Alienware m15 R4 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P87F Regulatory Type: P87F003 February 2021 Rev.
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents Chapter 1: Working inside your computer.............................................................................................. 6 Before working inside your computer................................................................................................................................. 6 Safety instructions.................................................................................................................................................................
System board......................................................................................................................................................................46 Removing the system board......................................................................................................................................... 46 Installing the system board..........................................................................................................................................
Flashing the BIOS...............................................................................................................................................................85 Backup media and recovery options................................................................................................................................. 85 WiFi power cycle.......................................................................................................................................................
Working inside your computer Before working inside your computer About this task NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Steps 1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications. 2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down. NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions. 3.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document. Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards, processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span.
● Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts that are insulators and often highly charged. ● Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment.
Removing and installing components NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: ● Phillips screwdriver #0 ● Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box.
Table 1. Screw list Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Display assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x4 8 Touchpad Palm-rest assembly M2x1.9 4 Keyboard-controller board Palm-rest assembly M2x1.9 2 Right I/O-board cable ● System board ● Right I/O-board M2x3 2 Right I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 2 M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) frame System board M2x4.5 3 Fan and heat-sink assembly Palm-rest assembly M2x4.
1. Base cover 2. Battery 3. M.2 2280 thermal shield (if applicable) 4. M.2 2280 solid-state drive (if applicable) 5. M.2 2230 solid-state drive (if applicable) 6. M.2 2280 solid-state drive/WWAN (if applicable) 7. Right I/O-board connector 8. Touchpad 9. M.2 mounting frame 10. Right I/O-board 11. Keyboard-controller board 12. Speakers 13. Display assembly 14. Palmrest 15. Left I/O-board 16.
17. Keyboard 18. Keyboard bracket 19. Fan and heat-sink assembly 20.M.2 2230 thermal shield (if applicable) 21. M.2 2230 mounting bracket (if applicable) 22.Power-button assembly 23.Power-button bracket 24.Power-adapter port 25.Power-adapter port bracket 26.Rear I/O-cover NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
2. Loosen the six captive screws. 3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the bottom left and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover. 4. Lift and slide the base cover off the palm-rest assembly. 5. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. 6. Peel the tape that secures the battery cable to the battery. 7. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.
Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board. 2. Adhere the tape that secures the battery cable to the battery. 3. Slide the notches on the top of the base cover under the rear I/O-cover and snap the base cover into place on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Tighten the six captive screws on the base cover. 5. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Ensure that the battery cable has been disconnected from the system board. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Remove the battery from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Place the battery on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the batery to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. M.2 solid-state drive Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive Prerequisites 1.
M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the M.2 2230 mounting bracket. 2. Remove the M.2 2230 thermal shield from the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. 3. Lift and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. 4. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 5. Remove the M.2 2230 mounting bracket from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the M.
The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 card slot 1 M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.
Steps 1. Place the M.2 2230 mounting bracket on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw hole on the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 5. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 6. Slide the M.
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in the following M.2 card slots: ● M.2 card slot 1 ● M.2 card slot 2 The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2280 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift and remove the M.2 2280 thermal shield off the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. 3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 card slot 2 Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Slide the M.2 2280 thermal shield into the slot on the M.2 SSD frame. 4. Align the screw hole on the M.2 2280 thermal shield to the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly. 5. Replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive Removing the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2230 solid-state drive or M.2 2230 WWAN card installed in M.2 card slot 3. The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.
About this task NOTE: This procedure applies if you are installing a M.2 2230 solid-state drive or M.2 2230 WWAN card in M.2 card slot 3. The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive on the M.2 2230 thermal shield. 2. Align the screw hole on the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive to the screw hole on the M.2 2230 thermal shield. 3.
About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the rear I/O-cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Peel and lift the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Disconnect and peel the Tron-light cable from the system board.
NOTE: To prevent damaging your computer ensure the Tron-light cable has been disconnected from the system board before removing the rear I/O-cover. 3. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Remove the two screws (M2.5x4) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 5.
Steps 1. Push the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest assembly snapping it into place. NOTE: To avoiding damaging your computer, ensure the Tron-light cable is not pinched and that the Mylar is pasted on the system board before snapping the rear I/O-cover into place. 2. Replace the two screws (M2.5x4) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Peel and lift the Mylar from the system board. 5.
Display assembly Removing the display assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the rear I/O-cover. About this task NOTE: The display assembly is a Hinge-Up Display (HUD) and cannot be further disassembled. If components within the display assembly must be replaced, the entire display assembly is to be replaced.
Steps 1. Peel the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 3. Lift the wireless card bracket off the left I/O-board. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 5. Peel the tapes securing the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 6. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the left fan and system board. 7. Lift the latch and disconnect the display cable from the connector on the system board.
● Antenna cables 12. Remove the eight screws (M2.5x4) securing the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 13. Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest assembly. 14. After performing the steps above you are left with the display assembly. Installing the display assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task CAUTION: Place the computer on a soft and clean surface to avoid scratching the display.
Steps 1. Ensure that the palm-rest assembly is placed face up with the keyboard facing you. 2. Gently place the display assembly on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the screw holes on the display hinges are aligned with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the display assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the eight screws (M2.5x4) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 5.
NOTE: Ensure that you connect the G-sensor cable before you connect the display cable. 9. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch. 10. Route the antenna cables to the routing guides on the left fan and system board. 11. Adhere the tapes that secure the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 12. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer.
Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 2. Lift the right speaker off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Remove the speaker cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Lift the left speaker off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the left speaker on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. 2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Using the alignment posts, place the right speaker on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. 4. Connect the speaker cable to the right I/O-board. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from keyboard-controller board. 2. Lift the keyboard-controller board-cable off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4. Fold up the keyboard cable. 5. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the touchpad. 6. Lift the touchpad cable from the palm-rest assembly. 7. Remove the four (M2x1.9) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest assembly.
Steps 1. Place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Turn the computer over and open the display. Ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned along all four sides. 2. Replace the four (M2x1.9) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Connect the touchpad cable to the touchpad and close the latch. NOTE: This step is only applicable when the touchpad cable is not being replaced. 4. Fold down the keyboard cable. 5.
Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4. Remove the two screws (M2x1.9) that secure the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest assembly. 5. Pull on the securing tab to release the keyboard-controls board from the palm-rest assembly. 6.
Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, adhere the keyboard-controller board into place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x1.9) that secure the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Connect the keyboard-controller board-cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the connector latch. 4. Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the connector latch. 5.
Steps 1. Peel and lift the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 3. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board cable connecting the right I/O-board and the system board. 4. Lift the right I/O-board cable off the right I/O-board and system board. 5. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board to the palm-rest assembly. 6. Lift the right I/O-board off the palm-rest assembly.
Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the right I/O-board in place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board to the palm-rest asssembly. 3. Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the right I/O-board. 4. Using the alignment pins, connect the right I/O-board cable on the right I/O-board and the system board. NOTE: The I/O-board cable is polarity sensitive.
System board Removing the system board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the battery. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive, if applicable. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, if applicable. Remove the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive, if applicable. Remove the rear I/O-cover. Remove the right I/O-board.
Steps 1. Peel the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 3. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the left I/O-board. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card on the left I/O-board. 5. Peel the tapes securing the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 6. Lift the latch and disconnect the power-button cable from the left I/O-board. 7. Disconnect the power-adapter port cable from the system board. 8.
14. Disconnect the G-sensor cable from the connector on the system board. 15. Remove the two (M2x4.5) screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 16. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 17. Remove the five (M2x3) screws that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly. 18. Remove the two (M2x3) screws that secure the left I/O-board to the palm-rest assembly. 19.
Steps 1. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Install the left I/O-board. 3. Turn the system-board assembly over and place the system-board assembly on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: When placing the system board in place, hold firmly on the left and right sides of the fan and heat-sink assembly. CAUTION: To avoid damaging your computer, do not support the system board by the left I/O-board when placing the system board. 4.
NOTE: This step is only applicable to computers shipped with a Tobii eye tracker. 11. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch. 12. Connect the touchpad cable to the touchpad and close the latch. 13. Connect the keyboard-controller board-cable to the system board and close the latch. 14. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 15. Using the tabs on the M.2 SSD frame and the slots on the system board, align the screw holes of the M.
About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the left I/O-board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Flip the system-board assembly over. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left-I/O board 3. Lift the left I/O-board from the system-board assembly. 4. Lift the left I/O-board connector board from the system-board assembly.
Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, connect the left I/O-board connector board to the system-board assembly NOTE: The I/O-board connector board is polarity sensitive. To prevent damaging your computer, utilize the alignment pins to correctly replace the I/O-board connector board. 2. Using the alightment posts, replace and connect the left I/O-board to the connector on the system-board assembly. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left I/O-board to the system-board assembly. Next steps 1. 2.
7. Remove the right I/O-board. 8. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 19 in Removing the system board. About this task NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. NOTE: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.
Steps 1. Disconnect the left and right fan cables from the system board. 2. Flip the system-board assembly over. 3. In reverse sequential order (10>9>8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1) remove the 10 screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: Depending on the discrete graphics processing unit installed in your computer, the number of screws securing the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board may be 8 or 10. 4. Lift the fan and heat-sink assembly from the system board.
Steps 1. Place the fan and heat-sink assembly on the system board. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat-sink assembly to the screw holes on the system board.
3. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8>9>10) replace the 10 screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: Depending on the discrete graphics processing unit installed in your computer, the number of screws securing the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board may be 8 or 10. 4. Turn the system-board assembly over. 5. Connect the left and right fan cables to the system board. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift the power-adapter port bracket off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Lift the power-adapter port along with its cable off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the power-adapter port Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Place the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-adapter port bracket on the power-adapter port. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-adapter port bracket to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 24 in Installing the system board. Install the right I/O-board.
About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power-button assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the three (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift the power-button bracket off the power-button assembly. 3. Peel the power-button assembly and its cable off the palm-rest assembly.
Steps 1. Place the power-button assembly and its cable in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-button bracket on the power-button assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-button bracket to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the three (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 5. Adhere the power-button assembly cable on the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 19 in Removing the system board. 10. Remove the power-adapter port. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4. Fold up the touchpad cable so that it is no longer resting on the keyboard. 5. Fold up the power-button assembly cable so that it is no longer resting on the keyboard. 6. Remove the 12 screws (M1.2x2.
About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the keyboard and its cables on the palmrest. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard to the screw holes on the palmrest. 3. Replace the 19 screws (M1.2x1.6) that secure the keyboard to the palmrest. 4. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 5. Align the screw holes on the keyboard bracket to the screw holes on the keyboard and palmrest. 6. Replace the 12 screws (M1.2x2.1) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palmrest. 7. Fold down the touchpad cable so that it rests on the keyboard.
5. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, if applicable. 6. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 7. Remove the speakers. 8. Remove the right I/O-board. 9. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 19 in Removing the system board. 10. Remove the power-adapter port. About this task NOTE: This procedure is only applicable for computers shipped with a mechanical keyboard. The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the mechanical keyboard. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the mechanical keyboard. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the mechanical keyboard. 4. Fold up the touchpad cable so that it is no longer resting on the mechanical keyboard. 5. Fold up the power-button assembly cable so that it is no longer resting on the keyboard. 6.
Steps 1. Place the keyboard and its cables on the palmrest. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard to the screw holes on the palmrest. 3. Replace the 18 screws (M1.2x2) that secure the keyboard to the palmrest. 4. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 5. Align the screw holes on the keyboard bracket to the screw holes on the keyboard and palmrest. 6. Replace the 11 screws (M2x2.5) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palmrest. 7.
Palmrest Removing the palmrest Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive, if applicable. 5. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, if applicable. 6. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 7. Remove the display assembly. 8. Remove the speakers. 9. Remove the touchpad. 10. Remove the keyboard-controller board. 11. Remove the right I/O-board. 12.
Installing the palmrest Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the palmrest and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps To install the palmrest perform the post-requisites. Next steps 1. Install the keyboard. 2. Install the power-button assembly. 3. Install the power-adapter port. 4.
Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938.
System setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.
● Removable Drive (if available) ● STXXXX Drive (if available) NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number. ● Optical Drive (if available) ● SATA Hard Drive (if available) ● Diagnostics NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen. The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen. System setup options Main Table 5. Main Option Description System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format.
Table 6. Advanced (continued) Option Description Keyboard Language Sets the keyboard language. Keyboard Color Sets the keyboard color. Intel SpeedStep Enables or disables the Intel SpeedStep mode of processor. ● Enable Intel SpeedStep Default: Enabled Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology. This option enables the operating system to select the appropriate processor performance automatically.
Table 6. Advanced Option Description NOTE: If USB PowerShare is enabled, a device that is connected to the USB PowerShare connector may not wake the computer. SATA Operation Enables you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA drive controller.
Table 7. Security (continued) Option Description Admin Password Allows you to set, change, or delete the administrator(admin) password. The entries to set password are: ● Enter the old password: ● Enter the new password: ● Confirm new password: Click OK once you set the password. NOTE: For the first time login, "Enter the old password:" field is marked to "Not set". Hence, password has to be set for the first time you login and then you can change or delete the password.
Table 7. Security Option Description ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● TPM On—Default Clear PPI Bypass for Enable Command—Default PPI Bypass for Disbale Command PPI Bypass for Clear Command Attestation Enable—Default Key Storage Enable—Default SHA-256—Default Choose one of the options: ● Disbaled ● Enabled—Default TPM Security Allows you to enable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) during POST. Default Setting: This option is not set by default.
Table 8. Secure Boot Option Description Boot Option #1 Displays the available first boot option. Boot Option #2 Displays the available second boot option. Boot Option #3 Displays the available third boot option. Secure boot Table 9. Secure Boot Option Description Boot List Option Displays the available boot options. ● Legacy ● UEFI Default: UEFI File Browser Add Boot Option Enables you to add the boot options. File Browser Del Boot Option Enables you to delete the boot options.
● Enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Search. ● Click Drivers & Downloads. ● Click Detect Drivers and follow the on-screen instructions. 3. If you are unable to detect or find the Service Tag, click Browse all products. 4. Choose the appropriate category to reach the product page. 5. Select your computer model, followed by its model number. NOTE: The Product Support page of your computer appears. 6. Click Drivers & Downloads. NOTE: The Drivers & Downloads section is displayed. 7.
Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu Update your computer BIOS using the BIOS update.exe file that is copied to a FAT32 USB drive and booting from the F12 One-Time boot menu. About this task BIOS Update You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB drive or you can also update the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu on the computer.
7. The computer will restart after the BIOS update is completed. System and setup password Table 10. System and setup password Password type Description System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system. Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS settings of your computer. You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
Steps 1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter. The System Security screen is displayed. 2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked. 3. Select System Password, update, or delete the existing system password, and press Enter or Tab. 4. Select Setup Password, update, or delete the existing setup password, and press Enter or Tab. NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted.
Troubleshooting System-diagnostic lights Power and battery-status light The power and battery status light indicates the power and battery status of the computer. These are the power states: Solid white:Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5% charge. Amber:Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5% charge. Off: ● Power adapter is connected, and the battery is fully charged. ● Computer is running on battery, and the battery has more than 5% charge.
Table 11. Diagnostic-light LED codes Diagnostic light codes (Red, Blue) Problem description Recommended solutions 3,7 Management Engine (ME) error Timeout waiting on ME to reply to HECI message. If problem persists, replace the system board. Flashing BIOS (USB key) Steps 1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program file. 2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information see the knowledge base article SLN143196 at www.dell.
WiFi power cycle About this task If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle: NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device. Steps 1. Turn off your computer. 2. Turn off the modem. 3. Turn off the wireless router. 4. Wait for 30 seconds. 5. Turn on the wireless router. 6. Turn on the modem. 7.
Getting help and contacting Alienware Self-help resources You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources: Table 12. Alienware products and online self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com Dell Help & Support app Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Help and Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.
