Alienware M18X manual Before Setting Up Your Laptop, Product Documentation and Media

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Before Setting Up Your Laptop

Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware M18x!

Read all safety and setup instructions before connecting your new laptop. Begin by carefully opening the box and removing all components that were shipped to you. Before setting up your laptop or components, be sure to inspect all items for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipment. Be sure to report any damaged items to customer service immediately upon receiving your shipment. You must report shipping damage within the first 5 days of receiving the shipment or your damage report will not be honored.

Before setting up your laptop or components, see the included invoice to verify that all items ordered are present. Report any missing components to customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Anything reported missing after the first 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored. Some of the most common items to check for include:

Laptop and AC adapter with power cable

Microsoft CD-key located at the bottom of the laptop

Monitor with power cable and video cable (if ordered)

Keyboard (if ordered)

Mouse (if ordered)

Multimedia speakers and sub-woofer (if ordered)

Joystick controllers (if ordered)

You may also need a small flathead and/or a Phillips head screwdriver for connecting peripheral cables to the laptop.

Product Documentation and Media

The documentation that ships with your Alienware laptop is designed to provide answers to many of the questions that may arise as you explore your new laptop’s capabilities. You may see the documentation for technical information or general use as needed to answer questions in the future, or aid you in finding answers and solutions. The media included with your laptop is referenced in some sections of the documentation and may be needed to complete certain tasks. As always, our technical support staff is available to assist you.

Placing Your Laptop

WARNING: Do not place the laptop near or over a radiator or heating vent. If your laptop is placed in a cabinet, ensure that adequate ventilation is provided. Do not place the laptop in a humid location or in any area where the laptop may be exposed to rain or water. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind on or into the laptop.

When placing your laptop, ensure that:

It is placed on a surface that is both level and stable.

The power and other cable connectors are not jammed between the laptop and a wall – or any other object.

Nothing obstructs airflow in front of, behind, or below the laptop.

The laptop has enough room so that optical drives and other external storage drives can be easily accessed.

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CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP

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Contents Mobile Manual Page Contents System Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 對 Page Page Setting UP Your Laptop Placing Your Laptop Before Setting Up Your LaptopProduct Documentation and Media Connect the AC Adapter Connect the Network Cable Optional Set Up Microsoft Windows Set Up WirelessHD Optional Set Up Wireless Display OptionalConnect to the Internet Optional Setting Up a Wired ConnectionSetting Up a Wireless Connection 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 Status Lights Media Control KeysPower Button On AC adapterFI Suspend Mode Function KeysGetting to Know Your Laptop Using Your Laptop Connecting a Display Alienware Command CenterConnecting External Displays Using Removable Media and Cards Extending the DesktopUsing the Optical Drive Using the Integrated CameraUsing the Wireless Control Turning the Camera On and OffUnderstanding Power Consumption Battery PackPower Management Customizing Your Power Settings Reducing Power ConsumptionChanging the Application Profile Settings Free Fall SensorConfiguring the Bios System SetupEntering System Setup System Setup ScreensSystem Setup Options CPUIntel SpeedStep Sata Hard Drive DMC CD/DVD/BD Installing Additional or Replacement Components Before You Begin Turning Off Your ComputerBefore Working Inside Your Computer Replacing the Battery Pack Upgrading or Replacing Memory Removing the Memory ModulesMemory module Notch Spring locks Memory-module connector Tab Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drives Removing the Hard DrivesDisconnect the interposer from the hard drives Screws Secondary hard drive HDD1 Primary hard drive HDD0 Installing Additional or Replacement Components Troubleshooting Backup and General Maintenance Basic Hints and TipsSoftware Diagnostic Tools Enhanced Pre-Boot System AssessmentAnswers to Common Problems Computer Startup ProblemsComputer fails the Post Computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appearsProgram stops responding or crashes repeatedly Software ProblemsOther software problems Run Check Disk Hard Drive ProblemsAllow the computer to cool before turning it on Memory Problems Display ProblemsPower Problems Memory errors detected on startupTroubleshooting System Recovery AlienRespawn AlienRespawn BasicDell DataSafe Online Backup Optional Upgrading to AlienRespawn ProfessionalMy Dell Downloads Specifications Specifications USB Maxim MAX9736A Specifications Specifications Relative humidity maximum Specifications Appendix Electrostatic Discharge ESD Warning Computer SetupComputer Use Replacement Components or Accessories General Safety PrecautionsWhen You Should Contact Alienware Contacting Alienware WebsitesAppendix 0P38V4A00