Alienware m15 Service Manual Computer Model: Alienware m15 Regulatory Model: P79F Regulatory Type: P79F001
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. © 2018-2019 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents Before working inside your computer................................................................................8 Before you begin ................................................................................................................................................8 After working inside your computer..................................................................................9 Safety instructions.....................................................................................
Replacing the hard drive.................................................................................................. 28 Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 28 Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 30 Removing the memory modules...........................
Removing the I/O board.................................................................................................. 53 Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 53 Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................53 Replacing the I/O board.................................
Replacing the display assembly....................................................................................... 69 Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................69 Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 71 Removing the system board..................................
System setup..................................................................................................................... 96 BIOS overview.................................................................................................................................................. 96 Entering BIOS setup program............................................................................................................................ 96 Navigation keys..............................................
Before working inside your computer NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Before you begin 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 shutdown instructions. 3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
After working inside your computer CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer. 1 Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer. 2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer. 3 Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer. 4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
Safety instructions Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels.
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you discharge static electricity from your body. • Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging. ESD field service kit The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit.
Transporting sensitive components When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport. Lifting equipment Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment: CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting device. 1 Get a firm balanced footing.
Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Philips screwdriver #1 • Flat-head screwdriver • Plastic scribe 13
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. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is restored when the component is replaced. NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surface when replacing a component. NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered. Table 1.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Hinges Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 2 Power-adapter port System board and palmrest assembly M2x3 1 Power-button board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 3 USB Type-C port bracket System board M2x3 1 System board Palm-rest assembly M2x2 5 Keyboard bracket Palm-rest assembly M1.2x2.2 8 Keyboard Palm-rest assembly M1.2x1.
Removing the base cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Loosen the three captive screws on the base cover. 2 Remove the six screws (M2.
5 Rotate the base cover from front to back and remove the base cover off the palm-rest assembly.
6 Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board. 7 Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.
Replacing the base cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2 Rotate the cover from back to front and place the base cover on the palm-rest assembly, and snap the base cover into place. 3 Tighten the captive screws on the base cover. 4 Replace the six screws (M2.5x10)that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
5 Replace the two screws (M2.5x10) in the back that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the battery (half-length) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the base cover.
Replacing the battery (half-length) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the battery (full-length) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the base cover.
Replacing the battery (full-length) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the hard drive If your computer is using a SATA storage device accelerated by Intel Optane memory, disable Intel Optane before removing the SATA storage device. For more information about disabling the Intel Optane, see Disabling Intel Optane. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer.
4 Remove the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive. 5 Lift the hard drive off the hard-drive bracket. 6 Disconnect the interposer from the hard-drive assembly.
Replacing the hard drive Enable Intel Optane after replacing the SATA storage. For more information about enabling the Intel Optane, see Enabling Intel Optane. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.
3 Replace the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive. 4 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 5 Replace the four screws (M2x5) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 6 Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.
Post-requisites Replace the base cover.
Removing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the base cover. Procedure 1 Locate the memory modules on your computer.
3 32 Remove the memory modules from the memory-module slot.
Replacing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
Removing the heat sink WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation.
6 Lift the heat-sink assembly off the system board. 7 Remove the fans.
Replacing the heat sink WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.
7 Connect the right fan cable to the system board. Post-requisites Replace the base cover.
Removing the fans WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in Removing the heat sink.
5 Lift the fans off the heat sink.
Replacing the fans WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
5 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the fan to the heat sink. Post-requisites 1 Replace the heat sink. 2 Replace the base cover.
Removing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the base cover. Procedure 1 Locate the wireless card on your computer.
5 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
Replacing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless card, do not place any cables under it.
5 Route the antenna cables on to the securing clips on the system board. Post-requisites Replace the base cover.
Removing the solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module You need to disable the Intel Optane memory before removing Intel Optane memory module from your computer. For more information about disabling the Intel Optane memory, see Disabling Intel Optane memory. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer.
3 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 4 Slide and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive along with the bracket from the M.2 slot on the system board. 5 Remove the screw (M1.6x2) that secures M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the solid-state drive bracket. 6 Lift the M.2 2230 card off the solid-state drive bracket. Procedure to remove M.2 2280 solid-state drive NOTE: This procedure applies only to systems shipped with a M.
2 Lift the M.2 thermal shield from the palm-rest assembly and system board. 3 Remove the screw (M2x2) that secures the M.2 2280 card to the palm-rest assembly. 4 Slide and remove the M.2 2280 card from the M.2 card slot on the system board.
Replacing the solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module Enable the Intel Optane memory after you replace the Intel Optane memory module. For more information about enabling the Intel Optane memory, see Enabling Intel Optane memory. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer.
5 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 6 Align the screw holes of the M.2 thermal shield with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and system board.
7 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board. Procedure to replace M.2 2280 solid-state drive NOTE: This procedure applies only to systems shipped with a M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered the system may have up to two M.2 solid-state drives installed. Supported solid-state drive configurations per M.2 solid-state drive slot: • M.2 2230 solid-state drive + solid-state drive bracket • M.
3 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2280 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly. 4 Align the screw holes of the M.2 thermal shield with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and system board. 5 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board. Post-requisites Replace the base cover.
Removing the I/O board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the base cover.
4 54 Lift the I/O board off the palm-rest assembly.
Replacing the I/O board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the USB ports on the I/O board with the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Adhere the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the I/O board. Post-requisites Replace the base cover.
Removing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program’s settings to default.
Replacing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Adhere the coin-cell battery to the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the touchpad WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover.
Replacing the touchpad WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Slide and place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
3 Slide the touchpad cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the touchpad cable. Post-requisites 1 Replace the battery (half-length) or the battery (full-length), whichever applicable. 2 Replace the base cover.
Removing the speakers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover.
Replacing the speakers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the power-adapter port WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover.
Replacing the power-adapter port WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board.
Removing the display assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the wireless card. 3 Remove the power-adapter port.
5 Remove the two screws (M2.5x2.5) that secures the hinges to the palm-rest assembly.
6 68 Rotate the display assembly inward and lift up and away from the palm-rest assembly.
Replacing the display assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
2 Replace the two screws (M2.5x2.5) that secures the hinges to the palm-rest assembly. 3 Close the display and turn the computer over. 4 Slide the display cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable. 5 Adhere the tape that secures the display cable to the system board.
6 Connect the camera cable to the system board and adhere the tape that secures the camera cable to the system board. Post-requisites 1 Replace the power-adapter port. 2 Replace the wireless card. 3 Replace the base cover.
Removing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
4 Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board. 5 Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board. 6 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board. 7 Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board. 8 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard back-light cable from the system board. 9 Disconnect the coin-cell battery from the system board. 10 Disconnect the camera cable from the system board.
11 Disconnect the power-button cable from the system board. 12 Remove the five screws (M2x2) that secure the system board to palm-rest assembly.
13 Lift the system board off the palm-rest assembly.
Replacing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
9 Connect the speaker cable to the system board. 10 Connect the display cable and close the latch to secure the cable. 11 Adhere the tape that secures the display cable to the system board. 12 Align the screw holes of the USB Type-C port bracket with the screw holes on the system board.
13 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the USB Type-C port bracket to the system board. Post-requisites 1 Replace the power-adapter port. 2 Follow the procedure from step 2 to step 7 in Replacing the heat sink. 3 Replace the solid-state drive/Intel Optane. 4 Replace the wireless card. 5 Replace the memory modules. 6 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in Replacing the hard drive. 7 Replace the battery (half-length) or the battery (full-length), whichever applicable.
Removing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover.
Replacing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the eight screws (M1.2x2.2) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 3 Remove the 33 screws (M1.2x1.9) that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly. 4 Lift the keyboard off the palm-rest assembly.
Replacing the keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the keyboard with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the eight screws (M1.2x2.2) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: The keyboard is shipped with a Mylar, that has to be adhered to the keyboard bracket after replacing the screws. Mylar has three layers: clear release paper, black Mylar, and blue Mylar.
4 Peel the left black Mylar, along with the blue Mylar from the clear release paper.
5 86 Using the alignment holes, adhere the keyboard Mylar on the left side of the keyboard bracket.
6 Peel the right black Mylar, along with the blue Mylar from the clear release paper.
7 88 Using the alignment holes, adhere the keyboard Mylar on the right side of the keyboard bracket.
8 Peel the blue Mylar from both the sides.
Post-requisites 1 Replace the system board. 2 Replace the power-adapter port. 3 Replace the coin-cell battery. 4 Replace the solid-state drive/Intel Optane. 5 Replace the I/O board. 6 Follow the procedure from step 2 to step 7 in Replacing the heat sink. 7 Replace the wireless card. 8 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in Replacing the hard drive. 9 Replace the battery (half-length) or the battery (full-length), whichever applicable. 10 Replace the base cover.
Removing the palm rest WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover.
Replacing the palm rest WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure Place the palm rest on a flat surface. Post-requisites 1 Replace the keyboard.
11 Replace the I/O board. 12 Replace the solid-state drive/Intel Optane. 13 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in Replacing the hard drive. 14 Replace the battery (half-length) or the battery (full-length), whichever applicable. 15 Replace the base cover.
Device drivers Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility In the Device Manager, check if the chipset driver is installed. Install the Intel chipset updates from www.dell.com/support. Video drivers In the Device Manager, check if the video driver is installed. Install the video driver update from www.dell.com/support. Intel Serial IO driver In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Serial IO driver is installed. Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.
System setup NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. BIOS overview 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: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.
• Access System Setup by pressing F2 key • Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are: • Removable Drive (if available) • STXXXX Drive 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.
Table 4. System setup options—Advanced menu Advanced Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Enables you to enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology. Default: Enabled NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load. Integrated NIC Enables you to enable or disable the on-board LAN controller. Default: Enabled USB Emulation Enables you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature.
Advanced Default: Software Controlled Intel(R) Software Guard Extensions allocated memory size Displays the allocated memory size for Intel Software Guard Extensions. BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enable the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive Default: Enabled BIOS Auto-Recovery Enable or disable BIOS Auto-Recovery.
Security BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing the Clear command. Changes to this setting take effect immediately. Default: Enabled UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enable or disable BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages. Default: Enabled Table 6. System setup options—Boot menu Boot Boot List Option Displays the available boot options. Default: UEFI File Browser Add Boot Option Enables you to add the boot options.
7 Replace the base cover. Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows or your application.
Troubleshooting Flashing the BIOS You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. Follow these steps to flash the BIOS: 1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model. 4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
Running the ePSA diagnostics 1 Turn on your computer. 2 As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears. 3 On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option. 4 Click the arrow at the bottom left corner. Diagnostics front page is displayed. 5 Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing. The items detected are listed. 6 To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
• Off — Camera is not in use. Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled. • Solid white — Caps Lock enabled. • Off — Caps Lock disabled. Enabling Intel Optane memory 1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Intel Rapid Storage Technology. 2 Click Intel Rapid Storage Technology. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology window is displayed. 3 On the Status tab, click Enable to enable the Intel Optane memory.
Flea power release Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains on the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery has been removed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct flea power release: 1 Turn off your computer. 2 Disconnect the power adapter from your computer. 3 Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power. 4 Connect the power adapter to your computer. 5 Turn on your computer.
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 9. Alienware products and online self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com My Dell Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.
