Alienware Aurora ALX User manual

ALIENWARE ALX DESKTOP MANUAL
The contents herein are subject to change without notice. ©1996-2006 Alienware
Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this manual in any manner without the prior written
permission of Alienware Corporation is strictly prohibited.
Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware, Alienlce, the AlienHead logo, and
AlienAutopsy are trademarks or registered trademarks of Alienware Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trade-marks of Microsoft Corporation. Other
trademarks and trade names may be used in this manual to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Alienware Corporation disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Rev 3.0 APRIL 2007

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CONTENTS
Introduction, 5
Chapter 1 System Preparation and Setup, 7
When your Computer First Arrives, 8
Location and Positioning of Your Computer, 8
Getting to Know Your Computer, 9
Front I/O Ports and Features, 10
Rear Ports and Features, 11
Accessing System Drives, 13
Connecting Monitors, 14
Connecting a Digital Monitor, 14
Connecting an Analog Monitor, 15
Connecting Multiple Monitors, 15
Connecting a TV, 16
Connecting to an NVIDIA SLI Graphics Configuration, 17
Configuring an SLI Graphics Configuration with Multiple Displays, 17
Enabling Multiple Monitors with NVIDIA Based Graphics, 18
Connecting to an ATI CrossFire Graphics Configuration, 19
Configuring a CrossFire Graphics Configuration with Multiple Displays, 20
Enabling Multiple Monitors with ATI Based Graphics, 21
Connecting Speakers, 22
Integrated Audio, 22
Sound Blaster X-Fi Series, 23
Connecting Keyboards and Mice, 24
Connecting a Printer,25
Chapter 2 Using Your System, 27
Connecting USB Devices, 28
Connecting FireWire (1394) Devices, 28
Using Removable Media, 28
Optical Drives, 29
Playing a DVD, 30
Writing a CD or DVD, 31

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Using Digital Flash Media, 32
Connecting to the Internet, 32
Connecting to a Home Network, 32
Power Management, 33
Chapter 3 Installing Additional or Replacement Components, 35
Removing the Side Panel, 36
Installing Expansion Cards, 37
Installing a PCI Express x16 Video Card, 37
Installing a PCI or PCI Express Expansion Card, 39
Installing Additional or Replacement Drives, 41
Hard Disk Drives, 41
CD-RW, DVD/CD-RW, or DVD±R/W Drives, 42
Installing Additional or Replacement Memory, 42
Removing a Memory Module, 43
Installing a Memory Module, 43
Chapter 4 System Recovery, 45
AlienRespawn 1.0, 46
Initiating AlienRespawn 1.0, 46
AlienRespawn 2.0, 47
Recovery Disc, 48
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting, 49
Things to Check before Troubleshooting, 50
Software Diagnostics Tools, 51
Backup and general Maintenance, 51
AlienAutopsy, 51
Answers to Common Problems, 52
CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD±RW or Blu-Ray Drive, 52
System, 53
Hard Drive, 53
Internet, 54
Keyboard, 55
Memory, 56

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Monitor, 56
Mouse, 57
Power, 57
Printer, 58
Speakers, 58
Expansion Cards, 59
Game Controllers, 59
Appendix A Microsoft Critical Updates, 61
Appendix B General And Electrical Safety Precautions, 63
Appendix C Terms And Conditions Agreement, 65
Appendix D Limited Product Warranty; Disclaimer Of Warranties;
And Limitation Of Liability, 67
Appendix E Contacting Alienware, 72
Appendix F Important Information, 74

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INTRODUCTION
Dear Valued Alienware Customer,
Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the
growing number of savvy computer users who have chosen to purchase a product
recognized for its award winning combination of quality and innovation. Because
we are hardcore computer users ourselves, Alienware employees understand your
needs when it comes to your system and work tirelessly every day to exceed your
expectations.
The Alienware technicians who have crafted your machine have made certain that
your computer is properly optimized and performs to its fullest potential. We build
machines with one single unwavering purpose: Build It As If It Were Your Own.
The technicians will not rest until your new machine meets or exceeds our very
demanding criteria!
We have tested your machine extensively in order to ensure that you enjoy the
highest levels of performance. In addition to a standard burn-in period, your
system has been evaluated using real-world tools such as synthetic performance
benchmarks and 3D games. The results of all this testing has been documented
and provided for your inspection.
We invite you to share your experience with your new computer with us, so please
do not hesitate to either e-mail or call Alienware with any questions or concerns.
The entire staff shares your enthusiasm for new technology and we hope that you
enjoy using your new computer as much as Alienware enjoyed building it for you.
Sincerely,
Alienware Staff

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CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM PREPARATION AND SETUP

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CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM PREPARATION AND SETUP
When Your Computer First Arrives
Before setting up your computer or components, please inspect all items for any
physical damage that may have occurred during shipment. Report any damaged
items to customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Shipping damage
reported after the first 5 days of receiving the shipment will not be honored.
Before setting up your computer or components, please refer to the included invoice
to verify that all items ordered are present. Report any missing components to
customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Anything reported missing
after the first 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored.
Location and Positioning of Your Computer
When positioning your computer, be sure that:
• It is placed on an surface that is both level and stable
• Power and other cable connectors are not jammed between the
computer and a wall – or any other object
• Nothing obstructs airflow in front of, behind, or below the computer
• The computer’s front door has enough room to open so that optical
and other external storage drives can be easily accessed.
Do not place the computer near or over a radiator or heating vent.
If all or parts of your computer are placed in a cabinet, ensure that
adequate ventilation is provided. Do not place the computer in a
humid location or in any area the computer may be exposed to rain or
water. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind on or into the computer.
Your computer was designed to operate in an upright position. Never
power on or operate the system when not in an upright position.

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Getting to Know Your Computer
This section of Chapter One provides essential information about your new computer
to familiarize you with its various features and get you up and running quickly.
Front I/O Ports and Features
Power Button
Press the power button once to turn on your computer. The button will illuminate,
indicating the system is powered on. The light will flutter when there is hard disk
activity to indicate that your computer’s hard drive is busy.
Power button, Power indicator,
and Hard Disk Activity Indicator
Drive bay access
Audio Line Out port
Audio Line In port
Fire Wire (IEEE 1 394) port
USB 2.0 port
Ventilation - Do not block
USB 2.0 port

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FireWire (IEEE1394)
Connect high-speed FireWire (also known as IEEE1394) devices such as digital
camcorders and external hard disk drives.
Line In
Connect audio devices such as a stereo microphone, MP3 player, or any other audio
source using a 1/8” mini-jack.
Line Out
Connect stereo headphones or other audio device using a 1/8” mini-jack.
USB 2.0
Connect high-speed USB 2.0 devices such as digital cameras, portable flash drives,
MP3 players, and game controllers.
Chassis Ventilation
Do not obstruct airflow to the front ventilation openings. Doing so may cause your
computer to malfunction.
Audio Line Out (Headphone)
Audio Line In (Microphone)
FireWire port (IEEE1394)
USB 2.0 port
USB 2.0 port
Front I/O Ports and Features