Dell M17x User's Manual
Contents
1. Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu Scan the computer for spyware If you are experiencing slow computer performance you frequently receive pop up advertisements or you are having problems connecting to the Internet your computer might be infected with spyware Use an anti virus program that includes anti spyware protection your program may require an upgrade to scan the computer and remove spyware Run the PSA Diagnostics If all tests run successfully the error condition is related to a software problem Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software See the software documentation for information Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly 48 CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program If necessary uninstall and then reinstall the program Hard Drive Problems Allow the computer to cool before turning it on A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on Run Check Disk 1 Click Start Computer 2 Right click Local Disk C 3 Click Properties Tools2. 7 HDMI to HDMI om i HDMI cable 8 J 0 HDMI to DVI cm a E HDMI to DVI 5 adapter DVI cable DisplayPort m to DisplayPort EA u Cb DisplayPort cable 24 CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP Turn off your laptop 2 Turnoffthe display and disconnect it from the power supply 3 Connect one end of the display cable to the DisplayPort HDMI or VGA connector on your Alienware laptop 4 Connect the other end of the cable to the same connector on your display 5 If necessary connect one end of the power cable to the displays power connector 6 Connect the other end of the power cable to a grounded three prong power strip or wall outlet 7 Turn on your laptop and then turn on your display Extending the Desktop 1 With the external display connected right click on the desktop and select Personalize 2 Select Connect to a projector or other external display in the upper left portion of the screen 3 Click Connect Display 4 Select from the below options that appear on the screen Duplicate my display on all displays mirrored Show different parts of my desktop on each display extended Show my desktop on the external display only 5 Click Apply to apply your changes and then click OK to exit the Display Settings control panel Using Removable Media Cards Observe the safety measures below When no ExpressCard or M
3. The lt Fn gt key is located near the bottom left corner of the keyboard and is used together with other keys to activate certain functions Hold down the lt Fn gt key along with the key described below H SUSPEND E3 z G 4 ee FI Suspend Mode Press to enable suspend mode In the suspend mode the display and selected devices will switch off for less energy consumption F2 Check Battery Status and Battery Charge Disable Enable Press Fn F2 to toggle between the Battery Status Meter Battery Charge Disable feature and Battery Charge Enable feature F3 Mute on off Press Fn F3 to enable or disable the mute function F4 Increase Display Brightness Press Fn F4 to increase the brightness of the display F5 Decrease Display Brightness Press Fn F5 to decrease the brightness of the display a Xx N zl 26 O TI gt ALIEN FX Fie T PAD F6 Extend Desktop Press lt Fn gt lt F6 gt to switch between the various external display options available either simultaneously or separately F7 Display Mode Press Fn F7 to switch between clone mode and extended desktop mode when an external display is connected F9 Camera on off Press Fn F9 to switch off or switch on the camera F10 Microsoft Mobility Center on off Press Fn FIO to launch or close the Microsoft Mobil
4. computer Create backup media of applications you need to reinstallon 2 Disconnect all devices USB drive printer etc connected to the computer your computer before using AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup Use and remove any newly added internal hardware AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem NOTE Do not disconnect the AC adapter CAUTION Although AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup is designed to preserve the data files on your computer it is recommended that you backup your data files before usingAlienRespawn DataSafe Local Turn on your computer Backup 4 When the Alienware logo appears press F8 several times to access the Advanced Boot Options window K NOTE AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup may not be available in all regions K NOTE Ifyou wait too long and the operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop then shut down your You can use AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup to restore your hard drive to computer and try again the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer while preserving 5 Select Repair Your Computer thegata files 6 Select AlienRespawn DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup from the AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup allows you to System Recovery Options menu and follow the instructions on the screen Backup and restore your computer to an earlier operating st
5. CONTACTING ALIENWARE on page 61 The computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears CAUTION You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse press and hold the power button for at least 6 seconds until the computer turns off then restart your computer NOTE The chkdsk program run when you restart the computer Follow the instructions on the screen A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly End the program 1 Press lt Ctrl gt lt Shift gt lt Esc gt simultaneously 2 Click the Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding 3 Click End Task Check the software documentation If necessary uninstall and then reinstall the program A program is designed for an earlier version of Microsoft Windows Run the Program Compatibility Wizard The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to an earlier version of Microsoft Windows operating system environments 1 Click Start Control Panel Programs Programs and Features Use an older program with this version of Windows 2 Inthe welcome screen click Next Follow the instructions on the screen CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING 47 Other software problems Back up your files immediately Use a virus scanning program to check the hard drive or CDs
6. Compliance Homepage at www dell com regulatory compliance CAUTION Handle components and cards with care Do not touch the components or contacts on a card Hold a card by its edges Hold a component such as a processor by its edges not by its pins CAUTION Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty CAUTION To avoid electrostatic discharge ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface such as a connector on the back of the computer CAUTION When you disconnect a cable pull on its connector or on its pull tab noton the cable itself Some cables have connectors with locking tabs if you are disconnecting this type of cable press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable As you pull connectors apart keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins Also before you connect a cable ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned CAUTION To avoid damaging the computer perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer 1 Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched 2 Turn off your computer see Turning Off Your Computer on page 34 CAUTION To disconnect a network cable first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug t
7. starting to work Ground yourself by touching the case of the computer Touch only those items which must be replaced Avoid walking around while replacing items inside the case especially if you are on a carpet or during low temperature and low humidity If you have to remove peripheral cards for any reason place them on the portion of the computers case that was removed Do not touch the edge connectors at the bottom of the card that connect to the system board APPENDIX A GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 59 General Safety Precautions Mechanical Shock Your computer should never be subjected to severe mechanical shocks Careless handling of your computer may cause damage Mechanical Shock is not covered by the warranty Electrical Shock If you do not open up your computer there is nothing to worry about Your computer protects itself against most irregularities in the power source When You Should Contact Alienware The battery power cable or connector is damaged Your computer has had liquid spilled into it Your computer was dropped or the case was damaged Normal operation of the computer does not occur when the operating instructions are followed Replacement Components or Accessories It is only advised to use replacement parts or accessories recommended by Alienware 60 APPENDIX A GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS APPENDIX CONTACTING ALIENWARE NOTE If you not ha
8. to use a power adapter that has too little capacity for your configuration Allows you to enable USB devices to wake the computer from standby mode or to disable the USB wake support feature Allows you to enable USB chargeable devices to charge when the computer is turned off or in standby mode or to disable the USB power share feature Removable Devices Network 32 CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP Exit Menu Exit Saving Changes Exit Discarding Changes Load Setup Defaults Discard Changes Save Changes Allows you to exit System Setup and save your changes to CMOS Allows you to exit utility without saving System Setup data to CMOS Allows you to load default values for all System Setup items Allows you to load previous values from CMOS for all System Setup items Allows you to save System Setup data to CMOS 3 CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS This chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing power and storage space by upgrading equipment You can purchase components for your computer at www dell com or www alienware com K NOTE See the Service Manual at support dell com manuals for installation instructions of all serviceable components Parts purchased from Dell and Alienware will ship with specific replacement instructions CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEME
9. trade names may be used in this manual to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products Dell Inc disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own Regulatory Model POTE P N W3D7V Regulatory Type POTEOO2 Rev A01 October 2011 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 5 CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP aorta dear oe 7 Before Setting Up Your Laptop i n seres er pe Pega ex reb 8 Corinect the AC Adapter esiste LAE SY 9 Press RR a 9 Set Up Microsoft 5 10 Connect to the 1 10 CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 13 Front VIEW Features eiie 14 Back View Features ei peau Ha ae de eee de NU dee gis 14 Left View Features 15 Right View Features e204 pex ebbe 16 Display Features REP OTRA were ESTAS 17 Computer Base Keyboard Features 18 Status L IBhts acai Aiea al aie aunts 19 TOUCH CONTOS 5 19 POWer BULLION each imet 20 EU
10. ACIENWARE 17 MOBILE MANUAL Notes Cautions and Warnings K A NOTE NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer CAUTION A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem WARNING A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage personal injury or death This item incorporates copy protection technology that s protected by U S patents and other intellectual property rights of Rovi Corporation Reverse engineering and disassembly are prohibited The contents herein are subject to change without notice 2011 Dell Inc All rights reserved Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc is strictly prohibited Trademarks used in this manual Alienware AlienFX and the AlienHead logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Alienware Corporation Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc Microsoft and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and or other countries Intel and Intel SpeedStep are registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U S and other countries Blu ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu ray Disc Association Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc Phoenix FailSafe is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd Other trademarks and
11. Check Now If the User Account Control window appears click Continue Follow the instructions on the screen Memory errors detected startup Check memory modules for correct seating and orientation Reseat the memory modules if applicable see Upgrading or Replacing Memory on page 37 Computers using a dual channel memory configuration require that memory modules be installed in pairs If you require assistance contact Technical Support see CONTACTING ALIENWARE page 61 Display If the display is blank K NOTE If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports it is recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer The computer may be in a power saving mode Press a key on the keyboard or press the power button to resume normal operation Switch the video image If your computer is attached to an external monitor press lt Fn gt lt F6 gt to switch the video image to the display Power When you press the power button the computer does not turn on If the AC adapter cable is connected to a surge protector or UPS ensure that the surge protector or UPS is securely connected to an electrical outlet is switched on and is working correctly Check that the wall outlet is working properly by testing another device such as a radio or lamp that you know works If the wall outlet is not working contact an electrician or your power compa
12. IEEE 1394 A connector is disabled and is not visible to the operating system Enabled The IEEE 1394 A connector is enabled Allows you to configure fields in the Performance Options sub menu for more information see Performance Options Sub Menu on page 31 CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu SATA Operation SATA Hard Drive 1 SATA Hard Drive 2 SATA Optical Drive Allows you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller ATA SATA is configured for ATA mode AHCI SATA is configured for AHCI mode RAID SATA is configured for RAID mode Displays the installed primary SATA hard drive model Displays the installed secondary SATA hard drive model Displays the installed SATA optical drive model Performance Options Sub Menu CPU Speed Memory Frequency Memory Channel Mode PU erformance ode urbo Mode DR3 Voltage CPU Frequency Over Clocking Displays the speed of the processor Displays the frequency of the memory Displays the memory channel modes Single Dual Indicates if the processor is in turbo mode or not Allows you to enable or disable the turbo mode Allows you to enter the memory voltage Allows you to set the processor Vcore voltage Allows you to configure the processor over clocking frequency Security Menu System Password Status Set System Password User Password Status Set
13. NT COMPONENTS 33 Before You Begin Turning Off Your Computer This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in CAUTION To avoid losing data save and close all open files and exit all your laptop Unless otherwise noted each procedure assumes that the following open programs before you turn off your laptop conditions exist 1 Save and close all open files and exit all open programs You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before 2 Click Start Shut Down Working Inside Your Computer in this section The laptop turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer 3 Ensure that the computer is turned off If your computer did not component can be replaced or if purchased separately installed by automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system press performing the removal procedure in reverse order and hold the power button until the computer turns off 34 CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Before Working Inside Your Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety WARNING Before working inside your laptop read the safety information that shipped with your computer For additional safety best practices information see the Regulatory
14. RELION 21 CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP ce proe sete vs 23 Connecting External Displays eere erre 24 Using Removable Media and 25 Using the Optical DFIVe uir bte dati dda ieee as 25 Using the Integrated Camera esr 1 26 Using the Wireless Control tana dees 26 Battery Pack ien wea en tn uns 26 Power Management erre edad 26 Alienware Command Center Rie ERE gee US ped 27 StealthiMode umo an wha Near bones 27 Free Fall 56150 Pc 28 Configuring the BIOS aia b 28 CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS ER Eme Rp PEE LESSE ERES ales 33 Before YOU Begln ise zs Een erede 34 Replacing the Battery 36 Upgrading or Replacing 37 Upgrading or Replacing the Hard 39 5 3 CHAPTER S TROUBLESHOOTING doses rivinet 43 Basic HINTS ANG Re E Er RE RC EM meee be 44 Backup and General 44 Software Diagnostic 0015 2 2 5 22 e esi ese codec eas 45 Answers to Common Pro
15. STEM RECOVERY 53 Dell Downloads K NOTE My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions Some of the software pre installed on your new Dell computer do not include a backup CD or DVD This software is available on the My Dell Downloads website From this website you can download available software for reinstallation or create your own backup media To register and use My Dell Downloads 1 Goto DownloadStore dell com media 2 Follow the instructions on the screen to register and download the software 3 Reinstall the software or create a backup media for future use 54 CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM RECOVERY WWW AYUMA This chapter provides the basic specifications of your computer For more detailed specifications see the Comprehensive Specifications at CHAPTER 7 SPECIFICATIONS support dell com manuals CHAPTER 7 BASIC SPECIFICATIONS 55 Computer Model Alienware M17x R2 Dimensions Height 51 31 mm to 53 59 mm 2 02 inches to 2 11 inches Front to Back Width 405 89 mm 15 98 inches Depth 321 31 mm 12 65 inches Weight with 9 cell battery 5 3 kg 11 8 Ib starting at NOTE The weight of your laptop will vary depending on the configuration ordered and the manufacturing variability Processor and System Chipset Intel Core i7 Intel Core i5 Mobile Intel PM55 Processor System chipset 56 CHAPTER 7 BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Memory Connectors Capacities Memory types M
16. User Password Enable Password on Boot Failsafe Asset Tag Displays the status of the system password The system password is also known as the Master Supervisor password Enabled The system password is enabled Not Enabled The system password is not enabled Allows you to set the system password The system password controls access to the system setup utility Displays the status of the user password Enabled The user password is enabled and the built in PS 2 compatible mouse controller is enabled Not Enabled The user password is not enabled and the built in PS 2 compatible mouse controller is disabled Allows you to set the user password The user password controls access to the computer at boot Allows you to enable or disable password entry on boot Allows you to enable or disable the Phoenix FailSafe security software to protect track and manage your laptop and your digital files if your laptop is lost or stolen Displays the asset tag CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP 31 Power Menu A C Adapter Rating A C Adapter Warnings USB Wake Support USB Power Share Boot Menu Use the plus or minus keys to change the boot device priority You can choose from Hard Drive USB Storage CD DVD BD Displays the AC adapter rating Allows you to choose if the computer should display warning messages when you use certain power adapters The computer displays these messages if you attempt
17. VD RW two 2 5 inch drive bays supporting SATA II hard drive Solid state hard drives Secure Digital SD memory card Secure Digital High Capacity SDHC card Secure Digital Input Output SDIO card Multi Media Card MMC Memory Stick Memory Stick PRO xD Picture Card type M and type H Hi Density SD SDHD up to two MXM 3 0 Type B compliant cards with total power budget of 150 W CHAPTER 7 BASIC SPECIFICATIONS 57 Display Type Keyboard Backlit Layouts Camera Pixel Battery Type Depth Height Width Weight Voltage 17 0 inch dual CCFL WXGA 1440 x 900 17 0 inch RGBLED WUXGA 1920 x 1200 U S and Canada Europe Japan 2 0 megapixel 9 cell smart lithium ion 86 Whr 52 3 mm 2 06 inches 41 54 mm 1 63 inches 292 7 mm 11 52 inches 0 52 kg 1 14 Ib 11 1 VDC 58 CHAPTER 7 BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Battery Operating time Life span approximate Temperature range Operating Storage Coin cell battery Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power intensive conditions 300 discharge charge cycles O to 50 C 32 to 122 F 20 to 60 4 to 140 F CR 2032 APPENDIX A GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS a un Setup Read all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before operating your computer Retain all safety and operating instructions Never us
18. ate Ln NOTE The restoration process may take an hour or more depending on Create system recovery media the size of the data to be restored K NOTE For more information on AlienRespawn see knowledge base article 353560 at support dell com 52 CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM RECOVERY AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup Professional AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup Professional provides additional features that allow you to Backup and restore your computer based on file types Backup files to a local storage device Schedule automated backups To upgrade to AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup Professional 1 Double click the AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup Professional icon in the notification area of your desktop 2 Click Upgrade Now 3 Follow the instructions on the screen DataSafe Online Backup K NOTE Dell DataSafe Online is supported only on Windows operating systems NOTE broadband connection is recommended for fast upload download speeds Dell DataSafe Online is an automated backup and recovery service that helps protect your data and other important files from catastrophic incidents like theft fire or natural disasters You can access the service on your computer using a password protected account For more information go to delldatasafe com To schedule backups 1 Double click the Dell DataSafe Online icon amp on the taskbar 2 Follow the instructions that appear on the screen CHAPTER 6 SY
19. blems 47 CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM RECOVERY 51 AlienRespawn DataSafe Local 52 DataSafe Online 53 My Dell Downloads ccc EE eee eee Meee ke occa ees 54 CHAPTER 7 BASIC SPECIFICATIONS 55 APPENDIX A GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 59 APPENDIX B CONTACTING ALIENWARE 61 4 CONTENTS Dear Valued Alienware Customer Welcome to the Alienware family We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high performance computer users The Alienware technicians who have crafted your computer have made certain that your high performance computer is properly optimized and performs to its fullest potential We build computers with a single Unwavering purpose Build It As If It Were Your Own The technicians will not rest until your new computer meets or exceeds our very demanding criteria We have tested your computer extensively in order to ensure that you enjoy the highest levels of performance In addition to a standard burn in period your computer has been evaluated using real world tools such as synthetic AVCADNXOVAVASX performance benchmarks NTRO DUCTI ON We invite you to share your experience with your new high performance computer with us so do not hesitate to either e ma
20. ce that 3 you want to test displays in the system setup program and is active Start the Alienware Diagnostics from the Resource DVD When the boot device list appears highlight CD DVD CD RW and press lt Enter gt Select Boot from CD ROM from the menu that appears and press lt Enter gt 5 Select Alienware Diagnostics from the numbered list If multiple versions are listed select the version appropriate for your computer 6 When the Alienware Diagnostics Main Menu appears select the test you want to run 7 After all tests have completed close the test window to return to the Alienware Diagnostics Main Menu 8 Remove your Resource DVD then close the Main Menu window to exit the Alienware Diagnostics and restart the computer A NOTE Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen 46 CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING Answers to Common Problems System The computer fails the POST The POST Power On Self Test tests the computer ensuring that it meets the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process If the computer passes the POST the computer will continue to start normally However if the computer fails the POST the computer will generate a single beep to indicate a general failure and an error message will be displayed For assistance contact Technical Support see
21. der ISP might have a service outage Contact your ISP to check the service status or try connecting again later Have your ISP information ready If you do not have an ISP the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one 1 Save close any open files and exit any open programs 2 Click Start Control Panel Click Network and Internet Network and Sharing Center Set up a new connection or Network Connect to the Internet The Connect to the Internet window appears NOTE If you do not know which type of connection to select click Help me choose or contact your ISP 4 Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 12 CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP WCAG 3 OMA A8 ABD ASVI This chapter provides information about your new laptop to familiarize you with its various features and get you up and running quickly CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 13 Front View Features Back View Features I oe 1 2 3 1 Left speaker Combines with the right speaker to provide high quality 1 AC adapter connector Connects to the AC adapter to power the stereo sound computer and charge the battery 2 Consumer IR port Connects to devices using infrared 3 Right speaker Combines with the lef
22. e this product near water or a heat source Only set up the computer on a stable work surface Only operate the computer using the power source type indicated on the rating label Never block or cover any openings or fans in the computer case These are required for ventilation Never insert objects of any kind into the ventilation openings Ensure that your computer is properly grounded when in use Do not attempt to connect your computer into an outlet that is not properly grounded If an extension cord is used with your computer ensure that the total ampere rating on the computer does not exceed the maximum rating on the extension cord Computer Use Route the power cable and all cables away from where people might walk or trip over them Do not allow anything to rest on the power cable Do not spill anything on or into your computer To avoid electrical shock always disconnect all power modem and any other cables from the wall outlets before handling the computer Electrostatic Discharge ESD Warning Electrostatic Discharge ESD can cause damage to internal system components if precautions are not taken ESD is caused by static electricity and the damage caused is usually permanent Computer technicians wear a special wrist strap that grounds them to the computers case to prevent ESD damage You can reduce the chances of ESD damage by doing the following Turn off your computers power and wait several minutes before
23. edia Card SD MMC MS cards is inserted into the ExpressCard or Media Card slot ensure that the blank cards that shipped with your laptop is inserted in the unused slot s The blank cards protect the unused slots from dust and other particles When inserting a blank card ensure that the correct side is on the top indicated by an arrow mark on some blank cards Inserting a blank card upside down may damage your laptop Using the Optical Drive Your laptop has a slot load optical drive Depending on the configuration ordered your laptop may have one of the following drive types These logos are used to indicate each drive s capabilities and media compatibility DVD R W Dual DVD R W drive can read CD ROM CD R CD R W DVD Layer Writer DVD R W and DVD R W media It can also record to CD R CD RW DVD R W DVD R W and DVD R Dual Layer DL media DVD R DL Blu ray Disc Blu ray drive can read CD ROM CD R CD R W DVD Reader Writer DVD R W DVD R W DVD R Dual Layer DL BD ROM BD R and BD RE media Dist It can also record to CD R CD R W DVD R W DVD R W DVD R Dual Layer DL BD R and BD RE media CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP 25 Using the Integrated Camera Turning the Camera On and Off Press the key combination lt Fn gt lt F9 gt to switch on or switch off the camera After switching on the camera you need to activate its function through the Microsoft Windows operating system In addition you can a
24. emory configurations possible Ports and Connectors IEEE 1394 A Network adapter USB eSATA USB combo VGA DisplayPort HDMI Audio two internally accessible SODIMM sockets 2 GB and 4 GB memory modules DDR3 1067 MHz 1333 MHz dual channel configurations NOTE DDR3 1333 MHz memory is supported only on computers with an Intel Core i7 processor 4 GB 6 GB and 8 GB one 4 pin serial connector one RJ45 connector 10 100 1000 Mbps four 4 pin USB 2 0 compliant connectors one 11 eSATA USB combo connector one 15 hole connector one 20 pin connector one 19 pin connector one microphone connector three stereo headphone speaker connectors Ports and Connectors ExpressCard 8 in 1 Media Card Reader Infrared AC Adapter Type Output current continuous Rated output voltage Communications Network adapter Wireless Drives Cards Supported one ExpressCard 54 connector Optical drive one combo connector Hard drives one RC6 Consumer IR port 240 W 150W Media Card Reader card types NOTE The 150 W AC adapter supports computers with a single graphics and non Extreme Edition processor Other configurations require the 240 W AC adapter 12 31 240 W 7 7 150 W 19 5 VDC Video Type 10 100 1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN on system board WLAN Mini Card half Mini Card slot WPAN Bluetooth card full Mini Card slot SATA compliant Blu ray Disc writer Blu ray Disc combo or D
25. emory size installed in memory bank O Displays the memory size installed in memory bank 1 Allows you to enable or disable the on board LAN controller Disabled Internal LAN is disabled and is not visible to the operating system Enabled Internal LAN is enabled Allows you to enable or disable the internal wireless device Disabled The internal wireless device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system Enabled The internal wireless device is enabled Allows you to enable or disable the internal Bluetooth device Disabled The internal Bluetooth device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system Enabled The internal Bluetooth device is enabled CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP 29 Advanced Menu High Definition Sound USB Emulation Firewire Performance Options 30 Allows you to enable or disable the internal high definition audio device Disabled The internal audio device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system Enabled The internal audio device is enabled Allows you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature This feature defines how the BIOS in the absence of a USB aware operating system handles USB devices USB emulation is always enabled during POST Power On Self Test NOTE You cannot boot any type of USB device floppy hard drive or memory key when this option is off Allows you to enable or disable the IEEE 1394 A connector Disabled The
26. evices such as a monitor or projector 8 18944 IEEE 1394 A connector Connects to high speed serial multimedia devices such as digital video cameras 3 2 HDMI connector Connects to a TV for both audio and video signals NOTE For a monitor without built in speakers only the video signal will be read CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 15 Right View Features 4 USB connectors 2 to USB devices such as mouse 2 1 keyboard printer external drive or MP3 player 5 Lis Audio out Headphone connector Connects to front L R speakers or headphones 6 LA Audio out Headphone connector Connects to a center speaker subwoofer or headphones 7 2 L R surround connector Connects to rear L R surround speakers EJ 8 L Audio in Microphone connector Connects to a microphone for voice or audio input into a sound or telephony program 1 8 in 1 Media Card Reader Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos music videos and documents 2 ExpressCard slot Provides support for additional memory wired and wireless communications multimedia and security features The slot supports 54 mm Express cards NOTE The ExpressCard slot is designed only for ExpressCards The slot does NOT support PC Cards 3 Optical dri
27. he cable from the network device 3 Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the laptop 4 Press and eject any installed cards from the ExpressCard slot and the Media Card slot 5 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets CAUTION To help prevent damagetothe system board you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you service the laptop 6 Remove the battery from the battery bay see Replacing the Battery Pack on page 36 7 Press the power button to ground the system board CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Replacing the Battery Pack This battery pack can easily be removed and replaced Ensure that the laptop is properly shut down before changing the battery pack CAUTION To avoid damage to the laptop use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware laptop Do not use batteries designed for other Alienware or Dell laptops To remove the battery pack Follow the instructions in Before You Begin on page 34 Shut down the laptop Turn the laptop over Slide the battery latch to the unlock position as shown The battery pack will pop up Remove the battery pack replace the battery pack 1 Follow the instructions in Before You Begin on page 34 2 Align the three battery pack tabs with the slots in the battery bay 3 Pushthe battery pack into the battery bay until the battery pack click
28. he memory module connector NOTE Install the memory module first in the bottom connector and then in the top connector 1 captive screw 2 memory module door NOTE If the memory module is not installed properly the computer may Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the memory module t beat connectors spring locks until the memory module pops up NOLCDOOL 8 Remove the memory module CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 38 Upgrading Replacing the Hard Drive s Your laptop is equipped with two hard drive sockets Removing the Hard Drive s 1 Follow the instructions in Before You Begin on page 34 2 Remove the battery pack see Replacing the Battery Pack on page 36 3 Loosen the two captive screws that secure the compartment door to the computer base 4 Slide the compartment door towards the front of the computer and then lift it up 1 compartment door 2 captive screws 2 CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 39 5 Loosen the four captive screws on the primary hard drive HDDO 7 Loosen the four captive screws on the secondary hard drive HDD 6 Slide the primary hard drive HDDO towards the back using the pulltab and 8 Using the pull tab lift the secondary hard drive HDD1 out of the computer lift the primary hard drive out of the computer base base 1 primary hard drive 3 captive screws 4 1 secondary hard d
29. if applicable f your peripheral devices e g keyboard mouse printer etc are not working ensure that all connections are secure f any computer components were added or removed before the problem began check to see if you performed the installation or removal procedures properly f an error message appears on the screen write down the exact error message prior to calling Technical Support to aid in diagnosing and resolving your issue f an error occurs in a specific program see the program s documentation Software Diagnostic Tools Pre Boot System Assessment PSA The computer runs the Pre boot System Assessment PSA a series of initial tests of your system board keyboard display memory hard drive etc To invoke PSA 1 Turn on or restart your computer 2 Press to access the Boot Menu 3 Select Diagnostics from the menu and press Enter During the assessment answer any questions that appear If a failure is detected the computer stops and beeps To stop the assessment and restart the computer press n to continue to the next test press y to retest the component that failed press r If failures are detected during the Pre boot System Assessment write down the error code s and contact Alienware see CONTACTING ALIENWARE on page 61 Ifthe Pre boot System Assessment completes successfully the following message appears Do you want to run the remaining memory tests This will
30. il or call Alienware with any questions or concerns The entire staff shares your enthusiasm for new technology and we hope that you enjoy using your new computer as much as Alienware enjoyed building it for you Sincerely Alienware Staff INTRODUCTION 5 6 INTRODUCTION 3 ENICAGK CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 7 Before Setting Up Your Laptop Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware M17x Read all safety and setup instructions before connecting your new laptop Begin by carefully opening the box and removing all components that were shipped to you Before setting up your laptop or components be sure to inspect all items for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipment Be sure to report any damaged items to customer service immediately upon receiving your shipment You must report shipping damage within the first 5 days of receiving the shipment or your damage report will not be honored Before setting up your laptop or components see the included invoice to verify that all items ordered are present Report any missing components to customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment Anything reported missing after the first 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored Some of the most common items to check for include Laptop and AC adapter with power cable Microsoft CD key located at the bottom of the laptop Monitor with
31. ity Center application F11 AlienFX on off Press lt Fn gt lt F11 gt to disable or enable the AlienFX illumination F12 Touch Pad on off Press lt Fn gt lt Fl2 gt to enable or disable the touch pad function and the illumination around the touch pad When the touch pad function is switched off the touch pad can still work temporarily for three to five seconds while the computer reboots into the Windows operating system or resumes from standby or hibernate mode CHAPTER 2 GETTING KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 21 22 CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP YT 8 TAT KEEL CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP 23 Connecting External Displays If you want to enjoy your computing environment on a bigger scale visually or extend your desktop area you can connect an external display such as a standalone monitor an LCD TV or a projector Connecting a Display Use the appropriate cable based on the connectors available on your computer and display Refer to the following table to identify the connectors on your computer and display Connection Type Computer Cable Display VGA to VGA 5 E P 2 VGA cable Sm
32. keyboard is held down for extended periods of time To avoid possible keyboard failure press and release lt F2 gt in even intervals until the System Setup screen appears The BIOS Setup Utility window displays current or changeable configuration information for your laptop Information is divided into five menus Main Advanced Security Boot and Exit Key functions appear at the bottom of the BIOS Setup Utility window and lists keys and their functions within the active field System Setup Options K K Main Menu System Time System Date Alienware Service Tag BIOS Version EC Version CPU CPU Speed CPU Cache CPU ID Disp Disp Disp Disp Disp Disp Disp Disp Disp Disp NOTE Depending on your computer and installed devices the items listed in this section may not appear or may not appear exactly as listed NOTE For the updated system setup information see the Service Manual at support dell com manuals ays the system time ays the system date ays the model number of your computer ays the service tag of your computer ays the BIOS revision ays the EC firmware version ays the type of processor ays the speed of the processor ays the processor cache size ays the ID of the processor Main Menu Total Memory Memory Bank 0 Memory Bank 1 Advanced Menu Wired Network Wireless Network Bluetooth Receiver Displays the total memory available in your computer Displays the m
33. like those on a mouse Touch controls 9 Touching the touch controls perform the associated action For more information see Touch Controls on page 19 Power button Turns the computer on or off when pressed For more information see Power Button on page 20 Status Lights The three status lights are located at the top left side of the keyboard For the exact location see Computer Base and Keyboard Features on page 18 Scroll Lock Light SCROLL Turns on when the scroll lock option is on CAPS Caps Lock Light Turns on when the keyboard is in Caps Lock mode In this mode all characters you type are in uppercase Number Lock Light Turns on when the keyboard is in Num Lock mode In this mode the embedded numeric keypads can be used Touch Controls The touch controls are located at the top of the keyboard For the exact location see Computer Base and Keyboard Features on page 18 To activate gently touch the desired control The control will illuminate temporarily to confirm your selection Eject Increase volume 44 Rewind or Play previous gt Wireless Control Switch track wireless communications on off for more information see Using the Wireless Control on page 26 Il Play or Pause Alienware Command Center for more information see Alienware Command Center on page 27 gt gt Fast Forward or Play Stealth Mode Switch computer next track to l
34. lso use Windows Movie Maker to create edit and share videos Using the Wireless Control The wireless control allows you to quickly turn all of your wireless radios Bluetooth and WLAN off such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight Gently touching this control one time turns all of your radios off Gently touching it again returns your wireless radios to their respective states they were in before you touched the control the first time Battery Pack Your laptop is equipped with a high energy rechargeable lithium ion Li ion battery pack Battery life will vary depending on your laptop configuration model applications installed power management settings and features used As with all batteries the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time and usage 26 CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP The battery meter lights on the battery pack indicate the charge level of the battery When you press the battery meter once the charge level lights illuminate Each of the five lights represent approximately 20 of the total battery charge For example if four lights turn on there is 80 of battery charge remaining and if no lights turn on there is no charge remaining in the battery Power Management Understanding Power Consumption In order to fully utilize the power of your battery it would be a good idea for you to spend some time acquiring a basic understanding of the power management co
35. ncept from your operating system You can use the power options in your operating system to configure the power settings on your computer The Microsoft Windows operating system installed on your computer provides three default options Balanced Offers full performance when you need it and saves power during periods of inactivity Power Saver Saves power on your computer by reducing system performance to maximize the life of the computer and by reducing the amount of energy consumed by your computer over its lifetime High Performance Provides the highest level of system performance on your computer by adapting processor speed to your activity and by maximizing system performance Customizing Your Power Settings Click Start Control Panel Click Control Panel Items Double click the Power Options icon Select a power plan from the options shown To customize specific settings click Change plan settings next to the selected power plan BON Reducing Power Consumption Although your laptop together with the operating system is capable of power conservation there are measures you can take to reduce the power consumption Use the AC power whenever possible Lower the intensity of the display backlight A very bright screen translates to higher power usage Switch to the Stealth mode to activate additional system power savings Switching into and out of Stealth mode may require a reboot depending on you
36. ny for further assistance If the problem persists contact Alienware support see CONTACTING ALIENWARE on page 61 CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING 49 50 CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING Your computer has the following system recovery options Operating System Reinstallation DVD Contains operating system 2 MV LINTON installation media AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Your computer is pre installed with CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM RECOVERY ee ME Local see AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup Dell DataSafe Online Dell DataSafe Online is an online data backup service see Dell DataSafe Online Backup on page 53 System Drivers You can download the latest drivers for your computer from support dell com Resource DVD Contains drivers for your computer You can also download the latest system drivers from support dell com System Applications Some of the software that is pre installed on your computer does not include a backup CD DVD This software is available at My Dell Downloads DownloadStore dell com media NOTE My Dell Downloads may be available in all regions CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM RECOVERY 51 AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup Basic CAUTION Using AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup permanently To restore the factory image while preserving the data files removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your 1 Turn off your computer
37. obstructs airflow in front of behind or below the laptop The laptop has enough room so that optical drives and other external storage drives can be easily accessed Connect the AC Adapter Press the Power Button WARNING The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide However power connectors and power strips vary among countries Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage NOTE The AC adapter should be connected to the laptop for maximum gaming performance CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 9 Set Up Microsoft Windows CAUTION Do not interrupt the operating system s setup process Doing so may render your computer unusable Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system you requested while ordering your computer To configure the remaining settings follow the instructions on the screen K NOTE For optimal performance of your computer it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support dell com NOTE For more information on the operating system and features see support dell com MyNewDell NOTE It is recommended that you create a full system backup as soon as you se
38. opping the computer When a free fall state is detected the hard drive is placed in a safe state to protect against damage to the read write head and possible data loss Your hard drive returns to normal operation when the free fall state is no longer detected Configuring the BIOS System Setup The System Setup options allow you to Change the system configuration information after you add change or remove any hardware in your laptop Set or change a user selectable option View the installed amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed Before you use System Setup it is recommended that you write down the current System Setup information for future reference CAUTION Do not change the settings in System Setup unless you are an expert computer user Certain changes can cause your computer to work incorrectly 28 CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP Entering System Setup Turn on or restart your laptop 2 While the laptop is booting press F2 immediately before the operating system logo appears to access the BIOS Setup Utility If an error occurs during POST Power On Self Test you may also enter the BIOS Setup Utility by pressing F2 when prompted NOTE If you waittoolong and the operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop then shut down your laptop and try again E System Setup Screens NOTE Keyboard failure may result when a key on the
39. ow power state for more information see Stealth Mode on page 27 Decrease volume CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 19 Power Button On AC adapter You can program this button to perform actions like shutting down the operating Blue or custom AC color The battery is fully charged system or entering the standby mode For details on how to program this button Blue or custom AC color fading The battery is charging see Power Options in the Control Panel of Microsoft Windows operating into amber or custom battery system color The power button is located in the center of the hinge cover For the exact location Blue or custom AC color fading computer is in standby see Computer Base and Keyboard Features on page 18 into black mode The color of the AlienHead rim indicates the power status The color indicating Cir battery the power status can be changed through the AlienFX software Amber or custom battery color The battery is fully charged Amber or custom battery color The computer is in standby fading into black mode Blinking Amber or custom The battery charge is low battery color For more details on standby and hibernate mode see the Power Options in the Control Panel of your Microsoft Windows operating system 20 CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Function Keys Y NOTE Depending on the configuration of the laptop you purchased some of the function keys may have no associated tasks
40. power cable and video cable if ordered Keyboard if ordered Mouse if ordered Multimedia speakers and sub woofer if ordered Joystick controllers if ordered You may also need small flathead and or a Phillips head screwdriver for connecting peripheral cables to the laptop 8 CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Product Documentation and Media The documentation that ships with your Alienware laptop is designed to provide answers to many of the questions that may arise as you explore your new laptops capabilities You may see the documentation for technical information or general Use as needed to answer questions in the future or aid you in finding answers and solutions The media included with your laptop is referenced in some sections of the documentation and may be needed to complete certain tasks As always our technical support staff is available to assist you Placing Your Laptop WARNING Do not place the laptop near or over a radiator or heating vent If your laptop is placed in a cabinet ensure that adequate ventilation is provided Do not place the laptop in a humid location or in any area where the laptop may be exposed to rain or water Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind on or into the laptop When placing your laptop ensure that It is placed on a surface that is both level and stable The power and other cable connectors are not jammed between the laptop and a wall or any other object Nothing
41. r computer configuration and the operating system NOTE The battery pack should be locked in the battery compartment all the time Alienware Command Center The Alienware Command Center gives you access to Alienwares exclusive software and is a continuously upgradable control panel As Alienware releases new programs they download directly into the Command Center allowing you to build a library of system management optimization and customization tools You can access Alienware Command Center by gently touching the touch control located near the top of the keyboard The control will illuminate temporarily to confirm your selection For the exact location of the control see Computer Base and Keyboard Features on page 18 Stealth Mode Stealth mode is designed to reduce the processor and graphics utilization and thereby reduces the energy consumption and noise level of your computer You can access Stealth mode by gently touching the touch control located near the top of the keyboard The contro will illuminate to full brightness until the function is deactivated For the exact location of the control see Computer Base and Keyboard Features on page 18 NOTE Stealth mode has no effect while the computer is running on battery power CHAPTER 3 USING YOUR LAPTOP 27 Free Fall Sensor Free fall sensor protects your computer hard drive from possible damage by detecting a free fall state caused by accidentally dr
42. rive 3 captive screws 4 2 pulltab 2 pulltab CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 9 Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive bracket Remove the interposer from the hard drive 10 Lift the hard drive out of the hard drive bracket 1 harddrive 3 screws 4 1 interposer 2 hard drive 2 hard drive bracket To replace the hard drive s perform the removal steps in reverse order CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 41 42 CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 8 AIA MEAT CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING 43 Basic Hints Tips Computer does not power on Is your AC adapter cable securely connected to a working electrical outlet If connected to a power strip ensure that the strip is actually working Connections Check all the cables to ensure that there are no loose connections anywhere Power Savings Ensure that your computer is not in hibernate or standby mode by pressing the power button for less than 4 seconds The power status light will fade from blue to black while in standby mode in hibernate mode it will be off Brightness Check and adjust the brightness of the display by pressing the key combinations lt Fn gt lt F4 gt or Fn F5 Display Choice Press the key combination Fn F6 to ensure that the computer is not set to External Only display Use onl
43. s into place 36 CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 1 battery bay 2 battery pack 3 battery latch Upgrading Replacing Memory Your laptop is equipped with a configurable memory unit The industry standard JEDEC DDR3 SODIMM memory module connectors are available for memory upgrade The table below illustrates all the possible ways system memory can be configured Memory connector 1 Memory connector 2 Total Memory 2 GB 2 GB 4GB 2 GB 4 GB 6 GB 4 GB 2 GB 6 GB 4 GB 4 GB 8 GB Removing the Memory Module s 1 Follow the instructions in Before You Begin on page 34 2 Remove the battery pack see Replacing the Battery Pack on page 36 3 Loosen the two captive screws that secure the compartment door to the compurer 1 compartment door 2 captive screws 2 4 Slide the compartment door towards the front of the computer and then lift it up CHAPTER 4 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 37 5 Loosen the captive screw that secures the memory module door to the computer base 6 Slide the memory module door to release the tabs and lift the memory module door out of the computer base 4 notch 1 memory module 5 memory module connector 2 spring locks 2 tab To replace the memory modules perform the removal steps in reverse order While inserting the memory module into the memory module connector align the notch on the memory module to the tab on t
44. t speaker to provide high quality stereo sound 14 CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Left View Features LP DisplayPort connector Connects your computer to external monitors and projectors with DisplayPort 5 L Network connector Connects your computer to a network broadband device 6 1 USB connectors 2 Connect USB devices such as mouse keyboard printer external drive or MP3 player r 7 USB eSATA combo connector with USB PowerShare Connects to eSATA compatible storage devices such as external hard drives or optical drives or USB devices such as a mouse keyboard printer external 2 4 Nd 8 drive or MP3 player The USB Powershare feature allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is turned off or in standby mode If you turn off your computer 1 Security cable slot Attaches commercially available security while charging a USB device the device will stop charging To continue cable to the computer l charging disconnect the USB device and connect it again NOTE Before you buy a security cable ensure that it works with the NOTE Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is turned security cable slot on your computer off or in standby mode In such cases turn on the computer to charge the VGA 2 VGA connector Connects to video d
45. t up Microsoft Windows To create a full system backup see AlienRespawn DataSafe Local Backup on page 52 Connect to the Internet Optional Setting Up a Wired Connection If you are using a dial up connection connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem and to the telephone wall jack before you set Up your Internet connection 10 CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP If you are using a DSL or cable satellite modem connection contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions To complete setting up your wired Internet connection follow the instructions in Setting Up Your Internet Connection on page Setting Up a Wireless Connection K NOTE To set up your wireless router see the documentation that shipped with your router Before you can use your wireless Internet connection you need to connect to your wireless router To set up your connection to a wireless router 1 Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer 2 Save close any open files and exit any open programs 3 Click Start Control Panel Network and Sharing Center Connect to a network 4 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup Setting Up Your Internet Connection ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past the Internet Service Provi
46. take about 30 minutes or more Do you want to continue Recommended If you are experiencing memory issues press lt y gt else press lt n gt The following message is displayed Pre boot System Assessment complete Press o to reboot your computer CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING 45 Alienware Diagnostics Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Resource DVD Insert the Resource DVD Shut down and restart the laptop When the Alienware logo appears press F12 immediately If you experience a problem with your Alienware laptop run the Alienware 1 Diagnostics before you contact Alienware for technical assistance It is 2 recommended that you print these procedures before you begin K NOTE Back up all data before initiating a system recovery It is recommended to backup critical files onto an external media before initiating recovery NOTE The Resource DVD contains drivers for your computer You can also download the latest drivers and software for your computer from support dell com NOTE If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop then shut down your computer and try again NOTE The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only On the next start up the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program Review your laptops configuration information and ensure that the devi
47. ve Plays or records only standard size 12 cm CDs DVDs and Blu ray Discs optional Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing Upward when inserting discs For more information see Using the Optical Drive on page 25 16 CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Display Features Left digital array microphone Combines with the right digital array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording Camera Built in camera for video capture conferencing and chat Camera activity indicator Indicates if the camera is on or off Right digital array microphone Combines with the left digital array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 7 Computer Base Keyboard Features 18 CHAPTER 2 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Status lights 3 Indicate if the Scroll Lock Caps Lock or Number Lock lights are turned on or off Keyboard The backlit keyboard provides visibility in dark environments by illuminating all symbols on the keys Touch pad Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor drag or move selected items and left click by tapping the surface Touch pad buttons 2 Provide left and right click functions
48. ve an active Internet connection you can find contact information on your purchase invoice packing slip bill or Dell product catalog Dell provides several online and telephone based support and service options Because availability varies by country and product some services may not be available in your area To contact Dell for sales technical support or customer Service issues l1 Visit www dell com contactdell 2 Select your country or region 3 Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need 4 Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you Websites You can learn about Alienware products and services on the following websites www dell com www dell com ap Asian Pacific countries only www dell com jp Japan only www euro dell com Europe only www dell com la Latin American and Caribbean countries www dell ca Canada only You can access Alienware Support through the following websites support dell com support jp dell com Japan only support euro dell com Europe only support la dell com Argentina Brazil Chile Mexico APPENDIX B CONTACTING ALIENWARE 61 Printed in China TUTTI
49. y the AC adapter that shipped with your laptop 44 CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING Backup and General Maintenance Always backup your important data on a regular basis and keep copies of your operating system and software safe Do not forget to note the serial numbers if you are storing them outside of their original cases e g in a CD wallet Run maintenance programs as often as you can You may schedule these programs to run at times when you are not using your computer You can use those provided with your operating system or buy more powerful dedicated programs to do so Write down your passwords and keep them safe away from your computer This is especially important if you choose to password protect your computers BIOS and operating system Document vital settings such as network dialup mail and Internet settings When troubleshooting your computer remember the following safety guidelines Before touching any of the computer s internal components touch an unpainted portion of the chassis Doing so will safely discharge any static electricity which could damage your computer Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals Disconnect any peripherals from your computer Things to check before troubleshooting Ensure that the AC adapter cable is properly connected between your computer and a grounded three prong power outlet Ensure that the power outlet is working Ensure the UPS or power strip is turned on
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