Service manual
Troubleshooting Your Computer: Dell Latitude CP
Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer
If your computer is dropped or damaged, use the following procedure.
1. Turn off your computer, and disconnect it from the AC adapter. Then disconnect the AC
adapter from AC power. Turn off any attached peripherals, and disconnect them from
their power sources and then from the computer.
2. Save all your work, exit any open application programs, and remove any installed
batteries.
3. Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel.
4. Remove the options cover from the bottom of the computer. Remove and reinstall any
memory modules in the memory module sockets, and then replace the options cover.
To remove a memory module, carefully spread apart the inner metal tabs of the memory
module socket just far enough for the memory module to disengage from the socket (the
module should pop up slightly). Then lift the memory module away from the socket.
To reinstall a memory module, align the memory module's edge connector with the slot
in the center of the memory module socket. Press the memory module's edge connector
firmly into the socket. Pivot the memory module down until it clicks into place. If you do
not hear a sharp click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
NOTE: Memory modules are keyed, or designed, to fit into their sockets in only one
direction. The sockets on the system board are notched so that the memory module
can be firmly seated only one way.
5. Verify that any installed PC Cards are properly seated in the PC card connectors. Verify
that the hard-disk drive is properly installed.
6. Replace any batteries you removed in step 2.
7. Reconnect your computer and peripherals to AC power, and turn them on.
8. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the computer is operating properly. (See Running
the Dell Diagnostics, for instructions.)
9. If the computer does not operate properly, make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist
found in
Getting Help and fill it out. Then call Dell for technical assistance. (For
instructions, see
Getting Help.)
Troubleshooting a Power Failure
Occasionally, you may experience a power failure in all or part of your computer. A total power
failure is indicated by the absence of electrical activity (such as lights and sounds) from the
keyboard, display, hard-disk drive, and diskette drive. In a partial power failure, one or more of
these indicators shows that there is power to a part of the computer.
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