Alienware
user manual
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
Troubleshooting
Specification
Install
Password
Symbols and Conventions
LED Status Indicator
Wireless LAN
Boot Settings Configuration
Audio Problems
Bios Setup and Security
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Alienware
Area-51
m5550 Technical Reference
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Contents
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
Table of Contents
Bios Setup and Security
Upgrading Your Computer
Using This Manual
Symbols and Conventions
Preface
Here are some ways of taking care of your AC adapter
Cleaning the Ventilation Grills
When cleaning the computer, observe these steps
Chapter Summaries
Chapter ONE Getting to Know the Basics
Performance Features
Firewire IEEE1394 / 1394a and USB2.0 Ports
Wireless LAN
Ethernet Port
Top View LCD Latch
System At a Glance
LED Status Indicator
Touch Pad Disable / Enable Button
Power / Suspend Button
Keyboard
Outlook Express Quick Key
Silent Mode Button
Internet Explorer Quick Key
Windows Media Player Quick Key
Power Jack DC-in
Wireless On/Off Switch
Battery Pack
Front and Rear View
Kensington Lock Key Hole
Ventilation Grill
Side Views
Audio Volume Dial
Stereo Headphone / SPDIF-out Jack
Microphone Jack
USB2.0 Port
Firewire / IEEE1394 / 1394a Port
DVI-I Port
TV S-Video Port
ExpressCard Slot
Battery Pack and Battery Latch
Bottom View
Hard Disk Drive Cover
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
System Device Cover
AC Adapter
DC-out Connector
Adapter
AC Plug
System & Power Status Indicators
Function Keys Quick Keys
Keyboard Features
Start Key
Windows Keys
Application Menu Key
Embedded Numeric Keypad
Tips on Using the Touch Pad
Graphics Subsystem
Adjusting the Display Brightness
Extending the Life of the TFT Display Device
Opening and Closing the Display Panel
Modem
Audio Subsystem
To change the modem setting, do the following
Chapter TWO Bios Setup and Security Feature
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
Entering the Bios Setup Screen
Leaving the Bios Setup Screen
Bios Action Keys
Boot Setup
Modifying the Bios Settings
Main Setup
Boot Settings Configuration
Realtek Boot Agent To boot from. If Realtek Disabled
Using Password Protection
Security Setup
Exit Setup
Power Setup
Chapter Three Battery Power & Power Management
Lithium-Ion Battery
Battery Pack
Battery Low-Power Warning Low Battery Warning
Very Low Battery Warning
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
To Remove the Battery Pack
Installing and Removing the Battery Pack
To Install the Battery Pack
Charging the Battery and Charging Time
Checking the Battery Level
Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles
Windows’ Power Schemes
Using Windows Power Options
Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
Suspend Mode
Standby Suspend
Hibernate 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
Audio Problems
No speaker output
Sound cannot be recorded
Hard disk drive does not work or is not recognizable
Hard Disk Problems
Hard drive is making abnormal whining noises
Hard disk drive has reached its capacity
Files are corrupted
Hard disk takes longer to read a file
Optical drive does not work
Optical Drive Problems
Drive does not read any disks
Disk cannot be ejected
Display panel is blank when the system is turned on
Display Problems
Screen is difficult to read
Screen flickers
Characters on the screen repeat when I type
Keyboard and Mouse Problems
Built-in touch pad performs erratically
Built-in keyboard accepts no input
Memory Problems
Cmos Battery Problem
Connection difficulties
Modem Problems Built-in modem does not respond
Ethernet adapter does not work
Network Adapter / Ethernet Problems
Windows crashes or freezes when you remove the PC card
PC Card / Pcmcia Problems
PC Cards do not function
PC card cannot be recognized
Performance Problems
Computer becomes hot
Program appears to have stopped or runs very slowly
Firewire IEEE1394 and USB2.0 Problems
USB device does not work
IEEE1394 port does not work
Appendix a Product Specifications
System Memory
Processor and Core Logic
Display
Audio
Modem
Firewire IEEE1394a
LAN / Ethernet
Storage
Battery Pack / AC Adapter
Ports and Connectors
Keyboard & Touch pad
Express Card New Card & Multiple Card Reader
Physical Specification
Bios
Appendix B Agency Regulatory Notices
Modifications
Federal Communications Commission Notice
Connections to Peripheral Devices
Declaration of Conformity
Canadian Notice
European Notice
Power Cord Requirement
Canada
Japan
Other Countries
Telephone Lines Requirement
Battery Pack Safety
Lithium Battery Warning / Bridge Battery Warning
Laser Safety
Connecting to the Network
Ethernet
Cabling Restriction for Networks
Related pages
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