Alienware Area-51m 766 User manual

i-1

i-2
Notice
The informationinthisuser’smanualissubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
THEMANUFACTURERORRESELLERSHALLNOT BELIABLEFORERRORS
OROMISSIONSCONTAINEDINTHISMANUALAND SHALLNOTBE LIABLE
FORANYCONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES, WHICH MAYRESULT FROMTHE
PERFORMANCEORUSEOFTHISMANUAL.
The informationinthisuser’smanualisprotected bycopyright laws.Nopartofthis
manualmaybephotocopied orreproducedinanyformwithoutpriorwritten
authorization fromthecopyrightowners.
Copyright July,2003
All rightsreserved.
MicrosoftandWindowsareregistered trademarksof Microsoft Corporation. DOS,
Windows95/98/ME/2000/NT/XParetrademarksof Microsoft Corporation.
Productnamesmentioned hereinmaybetrademarksand/orregistered trademarks
oftheirrespectiveowners/companies.
The softwaredescribed in thismanual isdelivered underalicenseagreement.The
softwaremaybeused orcopied onlyinaccordancewiththetermsoftheagreement.
Thisproductincorporatescopyright protection technologythatisprotectedby
method claimsofcertain U.S. patentsand otherintellectualpropertyrightsowned by
Macrovision Corporation andotherrightsowners. Useof thiscopyrightprotection
technologymust beauthorized byMacrovisionCorporation,andisintended for
homeand otherlimited viewingusesonlyunless otherwiseauthorized by
Macrovision Corporation.Reverseengineeringordisassemblyisprohibited.
Rev1.0

i-3
TABLEOFCONTENTS
PREFACE
SymbolsandConventions
Protecting YourComputer-AvoidAbusiveHandlingandAdverse
Environment
ChapterSummaries
1.GETTINGTO KNOWTHEBASICS
PerformanceFeatures(1-2,3)
SystemataGlance(1-4)
FrontView(1-4,5,6,7,8)
RearView(1-9,10,11)
BottomView(1-12,13)
ACAdapter(1-14)
TVTuner/ VideoCapturingModuleandVideo/AudioInput
BreakoutCable(OptionalDevice)(1-15)
RemoteControl(OptionalDevice)(1-16)
HowtoUsetheRemote,WatchTVandRecordVideoClips
(1-17,18,19)
LEDStatusIndicators(1-20,21)
KeyboardFeatures(1-22)
Function(Quick)Keys (1-22)
WindowsKeys(1-23)
EmbeddedNumericKeypad (1-23)
TouchPad withPageUp/ PageDownFunction(1-24)
GraphicSubsystem(1-25)
Adjusting theDisplayBrightness (1-25)
Extending theLifeoftheTFTDisplayPanel(1-25)
OpeningandClosing theDisplayPanel(1-26)
AudioSubsystem(1-27)
Adjusting theVolumeManually(1-27)
Adjusting theVolumeinWindows(1-27)
Adjusting theAudioVolumeviatheVolumeDial(1-27)

i-4
VoiceRecording(1-27)
ModemandModemSetting(1-28)
EthernetAdapter(1-29)
2.BIOSSETUPAND SECURITY
EnteringtheBIOSSetupScreen(2-3)
Leaving theBIOSSetup Screen(2-3)
BIOSAction Keys(2-3)
ModifyingtheBIOSSettings(2-4)
MainSetup(2-4)
AdvanceSetup (2-4,5)
AboutHardDiskDriveParameters(2-5,6)
Boot Setup(2-6,7)
SecuritySetup(2-7,8)
PowerSetup (2-8,9)
Exit Setup(2-9)
3.BATTERYPOWER&POWERMANAGEMENT
TheBatteryPack(3-2)
Lithium-IonBatteryTechnology(3-2)
BatteryLow-PowerWarning(3-3)
InstallingandRemovingtheBatteryPack (3-4,5)
Charging theBatteryandChargingTime(3-5)
Checking theBatteryLevel(3-6)
Prolonging theBattery’sLifeand UsageCycles(3-6)
UsingWindowsPowerOptions(3-7)
Windows’PowerSchemes(3-7,8)
Suspend Modes(3-9,10)
PowerButtonAction(3-11)
LowBatteryWarning(3-12)
PowerManualQuickAccess (3-13)
4.UPGRADINGYOUR COMPUTER
UpgradingtheHardDiskDrive(4-2,3,4)
UpgradingtheSystemMemory(4-5, 6,7,8)
InstallingaMiniPCICardtotheSystem(4-9,10,11)
5.TROUBLE-SHOOTING

i-5
FirstStep(5-2,3)
AudioProblems(5-4)
HardDiskProblems(5-5,6)
CD-ROM,DVD-ROM, CD-RW,orComboDriveProblems(5-7)
DisplayProblems(5-8)
KeyboardandMouseProblems(5-9)
CMOSBatteryProblems(5-10)
MemoryProblems(5-11)
ModemProblems(5-12)
NetworkAdapter/ Ethernet Problems(5-13)
PCCard/PCMCIAProblems(5-14)
PerformanceProblems(5-15)
PrinterProblems(5-16)
Firewire(IEEE1394)andUSB2.0Problems(5-17)
APPENDIXAProductSpecification
APPENDIXBAgencyRegulatoryNotices

i-6
Preface
UsingThisManual
ThisUser’sManualcontainsgeneralinformation aboutyour
computer, hardwareand softwaresetup information,
troubleshooting, and technical specifications.
SymbolsandConventions
The following conventionsand symbolsareused inthismanual:
nWhenkeysaretobe pressed at the sametime, aplus(+)
symbolisused. Forinstance, Fn+F7meansholding Fnand
F7keysatthe sametime.
nWhenaseriesofclicking actionsisneeded inWindowsO/S,[]
and >symbolsareused. Forinstance, [Start>Settings>
ControlPanel>Display]meansclickingthe Starticon first,
then the Settings,then the ControlPanel,then the Display
icon.
nWhenyou need tomakeaselection withthe touchpad (or
mouse), you willbe asked to’select’or‘click’or‘double-click’,
‘right-click’the item.
Note: Textinthisformatandsymbol meansspecificinstructions, commentary,
sidelights,oranyadditional information ornotesthatyou shouldbeawareof.
Warning: Text isthisformatandsymbolmeansthat failurestocomplywiththe
giveninstructionsorinformationcouldresultindamagetoyourcomputerorcould
causebodilyharmorloss of life.

i-7
ProtectingYourComputer -Avoid Abusive Handling and
Adverse Environment
Followthe advicebelowwillhelpensurethatyou getthe most out
of yourInvestment.
Yourcomputerwill serveyou wellif you takegood careofit.
nDo not exposethe computertodirect sunlight orplaceit near
sourcesofheat.
nDo not subjectittotemperaturesbelow0oC (32oF)orabove
50oC (122oF).
nDo not exposethe computertomagneticfields.
nDo not exposethe computertomoistureorrain.
nDo not spillwaterorliquidonthe computer.
nDo not subjectthe computertoadverseshock and vibration.
nDo not exposethe computertodust and dirt.
nDo notplaceobjectson top ofthe computertoavoiddamaging
the computer.
nDo not placethe computeron rockysurfaces.
Herearesomewaysoftaking careof yourACadapter.
nDo not connectthe adaptertoanydevicesotherthan your
computer.
nDo not let watergetintothe adapter.
nDo not blockthe ventilation airwayof the adapter.
nKeep the adapterinacooland ventilated place.
nDo notstep on the powercordorplaceheavyobjectson top of
it.
nCarefullytuckawaythe powercordand anycablesawayfrom
pedestrian traffic.
nWhenunplugging the powercord, do not pull on the corditself
but pullon the plug.

i-8
nKeep the adapterawayfromchildren.
nThe total ampereratingsofthe equipmentplugged inshould
not exceed the ampererating ofthe cordif you areusingan
extension cord.
nThe total currentrating of allequipment plugged intoasingle
wall outlet shouldnot exceed the fuserating.
nDo not connect otherACadaptertoyournotebook.This
Notebookusesexclusivelythe ACadapter LITE-ONPA-1161-02
(160W).
Whencleaning the computer,observethesesteps:
1.Poweroffthe computerand removethe battery pack.
2.Disconnect the ACadapter.
3.Useasoft clothdampened withwater. Do notuseliquid or
aerosolcleaners.
Contact yourdealerorsee yourservicetechnician ifanyofthe
following occurs:
nComputerhasbeen dropped orthe bodyhasbeen damaged.
nLiquidhasbeen spilledintothe product.
nThe computerdoesnot operatenormally.

i-9
ChapterSummaries
The following isasummaryofthe availablechaptersand
appendicesinthismanual.
Chapter1: Getting toKnowthe Basics
Inthischapter,you willlearnthe basicoperationsand features
of yourcomputer.Itgivesyou ageneralunderstanding of the
componentsof yourcomputer.
Chapter2: BIOSSetup / Security
Inthischapter,you willlearnhowtochange variousfirmware
settingsand what the settingsmean.Also, youwilllearnhowto
takeadvantage ofthe built-insecurityfeatureprovided bythe
BIOS.
Chapter3: Battery Power&PowerManagement
Inthischapter,you willlearnthe fundamentalsofpower
management and howtousethemtoachievelongerbattery life.
Chapter4: Upgrading YourComputer
Inthischapter,you willlearnhowtoupgrade the system
memory,the harddiskdrive, and toinstallwireless miniPCIcard.
Chapter5:Trouble-Shooting
Inthischapter,you willlearnhowtosolvecommonhardware
and softwareproblems.
AppendixA: ProductSpecification
Inthissection, you willfind alist of the computer’ssystem
specifications.
AppendixB:AgencyRegulatory Notices
Inthissection, you willfind the generalelectro-magneticand
safetyregulatory information.

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-1
CHAPTER▼ONE
GETTINGTOKNOWTHE BASICS
Thischapterintroducesthe featuresand
componentsof the computer.

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-2
PerformanceFeatures
n High Performance Processor
The notebookPCisequipped withapowerfulIntel
processorofthe latest sub-micron process, processor
technologies, and high busbandwidths.
n AdvancedGraphicEngine
Anon-boardnVidiaGeForceFXGo5600 video processor
withdedicated 64MBor128MB framebuffergives
excellent graphicperformance. The advanced graphicchip
alsoincorporatesahardware-basedmotion-compensation
engine, whichgivesyousmoothMPEGvideo playback.3D
graphicscapabilityalsoaddsrealismtoPCgames.
Alternatively,ATI MobilityRadeon 9600 Provideo
processorwithdedicated 64MB or128MB framebuffer
maybe built intothesystem.
n LargeLCD Display
The computerisequipped withalarge 16-inchor15.4-inch
(wide aspect ratio)TFThigh-resolution displaypanelfor
cleartext and brilliantcolors.
n Expandability
The systemoffersupgradeableharddiskdriveand 2DDR
SDRAM socketsforexpansion, allowing the usertoeasily
increasethe storage and systemcapacitiesasthe need
arises.
n SwappableDevice Bay
The swappabledevicebayallowsusertoadd an additional
harddiskdrivemoduleforincreased storage capacity.

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-3
n Built-in Multifunction CardReader
Somesystemcomeswithamultiplecardreader, which
supportsSD, MS,and MMCCardformats.Thisallowsuser
toaccess awide arrayof portablememorydevices
availabletoday.
n CommunicationFeatures
The systemprovidesbuilt-inEthernetnetwork adapterfor
local network and 56Kmodem.
n Firewire (IEEE1394 /1394a)andUSB2.0ports
Inaddition toafullarrayofbuilt-inI/O ports, the computer
offersIEEE1394 forultrahigh-speed connection tohigh
bandwidthdigitalvideo devicesand USB2.0portsto
connect toanyUSB-based peripheraldevices.
n Wireless LAN(Optional)
The optionalinternal Wireless LANmoduleallowsyour
notebooktoconnect wirelesslytoother802.11-enabled
systems, devices, ornetwork.
n GigabitLAN(Optional)
The optionalgigabitLANmoduleallowsyournotebookto
connect toothersystems, devices, ornetwork at gigabit
speed.
n TVTuner (Optional)
The optionalTVTunermoduleallowsusertowatchTVor
cableprograms, recordTV, and captureanalog video
signalstothe harddriveortothe recordableopticaldrive
(optional device).

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-4
SystemAtAGlance
FrontView

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-5
Note: Systemthat comeswith15.4-inchwidepanel supports2additional
front speakers.
1.LCD Latch
The LCD latcheslock / unlock the LCD panel.
2.Built-in Microphone
The built-inmicrophone recordssound.
3.LCD Display
The paneliswherethe systemcontent isdisplayed.
4.VentilationGrill
The fan grilliswhereairisexchanged todissipatethe internal
heat. Do not blockthisairwaycompletely.
5.Keyboard
The keyboardisused toenterdata.Ithasan embedded
numerickeypad and cursorcontrol keys. (SeeKeyboard
Section fordetails.)
6.Battery StatusLED
The multi-colorLEDindicatesthe batterystatusofthe
notebook. (See the LEDStatusIndicatorSection fordetails.)
7.SuspendStatusLED
Flashing green light indicatesthe notebookisinsuspendmode.
(See the LEDStatusIndicatorSection fordetails.)

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-6
8.Built-in Stereo Speakers
The built-inspeakersoutput the sound instereo.
9.TouchPadwithPageUp/ DownFunction
The touchpad isabuilt-inpointing devicewithfunctionssimilar
toamouse. Usethe Page Up orDownkeytomoveonepage
up ordowninWindows.
9a.TouchPadScroll Bar
The scrollbarworkssimilartothe scrollwheelinthe mouse.
Usethe bartomaneuverlong documentsinWindows.
10.PCCard Slot(TypeII PCMCIA)and CardEjectButton
The slotiswherePCCard(Type IIPCMCIA) isinserted. Press
the eject buttontoreleasethe PCCard.
11.Multifunction Card Reader (Optional)
The built-inmultifunction cardreaderallowsyou toaccess
portablememory devicessuchasSD, MS,and MMCCards.
12.InfraredPort
Infrared DataAssociation(IrDA)compliant serial infraredport
enables4Mbps(FIRmode)wireless datatransferwithIrDA
1.1-compatibleexternaldevices.
13.Audio Volume Dial
Usethe volumedial tocontrol the loudnessofthe speakers.
14.Optical Drive (CD-ROMorDVD-ROMorCD-RWorCombo)
and Disk EjectButtonandManual EjectKey Hole
IfyourcomputercomeswithDVD-ROM, youmayplayDVD
moviesorregularCD-ROMdisk.IfitcomeswithCD-RWdrive

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-7
orCombodrive,you maysavedataontoaCD-R/ CD-RWdisk.
Press the eject button toejectthe disktray.The manualeject
keyholeallowsyou tomanuallyejectajammed disk.
Note: TheopticaldriveresidesintheSwappableDeviceBay.Additionally,
youmayalsopurchasean optional harddrivemoduletobeused in thisbay.
15.TV(S-Video)Port
The S-Video port permitsyou toredirectthe screen output toa
television set oranyanalogvideo playback device. ThisTV
PortisMacrovision-compliant;when DVDmovie isplayed, the
output isscrambled toprevent analog recording.
16.LEDStatusIndicator
The LEDStatusindicatorsrevealthelocking/unlocking of
certainkeyfunctions-numerickeypad enable/disable, cap lock,
and scroll lock -and HDD and opticaldrivestatus. (See the
LEDStatusIndicatorSection fordetails.)
17.Power / SuspendButton
The power/suspend button turnsthe notebookon and off and it
alsoactsasasystemsuspend key. Press momentarilytoturn
on the system.Press and holdforatleast 3~4secondstoturn
off the system. Howthiskeybehavescan be defined in[Start >
Settings>ControlPanel>PowerOptions>Advanced] menu.
Press the power/ suspend button againtoreturnfromthe
suspendmode.(See Chapter3formoredetailson system
suspendfunction.)
18.InternetQuick Key
The InternetQuickKeylaunchesthe InternetExplore

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-8
automaticallyinWindowsXP or2000.
Note: ToenabletheInternet QuickKeyandEmail QuickKeyinWindows98,
youmustinstall thespecial Quick Keysapplication containedinthefactory
driverutilityCD.(d:\Utility\Qkeys\SETUP.EXE).
19.Email Quick Key
The EmailQuickKeylaunchesthe MSOutlookExpress in
WindowsXP or2000.
20.Wireless On/Off Quick Key
WhenWireless icon (keytop)appearsgreen, the wirelessLAN
functionisenabled.Press the quick keytodisenablethis
function.
21.Consumer IRReceiver forRemoteControl(Optional)
The IRreceiverreceivescommand fromthe optional remote
controlforsystemthatcomeswiththe optionalTVtuner
moduleand videocapturingcapability.

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-9
Rear View
Warning: Donotplaceanyheavyobjectsonthetopofnotebook.Thismay
damagethedisplay
1.Battery Pack
The batterypack isabuilt-inpowersourceforthe notebook.
2.SuspendStatusLED
Flashing green light indicatesthe notebookisinsuspendmode.
(See the LEDStatusIndicatorSection fordetails.)
3.Battery StatusLED
The multi-colorLEDindicatesthe batterystatusofthe
notebook. (See the LEDStatusIndicatorSection fordetails.)
4.MicrophoneJack
The microphone jack(3.5-mm diameter)iswhereyou connect
amicrophone.
5.Stereo Headphone/ SPDIF-outJack

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-10
The stereo headphonejack (3.5-mm diameter)iswhereyou
connect the headphonesorexternalspeakers.
You mayconnect
Alternatively, you mayconnectthe SPDIFoutputtoan external
DTS,AC3,orPCMsound processor/ decoderinyourhome
stereo system.
6.Firewire /IEEE1394 / 1394a Port
Thisisahigh-speed serialdataport. You mayconnect any
Fire-wire-readydevicetothisport.
7.USB2.0Port(x3)
The UniversalSerialBus(USB2.0-compliant)port allowsyou to
connect awide varietyof devicestoyourcomputeratarateof
up to480 Mbps.Thisportconformstothe latest USB2.0
plug-and-playstandards.
8.VentilationGrill
The fan grilliswhereairisexchanged todissipatethe internal
heat. Do not blockthisairwaycompletely.
9.TVTuner Port(Optional)
The optionalTVTunerportconnectstothe optionalTVTuner
ModuleforTVviewing. See latersection in thischapterfor
moreexplanations.
10.KensingtonLockKey Hole
AKensington-type securitylocklatchestothiskeyholefor
anti-theftpurpose.
11.External VGAPort
The 15-pinVGAanalog portisforconnecting theexternalCRT
monitororprojector.

chapter1getting toknow thebasics
1-11
12.Parallel Port
The 25-pinparallelportconnectstoanyparallel-portdevices
suchasaprinter.
13.Power Jack (DC-in)
The DC-outjack ofthe ACAdapterconnectshereand powers
the computer.
14.Ethernet/LANPort
The port connectstoanetwork hub viathe RJ-45 cableand
alsoconformsto10/100Base-TXtransmission protocol.
15.ModemPort
Thisiswhereyou plug the phone jack (RJ-11)forfax/modem
functions.