Alienware m5550 user manual Chapter Five Troubleshooting

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Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference

CHAPTER FIVE

TROUBLESHOOTING

In this chapter, you will learn how to solve common hardware and software problems.

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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 ConventionsPreface 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 Firewire IEEE1394 / 1394a and USB2.0 Ports Wireless LANEthernet Port 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 Battery Pack and Battery Latch Bottom ViewHard Disk Drive Cover 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 Entering the Bios Setup Screen Leaving the Bios Setup ScreenBios Action Keys 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 PackTo Install the Battery Pack Charging the Battery and Charging TimeChecking the Battery Level Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles Using Windows Power Options Windows’ Power SchemesAlienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Suspend Mode Standby SuspendHibernate 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 outputSound cannot be recorded 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 recognizedPerformance Problems Computer becomes hotProgram appears to have stopped or runs very slowly Firewire IEEE1394 and USB2.0 Problems USB device does not workIEEE1394 port 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 NoticePower Cord Requirement CanadaJapan Other Countries Battery Pack Safety Telephone Lines RequirementLaser Safety Lithium Battery Warning / Bridge Battery WarningConnecting to the Network EthernetCabling Restriction for Networks