Alienware m5550 user manual Table of Contents

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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.GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS

Performance Features (10) System at a Glance (12) Top View (12)

Front and Rear Views (15) Side Views (17)

Bottom View (20) AC Adapter (23)

LED Status Indicators (24) Keyboard Features (25) Function (Quick) Keys (25) Windows Keys (26)

Embedded Numeric Keypad (26) Touch Pad (27)

Graphics Subsystem (28)

Adjusting the Display Brightness (28) Extending the Life of the TFT Display Panel (28) Opening and Closing the Display Panel (28) Audio Subsystem (29)

Adjusting the Volume in Windows (29) Voice Recording (29)

Modem and Modem Setting (29)

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Contents Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Table of Contents Bios Setup and Security Upgrading Your Computer Preface Using This ManualSymbols and Conventions Here are some ways of taking care of your AC adapter When cleaning the computer, observe these steps Cleaning the Ventilation GrillsChapter Summaries Chapter ONE Getting to Know the Basics Performance Features Ethernet Port Firewire IEEE1394 / 1394a and USB2.0 PortsWireless LAN System At a Glance Top View LCD LatchPower / Suspend Button Touch Pad Disable / Enable ButtonLED Status Indicator KeyboardInternet Explorer Quick Key Silent Mode ButtonOutlook Express Quick Key Windows Media Player Quick KeyBattery Pack Wireless On/Off SwitchPower Jack DC-in Front and Rear ViewVentilation Grill Kensington Lock Key HoleStereo Headphone / SPDIF-out Jack Audio Volume DialSide Views Microphone JackDVI-I Port Firewire / IEEE1394 / 1394a PortUSB2.0 Port TV S-Video PortExpressCard Slot Hard Disk Drive Cover Battery Pack and Battery LatchBottom View Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference System Device Cover Adapter DC-out ConnectorAC Adapter AC PlugSystem & Power Status Indicators Keyboard Features Function Keys Quick KeysApplication Menu Key Windows KeysStart Key Embedded Numeric KeypadTips on Using the Touch Pad Extending the Life of the TFT Display Device Adjusting the Display BrightnessGraphics Subsystem Opening and Closing the Display PanelAudio Subsystem ModemTo change the modem setting, do the following Chapter TWO Bios Setup and Security Feature Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Bios Action Keys Entering the Bios Setup ScreenLeaving the Bios Setup Screen Main Setup Modifying the Bios SettingsBoot Setup Boot Settings ConfigurationRealtek Boot Agent To boot from. If Realtek Disabled Security Setup Using Password ProtectionPower Setup Exit SetupChapter Three Battery Power & Power Management Battery Low-Power Warning Low Battery Warning Battery PackLithium-Ion Battery Very Low Battery WarningAlienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Installing and Removing the Battery Pack To Remove the Battery PackChecking the Battery Level To Install the Battery PackCharging the Battery and Charging Time Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles Using Windows Power Options Windows’ Power SchemesAlienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Hibernate Suspend Suspend ModeStandby Suspend Power Button Action Low Battery Warning Power Menu Quick Access Windows’ Power Plans Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Suspend Mode Power Button Action M5550-04-2007-techref.indd 2007 122951 PM Power Menu Quick Access Chapter Four Upgrading Your Computer Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Upgrading the System Memory Installing a memory module Dimm into the system Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Adding a Mini-PCI Type Wireless LAN Card Optional Device Installing a Mini PCI Card into the System Replace the System Device Cover and 9 Screw D’s Chapter Five Troubleshooting Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Sound cannot be recorded Audio ProblemsNo speaker output Hard drive is making abnormal whining noises Hard Disk ProblemsHard disk drive does not work or is not recognizable Hard disk drive has reached its capacityHard disk takes longer to read a file Files are corruptedDrive does not read any disks Optical Drive ProblemsOptical drive does not work Disk cannot be ejectedScreen is difficult to read Display ProblemsDisplay panel is blank when the system is turned on Screen flickersBuilt-in touch pad performs erratically Keyboard and Mouse ProblemsCharacters on the screen repeat when I type Built-in keyboard accepts no inputCmos Battery Problem Memory ProblemsModem Problems Built-in modem does not respond Connection difficultiesNetwork Adapter / Ethernet Problems Ethernet adapter does not workPC Cards do not function PC Card / Pcmcia ProblemsWindows crashes or freezes when you remove the PC card PC card cannot be recognizedProgram appears to have stopped or runs very slowly Performance ProblemsComputer becomes hot IEEE1394 port does not work Firewire IEEE1394 and USB2.0 ProblemsUSB device does not work Appendix a Product Specifications Display Processor and Core LogicSystem Memory AudioLAN / Ethernet Firewire IEEE1394aModem StorageKeyboard & Touch pad Ports and ConnectorsBattery Pack / AC Adapter Express Card New Card & Multiple Card ReaderBios Physical SpecificationAppendix B Agency Regulatory Notices Connections to Peripheral Devices Federal Communications Commission NoticeModifications Declaration of ConformityEuropean Notice Canadian NoticeJapan Power Cord RequirementCanada Other Countries Battery Pack Safety Telephone Lines RequirementLaser Safety Lithium Battery Warning / Bridge Battery WarningCabling Restriction for Networks Connecting to the NetworkEthernet