Page 3 - CONTENTS
3 CONTENTS CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Before Setting Up Your Laptop . . . . ....
Page 5 - INTRODUCTION; INTRODUCTION
5 INTRODUCTION 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...
Page 7 - CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP; CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
7 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
Page 8 - Product Documentation and Media; Placing Your Laptop; Before Setting Up Your 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 laptop’s capabilities. You may see the documentation for technical information ...
Page 9 - Press the Power Button
9 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Press the Power Button Connect the AC Adapter 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 elect...
Page 10 - Set Up Microsoft Windows
10 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 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 se...
Page 13 - CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW; CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
13 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 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
Page 14 - Front View Features
14 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 1 Left speaker — Combines with the right speaker to provide high quality stereo sound. 2 Infrared port — Connects to devices using infrared. 3 Right speaker — Combines with the left speaker to provide high quality stereo sound. Front View Features 2 3 1
Page 15 - Left View Features
15 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 1 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. NOTE: Before you buy a lock, ensure that it works with the security lock slot on your computer. 2 AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the comput...
Page 16 - Right View Features
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/eS...
Page 17 - Display Features
17 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Display Features 1 2 3 4 1 Left digital array microphone — Combines with the right digital array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording. 2 Camera activity indicator — Indicates if the camera is on or off. 3 Camera — B...
Page 18 - Computer Base and Keyboard Features
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 off. 2 Keyboard — The backlit keyboard provides visibility in dark environments by illuminating all symbols ...
Page 19 - Status Lights
19 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 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 1 8. Scroll Lock Light Turns on when the scroll lock option is on. Caps Lock Light Turns on when...
Page 20 - Power Button
20 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Power Button You can program this button to perform actions like shutting down the operating system or entering the standby mode. For details on how to program this button, see Power Options in the Control Panel of Microsoft ® Windows ® operating system. The...
Page 21 - Function Keys
21 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Function Keys NOTE: Depending on the configuration of the laptop you purchased, some of the function keys may have no associated tasks. The <Fn> key is located near the bottom-left corner of the keyboard, and is used together with other keys to activat...
Page 22 - Battery Pack; Recharging the Battery Pack; Battery Maintenance; Frequently Asked Questions
22 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 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 ba...
Page 23 - Power Management; Understanding Power Consumption
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: The batteries will self-discharge (1% per day for Li-ion) when they are not being recharged. To ensure a bat...
Page 24 - Customizing Your Power Settings:; Reducing Power Consumption
24 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Customizing Your 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. To customize specific settings, 4. click Change pl...
Page 25 - CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES; CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES
25 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES This chapter provides information about connecting optional devices to your laptop to enhance your audio, visual, and digital experience. CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES
Page 26 - Connecting External Displays; Connecting a Display; Extending the Desktop
26 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES 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 For the best pictur...
Page 27 - Connecting External Speakers
27 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Two types of audio connectors: 1 2 1 stereo jack — Your headphone jack should have this type of connector 2 mono jack — Your microphone should have this type of connector Connecting External Speakers Your Alienware laptop has two integrated audio out connectors and o...
Page 28 - Connecting Printers; Connecting a Plug and Play Printer
28 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting Printers Connecting a Plug and Play Printer If your printer supports plug and play, Microsoft Windows will detect it and attempt to install the printer automatically. In some cases, Windows may require a driver for the printer. This driver is located on th...
Page 29 - Connecting USB Devices
29 CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting USB Devices Connect USB devices into an available USB connector on your laptop. Microsoft Windows will detect the device and attempt to install the appropriate driver automatically. In some cases, Windows may require a driver. This driver is located on the...
Page 31 - CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP; CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP
31 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP
Page 32 - Alienware Command Center; Stealth Mode; Using Removable Media and Cards
32 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP Alienware Command Center The Alienware ® Command Center gives you access to Alienware’s 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 librar...
Page 33 - Using the Optical Drive; Using the Integrated Camera; Turning the Camera On and Off; Using the Wireless Control
33 CHAPTER 4: USING 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 Layer Wri...
Page 34 - System Setup; Entering System Setup
34 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP 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...
Page 35 - System Setup Options
35 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP 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 Support website at sup...
Page 41 - CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL
41 CHAPTER 5: 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 . NOTE: See the Service Ma...
Page 42 - Before You Begin; Turning Off Your Computer
42 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Before You Begin This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your laptop. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: You have performed the steps in “Turning Off ...
Page 43 - Before Working Inside Your Computer
43 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover 1. from being scratched. Turn off your compute...
Page 44 - Replacing the Battery Pack
44 CHAPTER 5: 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...
Page 45 - Upgrading or Replacing Memory
45 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Upgrading or Replacing Memory Your laptop is equipped with a configurable memory unit. The industry standard JEDEC PC3-8500/PC3-10600 (DDR3) SODIMM memory module connectors are available for memory upgrade. The table below illustrates all...
Page 47 - Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive; Removing the Hard Drive
47 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive Your laptop is equipped with one hard drive socket. Removing the Hard Drive Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 42. Loosen the two screws and remove the compartment door. 2. 2 1 1...
Page 49 - CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING; CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING
49 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING
Page 50 - Backup and General Maintenance
50 CHAPTER 6: 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...
Page 51 - Software Diagnostic Tools
51 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING 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: Turn on (or restart) your computer. 1. Press <...
Page 52 - Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Support Disc; Alienware
52 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Support Disc Insert the Support 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...
Page 53 - An audio CD does not produce sound; Answers to Common Problems; The computer does not recognize the disc or drive
53 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Shut down your computer, disconnect the power cable, and open your • computer. Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the drive and the SATA connector on your system board. For more information, see the Service Manual. An audio CD does not produce sound Check ...
Page 54 - A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly; System; The computer fails the POST
54 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly End the program: Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously. 1. Click the 2. Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding. Click 3. End Task . Check the software documentation. If ne...
Page 55 - Other software problems; Hard Drive Problems; Allow the computer to cool before turning it on
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 software problems Back up your files immediately Use a...
Page 56 - Internet; Unable to locate host; Keyboard
56 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Internet Cannot browse the Internet or the Unable to locate host error message appears: Check if you are connected to the Internet. • Check if the web address typed in the address bar is correct and valid. Try a • different Web address, or URL. If the error message stil...
Page 57 - Memory; Memory errors detected on startup; Display; If the display is blank
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 Memory” on page 4 5 ). Computers using a dual-channel memory configuration require that • memory mod...
Page 58 - Mouse; The mouse is not working
58 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Mouse The mouse is not working Check if the mouse cable is properly connected to the USB connector on • your 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. • Try a mou...
Page 59 - Power; When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on; Printer; The printer does not turn on; The printer does not print
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 t...
Page 60 - Game Controllers; The computer does not recognize the game controller; Speakers; There is no sound from the speakers (external)
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. Test the electrical outlet: Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, su...
Page 61 - CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY; CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY
61 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY Your computer ships with the following media: Recovery CD or DVD • — Contains operating system installation media. Support CD or DVD • — Contains drivers for your computer. You can also download the latest drivers an...
Page 62 - Using AlienRespawn v2.0; Recovery Options; Microsoft System Restore
62 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY AlienRespawn v2.0 NOTE: Back up all data before initiating a system recovery. Backup functionality is included in AlienRespawn™ v2.0, but as a precaution it is recommended to backup critical files onto an external media before initiating recovery. AlienRespawn™ v2.0 is ...
Page 63 - Advanced Recovery; Factory System Recovery; Password Protection
63 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY Advanced Recovery This method will completely reformat your hard drive and return your computer to its original factory configuration resolving all software or configuration issues. This option is best for most software-related issues. A backup of your entire current ha...
Page 64 - To Enable or Change Password Settings; AlienRespawn v2.0 Disc; To Use the AlienRespawn v2.0 Disc
64 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY To Enable or Change Password Settings Click 1. Start → All Programs → AlienRespawn v2.0 . Click the icon labeled 2. Respawn Settings . The 3. Respawn Settings application will launch. If you are enabling password protection for the first time, enter the • default passwo...
Page 65 - Dell DataSafe Local Backup
65 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY Turn on your computer. 3. When the Alienware logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the 4. Advanced Boot Options window. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft ® Windows ® desktop; t...
Page 67 - CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS; CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
67 CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS This chapter provides the basic specifications of your computer. For more detailed specifications, see the Comprehensive Specifications on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com/manuals . CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
Page 71 - Computer Use; APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL; Computer Setup
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. • To avoid electrical shock, always disc...
Page 72 - General Safety Precautions; Replacement Components or Accessories
72 APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 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 d...
Page 73 - Websites; APPENDIX B: CONTACTING ALIENWARE
73 APPENDIX B: CONTACTING ALIENWARE 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...
Page 74 - APPENDIX C: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
74 APPENDIX C: IMPORTANT INFORMATION APPENDIX C: IMPORTANT INFORMATION BACKUP ANY DATA YOU HAVE BEFORE INITIATING A SYSTEM RECOVERY OR • SENDING YOUR COMPUTER IN FOR REPAIR OR UPGRADES. RETAIN ALL BOXES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SHIPPED TO YOU IN CASE YOU • NEED TO RETURN ANY MERCHANDISE.
