Alienware m17 R4 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P45E Regulatory Type: P45E002 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.................................................................................................................................................................
Removing the display assembly....................................................................................................................................39 Installing the display assembly......................................................................................................................................42 Right I/O-board................................................................................................................................................................
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords............................................................................................... 83 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 84 System-diagnostic lights.................................................................................................................................................... 84 Flashing BIOS (USB key)...................
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, #1 ● 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 Battery Palm-rest assembly M2x3 3 Left I/O-board connector ● System board ● Left I/O-board M2x4.5 4 Left I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 3 Right I/O-board connector ● System board ● Right I/O-board M2x3 2 Right I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 3 Fans Palm-rest assembly M2.
1. 2. 3. 4.
5. Touchpad 6. I/O-board cable 7. Solid-state drive support bracket 8. Right I/O-board 9. System board 10. Keyboard-controller board 11. Speakers 12. Palm rest 13. Display assembly 14. Left I/O-board 15. Keyboard 16. Keyboard bracket 17. Fan and heat-sink assembly 18. Power-button assembly 19. Power-button bracket 20.Power-adapter port 21. Power-adapter port bracket 22.Rear-I/O cover Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x9) 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 gap around the screw holes to release clips on the base cover from the palm-rest assembly. 4. Work on the sides to pry open the base cover. 5. Lift the base cover off the palm-rest assembly. 6. Disconnect the battery from the system board.
Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board, if applicable. 2. 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. 3. Tighten the six captive screws on the base cover. 4. Replace the two screws (M2.5x9) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid state drive—M.2 slot one Removing the 2280 solid-state drive from the M.
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one. The following image indicates the location of the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: A thermal shield is only present if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. 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. NOTE: The next step is only applicable if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. 3. Slide and align the screw hole of the solid-state drive thermal shield with the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive thermal shield to the M.2 2230 mounting bracket. NOTE: A thermal shield is only present if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. 2. Remove the solid-state drive 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 (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 5.
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one. NOTE: A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. If a higher configuration solid-state drive is installed after you purchase the computer, contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield. The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in M.
Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid state drive—M.2 slot two Removing the 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 slot two 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 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two.
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 slot two Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies if you are installing a 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two.
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 slot two 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 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two.
2. Remove the solid-state drive 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 (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 5. Lift and remove the M.2 2230 mounting bracket from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the 2230 solid-state drive from the M.
Steps 1. Place and align the M.2 2230 mounting bracket on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 4. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 5. Slide the solid-state drive thermal shield on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive.
Solid state drive—M.2 slot three Removing the 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 slot three Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: M.2 slot three only supports 2230 solid-state drive. The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in M.2 slot three and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
NOTE: A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. If a higher configuration solid-state drive is installed after you purchase the computer, contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield. The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in M.2 slot three and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.
● Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells. ● Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery. ● Do not bend the battery. ● Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery. ● Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental puncture or damage to the battery and other system components.
3. Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Lift the battery up, and then remove it from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the battery on the palm-rest assembly. 2.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. 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.
Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the left speaker on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place before replacing the speakers. 2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 3.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard-controller board 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. Remove the two screws (M2x1.
Steps 1. Using the alignment pins, place the keyboard-controller board into place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard-controller board with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Connect the keyboard-controller board cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch. 4. Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch. 5. Connect the keyboard-backlight cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch. 6.
Steps 1. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from system board. 3. Lift the keyboard-controller board-cable off the palm-rest assembly. 4. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 5. Fold up the keyboard cable. 6. Open the latch, and disconnect the touchpad cable from the touchpad. 7.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. 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 (M2x2.5) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Adhere the tape that secures the touchpad to the palm-rest assembly. 4.
Next steps 1. Install the battery. 2. Install the base cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Rear-I/O cover Removing the rear I/O-cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following image indicates the location of the rear I/O-cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Peel and remove the Mylar that covers the system board. 2. Disconnect and peel the Tron-light cable from the system board. CAUTION: To prevent damaging your computer, ensure that 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 (M2x4.5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 5.
Steps 1. Adhere the Mylar into place onto the system board. 2. Push the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest assembly snapping it into place. NOTE: To avoid damaging your computer, ensure that 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. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x4.5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 5.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 2. Lift the wireless card bracket off the left I/O-board. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Peel the tapes securing the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 5. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the left fan and system board. 6. Peel the tapes securing the display cable to the system board. 7.
● Antenna cables 12. Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) securing the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 13. Gently lift the display assembly from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the display assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. 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 and align the screw holes on the display assembly to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Route the following cables to the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
11. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White or Grey Auxiliary (black triangle) Black or Orange 12. Place the wireless card bracket on the wireless card. 13. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Lift the Mylar that covers the system board and right-I/O board. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board cable connecting the right I/O-board and the system board. 3. Lift the right I/O-board cable off the right I/O-board and system board. 4. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 5. Remove the three 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. Place the right I/O-board on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the right I/O-board with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the three screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the right I/O-board. 5. 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 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. Remove the rear I/O-cover. Remove the battery.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the left I/O-board. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Peel the tapes securing the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 5. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the left fan. 6. Open the latch, and disconnect the power-button cable from the left I/O-board. 7.
NOTE: This step is only applicable to computers shipped with a Tobii eye tracker. 17. Remove the two (M2.5x5) screws that secure the fans to the palm-rest assembly. 18. Remove the five (M2x3) screws that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly. 19. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the left I/O-board to the palm-rest assembly. 20.Lift the system board and the left I/O-board out of the palm-rest assembly.
Steps 1. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Install the left I/O-board. 3. Turn the system board over, place the system board and the left I/O-board 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. Replace the two (M2.
11. Using the alignment pins, connect the right I/O-board cable to the right I/O-board and the system board. NOTE: The I/O-board cable is polarity sensitive. To prevent damage to your computer ensure that the MB UMT end of the cable is connected to the system board. 12. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board cable to the right I/O-board and the system board. 13.
About this task CAUTION: The interposer board is installed between the left I/O-board and system board. Remove the interposer board immediately after removing the left I/O-board and keep it in a clean and safe place. Handle the board by lifting and holding from the edges or the sides as the pins on the interposer board are fragile. The following image indicates the location of the left I/O-board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M2x4.
Steps 1. Using the alignment pins, place the interposer board on the system board. 2. Using the alignment pins, connect the left I/O-board to the system board through the interposer board. 3. Align the screw holes on the left I/O-board with the screw holes on the system board and interposer board. 4. Replace the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left I/O-board to the system board. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Follow step 3 to step 22 in installing the system board. Install the battery.
9. Follow step 1 to step 21 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. CAUTION: 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. In the reverse sequential order (10>9>8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1), remove the ten screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: The number of screws varies depending on the configuration ordered. 3. Using the pull tab, 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. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8>9>10), replace the ten screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: The number of screws varies depending on the configuration ordered. 3. Connect the left and right fan cables to the system board.
Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Follow step 3 to step 22 in installing the system board. Install the battery. Install the rear I/O-cover. Install the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. Install the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. Install the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed. Install the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed. Install the base cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
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 procedure.
Power-button assembly Removing the power-button assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed. 4. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed. 5. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. 6. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. 7. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 8. Remove the battery. 9.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the power-button assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. 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. Replace the two (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1. Follow step 3 to step 22 in installing the system board. 2.
5. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. 6. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. 7. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 8. Remove the battery. 9. Remove the right I/O-board. 10. Follow step 1 to step 21 in removing the system board. About this task The following image indicates 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 cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Remove the ten (M1.2x2.1) screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. 4. Lift the keyboard bracket off the keyboard. 5. Remove the 28 (M1.2x1.6) screws that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly. 6. Lift the keyboard off the palm-rest assembly.
Steps 1. Place the keyboard on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the 28 (M1.2x1.6) screws that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: The 28 screw holes are marked with an arrow. 3. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 4. Replace the ten (M1.2x2.1) screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. 5. Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch. 6. Connect the keyboard-backlight cable to the keyboard, and close the latch. Next steps 1.
8. Remove the battery. 9. Remove the right I/O-board. 10. Follow step 1 to step 21 in removing the system board. About this task NOTE: This procedure is only applicable for computers shipped with a mechanical keyboard. The following image indicates 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 cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Remove the 15 (M1.2x2.5) screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. 4. Lift the keyboard bracket off the keyboard. 5. Remove the 25 (M1.2x2) screws that secure the mechanical keyboard to the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: The 25 screw holes are marked with an arrow. 6.
Steps 1. Place the mechanical keyboard on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the 25 (M1.2x2) screws that secure the mechanical keyboard to the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: The 25 screw holes are marked with an arrow. 3. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 4. Replace the 15 (M1.2x2.5) screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. 5. Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch. 6. Connect the keyboard-backlight cable to the keyboard, and close the latch.
Installing the palm rest Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. Steps To install the palm rest, perform the post-requisites. Next steps 1. Install the keyboard.
2. Install the power-button assembly. 3. Install the power-adapter port. 4. Install the touchpad. 5. Follow step 3 to step 22 in installing the system board. 6. Install the right I/O-board. 7. Install the keyboard-controller board. 8. Install the display assembly. 9. Install the battery. 10. Install the rear I/O-cover. 11. Install the speakers. 12. Install the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. 13. Install the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. 14.
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.
