ALIENWARE® M17x MOBILE MANUAL
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. 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. The contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Before Setting Up Your Laptop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Basic Hints and Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Backup and General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Software Diagnostic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dear Valued Alienware Customer, Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high-performance computer users. The Alienware technicians who have crafted your computer have made certain that your high-performance computer is properly optimized and performs to its fullest potential. We build computers with a single unwavering purpose: Build It As If It Were Your Own.
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 7
Before Setting Up Your Laptop Product Documentation and Media Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware® M17x! The documentation that ships with your Alienware® laptop is designed to provide answers to many of the questions that may arise as you explore your new laptop’s capabilities. You may see the documentation for technical information or general use as needed to answer questions in the future, or aid you in finding answers and solutions.
Connect the AC Adapter Press the Power Button WARNING: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage. NOTE: The AC adapter should be connected to the laptop for maximum gaming performance.
Set Up Microsoft Windows CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your computer unusable. Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system you requested while ordering your computer. To configure the remaining settings, follow the instructions on the screen. NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later. Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one. 1.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP This chapter provides information about your new laptop to familiarize you with its various features, and get you up and running quickly.
Front View Features 1 Back View Features 2 3 1 Left speaker — Combines with the right speaker to provide high quality stereo sound. 2 Consumer IR port — Connects to devices using infrared. 3 Right speaker — Combines with the left speaker to provide high quality stereo sound. 14 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 1 1 AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
Left View Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 DisplayPort connector — Connects your computer to external monitors and projectors with DisplayPort. 5 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or broadband device. 6 USB connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
Right View Features 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 8-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents. 2 ExpressCard slot — Provides support for additional memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia, and security features. The slot supports 54 mm Express cards. NOTE: The ExpressCard slot is designed only for ExpressCards. The slot does NOT support PC Cards.
Display Features 1 2 3 4 1 Left digital-array microphone — Combines with the right digital-array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording. 2 Camera — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. 3 Camera activity indicator — Indicates if the camera is on or off. 4 Right digital-array microphone — Combines with the left digital-array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording.
Computer Base and Keyboard Features 6 5 1 2 3 4 18 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 1 Status lights (3) — Indicate if the Scroll Lock, Caps Lock, or Number Lock lights are turned on or off. 2 Keyboard — The backlit keyboard provides visibility in dark environments by illuminating all symbols on the keys. 3 Touch pad — Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface.
Status Lights Touch Controls The three status lights are located at the top-left side of the keyboard. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 18. The touch controls are located at the top of the keyboard. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 18. To activate, gently touch the desired control. The control will illuminate temporarily to confirm your selection.
Power Button On AC adapter: You can program this button to perform actions like shutting down the operating system or entering the standby mode. For details on how to program this button, see Power Options in the Control Panel of Microsoft® Windows® operating system. Blue or custom AC-color The battery is fully charged. Blue or custom AC-color fading into amber or custom batterycolor The battery is charging. The power button is located in the center of the hinge cover.
Function Keys NOTE: Depending on the configuration of the laptop you purchased, some of the function keys may have no associated tasks. The key is located near the bottom-left corner of the keyboard, and is used together with other keys to activate certain functions. Hold down the key along with the key described below: FI – Suspend Mode Press to enable suspend mode. In the suspend mode, the display and selected devices will switch off for less energy consumption.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 23
Connecting External Displays If you want to enjoy your computing environment on a bigger scale visually, or extend your desktop area, you can connect an external display such as a standalone monitor, an LCD TV, or a projector. Connecting a Display Use the appropriate cable based on the connectors available on your computer and display. Refer to the following table to identify the connectors on your computer and display.
Using Removable Media and Cards Using the Optical Drive Observe the safety measures below: Your laptop has a slot load optical drive. Depending on the configuration ordered, your laptop may have one of the following drive types. These logos are used to indicate each drive’s capabilities and media compatibility.
Using the Integrated Camera Turning the Camera On and Off Press the key combination to switch on or switch off the camera. After switching on the camera, you need to activate its function through the Microsoft Windows operating system. In addition, you can also use Windows Movie Maker to create, edit, and share videos.
Customizing Your Power Settings: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Start → Control Panel. Click All Control Panel Items. Double-click the Power Options icon. Select a power plan from the options shown. To customize specific settings, click Change plan settings next to the selected power plan.
Free Fall Sensor Entering System Setup Free fall sensor protects your computer hard drive from possible damage, by detecting a free fall state caused by accidentally dropping the computer. When a free fall state is detected, the hard drive is placed in a safe state to protect against damage to the read/write head and possible data loss. Your hard drive returns to normal operation, when the free fall state is no longer detected. 1. Turn on (or restart) your laptop. 2.
System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. NOTE: For the updated system setup information, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals. Main Menu System Time System Date Alienware Service Tag BIOS Version EC Version CPU CPU Speed CPU Cache CPU ID Displays the system time. Main Menu Total Memory Memory Bank 0 Memory Bank 1 Advanced Menu Wired Network Displays the system date.
Advanced Menu High Definition Sound USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the internal high definition audio device. • Disabled: The internal audio device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system. • Enabled: The internal audio device is enabled. Allows you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature. This feature defines how the BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware operating system, handles USB devices. USB emulation is always enabled during POST (Power On Self Test).
Performance Options Sub-Menu CPU Speed Displays the speed of the processor. Memory Frequency Memory Channel Mode Displays the frequency of the memory. CPU Performance Mode Turbo Mode Indicates if the processor is in turbo mode or not. DDR3 Voltage CPU Vcore CPU Frequency OverClocking Displays the memory channel modes. • Single • Dual Allows you to enable or disable the turbo mode.
Power Menu A/C Adapter Displays the AC adapter rating. Rating A/C Adapter Allows you to choose if the computer should display Warnings warning messages when you use certain power adapters. The computer displays these messages if you attempt to use a power adapter that has too little capacity for your configuration. USB Wake Allows you to enable USB devices to wake the computer from Support standby mode or to disable the USB wake support feature.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS This chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing power and storage space, by upgrading equipment. You can purchase components for your computer at www.dell.com or www.alienware.com. NOTE: See the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals for installation instructions of all serviceable components.
Before You Begin This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your laptop. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: • • • 34 You have performed the steps in “Turning Off Your Computer” and “Before Working Inside Your Computer” in this section. You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
Before Working Inside Your Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety. WARNING: Before working inside your laptop, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card.
Replacing the Battery Pack This battery pack can easily be removed and replaced. Ensure that the laptop is properly shut down before changing the battery pack. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the laptop, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware laptop. Do not use batteries designed for other Alienware or Dell laptops. 3 To remove the battery pack: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 34. Shut down the laptop. Turn the laptop over.
Upgrading or Replacing Memory Your laptop is equipped with a configurable memory unit. The industry standard JEDEC DDR3 SODIMM memory module connectors are available for memory upgrade. The table below illustrates all the possible ways system memory can be configured. Memory connector #1 Memory connector #2 Total Memory 2 GB 2 GB 4 GB 2 GB 4 GB 6 GB 4 GB 2 GB 6 GB 4 GB 4 GB 8 GB 1 Removing the Memory Module(s) 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 34. 2.
5. Loosen the captive screw that secures the memory-module door to the computer base. 6. Slide the memory-module door to release the tabs and lift the memory-module door out of the computer base. 5 4 3 1 2 1 1 captive screw memory module 4 notch 2 spring locks (2) 5 memory-module connector 3 tab To replace the memory modules, perform the removal steps in reverse order.
Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive(s) Your laptop is equipped with two hard drive sockets. Removing the Hard Drive(s) 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 34. 2. Remove the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack“ on page 36). 3. Loosen the two captive screws that secure the compartment door to the computer base. 4. Slide the compartment door towards the front of the computer and then lift it up.
5. Loosen the four captive screws on the primary hard drive (HDD0). 6. Slide the primary hard drive (HDD0) towards the back using the pull tab and lift the primary hard drive out of the computer base. 7. Loosen the four captive screws on the secondary hard drive (HDD1). 8. Using the pull tab, lift the secondary hard drive (HDD1) out of the computer base.
9. Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard-drive bracket. 10. Lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive bracket. 11. Remove the interposer from the hard drive. 1 2 2 1 3 1 hard drive 2 hard-drive bracket 3 screws (4) 1 interposer 2 hard drive To replace the hard drive(s), perform the removal steps in reverse order.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 43
Basic Hints and Tips Backup and General Maintenance • • • • • • • 44 Computer does not power on: Is your AC adapter cable securely connected to a working electrical outlet? If connected to a power strip, ensure that the strip is actually working. Connections: Check all the cables to ensure that there are no loose connections anywhere. Power Savings: Ensure that your computer is not in hibernate or standby mode by pressing the power button for less than 4 seconds.
When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines: Software Diagnostic Tools • Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA) • • Before touching any of the computer’s internal components, touch an unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static electricity, which could damage your computer. Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals. Disconnect any peripherals from your computer.
Alienware® Diagnostics Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Resource DVD If you experience a problem with your Alienware laptop, run the Alienware Diagnostics before you contact Alienware for technical assistance. It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin. 1. Insert the Resource DVD. 2. Shut down and restart the laptop. When the Alienware logo appears, press immediately. NOTE: Back up all data before initiating a system recovery.
Answers to Common Problems System The computer fails the POST The POST (Power On Self Test) tests the computer, ensuring that it meets the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST, the computer will continue to start normally. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer will generate a single beep to indicate a general failure and an error message will be displayed.
Other software problems Back up your files immediately Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, or CDs Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu Scan the computer for spyware: If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop‑up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware.
Memory Power Memory errors detected on startup When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on • • • Check memory modules for correct seating and orientation. Reseat the memory modules if applicable (see “Upgrading or Replacing Memory” on page 37). Computers using a dual-channel memory configuration require that memory modules be installed in pairs. If you require assistance, contact Technical Support (see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 61).
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY Your computer has the following system recovery options: • Operating System Reinstallation DVD — Contains operating system installation media. • AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local — Your computer is pre-installed with AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local (see “AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup” on page 52). • Dell DataSafe Online — Dell DataSafe Online is an online data backup service (see “Dell DataSafe Online Backup” on page 53).
AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup CAUTION: Using AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup permanently removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. Create backup media of applications you need to reinstall on your computer before using AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup. Use AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup Professional AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup Professional provides additional features that allow you to: • Backup and restore your computer based on file types • Backup files to a local storage device • Schedule automated backups To upgrade to AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup Professional: 1. Double-click the AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup Professional icon in the notification area of your desktop. 2. Click Upgrade Now! 3.
My Dell Downloads NOTE: My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions. Some of the software pre-installed on your new Dell computer do not include a backup CD or DVD. This software is available on the My Dell Downloads website. From this website you can download available software for reinstallation or create your own backup media. To register and use My Dell Downloads: 1. Go to DownloadStore.dell.com/media. 2. Follow the instructions on the screen to register and download the software. 3.
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS This chapter provides the basic specifications of your computer. For more detailed specifications, see the Comprehensive Specifications at support.dell.com/manuals.
Computer Model Memory Alienware M17x-R2 Connectors two internally-accessible SODIMM sockets Capacities 2 GB and 4 GB memory modules Memory types DDR3 1067 MHz, 1333 MHz (dual-channel configurations) Dimensions Height (Front to Back) 51.31 mm to 53.59 mm (2.02 inches to 2.11 inches) Width 405.89 mm (15.98 inches) Depth 321.31 mm (12.65 inches) Weight with 9-cell battery (starting at) 5.3 kg (11.
Drives/Cards Supported Ports and Connectors ExpressCard one ExpressCard/54 connector 8-in-1 Media Card Reader one combo connector Infrared one RC6 Consumer IR port Optical drive SATA-compliant Blu-ray Disc™ writer, Blu-ray Disc combo, or DVD+/-RW Hard drives two 2.
Battery Display Type • • 17.0 inch, dual-CCFL, WXGA+ (1440 x 900) 17.0 inch, RGBLED, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) Keyboard (Backlit) Layouts U.S. and Canada; Europe; Japan Camera Pixel 2.0 megapixel Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power-intensive conditions.
APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Computer Setup • • • • • • • • • • Read all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before operating your computer. Retain all safety and operating instructions. Never use this product near water or a heat source. Only set-up the computer on a stable work surface. Only operate the computer using the power source type indicated on the rating label. Never block or cover any openings or fans in the computer case.
General Safety Precautions • • Mechanical Shock: Your computer should never be subjected to severe mechanical shocks. Careless handling of your computer may cause damage. Mechanical Shock is not covered by the warranty. Electrical Shock: If you do not open up your computer, there is nothing to worry about. Your computer protects itself against most irregularities in the power source. When You Should Contact Alienware • • • • The battery, power cable or connector is damaged.
APPENDIX B: CONTACTING ALIENWARE NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Because availability varies by country and product, some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Visit www.dell.com/contactdell. 2.
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