Dell Latitude D531 User Manual

AutoTech Service
Dell's automated support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most
frequently asked by Dell customers about their portable and desktop computers.
When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to
your questions. For the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting Dell" on page 137
Automated Order-Status Service
To check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com ,
or you can call the automated order-status service. A recording prompts you for the information
needed to locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call for your region, see
"Contacting Dell" on page 137.
Problems With Your Order
If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing,
contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or packing slip handy when you call. For
the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting Dell" on page 137.
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 137.
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:
1 Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it clearly and
prominently on the outside of the box.
For the telephone number to call for your region, see "Contacting Dell" on page 137.
2 Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.
3 Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page 137),
indicating the tests that you have run and any error messages reported by the Dell Diagnostics
(see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 77).
4 Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (power cables, software
floppy disks, guides, and so on) if the return is for credit.
5 Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.
You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product
returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell. Collect On Delivery (C.O.D.)
packages are not accepted.

Dell Latitude D531 Specifications

General

Hard Drive Interface	SATA
Processor	AMD Turion 64 X2 or AMD Sempron
RAM	Up to 4GB DDR2
Display	15.4-inch WXGA (1280x800) or WXGA+ (1440x900)
Graphics	ATI Radeon X1270
Storage	Up to 160GB HDD
Optical Drive	DVD-ROM, DVD+/-RW
Operating System	Windows Vista, Windows XP
Wireless	Dell Wireless 1390
Ports	4 x USB 2.0, VGA, Ethernet, Modem, Headphone, Microphone

Summary

Finding Information

About Your Computer

Front View

Identifies and explains the front panel components of the computer.

Left Side View

Identifies and explains the connectors and slots on the left side of the computer.

Right Side View

Identifies and explains the ports and bays on the right side of the computer.

Back View

Identifies and explains the connectors on the back of the computer.

Bottom View

Identifies and explains the components on the bottom of the computer.

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Guides users through the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard for data migration.

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

Explains factors affecting battery life and operating time.

Checking the Battery Charge

Describes methods to check battery charge status and health.

Conserving Battery Power

Provides actions to take to conserve battery power and extend its life.

Power Management Modes

Explains Standby and Hibernate modes for power saving.

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Numeric Keypad

Explains the functionality and usage of the numeric keypad.

Key Combinations

Lists and explains various keyboard shortcuts for system functions.

Touch Pad

Describes the functionality and usage of the touch pad for cursor control.

Customizing the Touch Pad

Guides users on how to adjust touch pad settings and disable it.

Using the Display

Display Properties

Covers adjusting display brightness, switching video image, and setting resolution.

Using an External Monitor or Projector

Details connecting and using external display devices.

Saving Battery Power

Discusses how the ambient light sensor helps conserve battery power.

Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs

Provides instructions on how to insert and play CDs or DVDs.

Copying CDs and DVDs

Explains the process of copying CDs and DVDs using provided software.

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

Guides on connecting the computer to external audio-visual devices.

Setting Up and Using Networks

Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem Cable

Instructions for connecting the computer to a network using a cable.

Wireless Local Area Network

Information on establishing a WLAN connection, including requirements.

Connecting to a WLAN

Procedures for connecting to an available wireless network.

Mobile Broadband (WWAN)

Information on establishing a Mobile Broadband network connection.

Using Cards

Card Types

Describes different types of PC Cards and Extended PC Cards.

Installing a PC Card or an ExpressCard

Provides instructions for installing PC Cards and ExpressCards.

Securing Your Computer

Security Cable Lock

Explains how to use a security cable lock to protect the computer.

Passwords

Details different password types for computer security.

Using a Hard Drive Password

Instructions for setting a hard drive password to protect data.

Cleaning Your Computer

Computer, Keyboard, and Display

Instructions for cleaning the computer's exterior, keyboard, and display.

Mouse

Guidance on cleaning optical and non-optical mice.

CDs and DVDs

Advice on cleaning discs for better playback quality.

Troubleshooting

Dell Diagnostics

Procedures for running system diagnostics to identify hardware issues.

Drive Problems

Troubleshooting steps for issues related to floppy, CD, or DVD drives.

Error Messages

Lists common error messages and their potential causes and solutions.

Memory Problems

Troubleshooting steps for issues related to computer memory modules.

Power Problems

Steps to resolve issues related to the computer's power supply and battery.

System Setup Program

Overview

Explains the purpose and usage of the system setup program.

Changing the Boot Sequence

Details how to modify the order in which the computer boots devices.

Reinstalling Software

Drivers

Explains what drivers are and when they need to be installed or updated.

Restoring Your Operating System

Explains how to restore the operating system using System Restore or media.

Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin

General preparation steps and recommended tools before working inside the computer.

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Safety guidelines and precautions to follow before opening the computer.

Hard Drive

Procedures for removing and installing the hard drive.

Memory

Information and procedures for installing or upgrading computer memory modules.

Dell™ QuickSet