Alienware M15X manual

A L IENW ARE ® M15x 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, AlienRespawn, AlienFX, and the AlienHead logo are trademarks or registered t[...]

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 6: TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................... 49 Basic Hints and T ips ................................................ 50 Backup and General Maintenance ................................... 50 Sof tware Diagnostic T ools ........................................... 51 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 cer tain that your high-performance computer is properly optimized and per forms to its fullest pot[...]

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 Set Up Microsof t Windows CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’ s setup process. Doing so may render y our computer unusable. Y our computer is precongured with the operating system y ou requested while ordering your computer . T o congure the remaining settings, follow the instructions on the [...]

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

12 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Windows ® 7 Click 1. Start → Control Panel . Click 2. Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Set up a connection or Network → Connect to the Internet . e Connect to the Internet window appears. NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact y[...]

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 1 Lef t speaker — Combines with the right speaker to provide high qualit y stereo sound. 2 Infrared port — Connects to devices using infrared. 3 Right speaker — Combines with the lef t speaker to provide high qualit y stereo sound. Front V iew Features 2 3 1[...]

15 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 1 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available antithef t device to the computer . NOTE: Before y ou buy a lock, ensure that it works with the security lock slot on y our computer . 2 AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery . 3 VGA connect[...]

16 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 3 Optical drive — 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 33. 4 USB/eSA T A combo connector with USB PowerShare ?[...]

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 activity indicator — Indicates if the camera is on or o. 3 Camera — Built-in camera for video capture, confere[...]

18 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Computer Base and Keyboard Features 6 5 4 1 3 2 1 Status lights (3) — Indicates 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 1 8. 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 thi[...]

20 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Power Button Y ou can program this button to per form 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 ® Windows ® 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 Battery Pack Y our laptop is equipped with a high-energy rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery pack. Batter y life will vary depending on y our laptop conguration, model, applications instal led, power management settings, and features used. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this batter [...]

23 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Q: I did not use my spare battery for a few days. Even though it was fully recharged, there wasn’t as much power left as a newly charged one. Why? A: e batteries wil l self-discharge (1% per day for Li-ion) when they are not being recharged. T o ensure a batter y is ful ly charged, recharge before use.[...]

24 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Customizing Y our Power Settings: Windows Vista ® Click 1. Start → Control Panel. Click 2. Classic View from the task panel. 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 beneath the selected power plan.[...]

25 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES is chapter provides information about connecting optional devices to y our laptop to enhance y our audio, visual, and digital experience. CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES[...]

26 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting External Displays If y ou want to enjo y y our 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 For the best picture quality , use the DisplayPor t on y our[...]

27 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES T wo types of audio connectors: 1 2 1 stereo jack — Y our headphone jack should have this type of connector 2 mono jack — Y our microphone should have this type of connector Connecting External Speakers Y our Alienware laptop has two integrated audio out connectors and one audio in connector . e audio out con[...]

28 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting Printers Connecting a Plug and Play Printer If your printer suppor ts plug and play , Microsof t Windows wil l detect it and attempt to instal l the printer automatically . In some cases, W indows may require a driver for the printer . is driver is located on the sof tware CD that is included with the [...]

29 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting USB Devices Connect USB devices into an available USB connector on y our laptop. Microsof t Windows will detect the device and attempt to install the appropriate driver automatically . In some cases, Windows may require a driver . is driver is located on the sof tware CD that is included with the devic[...]

30 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES[...]

31 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP[...]

32 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP Alienware Command Center e Alienware ® Command Center gives y ou access to Alienware’ s exclusive sof tware and is a continuously upgradable control panel. As Alienware releases new programs, they download directly into the Command Center allowing you to build a librar y of system management, optimization, and[...]

33 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP Using the Optical Drive Y our laptop has a slot load optical drive. Depending on the conguration ordered, y our laptop may have one of the following drive types. ese logos are used to indicate each drive’ s capabilities and media compatibility . DVD±R/W Dual Lay er Writer DVD±R/W drive can read CD-ROM, CD-[...]

34 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP Conguring the BIOS System Setup e System Setup options allow you to: Change the system conguration information af ter y ou add, change, or • remove any hardware in y our laptop. Set or change a user-selectable option. • View the installed amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed. • Bef[...]

35 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP System Setup Options 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 on the Dell Suppor t website at support.del l.com/manuals. Main Menu System Time D[...]

36 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP Advanced Menu Wireless Network Allows you to enable or disable the internal wireless device. Disabled: e internal wireless device is o and is • not visible to the operating system. Enabled: e internal wireless device is enabled. • Bluetooth Receiver Allows you to enable or disable the internal Bluetooth[...]

37 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP Per formance Options Sub-Menu Memory Frequency Displays the frequency of the memory . Memory Channel Mode Displays the memory channel modes. Single • Dual • CPU Performance Mode Indicates if the processor is in turbo mode or not. Turbo Mode Allows you to enable or disable the turbo mode. Select Clock Mode Allows[...]

38 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP Security Menu Computrace ® Allows you to activate or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace ® Service from Absolute ® Sof tware. e Computrace ® agent from Absolute ® Sof tware is a service solution designed to help track assets and provide reco very services in the event the computer is[...]

39 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP Exit Menu Exit Saving Changes Allows you to exit System Setup and save y our changes to CMOS. Exit Discarding Changes Allows you to exit utility without saving Setup data to CMOS. Load Setup Defaults Allows you to load default values for all Setup items. Discard Changes Allows y ou to load previous values from CMOS [...]

40 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPT OP[...]

41 CHAPTER 5: 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 the Del l™ Support website, suppor[...]

42 CHAPTER 5: 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[...]

43 CHAPTER 5: 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 (for more information, see “T urning[...]

44 CHAPTER 5: 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 par ticular Alienware laptop. Do not use batt[...]

45 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Upgrading or Replacing Memory Y our laptop is equipped with a congurable memor y unit. e industry standard JEDEC PC3-8500/PC3-10600 (DDR3) SODIMM memor y module connectors are available for memor y upgrade. e table below il lustrates al l the possible ways system memory can be [...]

46 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 1 2 4 3 5 1 memory module connector 4 spring locks (2) 2 notch 5 memory module 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 connector align the notch on the memory module to the tab on the memor y module[...]

47 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive Y our laptop is equipped with one hard drive socket. Removing the Hard Drive Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin” on page 1. 42. Loosen the two screws and remove the compartment door . 2. 2 1 1 screws (2) 2 compar tment door Loosen the[...]

48 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Remove the interposer from the hard driv e. 7. 1 2 1 interposer 2 hard drive T o replace the hard drive, per form the removal steps in reverse order . Remove the four screws that secure the hard driv e to the hard drive bracket. 5. Lif t the hard drive out of the hard driv e bracket. 6.[...]

49 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING[...]

50 CHAPTER 6: 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[...]

51 CHAPTER 6: 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[...]

52 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Suppor t Disc Insert the Suppor t disc. 1. Shut down and restart the laptop. 2. When the Alienware logo appears, press <F12> immediately . NOTE: If y ou wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsof t ® Windows ® desktop;[...]

53 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Shut down y our computer , disconnect the power cable, and open your • computer . Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the drive and the SA T A connector on your system board. For more information, see the Service Manual. An audio CD does not produce sound Check to see if the audio CD is properly inserted[...]

54 CHAPTER 6: 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[...]

55 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Windows ® 7 Click 1. Start → Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Use an older program with this version of Windows . In the welcome screen, click 2. Next . Follow the instructions on the screen. Other sof tware problems Back up y our les immediately Use a virus-scanning program to check the h[...]

56 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Internet Cannot browse the Internet or the Unable to locate host error message appears: Check if y ou are connected to the Internet. • Check if the web address typed in the address bar is correct and valid. T ry a • dierent Web address, or URL. If the error message still appears, disconnect from the Internet Ser[...]

57 CHAPTER 6: 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 4 5 ). Computers using a dual-channel memory conguration require that • memory modules be instal led in pairs. If y ou req[...]

58 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Mouse e mouse is not working Check if the mouse cable is properly connected to the USB connector on • y our computer . Check if the mouse cable is damaged. If the mouse cable is damaged, the • mouse will most likely need to be replaced. Restart your computer . • T ry a mouse that you know works in the same con[...]

59 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Power When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on If the AC adapter 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 a[...]

60 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Disconnect headphones from the headphone connector: Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the headphone connector . T est the electrical outlet: Ensure that the electrical outlet is working b y testing it with another device, such as a lamp. Reinstall the audio driver Run th[...]

61 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY Y our computer ships with the following media: Recovery CD or DVD • — Contains operating system installation media. Support CD or DVD • — Contains drivers for your computer . Y ou can also download the latest drivers and software for your computer from sup[...]

62 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y AlienRespawn v2.0 NOTE: Back up al l data before initiating a system recov ery . Backup functionality is included in AlienRespawn™ v2.0, but as a precaution it is recommended to backup critical les onto an external media before initiating recovery . AlienRespawn™ v2.0 is a recovery solution which is capable of [...]

63 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y Advanced Recovery is method wil l completely reformat your hard drive and return y our computer to its original factor y conguration resolving all sof tware or conguration issues. is option is best for most sof tware-related issues. A backup of y our entire current hard drive wil l be created in C:BACKUP [...]

64 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y T o Enable or Change Password Settings Click 1. Start → Al l Programs → AlienRespawn v2.0 . Click the icon labeled 2. Respawn Settings . e 3. Respawn Settings application will launch. If y ou are enabling password protection for the rst time, enter the • default password, “alienware” (case-sensitive), [...]

65 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y T urn on your computer . 3. When the Alienware logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the 4. Advanced Boot Options window . NOTE: If y ou wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsof t ® Windows ® desktop; then, shut down y our computer and tr y aga[...]

66 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y[...]

67 CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS is chapter provides the basic specications of your computer . For more detailed specications, see the Comprehensive Specications on the Dell Support website at support.del l.com/manuals . CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS[...]

68 CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS Computer Model Alienware M15x Dimensions Height 48.7 mm (1.92 inches) - Front and Back Width 377.93 mm (14.88 inches) Depth 308.51 mm (12.15 inches) Weight with 6-cell battery (starting at) 4.08 kg (9.00 lb) NOTE : e weight of y our laptop wil l vary depending on the conguration ordered and the manufacturin[...]

69 CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS AC Adapter T ype 150 W Output current 7.7 A (continuous) Rated output voltage 19.5 VDC Communications Network adapter 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN on system board Wireless WLAN Mini-Card (Half Mini-Card slot) • WP AN, Bluetooth card (full card slot) • Discs/Cards Supported Optical drive formats SA T A-compli[...]

70 CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS Battery T emperature range Operating 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F) Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140°F) Coin-cell batter y CR-2032 Battery T ype and dimensions 6-cell “smar t” lithium ion (57 Whr) Depth 53.8 mm (2.12 inches) Height 21.3 mm (0.84 inches) Width 213 mm (8.39 inches) Weight 0.33 kg (0.72 l[...]

71 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 al l power , modem and any other • [...]

72 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[...]

73 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 • ([...]

74 APPENDIX C: IMPORT ANT INFORMA TION APPENDIX C: IMPORT ANT INFORMA TION BACKUP ANY DA T A YOU HA VE BEFORE INITIA TING A SYSTEM RECOVERY OR • SENDING Y OUR COMPUTER IN FOR REP AIR OR UPGRADES. RET AIN ALL BOXES THA T WERE ORIGINALL Y SHIPPED TO YOU IN CASE Y OU • NEED TO RETURN ANY MERCHANDISE.[...]

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