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Dell Latitude XPiCD Reference Manual

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  • Page 1 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide ® ® ®...
  • Page 2 Prodigy Services Co.; CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

  • Page 3: Safety Instructions

    Safety Instructions se the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety. hen Using Your Computer As you use your computer, observe the following safety guidelines: • When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.

  • Page 4: Memory Modules

    Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting Your Computer.” If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating prop- erly, contact Dell Computer Corporation. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for the appropriate tele- phone number.) rgonomic Computing Habits WARNING: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.
  • Page 5 Disconnect your computer and peripherals from AC power to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication line from the computer. Remove the battery from the battery compartment. wrists relaxed and flat arms at desk level Open the input/output (I/O) panel door on the back of your computer, and ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O...
  • Page 6 rotecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer’s I/O panel.
  • Page 7 This Guide This guide is intended for anyone who uses the Dell Latitude XPi CD portable computer. It can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the features of the computer. This guide...
  • Page 8 Read this online document before calling Dell for technical assistance. Look for the Dell Q&A icon in the Dell Accessories folder or group. The Dell DiskMaker helps you with one of the most critical parts of setting up your system—...
  • Page 9 • Commands presented in lowercase bold are for ref- erence purposes only and are not intended to be typed at that particular point in the discussion. Example: “Use the format command to ..” In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New font are intended to be typed as part of an instruction.

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Accessing the Dell Control Center ........
  • Page 12 Display Time-Out ..........2-7 Expansion Device .
  • Page 13 Chapter 3 Troubleshooting Your Computer ......3-1 Backing Up Your Files ..........3-1 Basic Checks .
  • Page 14 Features of the Dell Diagnostics........
  • Page 15 RAM Test Group........... . 4-12 Why Run a RAM Test? .
  • Page 16 Dell Diagnostics Program ........
  • Page 17 Graphics Mode Test ..........B-4 320 x 200 Graphics Mode Screens.
  • Page 18 Diagnostics Menu ........4-2 Figure 4-2. Main Screen of the Dell Diagnostics ......4-4 Figure 5-1.
  • Page 19 Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests ........4-10 Table 4-3.
  • Page 20 xxii...

  • Page 21: Introduction

    ® ® he Dell Latitude XPi CD portable computer is an expandable multimedia system designed around an ® ® Intel Pentium microprocessor and Peripheral keyboard trackball front infrared port diskette drive Figure 1-1. Front View of the Computer Chapter 1 Introduction Component Interconnect (PCI) technology.

  • Page 22: Hardware Features

    — Software Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) software that lets you view MPEG-1 video clips on your monitor and provides synchronized audio playback through the computer’s sound system Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide PC Card slot speaker power switch tilt-support foot —...

  • Page 23: Software Features

    System Setup options and system utilities are in a diskette kit that accompanied the computer. Customers who installed their own operating system can order this diskette kit from Dell. To order, see Chap- ter 5,“Getting Help,” for the appropriate telephone number in your location.

  • Page 24: Interchanging Hard-Disk Drives

    “Hard-Disk Drive” in the online System User’s Guide. You can also use the hard-disk drive from Dell Latitude XP and XPi computers in your new Dell Latitude XPi CD. Before using the drive, however, you must update it with video drivers and utilities designed for your new computer.

  • Page 25: Customizing System Features

    See the topic titled “Customizing System Configurations” in your online System User’s Guide for more information about the setup options in the Dell Control Center. The Dell Control Center also contains detailed help that gives you all the information you need to set options.

  • Page 26: Working With System Setup Screens

    NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, consult the documentation that accompanied your operating system. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide If you change the setting of an option that requires rebooting in order to take effect, press <...

  • Page 27: Table 2-1. System Setup Navigation Keys

    • Options The box on the left half of both screens lists options that define the installed hardware in your computer (Page 1) and the power conservation and security features for your computer (Page 2). Fields next to the options contain settings or values. You can change those values that appear bright on the screen.

  • Page 28: Figure 2-1. System Setup Screens

    IntelliSpin: Primary Password: Admin Password: Tab,Shift-Tab change fields Figure 2-1. System Setup Screens Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Dell Computer Corporation Dell Latitude XPi CD System Setup Mon Feb 12, 1997 1216 MB 3.5 inch, 1.44 MB...

  • Page 29: System Setup Options

    System Setup Options The following subsections explain in detail each of the system setup options found in the System Setup program. The subsections are alphabetized to make it easy for you to find the appropriate option. is one of the categories of POWER MANAGEMENT.

  • Page 30: Boot Sequence

    Dell for technical assistance. NOTE: Dell may periodically offer revisions of the BIOS that add features or solve specific problems. Because the BIOS for your computer is stored on a reprogrammable flash-memory chip, you can use the Flash BIOS Update program to update your computer’s BIOS entirely...

  • Page 31: Diskette Drive A

    . To increase battery 4 MINUTES DISPLAY TIME-OUT option to DISPLAY TIME-OUT option takes effect DISPLAY TIME-OUT shows the type of Dell Latitude option. tells you how much external cache option. EXTERNAL CACHE allows you to avoid resource con- Customizing System Features...

  • Page 32: Integrated Trackball

    For a change in the INTEGRATED TRACKBALL take effect, you must reboot your computer. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide IntelliSpin INTELLISPIN which can cause the computer to vibrate when the CD-ROM drive is in use. This option allows you to use discs that might otherwise be unreadable.

  • Page 33: Microprocessor

    • indicates that the computer detects a PC ENABLED Card in the PC Card connector and that power is available to the connector. • indicates that the computer detects a PC DISABLED Card in the PC Card connector but no power is avail- able to the connector.

  • Page 34: Primary Password

    In order for the this feature must be enabled in the device driver for your modem PC Card. All drivers supplied by Dell with your computer are configured to allow the computer to resume normal operation when a modem receives an incoming call. If you use a PC Card that you did not receive from Dell, check the documentation to make sure this feature is enabled.

  • Page 35: Serial Port

    NVRAM by Dell during the manufacturing process. Be prepared to supply this identification during technical assistance or service calls. The service tag is also accessed by certain Dell sup- port software, including diagnostics. There are no user-selectable settings for this option.

  • Page 36: Suspend Time-Out

    (DRAM) installed in your computer. 2-12 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide The amount of memory displayed includes the standard 16 megabytes (MB) of system memory (permanently installed on the system board), plus any memory modules installed in your computer.

  • Page 37: Video Memory

    Windows NT, or Windows for Workgroups, use the Dell DiskMaker to make program dis- kette sets of installed software, including system utilities. Look for the Dell DiskMaker icon in the Dell Accesso- ries folder or group. NOTE: If you received the utilities and drivers sepa-...

  • Page 38: Asset Tag Utility

    < >. ENTER The computer then displays the new or modified asset tag code as well as the service tag code Dell assigned to your computer. To view an existing asset tag code, type asset and press < >.

  • Page 39: Removing The S2D Partition

    The readme.s2d file contains instructions for creating and removing the S2D partition and updates information about the Suspend-to-Disk utility. If Dell did not install MS-DOS on your computer or if you deleted the Dell-installed Suspend-to-Disk utility, you must create an S2D partition on your hard-disk drive before you can activate suspend-to-disk mode.
  • Page 40 If an error message appears, it provides information about steps to take to continue building the partition. 2-16 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide >. When the S2D partition has been built and verified, the following message appears: The S2D partition was successfully created.

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting Your Computer

    Troubleshooting Your Computer f your Dell computer is not working as expected, this chapter provides both initial checks for solving basic computer problems and detailed troubleshooting proce- dures. It lists system messages and beep codes, their possible causes, and actions you can take to resolve any problems indicated by a message or code.

  • Page 42: Checking Connections

    Figure 3-1. AC adapter AC adapter cable Figure 3-1. AC Adapter and Power Cable Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide • The battery Figure 3-2. Removing the Battery AC power cable (to •...

  • Page 43: Look And Listen

    < SCROLL LOCK keyboard indicators do not light up, run the Keyboard Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) The diskette-drive The diskette-drive access indicator should flicker when you access data on the diskette drive.

  • Page 44: System Setup Options

    See Chapter 2, “Cus- tomizing System Features,” for detailed information. If, after checking the system setup options, you have not resolved the problem, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 45: Table 3-2. System Error Messages

    If the problem persists, enable the system setup option. (For instructions, see “Inte- BALL grated Trackball” in Chapter 2, or the topic titled “Dell Control Center” in your online System User’s Guide.) If the problem persists, call Dell for technical assis- tance.
  • Page 46 Turn off the computer, remove the drive, and boot the computer from a bootable diskette. Then turn off the computer, reinstall the drive, and reboot the computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drive Test Group in the Dell diag- nostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Turn off the computer, remove the drive, and boot the computer from a bootable diskette.
  • Page 47 Then turn off the computer again, reinstall the drive, and reboot the com- puter. If the problem persists, try another drive. Then run the Hard-Disk Drive Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diag- nostics.”) See “Troubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive”...
  • Page 48 NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 3-2. System Error Messages Action See “Troubleshooting Memory”...
  • Page 49 Action Reinstall your operating system. See the documenta- tion that came with your operating system. Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) If you are trying to boot from the diskette, replace it with one that has a bootable operating system.

  • Page 50: System Beep Codes

    (code 1-1-3) means that the computer was unable to read the data in nonvolatile ran- dom-access memory (NVRAM). This information is important to the Dell support staff if you need to call for technical assistance. 3-10 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 3-2.

  • Page 51: Table 3-3. Beep Codes

    NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Table 3-3. Beep Codes Action Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions.) If the program does not load, call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”)
  • Page 52 Run the Video Memory Test in the Dell diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Run the Video Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (For instruc- tions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Run the Video Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (For instruc- tions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)

  • Page 53: Finding Software Solutions

    You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by software by first running the System Set Test Group as described in Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” If all tests in the test group complete successfully, the error condi- tion is most likely caused by software.

  • Page 54: Initialization Or Startup Files

    (EMM). Under the following conditions, expanded memory can greatly enhance the computer’s ability to use application 3-14 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide programs that require more memory than is available in the conventional memory area: •...

  • Page 55: Program Conflicts

    result when other programs require use of all or part of the memory already occupied by these TSR programs. Typically, your operating system’s initialization or start-up files contain commands to start TSR programs when you boot your computer. If you suspect that one of these TSR programs is causing a memory conflict, remove the com- mands that start them from the start-up file.

  • Page 56: Memory Allocations

    MS-DOS. 3-16 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 3-5. Conventional Memory Map (Continued) Address Range 00000h–003FFh...

  • Page 57: I/O Map

    Table 3-6. Upper Memory Map Address Range 0009FC00–0009FFFF PS/2-mouse data area 000A0000–000BFFFF Video RAM 000C0000–000C7FFF Video BIOS 000C8000–000CFFFF Available 000D0000–000DBFFF Reserved for PC Card 000F0000–000FFFFF System BIOS 00100000–0010FFEF High memory area 0010FFF0–1FFFFFFF Extended memory 20000000–FFFBFFFF Reserved FFFC0000–FFFFFFFF BIOS ROM NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide.

  • Page 58: Troubleshooting Procedures

    If the diskette drive, hard-disk drive, or either of the PC Card slots is wet, remove any installed 3-18 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide diskette, hard-disk drive, or PC Cards, and put them in a safe place to dry.

  • Page 59: Troubleshooting A Damaged Computer

    12. Does the computer work properly? Yes. The problem is resolved. No. If the computer is able to boot, run the Dell diag- nostics to identify computer damage. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions.) If the computer is unable to boot, see “Troubleshooting...

  • Page 60: Total Power Failure When Using The Ac Adapter

    Call Dell for technical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions. 3-20 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter If no signs of power are present in the computer when...

  • Page 61: Total Power Failure When Using The Battery

    10. Turn on the computer. Is the power indicator on and the low-battery indicator off? Yes. Your original battery is defective. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chap- ter 5, “Getting Help,”...

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting The Diskette Drive

    Built-In Display” found later in this section. If the display still does not work, connect an 3-22 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide external monitor and run the Dell diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions.) If you cannot isolate the problem after...

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting The Cd-Rom Drive

    D? Yes. The problem is resolved. No. Go to step 6. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, and reboot the computer. Then run the IDE CD ROM Drives Test Group. Does your CD-ROM drive pass all the tests? Yes.

  • Page 64: Troubleshooting An External Keyboard Or External Keypad

    Yes. Continue to step 7. No. Go to step 8. 3-24 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Replace your diagnostics diskette with the operat- ing system diskette, and reboot the computer. Does the operating system load now? Yes.

  • Page 65: Troubleshooting Memory

    Do the characters appear on the display? Yes. The external keyboard may be defective. Run the Keyboard Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions.) If you cannot isolate the problem after running the diagnostics, call Dell for technical assis- tance.

  • Page 66: Troubleshooting The Built-In Display

    Run the Dell diagnostics. For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” If you get any error messages when run- ning the tests, call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.) Troubleshooting the Built-In Display...

  • Page 67: Troubleshooting An External Monitor

    For instructions, see the topic titled “Connecting an External Monitor” in the online System User’s Guide. If you do not have another external monitor, call Dell for technical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions. Reboot the computer, and adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast.

  • Page 68: Troubleshooting The Basic I/O Functions

    Yes. You have fixed the problem. No. Continue to step 3. 3-28 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Check the contents of the initialization and start- up files. (See “Installing and Configuring Soft- ware” found earlier in this chapter.) Are the port configuration commands correct? Yes.

  • Page 69: Troubleshooting A Serial I/O Device

    Turn on the computer and the serial device. Is the problem resolved? Yes. You probably need a new device. Call Dell for technical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions. No. Call Dell for technical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,”...

  • Page 70: Troubleshooting Audio Functions

    Is the problem resolved? Yes. The problem is resolved. No. Go to step 3. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, reboot the computer, and run the Serial/Infrared Ports Test Group in the Dell diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) Do...

  • Page 71: Running The Dell Diagnostics

    Dell Diagnostics To troubleshoot components or devices, run the appropri- ate test (test group or subtest) in the diagnostics on your Dell Diagnostics Diskette. The diagnostics program exercises the functional components and devices of the computer more vigorously and thoroughly than they are exercised during normal operation.

  • Page 72: Before You Start Testing

    Place the Dell Diagnostics Diskette in the diskette drive, and boot the computer. NOTE: Before you read the rest of this chapter, you may want to start the Dell diagnostics so you can see the menus on your display. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 73: How To Use The Dell Diagnostics

    Use the Dell Diagnostics When you select RUN ALL TESTS from the Diagnostics Menu, the main screen of the diagnostics appears (see Figure 4-2). The main screen lists the diagnostic test groups, gives information about the configuration of the com- puter, and allows you to select options from a menu.

  • Page 74: Confirming The System Configuration Information

    Display the Run Menu. * The CD-ROM drive is recognized as IDE Drive 2. NOTE: The options displayed on your screen reflect the hardware configuration of the computer system. Figure 4-2. Main Screen of the Dell Diagnostics onfirming the System Configuration Information...

  • Page 75: How To Use The Menu

    >. To clear all selected test groups, SPACEBAR CLEAR ALL option displays a list of key controls available option returns you to QUIT MENU Running the Dell Diagnostics KEY- , only the high- , the SELECTED SUBTEST , five options...

  • Page 76: Subtest

    KEY-HELP option returns you to the previous menu. QUIT MENU Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Options Under Subtest same manner as the information on that option, see “Options” found later in this section.

  • Page 77: Number Of Times To Repeat Test(S)

    , the status mes- FILE , the error mes- FILE DISPLAY , the diagnostics pauses when parameter is set to , the diagnostics ignores because they require user parameter to when you want to PAUSE Running the Dell Diagnostics > CTRL...

  • Page 78: Output Device For Status Messages

    > key combination to CTRL reboot the computer. If necessary, start your operating system. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into the diskette drive. Double-click the Notepad icon. Then select from the File menu. In the File Name text box, type a:\result and press <...

  • Page 79: About

    Dell Diagnostics > key. The The diagnostics is organized by components into test groups remain in effect until and subtests within each test group.

  • Page 80: Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests

    Diskette Drives NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. 4-10 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests Subtests...
  • Page 81 Tests the components through which peripherals that use the parallel port, such as printers, send and receive data. Tests the SCSI controller in the Dell Lat- itude XP/XPi Advanced Port Replicator and all the SCSI devices attached to it. Tests the read and write access...

  • Page 82: Error Messages

    RAM. You should run the stand-alone RAM Test program (ramtest.exe) from the MS-DOS prompt if, for some reason, the diagnostics cannot load into memory. 4-12 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests Subtests Software Reset Test...

  • Page 83: Why Run A Ram Test

    I/O circuitry, that are tested by other test groups or subtests in the diagnostics. You should run the System Set Test Group if you are having >. The default value is 1. Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-13...

  • Page 84: Subtests

    (You can confirm that the software is not at fault by moving the program to another computer and running it there.) 4-14 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide • The computer halts in the middle of performing cal- culations or complex mathematical operations.

  • Page 85: Video Test Group

    Thermal Control Test Checks the functionality of the thermal-monitoring and microprocessor speed-switching device on the system board. This test does not apply to the Dell Latitude LM. ideo Test Group The subtests in the Video Test Group verify the proper operation of the video controller and the video control circuitry installed in the computer.

  • Page 86: Keyboard Test Group

    Key- board Test Group. (Clear them from memory by booting the computer from the Dell Diagnostics Diskette.) When these possibilities have been eliminated, and if the following symptoms occur, you should run one or more of the subtests in the Keyboard Test Group: •...

  • Page 87: Subtests

    The hard-disk drive keeps a record of this space so that the computer will not attempt to use it. Identification of unusable disk space, unless it is an unusually large Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-17...

  • Page 88: Subtests

    4-18 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide DE CD ROM Drives Test Group The subtests in the IDE CD ROM Drives Test Group check the functionality of the integrated drive electronics (IDE) CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 89: Serial/Infrared Ports Test Group

    The subtests in this test group are not intended as a diagnostic test for the actual peripheral attached to each port. Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-19...

  • Page 90: Why Run A Parallel Ports Test

    PARALLEL MODE run the appropriate subtest in the Parallel Ports Test Group. 4-20 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Subtests The four subtests in the Parallel Ports Test Group confirm system setup option the following port functions: •...

  • Page 91: Why Run A Scsi Devices Test

    The subtests in the Network Interface Test Group verify the basic operation of the network interface controller in the Dell Latitude Advanced Port Replicator. They test the controller’s internal functions, including read and write access to its registers and internal transmit and receive (loopback) capability.

  • Page 92: Subtests

    In 4-22 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide the absence of an expected sound, first check the docu- mentation that accompanied your operating system or sound application to see if the sound features are cor- rectly configured to work with the computer.
  • Page 93 Record and Playback Test. When prompted, type y if you want to try the test again (for instance, if you did not speak quickly enough after pressing a key to begin the test). Otherwise, press n. Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-23...
  • Page 94 4-24 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 95: Getting Help

    For more information, see “Before You Call” found later in this chapter. elp Tools Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. Table 5-1 lists subjects you may want information about, tasks you may want to perform, and the tool(s) you can use for help.

  • Page 96: Dell Q&A

    Dell anticipates your questions by providing the Dell Q&A, a Windows-based online file that answers ques- tions that are often asked by Dell computer users. Look for the Dell Q&A icon in the Dell Accessories folder or group. System User’s Guide The Windows-based online System User’s Guide includes...

  • Page 97: Commercial Online Services

    This program provides valuable information that can help you fix the problem, or can help Dell technicians should you need to call Dell. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics,” for instructions on using the diagnostics. You can use this diagnostic program to test major components or devices in the computer, if it can boot.

  • Page 98: Techconnect Bbs

    Automated Order-Status System You can call this automated service to check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, see Table 5-3.

  • Page 99: Before You Call

    If you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, a technician will assign a return material authorization number. Record the number on the checklist, and include the filled-out check- list in the shipping box.

  • Page 100: Figure 5-1. Diagnostics Checklist

    See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system’s start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell. Error message or beep code: ______________________________________________________________________...

  • Page 101: Dell Contact Numbers

    Contact Numbers When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone num- bers and codes provided in Tables 5-2 and 5-3. Table 5-2 provides the various codes required to make long-dis- tance and international calls. Table 5-3 provides local...

  • Page 102: Table 5-2. International Dialing Codes

    Japan (Tokyo) Korea (Seoul) Luxembourg Malaysia (Penang) Mexico (Colonia Granada) Netherlands (Amsterdam) New Zealand Norway (Lysaker) Poland (Warsaw) Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-2. International Dialing Codes International Access Code Country Code 0011 — — City Code...
  • Page 103 Table 5-2. International Dialing Codes Country (City) Singapore (Singapore) South Africa (Johannesburg) Spain (Madrid) Sweden (Upplands Vasby) Switzerland (Geneva) U.K. (Bracknell) U.S. (Austin, Texas) International Access Code Country Code 09/091 (Continued) City Code Not required 1344 Not required Getting Help...

  • Page 104: Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers

    For technical assistance in this country after normal working hours, use one of the following numbers: (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.). 5-10 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (International call to the Netherlands)
  • Page 105 Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers Country Department Name or Service Canada Automated Order-Status System ......toll free: 1-800-433-9014...
  • Page 106 (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.). 5-12 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers ......16 1 ....47 62 68 90 (Paris) .
  • Page 107 Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers Country Department Name or Service Ireland* Customer Technical Support ........1-850-543-543 (Bray) Sales .
  • Page 108 For technical assistance in this country after normal working hours, use one of the following numbers: (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.). 5-14 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers (Brussels, Belgium) .
  • Page 109 Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers Country Department Name or Service New Zealand Technical Support ..........0800 446 255 Sales .
  • Page 110 (353-1) 204 4008 or (353-1) 286 5908 (English only—the call is rerouted to the U.S.). 5-16 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Table 5-3. Dell Contact Numbers ....022 ....979 01 50 (Swiss French) .
  • Page 111 Dell Direct ........
  • Page 112 5-18 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 113: Technical Specifications

    Appendix A Technical Specifications Table A-1. Technical Specifications Microprocessor Microprocessor type ....Intel Pentium microprocessor Microprocessor speed ... . . 150 MHz Bus architecture .
  • Page 114 The system supports fast-page-mode memory modules for memory upgrades. NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide (Continued) PC Card Texas Instruments PCI1130 CardBus controller bination;...
  • Page 115 (Fast IR) line-in/audio-in headphones/speakers Audio music functions ESS 690 wavetable music synthesizer ESS 938 3D audio spatializer microphone-in minijack headphones/speakers-out minijack tions, software application menus, or the Speaker window in the Dell Control Center Technical Specifications...
  • Page 116 Layout ......QWERTY/AZERTY/Kanji NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide (Continued) Video...
  • Page 117 Table A-1. Technical Specifications Type ......lithium ion Dimensions: Height ..... . 20.5 mm (0.81 inch) Depth .
  • Page 118 The CD-ROM drive in your computer may have different specifications. NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide (Continued) AC Adapter 3.5 A (continuous)
  • Page 119 Table A-1. Technical Specifications CD-ROM Drive Access time: Random ..... 250 m/sec Full-stroke ....550 m/sec Memory buffer .
  • Page 120 Measured with the hard-disk in head-park position. NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Environmental (Computer) (Continued)

  • Page 121: Appendix B Diagnostic Video Tests

    Diagnostic Video Tests he Video Test Group of the diskette-based diagnostics consists of the following eight tests, each of which veri- fies a particular video function or group of functions on your built-in display or on an external monitor: • Video Memory Test —...

  • Page 122: Character Attributes Subtest (80

    Figure B-1. 80-Column x 25-Line Character Set Subtest Screen Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Character Attributes Subtest (40 x 25) The 40-column x 25-line character attributes subtest displays four lines of text, in 40-column by 25-line...

  • Page 123: Text Mode Color Test

    ext Mode Color Test The Text Mode Color Test contains three subtests that check the video subsystem’s ability to present color in text modes. The following subsections describe these subtests. Color Attributes Subtest (80 x 25) The 80-column x 25-line color attributes subtest displays a pattern of 16 rows and 16 columns in 80-column by 25-line text mode.

  • Page 124: Color Attributes Subtest (40

    The following subsections describe the Graphics Mode Test screens in the order in which they appear. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide 320 x 200 Graphics Mode Screens The Graphics Mode Test displays two successive 320 x 200-pixel graphics mode screens. The first screen displays three pyramids in red, green, and yellow.

  • Page 125: 640 X 480 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen

    Figure B-3. 640 x 480 2-Color Graphics Mode Screen 640 x 480 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen The 640- x 480-pixel 16-color graphics mode screen dis- plays a series of stars in 16 different colors with the name of the color beneath each star. Type y if all the stars are the correct colors;...

  • Page 126: Solid Colors Test

    Type y if all the squares are the correct colors; otherwise, type n. Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide olid Colors Test The Solid Colors Test checks whether the video sub- system is displaying the correct colors.

  • Page 127: Regulatory Notices

    Using shielded cables ensures that you maintain the appropriate FCC certification for a Class B device of this product. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell Computer Corporation. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

  • Page 128: Modem Requirements

    Interference-Causing Equipment Standard #3 (ICES-003) as Class B digital devices. To determine which classifica- tion (Class A or B) applies to your computer (or other Dell digital apparatus), examine all registration labels located on the bottom or the back panel of your computer (or other...

  • Page 129: Canadian Modem Requirements

    Dell system to the EMC (Electromagnetic Compati- bility) directive of the European Community. Such marking is indicative that this Dell system meets or exceeds the following technical standards: • EN 55022 — “Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.”...

  • Page 130: Vcci Notices (Japan Only

    Safety of Information Technology Equipment including Electrical Business Equipment. A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the above standards has been made and is on file at Dell Products Europe BV, Limerick, Ireland. CCI Notices (Japan only) Most Dell computer systems are classified by the Volun- tary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) as Class 2 information technology equipment (ITE).

  • Page 131: Class A Device

    Class A Device Please note that this device has been approved for business purposes with regard to electromagnetic interference. If you find that this device is not suitable for your use, you may exchange it for a device that has been approved for use in residential as well as business environments.
  • Page 132 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 133: Warranties And Return Policy

    (except as specifically noted); accessories or parts added to a Dell system after the sys- tem is shipped from Dell; accessories or parts added to a Dell system through Dell’s system integration depart- ment;...

  • Page 134: General

    Dell’s Customer Technical Support in advance to obtain Dell’s concurrence that a part should be replaced and to have Dell ship the replacement part. Dell will ship parts using next-business- day delivery, shipping prepaid if you use an address in the continental U.S.

  • Page 135: Coverage During Year One

    You will pay Dell for replacement parts if the replaced part is not returned to Dell within 30 days after the date the replacement part was shipped by Dell and for parts used to repair systems not covered by this limited war- ranty.

  • Page 136: Limited One-Year Warranty (U.s. Only)

    (except as specifically noted); accessories or parts added to a Dell system after the sys- tem is shipped from Dell; accessories or parts added to a Dell system through Dell’s system integration depart- ment;...

  • Page 137: Limited One-Year Warranty (Canada Only)

    (except as specifically noted); accessories or parts added to a Dell system after the sys- tem is shipped from Dell; accessories or parts added to a Dell system through Dell’s system integration depart- ment;...

  • Page 138: Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.s. And Canada Only

    Dell company, you may return them to Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Dell up to 30 days from date of invoice for a refund of the product purchase price if already paid. This refund will not include any shipping and handling charges shown on your invoice.

  • Page 139: Index

    5-7 warranty repair or credit, 5-4 audio controller, 1-3 audio functions troubleshooting, 3-30 audio jacks, 1-2 Audio Test Group Dell diagnostics, 4-22 AutoTech service, 5-3 basic input/output system. See BIOS battery, 1-3 Index beep codes, 3-11 See also error messages...
  • Page 140 4-12 features, 4-1 Hard-Disk Drives (Non-SCSI Test Group), 4-17 IDE CD ROM Drives Test Group, 4-18 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Dell diagnostics (continued) Keyboard Test Group, 4-16 main screen, 4-4 Mouse Test Group, 4-16...
  • Page 141 S2D partition, 2-14 testing, 4-17 troubleshooting, 3-23 Hard-Disk Drives (Non-SCSI) Test Group Dell diagnostics, 4-17 help from Dell Computer Corporation, 5-1 help tools AutoTech service, 5-3 Dell diagnostics program, 4-1, 5-3 Dell Q&A, 5-2 TechConnect BBS, 5-4 TechFax service, 5-3 user’s documentation, 5-2...
  • Page 142 3-14 extended, 3-14 failure during POST, 3-25 I/O map, 3-17 maximum configuration, 1-2 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide memory (continued) memory modules, 1-2 RAM Test Group in Dell diagnostics, 4-12 system memory, 1-2, 2-12 memory modules...
  • Page 143 Options option in Dell diagnostics, 4-6 options, 1-4 parallel port disabling, 2-9 mapping, 2-9 troubleshooting, 3-27 Parallel Ports Test Group in Dell diagnostics, 4-19 parallel printer troubleshooting, 3-28 passwords administrator password, 2-5 primary password, 2-10 PC Card slot, 1-2 PC Cards...
  • Page 144 Dell diagnostics, 4-19 service, 5-1 service tag, 2-11 setup program. See System Setup program shielded cables, C-1 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide software device drivers, 3-15 error messages, 3-14 included with your computer, 1-3 installing and configuring, 3-13...
  • Page 145 2-1 confirming with Dell diagnostics, 4-4 viewing, 2-4 system memory, 2-12 system messages, 3-4 System Set Test Group Dell diagnostics, 4-13 System Setup program about, 2-1 AC option, 2-5 Admin Password option, 2-5 Alarm Resume option, 2-5...
  • Page 146 POST, 3-23 I/O functions, 3-28 infrared ports, 3-29 IRQ conflicts, 3-15 messages, 3-4 monitor, 3-27 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide troubleshooting (continued) parallel port, 3-27 parallel printer, 3-28 power failure, 3-19 serial devices, 3-29...
  • Page 147 Video Memory Test, B-1 video scan alignment test. See video tests, Text Mode Character Test video subsystem. See Video Test Group Video Test Group Dell diagnostics, 4-15 video tests Color Palettes Test, B-5 Graphics Mode Test, B-4 Solid Colors Test, B-6...
  • Page 148 Adjust this Spine accordingly...

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