Chapter Four Upgrading Your Computer | Alienware m5550 instruction

Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference

CHAPTER FOUR

UPGRADING YOUR COMPUTER

In this chapter, you will learn how to upgrade the DRAM and hard disk drive, and how to install the optional wireless LAN mini PCI.

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Alienware m5550 user manual Chapter Four Upgrading Your Computer

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 Grills Chapter 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 Latch Touch Pad Disable / Enable Button LED Status IndicatorPower / Suspend Button Keyboard Silent Mode Button Outlook Express Quick KeyInternet Explorer Quick Key Windows Media Player Quick Key Wireless On/Off Switch Power Jack DC-inBattery Pack Front and Rear View Ventilation Grill Kensington Lock Key Hole Audio Volume Dial Side ViewsStereo Headphone / SPDIF-out Jack Microphone Jack Firewire / IEEE1394 / 1394a Port USB2.0 PortDVI-I Port TV S-Video Port ExpressCard 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 Plug System & Power Status Indicators Keyboard Features Function Keys Quick Keys Windows Keys Start KeyApplication Menu Key Embedded Numeric Keypad Tips on Using the Touch Pad Adjusting the Display Brightness Graphics SubsystemExtending the Life of the TFT Display Device Opening and Closing the Display Panel Audio Subsystem Modem To 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 Configuration Realtek Boot Agent To boot from. If Realtek Disabled Security Setup Using Password Protection Power Setup Exit Setup Chapter Three Battery Power & Power Management Battery Pack Lithium-Ion BatteryBattery Low-Power Warning Low Battery Warning Very Low Battery Warning Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Installing and Removing the Battery Pack To Remove the Battery Pack Checking 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 Schemes Alienware 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 capacity Hard disk takes longer to read a file Files are corrupted Optical Drive Problems Optical drive does not workDrive does not read any disks Disk cannot be ejected Display Problems Display panel is blank when the system is turned onScreen is difficult to read Screen flickers Keyboard and Mouse Problems Characters on the screen repeat when I typeBuilt-in touch pad performs erratically Built-in keyboard accepts no input Cmos Battery Problem Memory Problems Modem Problems Built-in modem does not respond Connection difficulties Network Adapter / Ethernet Problems Ethernet adapter does not work PC Card / Pcmcia Problems Windows crashes or freezes when you remove the PC cardPC Cards do not function PC card cannot be recognized Program 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 Audio Firewire IEEE1394a ModemLAN / Ethernet Storage Ports and Connectors Battery Pack / AC AdapterKeyboard & Touch pad Express Card New Card & Multiple Card Reader Bios Physical Specification Appendix B Agency Regulatory Notices Federal Communications Commission Notice ModificationsConnections to Peripheral Devices Declaration of Conformity European Notice Canadian Notice Japan Power Cord RequirementCanada Other Countries Battery Pack Safety Telephone Lines Requirement Laser Safety Lithium Battery Warning / Bridge Battery Warning Cabling Restriction for Networks Connecting to the NetworkEthernet