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; 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 Setting Up a Wireless Connection 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 ...
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 - Back View Features; Front View Features
14 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Back View Features 1 1 AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery. Front View Features 2 3 1 1 Left speaker — Combines with the right speaker to provide high quality stereo sound. 2 Consumer IR port — Conne...
Page 15 - Left View Features
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 your computer to a network or broadband device. 6 USB connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, pr...
Page 16 - Right View Features
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/ ...
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 — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. 3 Camera a...
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) — Indicate 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 o...
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 18. 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 23 - CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP; CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP
23 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP
Page 24 - Connecting External Displays; Connecting a Display
24 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 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 ...
Page 25 - Using Removable Media and Cards; Using the Optical Drive
25 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 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 your laptop is inserted in the unused slot(s). The...
Page 26 - Using the Integrated Camera; Turning the Camera On and Off; Using the Wireless Control; Understanding Power Consumption
26 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Using the Integrated Camera Turning the Camera On and Off Press the key combination <Fn><F9> 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...
Page 27 - Customizing Your Power Settings:; Reducing Power Consumption; Alienware Command Center
27 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Customizing Your 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. To customize specific settings, 4. click Change plan settings next to the selected p...
Page 28 - Free Fall Sensor; System Setup; Entering System Setup
28 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Free Fall Sensor Free fall sensor protects your computer hard drive from possible damage, by detecting a free fall state caused by accidentally dropping the computer. When a free fall state is detected, the hard drive is placed in a safe state to protect against damag...
Page 29 - System Setup Options
29 CHAPTER 3: 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 at support.dell.com/manuals. Main ...
Page 33 - CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL
33 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 . NOTE: See the Service Ma...
Page 34 - Before You Begin; Turning
34 CHAPTER 4: 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 35 - Before Working Inside Your Computer
35 CHAPTER 4: 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 computer...
Page 36 - Replacing the Battery Pack
36 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...
Page 37 - Upgrading or Replacing Memory
37 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Upgrading or 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 sy...
Page 43 - CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING; CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
43 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
Page 44 - Backup and General Maintenance
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...
Page 45 - Software Diagnostic Tools
45 CHAPTER 5: 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 46 - Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Resource Disc; Alienware
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 unt...
Page 47 - A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly; Answers to Common Problems; System; The computer fails the POST
47 CHAPTER 5: 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 48 - Hard Drive Problems; Allow the computer to cool before turning it on
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...
Page 49 - Memory; Memory errors detected on startup; Display; If the display is blank; Power; When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on
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 Memory” on page 37). Computers using a dual-channel memory configuration require that • memory modul...
Page 51 - CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY; CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY
51 CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY Your computer ships with the following media: Operating System disc • — Contains operating system installation media. Resource disc • — Contains drivers for your computer. You can also download the latest drivers and...
Page 52 - Dell DataSafe Local Backup
52 CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY Dell DataSafe Local Backup Dell DataSafe Local Backup is a backup and recovery application that can restore your computer if you lose data due to a virus attack, accidentally delete critical files or folders, or if the hard drive crashes. This application allows you to:...
Page 53 - CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS; CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
53 CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS This chapter provides the basic specifications of your computer. For more detailed specifications, see the Comprehensive Specifications at support.dell.com/manuals . CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
Page 57 - Computer Use; APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL; Computer Setup
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. • To avoid electrical shock, always disc...
Page 58 - General Safety Precautions; Replacement Components or Accessories
58 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 59 - Websites; APPENDIX B: CONTACTING ALIENWARE
59 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 60 - APPENDIX C: MACROVISION
60 APPENDIX C: MACROVISION PRODUCT NOTICE APPENDIX C: MACROVISION PRODUCT NOTICE This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use o...
