Alienware M18X manual Software Diagnostic Tools, Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment

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When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines:

Before touching any of the computer’s internal components, touch an unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static electricity, which could damage your computer.

Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals.

Disconnect any peripherals from your computer.

Things to check:

Ensure that the AC adapter cable is properly connected between your computer and a grounded, three-prong power outlet. Ensure that the power outlet is working.

Ensure the UPS or power strip is turned on (if applicable).

If your peripheral devices (for example keyboard, mouse, printer, and so on) are not working, ensure that all connections are secure.

If any computer components were added or removed before the problem began, check to see if you performed the installation or removal procedures properly.

If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact error message prior to calling Alienware Technical Support to aid in diagnosing and resolving your issue.

If an error occurs in a specific program, see the program’s documentation.

Software Diagnostic Tools

Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment

The computer runs the Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, and so on.

To invoke ePSA:

1.Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2.When the Alienware logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.

3.Select Diagnostics from the menu and press <Enter>.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen. If a failure is detected, the diagnostics stop and the computer beeps.

To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press <n>.

To continue to the next test, press <y>.

To retest the component that failed, press <r>.

CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING

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Contents Mobile Manual Page Contents System Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 對 Page Page Setting UP Your Laptop Product Documentation and Media Before Setting Up Your LaptopPlacing Your Laptop Connect the AC Adapter Connect the Network Cable Optional Set Up Microsoft Windows Set Up Wireless Display Optional Set Up WirelessHD OptionalSetting Up a Wireless Connection Setting Up a Wired ConnectionConnect to the Internet Optional Setting Up Your Internet Connection Setting UP Your Laptop Getting to Know Your Laptop Left View Features Right View Features Back View Features Display Features Computer Base and Keyboard Features Media Control Keys Status LightsOn AC adapter Power ButtonFunction Keys FI Suspend ModeGetting to Know Your Laptop Using Your Laptop Connecting External Displays Alienware Command CenterConnecting a Display Extending the Desktop Using Removable Media and CardsUsing the Integrated Camera Using the Optical DriveUsing the Wireless Control Turning the Camera On and OffPower Management Battery PackUnderstanding Power Consumption Reducing Power Consumption Customizing Your Power SettingsChanging the Application Profile Settings Free Fall SensorSystem Setup Configuring the BiosEntering System Setup System Setup ScreensCPU System Setup OptionsIntel SpeedStep Sata Hard Drive DMC CD/DVD/BD Installing Additional or Replacement Components Turning Off Your Computer Before You BeginBefore Working Inside Your Computer Replacing the Battery Pack Removing the Memory Modules Upgrading or Replacing MemoryMemory module Notch Spring locks Memory-module connector Tab Removing the Hard Drives Upgrading or Replacing the Hard DrivesDisconnect the interposer from the hard drives Screws Secondary hard drive HDD1 Primary hard drive HDD0 Installing Additional or Replacement Components Troubleshooting Basic Hints and Tips Backup and General MaintenanceEnhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment Software Diagnostic ToolsComputer Startup Problems Answers to Common ProblemsComputer fails the Post Computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appearsOther software problems Software ProblemsProgram stops responding or crashes repeatedly Allow the computer to cool before turning it on Hard Drive ProblemsRun Check Disk Display Problems Memory ProblemsPower Problems Memory errors detected on startupTroubleshooting System Recovery AlienRespawn Basic AlienRespawnUpgrading to AlienRespawn Professional Dell DataSafe Online Backup OptionalMy Dell Downloads Specifications Specifications USB Maxim MAX9736A Specifications Specifications Relative humidity maximum Specifications Appendix Computer Use Computer SetupElectrostatic Discharge ESD Warning When You Should Contact Alienware General Safety PrecautionsReplacement Components or Accessories Websites Contacting AlienwareAppendix 0P38V4A00