Alienware m5550 PC Card / Pcmcia Problems, PC Cards do not function, PC card cannot be recognized

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Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference

PC Card / PCMCIA Problems

Note: Some systems may not have the PC Card Slot option.

PC Cards do not function

•Make sure you have properly installed the driver for the card.

•Consult the card’s manual or contact the vendor for troubleshooting.

The PC card cannot be recognized

•Windows NT4.0 does not support the PCMCIA (PC Card) function. You may need an external program for this.

•Make sure the card is fully inserted; the outer end of the card should be even with the edge of the computer.

•Remove and insert the PC card again.

•Make sure there is no IRQ conflict with the card. See Windows online help for solving IRQ conflicts.

•Reboot the computer and see if the problem persists.

•The card may be defective. Try the card on another system, if possible.

Windows crashes or freezes when you remove the PC card

•Make sure you have clicked <Stop> before removing the PC card. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon at the lower right corner of the task bar and select the card you wish to stop. When you click <Close>, Windows will prompt you to remove the card a few seconds later.

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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 Cleaning the Ventilation Grills When cleaning the computer, observe these stepsChapter Summaries Chapter ONE Getting to Know the Basics Performance Features Ethernet Port Firewire IEEE1394 / 1394a and USB2.0 PortsWireless LAN Top View LCD Latch System At a GlanceLED Status Indicator Touch Pad Disable / Enable ButtonPower / Suspend Button KeyboardOutlook Express Quick Key Silent Mode ButtonInternet Explorer Quick Key Windows Media Player Quick KeyPower Jack DC-in Wireless On/Off SwitchBattery Pack Front and Rear ViewKensington Lock Key Hole Ventilation GrillSide Views Audio Volume DialStereo Headphone / SPDIF-out Jack Microphone JackUSB2.0 Port Firewire / IEEE1394 / 1394a PortDVI-I 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 AC Adapter DC-out ConnectorAdapter AC PlugSystem & Power Status Indicators Function Keys Quick Keys Keyboard FeaturesStart Key Windows KeysApplication Menu Key Embedded Numeric KeypadTips on Using the Touch Pad Graphics Subsystem Adjusting the Display BrightnessExtending the Life of the TFT Display Device Opening and Closing the Display PanelModem Audio SubsystemTo 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 Boot Setup Modifying the Bios SettingsMain Setup Boot Settings ConfigurationRealtek Boot Agent To boot from. If Realtek Disabled Using Password Protection Security SetupExit Setup Power SetupChapter Three Battery Power & Power Management Lithium-Ion Battery Battery PackBattery Low-Power Warning Low Battery Warning Very Low Battery WarningAlienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference To Remove the Battery Pack Installing and Removing the Battery PackChecking the Battery Level To Install the Battery PackCharging the Battery and Charging Time Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles Windows’ Power Schemes Using Windows Power OptionsAlienware 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 disk drive does not work or is not recognizable Hard Disk ProblemsHard drive is making abnormal whining noises Hard disk drive has reached its capacityFiles are corrupted Hard disk takes longer to read a fileOptical drive does not work Optical Drive ProblemsDrive does not read any disks Disk cannot be ejectedDisplay panel is blank when the system is turned on Display ProblemsScreen is difficult to read Screen flickersCharacters on the screen repeat when I type Keyboard and Mouse ProblemsBuilt-in touch pad performs erratically Built-in keyboard accepts no inputMemory Problems Cmos Battery ProblemConnection difficulties Modem Problems Built-in modem does not respondEthernet adapter does not work Network Adapter / Ethernet ProblemsWindows crashes or freezes when you remove the PC card PC Card / Pcmcia ProblemsPC Cards do not function 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 System Memory Processor and Core LogicDisplay AudioModem Firewire IEEE1394aLAN / Ethernet StorageBattery Pack / AC Adapter Ports and ConnectorsKeyboard & Touch pad Express Card New Card & Multiple Card ReaderPhysical Specification BiosAppendix B Agency Regulatory Notices Modifications Federal Communications Commission NoticeConnections to Peripheral Devices Declaration of ConformityCanadian Notice European NoticeJapan Power Cord RequirementCanada Other Countries Telephone Lines Requirement Battery Pack SafetyLithium Battery Warning / Bridge Battery Warning Laser SafetyCabling Restriction for Networks Connecting to the NetworkEthernet