Alienware m5550 user manual Chapter ONE Getting to Know the Basics

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Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference

CHAPTER ONE

GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS

This chapter introduces the features and components of the computer.

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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 Cleaning the Ventilation Grills When cleaning the computer, observe these stepsChapter Summaries Chapter ONE Getting to Know the Basics Performance Features Firewire IEEE1394 / 1394a and USB2.0 Ports Wireless LANEthernet Port 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 Battery Pack and Battery Latch Bottom ViewHard Disk Drive Cover 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 Entering the Bios Setup Screen Leaving the Bios Setup ScreenBios Action Keys 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 PackTo Install the Battery Pack Charging the Battery and Charging TimeChecking the Battery Level Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles Windows’ Power Schemes Using Windows Power OptionsAlienware 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 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 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 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 NoticePower Cord Requirement CanadaJapan Other Countries Telephone Lines Requirement Battery Pack SafetyLithium Battery Warning / Bridge Battery Warning Laser SafetyConnecting to the Network EthernetCabling Restriction for Networks