Dell D520 specifications Reinstalling Software, What Is a Driver?, Identifying Drivers

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Reinstalling Software

Dell™ Latitude™ D520 User's Guide

Drivers

Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Restoring Your Operating System

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The optional Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

•Upgrade your operating system.

•Reinstall your operating system.

•Connect or install a new device.

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.

1.Click Start→ Control Panel→ System.

2.Click Hardware→ Device Manager.

3.Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities).

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities CD provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

1.Click Start→ Control Panel→ System.

2.Click Hardware→ Device Manager.

3.Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.

4.Click Drivers→ Roll Back Driver.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver (see Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore).

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Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms Dell Latitude D520 Users GuideFront View About Your ComputerDevice status lights Keyboard status lights Left View Audio connectorsRight View USB connectorsBack View Network connector RJ-45 Modem connector RJ-11Video TV-out connector Serial connectorBottom View Back to Contents Appendix Cleaning Your ComputerFCC Notice U.S. Only Macrovision Product NoticeFCC Class B Battery Performance Using a BatteryChecking the Battery Charge Dell QuickSet Battery MeterPower Management Modes Conserving Battery PowerCharging the Battery Configuring Power Management SettingsHibernate Mode Click Start→ Shut Down→ Stand byStoring a Battery Replacing the BatteryInstalling a PC Card or ExpressCard Using CardsCard Types Card BlanksExpressCard Removing a Card or BlankAdjusting Brightness Using the DisplaySwitching the Video Image Setting Display Resolution and Refresh RateSwapping Primary and Secondary Displays Click Settings in the Display Properties windowFind It Here Finding InformationDell Support Website support.dell.com GuidesSelect Drivers & Downloads and click Go Windows Help and Support Center Glossary Docking device See APR Device driver See driverPage Page NIC See network adapter Page System tray See notification area Video resolution See resolutionBack to Contents Getting Help Online ServicesObtaining Assistance Ftp.dell.comAutoTech Service Problems With Your OrderAutomated Order-Status Service Support ServiceBefore You Call Diagnostics ChecklistContacting Dell Antigua and BarbudaAruba Argentina Buenos AiresAustralia Sydney 0011Ontario Canada North York011 Cayman IslandsDominica Denmark CopenhagenDominican Republic EcuadorGuatemala GrenadaGuyana Hong KongWebsite support.jp.dell.com JamaicaJapan Kawasaki Korea SeoulMontserrat MexicoNetherlands Antilles Netherlands AmsterdamSt. Lucia St. Kitts and NevisSt. Vincent GrenadinesTaiwan Switzerland Geneva002 Website support.ap.dell.com ThailandVirgin Islands A. Austin, Texas BusinessVenezuela Numeric Keypad Using the Keyboard and Touch PadKey Combinations Touch Pad Power ManagementSpeaker Functions Microsoft Windows Logo Key FunctionsMouse Properties window Customizing the Touch PadAdjusting the Volume Using MultimediaPlaying a CD or DVD How to Copy a CD or DVD Adjusting the PictureUsing Blank CDs and DVDs Copying CDs and DVDsHelpful Tips Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio DeviceMedia Type Read Write Rewritable Composite Video and Standard Audio Video and Standard AudioSetting Up the Cyberlink CL Headphones Click Device Settings Click the DVD Audio Setting iconPhysically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem Setting Up a NetworkNetwork Setup Wizard Wireless Local Area Network WlanSetting Up a New Wlan Checking Your Wireless Network CardConnecting a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem Start Button and Connect To OptionDetermining the Wireless Network Device Manager Connecting to a Wireless Local Area NetworkUnder Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System Guides Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network WwanConnecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Internet Connection Firewall Before You Begin Adding and Replacing PartsRecommended Tools Turning Off Your ComputerHard Drive Returning a Hard Drive to Dell Media BayRemoving the Device Security Screw Hinge Cover Removing and Installing Media Bay DevicesKeyboard Memory Page Wireless Local Area Network Wlan Cards Wireless CardsCoin-Cell Battery Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless TechnologyBack to Contents Dell QuickSet Using a Primary/System Password PasswordsSecuring Your Computer Security Cable LockUsing a Hard Drive Password Using an Administrator PasswordComputer Tracking Software If Your Computer Is Lost or StolenBack to Contents Viewing the System Setup Screens System Setup ProgramSystem Setup Screens Commonly Used SettingsChanging COM Ports Performing a One-Time BootEnabling the Infrared Sensor Locate Fast IR under Onboard DevicesPage What Is a Driver? Reinstalling SoftwareReinstalling Drivers and Utilities DriversManually Reinstalling Drivers Using the Drivers and Utilities CDSoftware and Hardware Incompatibilities Click Start→ Help and SupportCreating a Restore Point Using Microsoft Windows XP System RestoreUndoing the Last System Restore Restoring Your Operating SystemEnabling System Restore Using the Operating System CDReinstalling Windows XP Before You BeginSpecifications Video CommunicationsAudio DisplayKeyboard BatteryTouch Pad AC AdapterEnvironmental PhysicalDell Latitude D520 Users Guide Identifying Your Computer Traveling With Your ComputerPacking the Computer Travel TipsBack to Contents Dell Technical Update Service TroubleshootingDell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsOption Function Dell Diagnostics Main MenuAccessing the Dell Support Utility Drive ProblemsDell Support Utility Clicking the Dell Support IconHard drive problems CD and DVD drive problemsProblems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding soundError Messages Mail, Modem, and Internet ProblemsVerify that the modem is communicating with Windows CD drive controller failure Click Start→ Control Panel→ Add or Remove Programs Keyboard Problems Ieee 1394 Device ProblemsExternal Keyboard problems If you have problems with an Ieee 1394 deviceUnexpected characters Lockups and Software ProblemsComputer does not start up Computer stops respondingNetwork Problems Memory ProblemsOther software problems Solid blue screen appearsGeneral PC Card or ExpressCard ProblemsMobile Broadband Network Restart the computer and log on to the network againEnsuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer Power ProblemsDocking Power Considerations Scanner Problems Printer ProblemsAC Power Loss While the Computer Is Docked Docking While the Computer Is RunningTouch Pad or Mouse Problems Sound and Speaker ProblemsNo sound from headphones No sound from integrated speakersCheck the touch pad settings Video and Display ProblemsIf the display is blank If the display is difficult to readIf only part of the display is readable Adjust the Windows display settingsClick Start→ Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes Connect an external monitor
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D520 specifications

The Dell D520 is a robust and reliable laptop that was introduced as part of Dell's Latitude series, catering primarily to business professionals and enterprises. Known for its solid build and practical features, the D520 emphasizes productivity and durability in a mobile computing environment.

One of the standout features of the Dell D520 is its comfortable keyboard layout. The full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard offers a tactile feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the touchpad is responsive, enhancing ease of navigation while on the go. The laptop's design prioritizes ease of use, ensuring that users can work efficiently, whether in an office or while traveling.

In terms of hardware, the Dell D520 typically features Intel processors, which provide a balanced mix of performance and power efficiency. This enables users to run multiple applications without significant lag, making it suitable for multitasking. The laptop is also equipped with a decent amount of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for standard business applications and tasks.

The D520 includes various connectivity options, crucial for modern-day professionals. It typically comes with several USB ports, an Ethernet port, and a VGA port for connecting to external displays. There is also the option for Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to connect to networks effortlessly.

One of the key characteristics of the Dell D520 is its durability. The laptop is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and features a sturdy chassis that can handle rough treatment. This durability makes it a favorite among users who need a reliable machine that can endure a busy workday.

The D520 also emphasizes security features that are essential for business users. It includes options for fingerprint readers and smart card readers, allowing users to enhance data protection. This level of security is particularly valuable for professionals handling sensitive information.

Battery life is another important aspect of the Dell D520. With an efficient power management system, users can expect a reasonable battery performance that allows for extended work sessions without needing to recharge frequently.

Overall, the Dell D520 combines practicality, durability, and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for business professionals who require a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. Its balance of features and performance continues to make it a suitable option for users who prioritize functionality and dependability in their computing devices.
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