Alienware Alienware M11x User manual

ALIENWARE®M11x 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.
© 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc. is
strictly prohibited.
Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware, AlienFX, and the AlienHead logo are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Alienware Corporation; Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are either trademarks
or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Intel, Pentium,
and SpeedStep are registered trademarks and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other
countries; Blu‑ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu‑ray Disc Association; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned
by Bluetooth SIG, Inc; Absolute is a registered trademark of Absolute Software 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. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other
than its own.
Regulatory model: P06T Regulatory type: P06T001/P06T002
P/N: 7XM1F Rev. A01 September 2010

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CHAPTER 1:SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP .................................................9
Before Setting Up Your Laptop ....................................................10
Connect the AC Adapter...........................................................12
Press the Power Button ...........................................................13
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) .............................................14
Set Up Microsoft Windows ........................................................15
Create System Recovery Media (Recommended) ...................................16
Connect to the Internet (Optional).................................................18
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP ........................................21
Left View Features................................................................22
Right View Features ..............................................................26
Back View Features ...............................................................27
Display Features................................................................. 28
Computer Base and Keyboard Features ........................................... 30
Power Button ................................................................... 32
Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
CONTENTS

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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP.....................................................37
Alienware Command Center...................................................... 38
Using the Wireless Control ........................................................42
Battery Pack .....................................................................42
Power Management ............................................................. 44
nVidia Optimus Technology ...................................................... 46
Conguring the BIOS ............................................................ 48
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS...............................59
Before You Begin ................................................................ 60
Replacing the Battery Pack....................................................... 64
Upgrading or Replacing Memory...................................................67
Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive Assembly...................................70
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING .....................................................75
Basic Hints and Tips ..............................................................76
Backup and General Maintenance .................................................77
Software Diagnostic Tools ........................................................79
Answers to Common Problems ................................................... 83

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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY ......................................................91
AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup ............................................ 92
CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................95
APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................110
CONTACTING ALIENWARE ........................................................113

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Dear Valued Alienware Customer,
Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the growing number
of savvy high‑performance mobile users.
e Alienware technicians who have crafted your machine have made certain that your high-
performance mobile 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. e 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.
We invite you to share your experience with your new high‑performance mobile with us, so
please do not hesitate to either e-mail or call Alienware with any questions or concerns. e
entire sta shares your enthusiasm for new technology and we hope that you enjoy using
your new mobile as much as Alienware enjoyed building it for you.
Sincerely,
Alienware Sta

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CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 1:
SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
10
Before Setting Up Your Laptop
Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware®M11x!
Read all safety and setup instructions before connecting your new laptop. Begin by carefully
opening the box and removing all components that were shipped to you.
Before setting up your laptop or components, see the included invoice to verify that all items
ordered are present and be sure to inspect all items for any physical damage that may have
occurred during shipment. Report any missing components or damaged items to customer
service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Anything reported missing or damaged after
the rst 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored. Some of the most common items
to check for include:
Laptop and AC adapter with power cable•
Microsoft CD‑key located at the bottom of the laptop•
Monitor with power cable and video cable (if ordered)•
Keyboard (if ordered)•
Mouse (if ordered)•
Multimedia speakers and sub‑woofer (if ordered)•
Joystick controllers (if ordered)•
You may also need a small athead and/or a Phillips head screwdriver for connecting peripheral
cables to the laptop.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
11
Product Documentation and Media
e 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 nding answers and solutions. e media included
with your laptop is referenced in some sections of the documentation and may be needed to
complete certain tasks. As always, our technical support sta is available to assist you.
Placing Your Laptop
WARNING: Do not place the laptop near or over a radiator or heating vent. If your laptop
is placed in a cabinet, ensure that adequate ventilation is provided. Do not place the
laptop in a humid location or in any area where the laptop may be exposed to rain or
water. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind on or into the laptop.
When placing your laptop, ensure that:
It is placed on a surface that is both level and stable.•
e power and other cable connectors are not jammed between the laptop and a wall – •
or any other object.
Nothing obstructs airow in front of, behind, or below the laptop.•
e laptop has enough room so that optical drives and other external storage drives can •
be easily accessed.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
12
Connect the AC Adapter
WARNING: e 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 re or
equipment damage.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
13
Press the Power Button

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
14
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
15
Set Up Microsoft Windows
Your computer is precongured with the Microsoft®Windows®operating system. To set up
Windows for the rst time, follow the instructions on the screen. ese steps are mandatory
and may take some time to complete. e Windows setup screens will take you through
several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting
up an Internet connection.
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render
your computer unusable and you will need to reinstall the operating system.
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.
NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see
support.dell.com/MyNewDell.
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a full system backup as soon as you set up
Microsoft Windows. To create a full system backup, see “AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local
Backup” on page 92.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
16
Create System Recovery Media (Recommended)
NOTE: It is recommended that you create a system recovery media as soon as you set
up Microsoft Windows.
e system recovery media can be used to restore your computer to the operating state it
was in when you purchased the computer, while preserving data les (without the need of the
Operating System disc). You can use the system recovery media if changes to the hardware,
software, drivers, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating
state.
You will require the following to create the system recovery media:
AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup•
USB key with a minimum capacity of 8 GB or DVD‑R/DVD+R/Blu‑ray Disc™•
NOTE: AlienRespawn/DataSafe Local Backup does not support rewritable discs.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
17
To create a system recovery media:
Ensure that the AC adapter is connected (see “Connect the AC Adapter” on page1. 12).
Insert the disc or USB key in the computer.2.
Click3. Start →Programs→AlienRespawn.
Click Create4. Recovery Media.
Follow the instructions on the screen.5.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
18
Connect to the Internet (Optional)
Setting Up a Wired Connection
If you are using a dial‑up connection, connect the telephone line to the optional external•
USB modem and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection.
If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular •
telephone service for setup instructions.
To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up
Your Internet Connection” on page 20.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
19
Setting Up a Wireless Connection
NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your
router.
Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless
router.
To set up your connection to a wireless router:
Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer.1.
Save and close any open les, and exit any open programs.2.
Click3. Start → Control Panel.
In the search box, type4. network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→Connect
to a network.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.5.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
20
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
ISPs and ISP oerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for oerings 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.
Save and close any open les, and exit any open programs.1.
Click2. Start → Control Panel.
In the search box, type3. network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→Set up a
new connection or Network→Connect to the Internet.
e Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or
contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP 4.
to complete the setup.