [...]

18 Setting Up Y our Computer T o 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 . F ollow the instructions on the screen. The wizard r eads the coll[...]

Specifications 19 Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. Fo r more information regarding the configuration of yo ur computer , click Start → Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer . Processor P rocessor types Intel ® Core™ 2 Duo Intel Core 2 Duo Extr eme Edition Intel Core 2 Duo Quad Cor e In[...]

20 Specifications PC Card NOTE: The PC Card slot is designed only for PC Ca rds. It does NOT support ExpressCards. CardBus controller Ricoh R5C847 PC Card connector one (supports one T ype I or T ype II card) Cards supported 3.3 V and 5 V PC Card connector size 80 pins ExpressCard NOTE: The ExpressCard slot is designed only fo r ExpressCards. It do[...]

Specifications 21 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 ha lf Mini-Card slot for WLAN one dedicated full Mini-Card slot for WW AN (Mobile Broadband) one dedicated full Mini-Card slot for WP [...]

22 Specifications Video Video type: Discrete Data bus PCI-Express video x16 Video controller nVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M or NVIDIA Quadro FX 2700M Video memory 512MB for NVIDI A Quadro FX 2700M or 1GB for nVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M Video output 15-pin video connector and dual-mode DisplayP ort connector Audio Audio type two-channel High Definition Audio Aud[...]

Specifications 23 Dimensions: Height: WXGA+/WUXGA (CCFL) 245mm (9.64 inches) WUXGA (LED) 248mm (9.76 inches) W idth (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 16.7 M colors Operating angle 0° (closed[...]

24 Specifications Keyboard Number of keys in United States: 101 keys in United Kingdom: 102 keys in Brazil: 104 keys in Japan: 105 keys Layout QWER TY/AZER TY/Kanji T ouch 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 47.11 mm Battery T ype 9-cell smart lithium ion (85 WH r) Charge time with c[...]

Specifications 25 AC Adapter Input voltage 100–240 V AC 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) Wi d t h 44 mm (1.73 in) Depth 198 mm (7.95 in) T emperature range: Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°[...]

26 Specifications Environmental T emperature 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 [...]

T roubleshooting T ips 27 T r oubleshooting T ips CAUTION: Alway s unplug your computer fr om the electrical outlet before opening the cover . NOTE: For detailed troubleshooti ng information, includin g responding to sy stem messages, see your Service Manual on support.dell.com . Using the Hardware T roubleshooter 1 Click the W indows Vista Start b[...]

28 T r oubleshooting T ips • 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 ar e plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on. • Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such [...]

T roubleshooting T ips 29 Memory Problems CAUTION: Before working inside yo ur computer , read the safety information that shipped with your computer . For additiona l safety best practices information, see www .dell.com/regulatory_compliance . I F YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE — • Save and close any open files and exit any open pr[...]

30 T r oubleshooting T ips The computer does not start up E NSURE THAT THE POWER CABLE IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET A program stops responding E ND THE PROGRAM — 1 P ress <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneou sly to access the T ask Manager , and click the Applications tab. 2 Click to select the prog[...]

T roubleshooting T ips 31 • Ensure that your computer meets the minimum har dware requir ements needed to run the software. See the softwar e documentation for information. • Ensure that the program is installed and configur ed properly . • V erify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program. • If necessary , uninstall and then[...]

32 T r oubleshooting T ips 3 When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately . Select Diagnostics from the start menu and press <Enter>. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating sy stem logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft ® Windows ® desktop, and then shut down your computer and try again. NOTE: If yo[...]

Reinstalling Software 33 Reinstalling Software Drivers Identifying Drivers If you experience a problem with any de vice, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary , update the driver . Wi n d o w s X P : 1 Click Start → Control P anel . 2 Under Pick a Ca tegory , click P erformance and Maintenance , and click Sys[...]

34 Reinstalling Software 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 n ot work correctly . Returning to a Previous Device Driver V ersion Wi n d ow [...]

Reinstalling Software 35 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 Wi ndows Explorer , click your media drive directory to display the media conten ts, and then do uble-click the aut[...]

36 Reinstalling Software 3 Double-click the type of device for wh ich you are installing the driver (for exa m p le , Audio or Vi d e o ). 4 Double-click the name of the device fo r 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[...]

Reinstalling Software 37 NOTICE: Make regular backups of your da ta files. Sy stem Restore does not monitor your data fi les or recover them. NOTE: The procedures in this document we re written for th e Windows default view , so they may not app ly if you set your computer to the Windows Classic view . Starting Sy stem Restore Wi n d o w s X P : NO[...]

38 Reinstalling Software Wi n d ow s Vi s t a : 1 Click Start . 2 In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press <Enter>. 3 Click Undo my last restoration and click Next . Enabling Sy stem Restore NOTE: Windows Vista does not disable Sy st em Restore; regardless of low disk space. Therefore, the steps be low apply only to Windows XP .[...]

Reinstalling Software 39 3 In the System Recovery Options window , select a k eyboard layout and click Next . 4 T o access the r ecovery options, log on as a local user . T o access the command prompt, type administrator in the user name field, then click OK . 5 Click Dell F actory Image Restore . NOTE: Depending upon your configurati on, you may n[...]

40 Reinstalling Software T o reinstall W indows, you need the Dell™ Operating System media a nd 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. Depending on the region f[...]

Finding Information 41 Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and ma y not ship with your computer . Some features or media may n ot be available in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer . Document/Media/Label Contents Service T ag/Express Ser vice Code The Service T ag/Expr ess Servic[...]

42 Finding Information Service Manual The Service Manual for your computer can be found at support.dell.com . • How to remove and r eplace parts • How to configure system settings • How to troubleshoot and solve problems Dell T echnology Guide The Dell T echnology Guide is available at support.dell.com. • About your operating system • Usi[...]

Getting Help 43 Getting Help Obtaining Assistance CAUTION: If you need to remove the comp uter cover , first disconnect the computer power and mode m cables from all electric al outlets. Follow the safety instructions that shippe d with your computer . If you experience a problem with yo ur computer , you can complete the following steps to diagnos[...]

44 Getting Help NOTE: Some of the following serv ices are not alway s available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your loca l Dell representative for information on availability . T echnical Support and Customer Service Dell's support service is available to answer your questions about Dell™ hardwar e. Our support staff uses[...]

Getting Help 45 • 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/P acific countries only) • Dell Marketing and Sales e-mail addr esses: apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/P acific countries only) sales_canada@dell.com (Canada o[...]

46 Getting Help Product Information If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an or der , visit the Dell website at www .dell.com . F or the telephone number to call for your regi on or to speak to a sales specialist, see "Contacting Dell" on page 49. Returning Items for W arranty[...]

Getting Help 47 Before Y ou Call NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell’ s automated-support telephone sy stem direct y our call more efficiently . Y ou may also be asked for your Service T ag (located on the back or bottom of your computer). Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnost[...]

48 Getting Help Diagnostics Checklist Name: Date: Address: Phone number: Service T ag (bar code on the back or bottom of the computer): Express Service Code: Return Material Authorization Number (i f provided by Dell support technician): Operating system and version: Devices: Expansion cards: Are you connected to a network? Y es No Network, version[...]

Getting Help 49 Contacting Dell F or customers in the United States , call 800- WWW -DELL (800-999-3355). NOTE: If you do not have an active Inter net connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telepho ne-based support and service options. A va[...]

50 Getting Help book.book Page 50 Monday, September 8, 2008 11:51 AM[...]

Index 51 Index B battery removal, 9 C connecting AC adapter , 1 1 IEEE 1394 devices, 1 2 Internet, 1 4 network, 1 3 network cable, 1 2 USB devices, 1 2 contacting Dell, 43, 49 D Dell c o n t a c t i n g , 43, 49 software updates, 3 1 Support Utility , 3 1 technical support and customer service, 4 4 T echnical Update Service, 3 1 Dell Diagnostics, 3[...]

52 Index F F iles and Settings T ransfer Wi z a r d , 1 5 finding information, 41 I Internet connecting, 1 4 setting up, 1 4 W i-F i Catcher Network Loc ato r , 1 0 wireless switch, 1 0 L license label, 42 M media Drivers and Utilities, 4 1 operating system, 4 1 memory troubleshooting, 2 9 N networks connecting, 1 3 overview , 1 3 networks (continu[...]

Index 53 S safety information, 41 Service Manual, 42 Service T ag, 41 setup computer , 1 1 Internet, 1 4 quick setup, 1 1 software problems, 3 0 reinstalling, 3 3 troubleshooting, 3 0 updates, 3 1 specifications AC adapter , 2 4 all, 1 9 audio , 2 2 battery , 2 4 communications, 2 1 display , 2 2 environmental, 2 5 fingerprint reader , 2 5 key b o [...]

54 Index V view back, 7 - 8 front, 7 W warranty information, 41 W i-F i Catcher Network Loc ato r , 10 W indows License label, 42 W indows Vista Dell F actory Image Restore, 3 8 Device Driver Rollback, 3 4 P rogram Compatibility wizard, 3 0 reinstalling, 4 1 returning to a pr evious device driver version, 3 4 System Restore, 3 6 W indows XP Device [...]