ALIENWARE® M11x MOBILE MANUAL
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. The contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2009-2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Before Setting Up Your Laptop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTENTS CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Alienware Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Using Removable Media and Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTENTS CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Recovery Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Dell DataSafe Local Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Dear Valued Alienware Customer, Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high-performance mobile users. The Alienware technicians who have crafted your machine have made certain that your highperformance mobile is properly optimized and performs to its fullest potential. We build machines with one single unwavering purpose: Build It As If It Were Your Own.
8
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Before Setting Up Your Laptop Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware® M11x! Read all safety and setup instructions before connecting your new laptop. Begin by carefully opening the box and removing all components that were shipped to you. Before setting up your laptop or components, see the included invoice to verify that all items ordered are present and be sure to inspect all items for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipment.
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 or general use as needed to answer questions in the future, or aid you in finding answers and solutions.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 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 electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Press the Power Button 13
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Connect the Network Cable (Optional) 14
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Set Up Microsoft Windows Your computer is preconfigured with the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection. CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Connect to the Internet (Optional) Setting Up a Wired Connection • If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. • If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.
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 router: 1. Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer. 2. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 3. Click Start 4.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Setting Up Your Internet Connection ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later. Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
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 1 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer. NOTE: Before you buy a security cable, ensure that it works with the security cable slot on your computer. 2 VGA connector — Connects to video devices, such as a monitor or projector. 3 USB connector with USB PowerShare — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 5 HDMI connector — Connects to a TV for both multi-channel digital audio and video signals. NOTE: For a monitor without built-in speakers, only the video signal will be read. 6 DisplayPort connector — Connects your computer to external monitors and projectors with DisplayPort. 7 3-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Right View Features 1 2 3 1 Audio out/Headphone connectors (2) — Connect to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system. 2 Audio in/Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with audio programs. 3 USB connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Back View Features 1 1 24 AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 25
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Display Features 1 2 3 26 4
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 1 Microphone — Provides high quality sound for video conferencing and voice recording. 2 Camera — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. 3 Camera activity indicator — Indicates if the camera is on or off. 4 Display — Your display can vary based on selections you made when purchasing your computer. For more information about displays, see the Dell Technology Guide available on your hard drive or at support.dell.com/manuals.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Computer Base and Keyboard Features 1 2 28 3 4
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 1 Power button — Turns the computer on or off when pressed. For more information, see “Power Button” on page 30. 2 Keyboard — The backlit keyboard provides visibility in dark environments by illuminating all symbols on the keys. 3 Touch pad buttons (2) — Provide left- and right-click functions like those on a mouse. 4 Touch pad — Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface.
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 power button is located in the center of the hinge cover. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 28. The color of the AlienHead rim indicates the power status.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP On AC adapter: Blue or custom AC-color The battery is fully charged. Blue or custom AC-color fading into white or custom battery-color The computer is turned off or on and the battery is charging. Blue or custom AC-color fading into black The computer is in standby mode. On battery: Amber or custom battery-color The battery is fully charged. Amber or custom battery-color fading into black The computer is in standby mode.
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 key is located near the bottom-left corner of the keyboard, and is used together with other keys to activate certain functions. Hold down the key along with the key described below: F1 — Extend Desktop Press to switch between the various external display options available either simultaneously or separately.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP F5 — Decrease Display Brightness Press to decrease the brightness of the display. F6 — Binary GFX Press to enable or disable hybrid graphics mode. The user can switch between the discrete and integrated graphic modes for performance and power savings respectively. F7 — Mute on/off Press to enable or disable the mute function. F8 — Decrease volume Press to decrease the volume level.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP F11 — Play or Pause Press to play or pause a track. F12 — Fast Forward or Play next track Press to fast forward or play the next track. PAUSE — Alienware Command Center Press to access Alienware Command Center (for more information, see “Alienware Command Center” on page 36). PRT SCRN — AlienFX Press to enable or disable the AlienFX illumination.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 3: 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 library of system management, optimization, and customization tools. You can access Alienware Command Center by pressing .
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Connection Type Computer Cable Display VGA-to-VGA (VGA cable) HDMI-to-HDMI (HDMI cable) DisplayPortto-DisplayPort (DisplayPort cable) DisplayPort-to-DVI (DisplayPort-toDVI adapter + DVI cable) NOTE: You can purchase the DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter and additional HDMI or VGA cables on the Dell website at www.dell.com.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 38 1. Turn off your laptop. 2. Turn off the display and disconnect it from the power supply. 3. Connect one end of the display cable to the DisplayPort, VGA, or HDMI connector on your Alienware laptop. 4. Connect the other end of the cable to the same connector on your display. 5. If necessary, connect one end of the power cable to the display’s power connector. 6. Connect the other end of the power cable to a grounded three-prong power strip or wall outlet. 7.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Extending the Desktop 1. With the external display connected, right-click on the desktop and select Personalize. 2. Select Connect to a projector or other external display in the upper left portion of the screen. 3. Click Connect Display. 4. Select from the below options that appear on the screen: 5.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Using the Wireless Control The wireless control allows you to quickly turn all of your wireless radios (Bluetooth® and WLAN) off, such as when you are asked to disable all wireless radios on an airplane flight. Press to turn on all radios. Pressing again returns your wireless radios to their respective states they were in before you pressed the first time.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Power Management Understanding Power Consumption In order to fully utilize the power of your battery, it would be a good idea for you to spend some time acquiring a basic understanding of the power management concept from your operating system. You can use the power options in your operating system to configure the power settings on your computer.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Customizing Your Power Settings → Control Panel. 1. Click Start 2. Click All Control Panel Items. 3. Double-click the Power Options icon. 4. Select a power plan from the options shown. To customize specific settings, click Change plan settings next to the selected power plan.
CHAPTER 3: 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 type of hard drive installed. Before you use System Setup, it is recommended that you write down the current System Setup information for future reference.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Entering System Setup 1. Turn on (or restart) your laptop. NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release in even intervals until the System Setup screen appears. 2. While the laptop is booting, press immediately before the operating system logo appears to access the BIOS Setup Utility.
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 Menu System Time System Date Alienware Service Tag BIOS Version EC Version CPU CPU Speed CPU Cache CPU ID Displays the system time. Displays the system date. Displays the model number of your computer.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Main Menu Total Memory Memory Bank 0 Displays the total memory available in your computer. Displays the memory size installed in DIMM 0. Memory Bank 1 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM 1. SATA Hard Drive Displays the installed SATA hard drive model. Advanced Menu Switchable Graphics Summary Screen 46 Allows you to enable or disable switchable graphics mode. • Disabled: Integrated graphics mode is disabled and is not visible to the operating system.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu Intel® Virtualization Technology Allows you to enable or disable the virtualization technology. This option specifies whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology. Intel SpeedStep® Allows you to enable or disable the Intel SpeedStep technology. Disabling this feature may improve performance, but will greatly reduce battery life.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu Bluetooth Receiver High Definition Sound USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the internal Bluetooth device. • Disabled: The internal Bluetooth device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system. • Enabled: The internal Bluetooth device is enabled. Allows you to enable or disable the internal high definition audio device. • Disabled: The internal audio device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu SATA Operation 1394 OverClock Allows you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller. • ATA: SATA is configured for ATA mode. • AHCI: SATA is configured for AHCI mode. Allows you to enable or disable the IEEE 1394 A connector. • Disabled: The IEEE 1394 A connector is disabled and is not visible to the operating system. • Enabled: The IEEE 1394 A connector is enabled.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Security Menu System Password Status Set System Password User Password Status 50 Displays if the supervisor password is clear or set. Allows you to set the supervisor password. The supervisor password controls access to the system setup utility. Displays if the user password is clear or set. Set User Password Allows you to set the user password. The user password controls access to the computer at boot.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Security Menu Computrace® Allows you to activate or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace® Service from Absolute® Software. The Computrace agent from Absolute Software is a service solution designed to help track assets and provide recovery services in the event the computer is lost or stolen. The Computrace agent communicates with the Absolute Software Monitoring Server at programmed intervals to provide the tracking service.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Security Menu The Absolute® Anti-Theft solution is presently deactivated. Note that the activate or deactivate options will permanently activate or deactivate the feature and no further changes will be allowed. FailSafe Allows you to enable or disable the Phoenix FailSafe™ security software to protect, track, and manage your laptop and your digital files if your laptop is lost or stolen. Asset Tag Displays the asset tag.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Power Menu USB PowerShare Allows you to enable or disable the USB PowerShare feature on the supported USB port in battery power mode. This feature allows users to charge external devices using the stored battery power through the USB PowerShare connector on the laptop, even while the laptop is turned off. For more information on USB PowerShare connector see “Left View Features” on page 20. NOTE: USB Powershare is always enabled on external AC Power mode.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Exit Menu Exit Saving Changes 54 Allows you to exit System Setup and save your 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 you to load previous values from CMOS for all Setup items. Save Changes Allows you to save Setup data to CMOS.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING 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 Manual at support.dell.com/manuals for installation instructions of all serviceable components. Parts purchased from Dell and Alienware will ship with specific replacement instructions.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS Turning Off Your Computer CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your laptop. 1. Save and close all open files and exit all open programs. 2. Click Start → Shut Down. The laptop turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes. 3. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS Before Working Inside Your Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety. WARNING: Before working inside your laptop, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer. 1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched. 2. Turn off your computer (for more information, see “Turning Off Your Computer” on page 57). 3. CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING 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 particular Alienware laptop. Do not use batteries designed for other Alienware or Dell laptops. To remove the battery pack: 1. Follow the instruction in “Before You Begin” on page 56. 60 2. Shut down the laptop. 3.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 2 1 1 captive screws (8) 2 compartment door 5. Loosen the two captive screws that secure the battery pack to the computer base. 6. Disconnect the battery pack cable from the connector on the system board. 7. Lift and slide the battery pack out of the computer.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 3 1 1 battery pack 2 captive screws (2) 2 3 battery pack cable To replace the battery pack, perform the removal steps in reverse order.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING 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 the possible ways system memory can be configured. Memory connector #1 Memory connector #2 Total Memory 1 GB 1 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 8 GB Removing the Memory Module(s) 1.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 5 4 3 1 2 1 memory module 4 notch 2 spring locks (2) 5 memory module connector 3 tab To replace the memory modules, perform the removal steps in reverse order. While inserting the memory module into the connector align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory module connector.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS NOTE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper connector. NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot. Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive Assembly Your laptop is equipped with one hard drive socket. Removing the Hard Drive 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 56. 2.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 2 1 1 66 pull-tab 2 hard drive 5. Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive bracket. 6. Lift the hard drive bracket of the hard drive according to the illustration.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 2 3 1 1 hard drive bracket 2 screws (4) 3 hard drive 67
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 7. Remove the interposer from the hard drive. 1 2 1 hard drive 2 interposer To replace the hard drive, perform the removal steps in reverse order.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Basic Hints and Tips 70 • Computer does not power on: Is your AC adapter cable securely connected to a working electrical outlet? If connected to a power strip, ensure that the strip is actually working. • Connections: Check all the cables to ensure that there are no loose connections anywhere. • Power Savings: Ensure that your computer is not in hibernate or standby mode by pressing the power button for less than 4 seconds.
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 maintenance programs as often as you can. You may schedule these programs to run at times when you are not using your computer.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines: • Before touching any of the computer’s internal components, touch an unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static electricity, which could damage your computer. • Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals. • Disconnect any peripherals from your computer.
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: 1. Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2. Shut down and restart the laptop. When the Alienware logo appears, press immediately.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, the following message appears “Do you want to run the remaining memory tests? This will take about 30 minutes or more. Do you want to continue? (Recommended).” If you are experiencing memory issues, press else press . The following message is displayed: “Pre-boot System Assessment complete.” Press to reboot your computer.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Starting Alienware Diagnostics NOTE: Your computer does not have an internal optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures that involve discs. 1. Insert the drivers and utilities backup disc that you created. 2. Shut down and restart the laptop. When the Alienware logo appears, press immediately.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 7. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Alienware Diagnostics Main Menu. 8. Remove the backup disc, then close the Main Menu window to exit the Alienware Diagnostics and restart the computer.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING The computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears CAUTION: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 6 seconds until the computer turns off, then restart your computer. NOTE: The chkdsk program may run when you restart the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING A program is designed for an earlier version of Microsoft® Windows® Run the Program Compatibility Wizard: The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to an earlier version of Microsoft Windows operating system environments. 1. Click Start → Control Panel→ Programs→ Programs and Features→ Use an older program with this version of Windows. 2. In the welcome screen, click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Scan the computer for spyware: If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. Run the PSA Diagnostics: If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 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 the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on. Run Check Disk → Computer. 1. Click Start 2. Right-click Local Disk C:. 3. Click Properties→ Tools→ Check Now. If the User Account Control window appears, click Continue. Follow the instructions on the screen.
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 63). • Computers using a dual-channel memory configuration require that memory modules be installed in pairs. If you require assistance, contact Alienware Technical Support (for more information, see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 99).
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Power When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on • If the AC adapter cable 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 another device such as a radio or lamp that you know works.
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY Recovery Options Your computer has the following system recovery options: • Operating System Reinstallation Disc — Contains operating system installation media. • Dell DataSafe Local — Your computer is pre-installed with Dell DataSafe Local (see “Dell DataSafe Local Backup” on page 85). • Dell DataSafe Online — Dell DataSafe Online is an online data backup service (see “Dell DataSafe Online Backup” on page 87).
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: • Restore files and folders • Restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer, without erasing the existing personal files and data To schedule backups: 1.
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY To restore data: 1. Turn off your computer. 2. Disconnect all the devices connected to the computer (such as USB drive, printer, etc.) and remove any recently added internal hardware. NOTE: Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the power cable. 3. Turn on your computer. 4. When the Alienware logo appears, press several times to access the Advanced Boot Options window. 5. 6.
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY Dell DataSafe Online Backup NOTE: Dell DataSafe Online Backup may not be available in all regions. NOTE: A broadband connection is recommended for fast upload/download speeds. Dell DataSafe Online is an automated backup and recovery service that helps protect your data and other important files from catastrophic incidents like theft, fire, or natural disasters. You can access the service on your computer using a password-protected account.
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 88
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
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. Computer Model Alienware M11x Dimensions Height (Front and Back) 32.7 mm (1.29 inches) Width 285.7 mm (11.25 inches) Depth 233.3 mm (9.19 inches) Weight with 8-cell battery (starting at) 1.99 kg (4.
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Memory Connectors two internally-accessible DDR3 SODIMM sockets Capacities 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB Memory type 1066 MHz (dual channel configurations) Memory configurations possible 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB Ports and Connectors IEEE 1394 A one 4-pin serial connector Network adapter one RJ45 connector 10/100 Mbps USB three 4-pin USB 2.
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Ports and Connectors 3-in-1 Media Card Reader one combo connector SIM card one SIM card slot AC Adapter Type 65 W Output current 3.34 A Rated output voltage 19.5 VDC Communications Network adapter 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN on system board Wireless • WLAN Mini-Card (half Mini-Card slot) • WWAN Mini-Card (full Mini-Card slot) (optional) • integrated Bluetooth® module (optional) Drives/Cards Supported Hard drive 92 2.
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Drives/Cards Supported Media Card Reader types Video cards • Secure Digital (SD) memory card • Multi Media Card (MMC) • Memory Stick PRO • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (Integrated on system board) • Nvidia GeForce GT 335M (Discrete) Display Type (WLED) 11.6 inch HD+ (1366 x 768) TrueLife Keyboard (Backlit) Layouts U.S. and Canada; Europe; Japan Camera Pixel 1.
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Battery Type and dimensions 8-cell “smart” lithium ion (63 Whr) Depth 109.4 mm (4.31 inches) Height 11.2 mm (0.44 inches) Width 173 mm (6.81 inches) Weight 0.43 kg (0.94 lb) Voltage 14.8 V Operating time Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power-intensive conditions.
APPENDIX APPENDIX
APPENDIX GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Computer Setup 96 • Read all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before operating your computer. • Retain all safety and operating instructions. • Never use this product near water or a heat source. • Only set-up the computer on a stable work surface. • Only operate the computer using the power source type indicated on the rating label. • Never block or cover any openings or fans in the computer case.
APPENDIX 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 disconnect all power, modem and any other cables from the wall outlets before handling the computer. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause damage to internal system components if precautions are not taken.
APPENDIX • If you have to remove peripheral cards for any reason, place them on the portion of the computer’s case that was removed. Do not touch the edge connectors at the bottom of the card that connect to the system board. 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.
APPENDIX CONTACTING ALIENWARE NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Because availability varies by country and product, some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Visit www.dell.com/contactdell. 2.
APPENDIX 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 countries) • www.dell.ca (Canada only) You can access Alienware Support through the following websites: 100 • support.dell.com • support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) • support.euro.dell.com (Europe only) • support.la.
