Dell M17x-R2 manual

A L IENW ARE ® M17x MOBILE MANU AL[...]

e contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2009 Dell Inc. Al l rights reserved. Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly prohibited. T rademarks used in this manual: Alienware, AlienFX, and the AlienHead logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of A[...]

3 CONTENTS CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................... 5 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP .................................... 7 Before Setting Up Y our Laptop ....................................... 8 Connect the AC Adapter .............................................. 9 Press the Power Button ..............[...]

4 CONTENTS CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................... 43 Basic Hints and T ips ................................................ 44 Backup and General Maintenance ................................... 44 Sof tware Diagnostic T ools .......................................... 45 Answers to Common Problems ......................[...]

5 INTRODUCTION Dear V alued Alienware Customer , Welcome to the Alienware family . We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high-per formance computer users. e Alienware technicians who have craf ted your computer have made certain that your high-performance computer is properly optimized and performs to its fullest poten[...]

6 INTRODUCTION[...]

7 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SET TING UP YOUR LAPTOP[...]

8 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Product Documentation and Media e documentation that ships with y our Alienware ® laptop is designed to provide answers to many of the questions that may arise as you explore y our new laptop’ s capabilities. Y ou may see the documentation for technical information or general use as needed to answer questio[...]

9 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Press the Power Button Connect the AC Adapter W ARNING: e 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 re or equipment damag[...]

10 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Setting Up a Wireless Connection NOTE: T o set up y our wireless router , see the documentation that shipped with y our router . Before you can use y our wireless Internet connection, y ou need to connect to your wireless router . T o set up your connection to a wireless router: Ensure that wireless is enabled o[...]

11 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Setting Up Y our Internet Connection ISPs and ISP oerings var y by country . Contact your ISP for oerings available in y our countr y . If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successful ly connected in the past, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to ch[...]

12 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP[...]

13 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP is chapter provides information about y our new laptop to familiarize you with its various features, and get y ou up and running quickly. CHAPTER 2: GET TING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING T O KNOW YOUR LAPT OP[...]

14 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Back V iew Features 1 1 AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery . Front V iew Features 2 3 1 1 Lef t speaker — Combines with the right speaker to provide high qualit y stereo sound. 2 Consumer IR port — Connects to devices using infrared. 3 Right [...]

15 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 4 DisplayPort connector — Connects your computer to external monitors and projectors with DisplayPort. 5 Network connector — Connects y our computer to a network or broadband device. 6 USB connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer , external drive, or MP3 player . 7 U[...]

16 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 4 USB connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer , external drive, or MP3 player . 5 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to front L/R speakers or headphones. 6 Audio out/Headphone connector — Connects to a center speaker/ subwoofer or headphones. 7 Rear L/R surrou[...]

17 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Display Features 1 2 3 4 1 Lef t digital-array microphone — Combines with the right digital-array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and v oice recording. 2 Camera — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. 3 Camera activity indicator — Indicates if the camer[...]

18 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Computer Base and Keyboard Features 6 5 4 1 3 2 1 Status lights (3) — Indicate if the Scroll Lock, Caps Lock, or Number Lock lights are turned on or o. 2 Keyboard — e backlit keyboard provides visibility in dark environments b y il luminating all symbols on the keys. 3 T ouch pad — Provides the [...]

19 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Status Lights e three status lights are located at the top-lef t side of the keyboard. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 18. Scroll Lock Light T urns on when the scroll lock option is on. Caps Lock Light T urns on when the keyboard is in Caps Lock mode. In this[...]

20 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Power Button Y ou can program this button to perform actions like shutting down the operating system or entering the standb y mode. For details on how to program this button, see Power Options in the Control Panel of Microsoft ® W indows ® operating system. e power button is located in the center of th[...]

21 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Function Keys NOTE: Depending on the conguration of the laptop you purchased, some of the function keys may have no associated tasks. e <Fn> key is located near the bottom-lef t corner of the keyboard, and is used together with other keys to activate certain functions. Hold down the <Fn> k[...]

22 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP[...]

23 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP[...]

24 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Connecting External Displays If y ou want to enjoy your computing environment on a bigger scale visually , or extend y our desktop area, y ou 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[...]

25 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Using Removable Media and Cards Observe the safety measures below: When no ExpressCard or Media Card (SD/MMC/MS cards) is inserted into the ExpressCard or Media Card slot, ensure that the blank cards that shipped with y our laptop is inser ted in the unused slot(s). e blank cards protect the unused slots from dus[...]

26 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Using the Integrated Camera T urning the Camera On and O Press the key combination <Fn><F9> to switch on or switch o the camera. Af ter switching on the camera, y ou need to activate its function through the Microsof t Windows operating system. In addition, you can also use Windows Movie Maker to c[...]

27 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Customizing Y our Power Settings: Click 1. Start → Control Panel. Click 2. All Control Panel Items . Double-click the 3. Power Options icon. Select a power plan from the options shown. T o customize specic settings, 4. click Change plan settings next to the selected power plan. Reducing Power Consumption Althou[...]

28 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Free Fal l Sensor Free fall sensor protects y our computer hard driv e from possible damage, b y detecting a free fal l state caused by accidentally dropping the computer . When a free fal l state is detected, the hard driv e is placed in a safe state to protect against damage to the read/write head and possible dat[...]

29 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and instal led 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.del l.com/manuals. Main Menu System Time Displays the system time. Sys[...]

30 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Advanced Menu High Denition Sound Allows you to enable or disable the internal high denition audio device. Disabled: e internal audio device is disabled and is • not visible to the operating system. Enabled: e internal audio device is enabled. • USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the USB e[...]

31 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Per formance Options Sub-Menu CPU Speed Displays the speed of the processor . Memory Frequency Displays the frequency of the memory . Memory Channel Mode Displays the memor y channel modes. Single • Dual • CPU Performance Mode Indicates if the processor is in turbo mode or not. Turbo Mode Allows you to enable or[...]

32 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPT OP Power Menu A/C Adapter Rating Displays the AC adapter rating. A/C Adapter Warnings Allows you to choose if the computer should display warning messages when y ou use cer tain power adapters. e computer displays these messages if y ou attempt to use a power adapter that has too little capacity for y our congura[...]

33 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS is chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing power and storage space, by upgrading equipment. Y ou can purchase components for y our computer at www .dell.com or www .alienware.com . NOTE: See the Service Manual at suppor t.dell.com/manuals for instal[...]

34 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Before Y ou Begin is section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in y our laptop. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the fol lowing conditions exist: Y ou have performed the steps in “T urning O Y our Computer” and “Before • Work[...]

35 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CAUTION: T o avoid damaging the computer , perform the following steps before y ou begin working inside the computer . Ensure that the work sur face is at and clean to prevent the computer co ver 1. from being scratched. T urn o your computer (see “T urning O Y our Computer?[...]

36 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Replacing the Battery Pack is batter y pack can easily be removed and replaced. Ensure that the laptop is properly shut down before changing the battery pack. CAUTION: T o avoid damage to the laptop, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware laptop. Do not use batte[...]

37 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Upgrading or Replacing Memory Y our laptop is equipped with a congurable memor y unit. e industr y standard JEDEC DDR3 SODIMM memor y module connectors are available for memor y upgrade. e table below illustrates al l the possible ways system memory can be congured. Memory c[...]

38 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 5 4 2 3 1 1 memory module 4 notch 2 spring locks (2) 5 memory-module connector 3 tab T o replace the memor y modules, per form the removal steps in reverse order . While inserting the memor y module into the memory-module connector , align the notch on the memory module to the tab on th[...]

39 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive(s) Y our laptop is equipped with two hard drive sockets. Removing the Hard Drive(s) Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin” on page 1. 34. Remove the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack“ on page 2. 36). Loosen the two captiv[...]

40 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Loosen the four captive screws on the secondary hard drive (HDD1). 7. Using the pull tab, lif t the secondar y hard drive (HDD1) out of the computer 8. base. 3 1 2 1 secondary hard drive 3 captive screws (4) 2 pull tab Loosen the four captive screws on the primary hard drive (HDD0). 5. [...]

41 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Remove the interposer from the hard driv e. 11. 1 2 1 interposer 2 hard drive T o replace the hard drive(s), per form the removal steps in reverse order . Remove the four screws that secure the hard driv e to the hard-drive bracket. 9. Lif t the hard drive out of the hard-driv e bracket[...]

42 CHAPTER 4: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS[...]

43 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING[...]

44 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Backup and General Maintenance Always backup y our impor tant data on a regular basis and keep copies of • y our operating system and sof tware safe. Do not forget to note the serial numbers if y ou are storing them outside of their original cases - e.g., in a CD wallet. Run maintenance programs as of ten as y ou can[...]

45 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Sof tware Diagnostic T ools Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA) e computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of y our system board, keyboard, display, memory , hard drive, etc. T o invoke PSA: T urn on (or restart) your computer . 1. Press <F12> to access the 2. Boot Menu . Sele[...]

46 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Resource Disc Insert the Resource disc. 1. Shut down and restart the laptop. 2. When the Alienware logo appears, press <F12> immediately . NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until y ou see the Microsof t ® Windows ® desktop;[...]

47 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly End the program: Press <Ctrl><Shif t><Esc> simultaneously . 1. Click the 2. Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding. Click 3. End T ask . Check the sof tware documentation. If necessary , uninstal l and then reinstall the pr[...]

48 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING V erify that the device drivers do not conict with the program. • If necessary , uninstal l 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. T ry allowing the computer to return to room temperatu[...]

49 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Memory Memory errors detected on startup Check memory modules for correct seating and orientation. Reseat the • memory modules if applicable (see “Upgrading or Replacing Memor y” on page 37). Computers using a dual-channel memory conguration require that • memory modules be instal led in pairs. If y ou requi[...]

50 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING[...]

51 CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVER Y CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVER Y CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY Y our computer ships with the following media: Operating System disc • — Contains operating system installation media. Resource disc • — Contains drivers for y our computer . Y ou can also download the latest drivers and software for your computer from sup[...]

52 CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVER Y Del l DataSafe Local Backup Dell DataSafe Local Backup is a backup and recovery application that can restore y our computer if you lose data due to a virus attack, accidental ly delete critical les or folders, or if the hard drive crashes. is application allows you to: Restore les and folders • Restore y ou[...]

53 CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS is chapter provides the basic specications of y our computer . For more detailed specications, see the Comprehensive Specications at support.del l.com/manuals . CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS[...]

54 CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS Computer Model Alienware M17x-R2 Dimensions Height (Front to Back) 51.31 mm to 53.59 mm (2.02 inches to 2.11 inches) Width 405.89 mm (15.98 inches) Depth 321.31 mm (12.65 inches) Weight with 9-cell battery (starting at) 5.3 kg (11.8 lb) NOTE : e weight of y our laptop wil l vary depending on the conguration[...]

55 CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS Ports and Connectors ExpressCard one ExpressCard/54 connector 8-in-1 Media Card Reader one combo connector Infrared one RC6 Consumer IR port AC Adapter T ype 240 W/150 W NOTE : e 150 W AC adapter supports computers with a single graphics card and a non-Extreme Edition processor . Other congurations require [...]

56 CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS Battery Operating time Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be signicantly reduced under certain power-intensive conditions. Life span (approximate) 300 discharge/charge cy cles T emperature range Operating 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F) Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140[...]

57 APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 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 . • T o avoid electrical shock, always disconnect all power , modem and any other • c[...]

58 APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS General Safety Precautions Mechanical Shock: Y our computer should never be subjected to severe • mechanical shocks. Careless handling of y our computer may cause damage. Mechanical Shock is not covered b y the warranty . Electrical Shock: If y ou do not open up your computer , there is not[...]

59 APPENDIX B: CONT ACTING ALIENW ARE Websites Y ou can learn about Alienware products and services on the fol lowing websites: www .dell.com • www .dell.com/ap • (Asian/Pacic 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 • ([...]

60 APPENDIX C: MACROVISION PRODUCT NOTICE APPENDIX C: MACROVISION PRODUCT NOTICE is product incorporates cop yright protection technology that is protected b y method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned b y Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be[...]

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