Alienware m5550 user manual Display Problems, Display panel is blank when the system is turned on

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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.Under the Settings page, set the screen resolution to at least 1024x768 and choose at least 256 colors.

The screen flickers

•It is normal if the display flickers a few times while shutting down or powering up.

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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 LatchTouch Pad Disable / Enable Button LED Status IndicatorPower / Suspend Button KeyboardSilent Mode Button Outlook Express Quick KeyInternet Explorer Quick Key Windows Media Player Quick KeyWireless On/Off Switch Power Jack DC-inBattery Pack Front and Rear ViewVentilation Grill Kensington Lock Key HoleAudio Volume Dial Side ViewsStereo Headphone / SPDIF-out Jack Microphone JackFirewire / IEEE1394 / 1394a Port USB2.0 PortDVI-I 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 DC-out Connector AC AdapterAdapter AC PlugSystem & Power Status Indicators Keyboard Features Function Keys Quick KeysWindows Keys Start KeyApplication Menu Key Embedded Numeric KeypadTips on Using the Touch Pad Adjusting the Display Brightness Graphics SubsystemExtending the Life of the TFT Display Device 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 Modifying the Bios Settings Boot SetupMain 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 Pack Lithium-Ion BatteryBattery Low-Power Warning Low Battery Warning 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 Disk Problems Hard disk drive does not work or is not recognizableHard drive is making abnormal whining noises Hard disk drive has reached its capacityHard disk takes longer to read a file Files are corruptedOptical Drive Problems Optical drive does not workDrive does not read any disks Disk cannot be ejectedDisplay Problems Display panel is blank when the system is turned onScreen is difficult to read Screen flickersKeyboard and Mouse Problems Characters on the screen repeat when I typeBuilt-in touch pad performs erratically 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 Card / Pcmcia Problems Windows crashes or freezes when you remove the PC cardPC Cards do not function 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 Processor and Core Logic System MemoryDisplay AudioFirewire IEEE1394a ModemLAN / Ethernet StoragePorts and Connectors Battery Pack / AC AdapterKeyboard & Touch pad Express Card New Card & Multiple Card ReaderBios Physical SpecificationAppendix B Agency Regulatory Notices Federal Communications Commission Notice ModificationsConnections to Peripheral Devices 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