Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Notice The information in this user’s manual is subject to change without notice. THE MANUFACTURER OR RESELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MANUAL. The information in this user’s manual is protected by copyright laws.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE Symbols and Conventions Protecting Your Computer - Avoid Abusive Handling and Adverse Environments Chapter Summaries 1.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 2. BIOS SETUP AND SECURITY Entering the BIOS Setup Screen (33) Leaving the BIOS Setup Screen (33) BIOS Action Keys (33) Modifying the BIOS Settings (34) Main Setup (34) Boot Setup (34) Security Setup (36) Power Setup (37) Exit Setup (37) 3.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4. UPGRADING YOUR COMPUTER Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive (57) Upgrading the System Memory (60) Installing a memory module (DIMM) into the system (61) Adding a Mini-PCI Type Wireless LAN Card (Optional Device) (63) Installing a Mini PCI Card to the System (64) 5.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Preface Using This Manual This User’s Manual contains general information about the hardware and software setup, troubleshooting, and technical specifications of the notebook computer. Symbols and Conventions The following conventions and symbols are used in this manual: • When keys are to be pressed at the same time, a plus (+) symbol is used. For instance, Fn+F7 means holding Fn and F7 keys at the same time.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Protecting Your Computer - Avoid Abusive Handling and Adverse Environments Following the advice below will help ensure that you get the most out of your investment. Your computer will serve you well if you take good care of it. • • • • • • • • • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight or place it near sources of heat. Do not subject it to temperatures below 0oC (32oF) or above 35oC (95oF). Do not expose the computer to magnetic fields.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference When cleaning the computer, observe these steps: 1. Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Use a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Contact your dealer or see your service technician if any of the following occurs: • Computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. • Liquid has been spilled into the computer. • The computer does not operate normally.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Chapter Summaries The following is a summary of the available chapters and appendices in this manual. Chapter 1: Getting to Know the Basics In this chapter, you will learn the basic operations and features of your computer. It gives you a general understanding of the components of your computer. Chapter 2: BIOS Setup / Security In this chapter, you will learn how to change various firmware settings and what the settings mean.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER ONE GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS This chapter introduces the features and components of the computer. m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Performance Features High Performance Processor with Calistoga Chipset The notebook PC is equipped with a powerful Mobile Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Together with the latest Calistoga chipset and technologies, the system offers advanced PC performance. Advanced Graphic Engine The PCI-Express high-end graphics engine offers excellent graphics performance for the most demanding professionals or gamers.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference The built-in 4-in-1 card reader lets you access many of the portable media formats (SD Card, MMC Card, MS Card, and MS Pro Card). Ethernet Port The system provides a built-in 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet network adapter for high bandwidth network connection. Firewire (IEEE1394 / 1394a) and USB2.0 Ports In addition to a full array of built-in I/O ports, the computer offers IEEE1394 for ultra high-speed connection to high bandwidth digital video devices and USB2.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference System At A Glance Top View 1. LCD Latch The LCD latches lock / unlock the LCD panel. 2. LCD Display The panel is where the system content is displayed. 12 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 3. Keyboard The keyboard is used to enter data. It has an embedded numeric keypad and cursor control keys. (See Keyboard Section for details.) 4. Touch Pad The touch pad is a built-in pointing device with functions similar to a mouse. 5. Built-in Microphone The built-in microphone records sound. 6. Touch Pad Disable / Enable Button The button enables or disables the Touch Pad function. 7.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Note: When the system power is initially turned on, the Scroll-lock, Cap-lock, and Numeric keypad LED indicators will light up momentarily to indicate the start of the Power-On sequence. 10. Silent Mode Button Pressing the key enables the system to lower its power usage; therefore the fan speed is reduced to achieve the lowest operating noise. You may need to go to BIOS Setup to enable Silent Mode for this button. See Chapter 2 for details. 11.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Front and Rear View Warning: Do not place any heavy objects on the top of the notebook. This may damage the display 1. Wireless On/Off Switch Use the switch to disable or enable the Wireless function. 2. Power Jack (DC-in) The DC-out jack of the AC Adapter connects here and powers the computer. 3. Modem Port This is where you plug the phone jack (RJ-11) for fax/modem functions. 4. Battery Pack The battery pack is a built-in power source for the notebook.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 5. Ventilation Grill The fan grill is where air is exchanged to dissipate the internal heat. Do not block this airway. 6. Kensington Lock Key Hole A Kensington-type security lock latches to this keyhole for anti-theft purposes. 16 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Side Views Warning: Do not place any heavy objects on the top of your notebook. This may damage the display 1. Audio Volume Dial Use the volume dial to control the loudness of the speakers. 2. Stereo Headphone / SPDIF-out Jack The stereo headphone jack (3.5-mm diameter) is where you connect the headphones or external speakers. Alternatively, you may connect the SPDIF output to an external DTS, AC3, or PCM sound processor / decoder in your home stereo system.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 5. USB2.0 Port (x2) The Universal Serial Bus (USB2.0-compliant) port allows you to connect a wide variety of devices to your computer at a rate of up to 480 Mbps. This port conforms to the latest USB2.0 plug-and-play standards. 6. DVI-I Port The DVI-I video output port is for connecting the external LCD monitor or projector. 7. TV (S-Video) Port The S-Video port permits you to redirect the screen output to a television set or any analog video playback device.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 12. ExpressCard Slot The slot is where ExpressCard (Type 54) is inserted. ExpressCard Type 54 allows insertion of 54mm and 34mm cards. ExpressCard integrates both the PCI-Express bus technology and USB2.0 standards. 19 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Bottom View 1. Battery Pack and Battery Latch The battery pack is a built-in power source for the notebook. Slide the battery latch to release the battery pack. 2. Hard Disk Drive Cover The system’s hard disk drive is located under the cover. The HDD can be upgraded to a larger capacity. (See Chapter 4 for instructions on an HDD upgrade.) 20 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 21 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 3. System Device Cover The system’s processor with cooler assembly, wireless LAN module, and DDR memory module are located under the case cover. You may install the WLAN module and the system memory can be upgraded to a larger capacity. (See Chapter 4 for instructions on a memory upgrade.) 4. Ventilation Grill The fan grill is where air is exchanged to dissipate the internal heat. Do not block this airway. Warning: Do not block the fan grill outlet.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference AC Adapter 1. DC-out Connector The DC-out connector docks to the power jack (DC-in) on the computer. 2. Adapter The adapter converts alternating current into constant DC voltage for the computer. 3. AC Plug The AC plug plugs into the AC wall outlet. Warning: Make sure you are using a standard 3-prong AC wall socket with a ground pin. If not, you may feel a slight tingling sensation on any of the computer’s metal parts such as the I/O ports.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference LED Status Indicator The LED Status Indicator displays the operating status of your notebook. When a certain function is enabled, an LED will light up. The following section describes its indication. System & Power Status Indicators LED Graphic Symbol Indication Blue light indicates the notebook is ON. Blue light indicates the WLAN module is active. Blinking blue light indicates the notebook is in Suspend Mode. Blue light indicates the Silent Mode is enabled.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Keyboard Features Function Keys (Quick Keys) Graphic Symbol Action System Control Fn + F1 Enters Suspend Mode. Fn + F3 Audio Mute on or off. Fn + F4 Changes Display Mode: LCD-only, CRT-only and LCD&CRT. Fn + F5 Turns Speaker Volume up. Fn + F6 Turns Speaker Volume down. Fn + F7 Increases Display Brightness. Fn + F8 Decreases Display Brightness. Fn+Num Lk Enables the embedded keypad to work in numeric mode.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Windows Keys Your keyboard also has two Windows keys: 1. Start Key This key allows you to pull up the Windows Start Menu at the bottom of the taskbar. 2. Application Menu Key This key brings up the popup menu for the application, similar to a click of the right mouse button. Embedded Numeric Keypad Press Fn+NumLk to enable the embedded numeric keypad. The numbers are printed in the upper right corner of a key, in a color different from the alphabet characters.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Touch Pad The built-in touch pad, which is a PS/2-compatible pointing device, senses movement on its surface. As you move your fingertip on the surface of the pad, the cursor responds accordingly. The following items teach you how to use the touch pad: 1. Move your finger across the touch pad to move the cursor. 2. Press buttons to select or execute functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Graphics Subsystem Your computer uses a high-performance 15.4-inch (non-wide) active matrix TFT panel with high resolution and multi-million colors for comfortable viewing. The ATI Mobility M54-P video graphics accelerator, which is Microsoft DirectX 9 compatible, performs graphics rendering at a lighting-fast speed. Adjusting the Display Brightness The notebook uses special key combinations, called hot keys, to control brightness.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Audio Subsystem Your computer’s audio subsystem is Sound Blaster Pro-compatible. Adjusting the Volume Manually To increase the volume, press Fn+ F5. To decrease the volume, press Fn+F6. Adjusting the Audio Volume in Windows 1. Click the speaker symbol in the task tray in Windows. 2. Drag the volume control bar up or down to adjust the volume. 3. To temporarily silence the speaker without changing the volume setting, click Mute.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference To change the modem setting, do the following: 1. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click on the Modem Settings icon. You will see a similar dialog box. 2. Click on the pull-down menu and select the country where it is applicable. Click on OK to exit. 30 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER TWO BIOS SETUP AND SECURITY FEATURE In this chapter, you will learn how to enter the BIOS Setup Menu and manipulate various hardware control settings. You will also learn how to use the built-in security features. 31 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference The Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). It runs and maintains a variety of hardware functions. It is a menu-driven software, which allows you to easily configure and change the settings. The BIOS contains the manufacturer’s default settings for the computer’s standard operations. However, there are occasions when you may be required to modify the default settings in the BIOS.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Entering the BIOS Setup Screen First turn on the power. When the BIOS performs the POST (Power-On Self Test), press the F2 key quickly to activate the Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility. Note: You may need to press the F2 key fairly quickly. Once the system begins to load Windows, you may have to retry by cycle-power on again Leaving the BIOS Setup Screen When you have finished modifying the BIOS settings, exit the BIOS.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Modifying the BIOS Settings The Phoenix BIOS setup main menu is subdivided into sub-menus. Each menu item is described in this section. Main Setup Under this menu, you may change the time/date and view basic processor and system memory information. Item Selections / Sub-menu Description Date N/A Type in the current date, in MM/DD/YY format. Time N/A Type in the current date, in HH:MM:SS format.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Item Selections / Sub-menu Description 1st Boot Device Removable Dev. CD/DVD Hard Drive Realtek Boot Agent Disabled Set the type of device for the 1st drive BIOS attempts to boot from. If Realtek Boot Agent is selected, the system will attempt to load the boot sector from the Ethernet port. 2nd Boot Device Set the type of device for the 2nd drive BIOS attempts to boot from.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Security Setup Boot Settings Configuration Item Selections / Sub-menu Description Change Supervisor Password N/A Install or Change the Password Change User Password N/A Install or Change the Password Using Password Protection Two levels of password protection are available. The BIOS provides both a Supervisor and a User password. If you decide to activate both passwords, the Supervisor password must be set first.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Setup Item Selections / Sub-menu Description Long Battery Life Mode Disabled Enabled When Enabled, maximum battery life can be achieved. The processor performance is lowered. Power Button Mode [On/Off]: When the power button is pressed, the system is turned off. [Suspend]: When the power button is pressed, the system enters the Suspend Mode.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER THREE BATTERY POWER & POWER MANAGEMENT In this chapter, you will learn the fundamentals of power management and how to use it to achieve longer battery life. 38 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference In this chapter, you will learn how to operate your notebook on battery power, how to handle and maintain the battery pack, and learn about the system’s power saving features. The TFT display, central processor, and hard disk drive are the major hardware subsystems that consume the most power. Power management deals with how these key components should behave to conserve power.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees F) or above 60 degrees C (140 degrees F). This may adversely affect the battery pack. Note: Press Fn+F3 to turn off the battery warning beep. 40 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Installing and Removing the Battery Pack To Remove the Battery Pack: 1. Place the notebook bottom-side up on a flat and secured surface. 2. Push the latch and pull the battery’s hard case away from the notebook. 41 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference To Install the Battery Pack: 1. Place the notebook bottom-side up on a flat and secured surface. 2. Carefully insert the battery pack into the battery compartment of the notebook. Charging the Battery and Charging Time To charge the battery while the battery pack is in the notebook, plug the AC adapter into the notebook and an electrical outlet.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles There are things you can do to prolong the use of the battery. • Use the AC adapter wherever an AC wall outlet is available. This will ensure uninterrupted computing. Purchase an additional battery pack. • Store the battery pack at room temperature. Higher temperature tends to deplete the battery’s power faster. • Make good use of the power management function.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Using Windows Power Options Windows Power Management provides basic power saving features. In the Windows Power Options Properties [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options] dialogue box, you may enter time-out values for the display and hard disk drive. Windows Power Manager saves power by turning off the hard drive after 1 minute of inactivity, for example.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference In this dialog box, you can manually set the LCD and hard drive’s time-out values in the Plugged In column and in the Running On Batteries column. Lower time-out values will save more battery power. Note: Also consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions. Note: The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above. 45 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Suspend Mode Standby Suspend The system automatically enters this mode after a period of inactivity, which is set in the Power Schemes dialog box. In Standby mode, hardware devices, such as the display panel and hard disk, are turned off to conserve energy. Hibernate Suspend In this mode, all system data are saved in the hard disk before powering down.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Button Action The notebook PC’s power button can be set to turn off the system or activate the suspend mode. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options] and click on the Advanced tab. In the pull-down menu, select how you wish the power button to work. Note: The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Low Battery Warning You can define when and how the system warns you of its low-battery condition. Go to the Alarms tab in the Power Options Properties box. If you wish to hear audible beeps, click on the Alarm Action button and put a check on Sound Alarm. Note: Consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions. Note: The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Menu Quick Access Instead of making specific selections in the Power Options Properties box, you can quickly and easily specify which pre-set power saving function you desire by clicking on the Battery icon at the lower right-hand corner of the task bar. (If you do not see a battery or AC-in icon, go to the Power Options Properties box and click on the Advanced tab. Check off ``Always show icon on the task bar``.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Windows’ Power Plans Windows Vista The power management control panel in Windows Vista, known as Power Plans, is designed to provide the user with an easy-to-use interface. The Power Plans tab can be found in the Power Options Properties panel that is accessible via the Control Panel window. Power Plans are easy to understand, based on notebook usage scenarios, and control not only processor power usage but other system peripherals as well.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Note: Also consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions. Note: The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above. 51 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Suspend Mode Windows Vista Standby Suspend The system automatically enters this mode after a period of inactivity, which is set in the Power Schemes dialog box. In Standby mode, hardware devices, such as the display panel and hard disk, are turned off to conserve energy. Hibernate Suspend In this mode, all system data is saved in the hard disk before powering down.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Button Action The notebook PC’s power button can be set to turn off the system or activate the suspend mode. Go to [Start > Control Panel] and click on the battery options under the mobile section and click on “Choose what the power buttons do” on the side bar. In the pull-down menu, select how you wish the power button to work as. Note: The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Low Battery Warning You can define when and how the system warns you of its low-battery condition. Click the “Change plan settings” underneath the currently active Power Plan in the Power Options Properties box. Next, click on “Change advance power settings” and go the the battery section and expand it to change the battery notifications and alarms. Note: Consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Menu Quick Access Instead of making specific selections in the Power Options Properties box, you can quickly and easily specify which pre-set power saving function you desire by clicking on the Battery icon at the lower right-hand corner of the task bar. (If you do not see a battery or AC-in icon, go to Power Options Properties box and click on the Advanced tab. Check off ``Always show icon on the task bar``.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER FOUR UPGRADING YOUR COMPUTER In this chapter, you will learn how to upgrade the DRAM and hard disk drive, and how to install the optional wireless LAN mini PCI. 56 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Warning: We strongly recommend that you send your notebook back to your dealer or agent for the specification upgrading. When you upgrade your system, please turn off the power and disconnect the LAN and Modem cable first for your safety. After the system upgrade, please screw all the screws in before turning on the system. Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive Replacing the original drive with one of larger capacity can increase the hard drive capacity of your computer.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive To replace the hard disk drive, do the following: 1. Turn OFF the computer. Unhook the AC cord and all cables/devices attached to the notebook. Remove the battery. 2. Place your hand on a large metal object momentarily to discharge any static electricity. 3. Locate and remove 2 Screw A’s. 4. Remove HDD Cover. 5. Locate and remove 1 Screw B. 58 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 6. Push the HDD module to the right and separate it from the connector. Lift the module away from the bay. 7. Locate and remove 4 Screw C’s from the HDD module. Remove the metal case. 8. Re-attach the metal cover to the new hard drive and tighten 4 Screw C’s. Note the green PC board of the hard disk drive is facing against the metal case. 9. Re-attach the HDD module to the HDD connector and re-attach 1 Screw B. 10.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Upgrading the System Memory Many applications will generally run faster when the computer’s dynamic memory capacity is increased. The computer provides two DDR2 memory sockets, located underneath the System Device Cover. You can increase the amount of memory by replacing the existing one with a dual inline memory module (commonly known as SODIMM) of a higher capacity. The SO-DIMM can be 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, or 1024MB in capacity.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Installing a memory module (DIMM) into the system To install the DIMM, do the following: 1. Power OFF the notebook. Unplug the AC cord and all cables/devices attached to the notebook. Remove the battery. 2. Place your hand on a large metal object momentarily to discharge any static electricity. Place the notebook on a flat surface and fully close the LCD lid. 3. Locate and remove 9 Screw D’s on the System Device Cover. 4. Remove the System Device Cover.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 5. If you need to remove an old DIMM from the socket, press out on the latches located on both edges of the socket at the same time. The DIMM should pop up to an angle of 30 degrees (see diagram below). Pull the DIMM module out of the memory socket. Store away the DIMM for future use. 6. Install the new DIMM module into the memory socket. The DIMM will only fit in one orientation.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Adding a Mini-PCI Type Wireless LAN Card (Optional Device) Your computer comes with a unique Mini PCI Card socket, which is located next to the DRAM socket and underneath the WLAN Module Cover. The socket allows the computer to add unique features such as wireless LAN (IEEE802.11x). Ask your dealer about the availability of the mini PCI card. Warning: Installing a mini PCI card is a delicate process.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Installing a Mini PCI Card into the System To install a new Mini PCI card, do the following: 1. Follow the steps in the previous section, Installing a memory module (DIMM) into the system, to access the Mini PCI Socket. 2. The mini PCI card will only fit in one direction. Align the small notch in the module with the socket on the connector and insert the card at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the empty socket.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 3. Locate 2 antenna cables with connectors. Snap the cable onto the golden connector on the Mini PCI Wireless LAN card. (Note: The connectors are fairly small! This may take some maneuvering. You may want to connect the antenna cables before inserting the wireless card into the socket. ) 4. Replace the System Device Cover and 9 Screw D’s. Congratulations! You have now completed the mini PCI card installation.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER FIVE TROUBLESHOOTING In this chapter, you will learn how to solve common hardware and software problems. 66 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Your computer has been fully tested and complies with the system specifications before shipping. However, incorrect operations and/or mishandling may cause problems. This chapter provides a reference for identifying and correcting common hardware and software problems that you may encounter. When you encounter a problem, you should first try to go through the recommendations in this chapter.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Audio Problems No speaker output • Turn up the volume dial located at the left edge of the computer. See Chapter 1 for its location. • Software volume control is turned down in Microsoft Sound System or is muted. Double-click the speaker icon on the lower right corner of the taskbar to see if the speaker has been muted or turned down all the way. • Most audio problems are software-related.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Hard Disk Problems The hard disk drive does not work or is not recognizable • If you had just performed a hard disk upgrade, make sure the hard drive connector is not loose and the hard disk drive is also correctly seated. Remove it and reinsert it firmly, and then restart your PC. (Refer to Chapter 4 for details.) • The new HDD may need to be partitioned and reformatted. The O/S and drivers will need to be re-installed as well.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference The hard disk takes longer to read a file • If you have been using the drive for a period, the files may be fragmented. Go to [Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter] to perform a diskdefragmentation. This operation may take a while. • Interrupt requests or problems with other hardware devices may have occupied the CPU and therefore slow down the system performance.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Optical Drive Problems The optical drive does not work • Try rebooting the system. • The disk is damaged or files are not readable. • After you have inserted a CD-ROM disk, it may take a moment before you can access its content. The drive does not read any disks • The CD may not be properly seated in the tray. Make sure the disk is firmly seated onto the spindle. • The disk is damaged or not readable.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Display Problems The display panel is blank when the system is turned on • Make sure the computer is not in the Standby or Hibernate suspend modes. The display is turned off to conserve energy in these modes. The screen is difficult to read • The display resolution should be set to at least 1024x768 for optimal viewing. 1. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click the Display icon. 2.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Keyboard and Mouse Problems The built-in touch pad performs erratically • Make sure there is no excess perspiration or humidity on your hand when using the touch pad. Keep the surface of the touch pad clean and dry. • Do not rest your palm or wrist on the surface of the touch pad while typing or using the touch pad. The built-in keyboard accepts no input • If you are connecting an external keyboard to the system, the built-in keyboard may not work.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CMOS Battery Problem A message “CMOS Checksum Failure” displays during the booting process or the time (clock) resets when booting • Try to reboot the system. • If the message “CMOS Checksum Failure” appears during the booting procedure even after rebooting, it may indicate failure of the CMOS battery. If so, you need to replace the battery. This battery normally lasts two to five years. The battery is type CR2032 (3V).
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Modem Problems The built-in modem does not respond • Make sure the modem driver is loaded properly. • Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Phone and Modem Options] and go to Modems tab. Make sure SmartLink 56K Voice Modem or Uniwill V.92 Modem is listed. Otherwise, click the Add button to add the modem drive, which is located in the factory CD-ROM (or floppy diskette).
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Network Adapter / Ethernet Problems The Ethernet adapter does not work • Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager]. Double-click on Network Adapters and check if Realtek RTL8510EX Family Fast Ethernet NIC appears as one of the adapters. If it does not exist, Windows has not detected the Realtek RTL8510EX Family Fast Ethernet NIC or the device driver has not been installed properly.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference PC Card / PCMCIA Problems Note: Some systems may not have the PC Card Slot option. PC Cards do not function • Make sure you have properly installed the driver for the card. • Consult the card’s manual or contact the vendor for troubleshooting. The PC card cannot be recognized • Windows NT4.0 does not support the PCMCIA (PC Card) function. You may need an external program for this.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Performance Problems The computer becomes hot • In a 35oC environment, certain areas of the computer’s back case are expected to reach 50 degrees. • Make sure the air vents are not blocked. • If the fan does not seem to be working at high temperature (50 degrees Celsius and up), contact the service center.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB2.0 Problems The USB device does not work • • • • Windows NT 4.0 does not support USB protocols. Check the settings in the Windows Control Panel. Make sure you have installed the necessary device drivers. Contact the device vendor for additional support. The IEEE1394 port does not work • Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager].
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference APPENDIX A PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 80 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Processor and Core Logic • Mobile Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo (Napa) Dual Core, up to 2.33GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB or • Mobile Intel Pentium M (Napa) Single Core, up to 1.83GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB • Intel Calistoga 945PM + ICH7-M chipset with audio, modem, and USB2.0 controllers integrated • 533/667 MHz DDR2 interface System Memory • DDR2 SDRAM 677MHz, PC2 5300 compatible • 256 / 512 / 1024MB/ 2GB, 2.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Modem • Intel (ICH7M) integrated Modem Controller with MDC card, AC97 V2.2 Modem support • V.92 / V.90 / K56flex for download data speed up to 56Kbps. • V.34, V.17, V.29 protocol supported Wireless LAN • Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG, MiniCard Interface • IEEE802.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Keyboard & Touch pad • 88-key QWERTY keyboard with embedded numeric keypad and Windows keys, 19.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference BIOS • • • • • • • • • • • Phoenix PnP BIOS Power On Self Test DRAM auto-detection, auto-sizing L2 Cache auto-detection Hard disk type auto-detection APM 1.2 (Advanced Power Management) & ACPI 2.0 (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) Two Level Password Protections 32bit access, Ultra DMA, PIO5 Mode support Multi-boot capability Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP / MCE Home Edition Physical Specification • • • • • 360 (W) x 269 (D) x 25-37.1 (H) mm 6.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference APPENDIX B AGENCY REGULATORY NOTICES 85 m5550-04-2007-techref.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Federal Communications Commission Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference European Notice Products with the CE Marking comply with both the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) and R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC) issued by the Commission of the European Community.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Cord Requirement The power cord supplied with the AC adapter should match the plug and voltage requirements for your local area. Regulatory approval for the AC adapter has been obtained using the power cord for the local area. However, if you travel to a different area and need to connect to a different outlet or voltage, you should use one of the power cords listed below.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Other Countries The cord set fittings must bear the certification mark of the agency responsible for evaluation in a specific country.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Telephone Lines Requirement The appropriate utilization of a 26AWG telephone line cord on the unit. CAUTION: Always disconnect all telephone lines from the wall outlet before servicing or disassembling this equipment. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, use only a No. 26AWG or larger telecommunication line cord. Battery Pack Safety • The battery pack is intended to use only with this notebook. • Do not disassemble the pack.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Laser Safety The optical drive used with this computer is certified as a Class 1 laser device according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance Standard and International Standards IEC 825 / IEC 825-1 (EN60825 / EN60825-1). The device is not considered harmful, but the following precautions are recommended: • • • • • Do not open the unit. Avoid direct exposure to the laser beam.
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers. Der Arbeitsplatzbezogene Schalldruckpegel nach DIN 45 635 betragt 70dB (A) oder weniger. Zum Netzanschlua dieses Gerates ist eine geprufte Leitung zu verwenden. Fur einen Nennstrom bis 6A und einem Gerategewicht groBer 3kg ist eine Leitung nicht leichter als (1)H05VV-F, 3G, 0.75mm2 (2)2X0.75 mm2 conductors einzusetzen. Die Steckdose muB nahe dem Gerat angebracht und leicht zuganglich sein.
