Alienware m5550 user manual Chapter Summaries

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Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference

Chapter Summaries

The following is a summary of the available chapters and appendices in this manual.

Chapter 1: Getting to Know the Basics

In this chapter, you will learn the basic operations and features of your computer. It gives you a general understanding of the components of your computer.

Chapter 2: BIOS Setup / Security

In this chapter, you will learn how to change various firmware settings and what the settings mean. Also, you will learn how to take advantage of the built-in security feature provided by the BIOS.

Chapter 3: Battery Power & Power Management

In this chapter, you will learn the fundamentals of power management and how to use them to achieve longer battery life.

Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer

In this chapter, you will learn how to upgrade the system memory and the hard disk drive, and how to install wireless mini PCI card.

Chapter 5: Trouble-Shooting

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

Appendix A: Product Specification

In this section, you will find a list of the computer’s system specifications.

Appendix B: Agency Regulatory Notices

In this section, you will find the general electro-magnetic and safety regulatory information.

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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 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 Hard Disk Drive Cover Battery Pack and Battery LatchBottom View 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 Bios Action Keys Entering the Bios Setup ScreenLeaving the Bios Setup Screen 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 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 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 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 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 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