Alienware Area-51 m5550 User Manual
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Alienware Area-51 m5550 User Manual

Alienware area-51 m5550: user guide
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Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
Notice
The information in this user's manual is subject to change without notice.
THE MANUFACTURER OR RESELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MANUAL.
The information in this user's manual is protected by copyright laws. No part of
this manual may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written
authorization from the copyright owners.
Copyright January, 2006
All rights reserved.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. DOS,
Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP/Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
their respective owners/companies.
The software described in this manual is delivered under a license agreement. The
software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by
U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other
limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
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m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 1
4/6/2007 12:29:44 PM

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Summary of Contents for Alienware Area-51 m5550

  • Page 1 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Notice The information in this user’s manual is subject to change without notice. THE MANUFACTURER OR RESELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MANUAL.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE Symbols and Conventions Protecting Your Computer - Avoid Abusive Handling and Adverse Environments Chapter Summaries 1. GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS Performance Features (10) System at a Glance (12) Top View (12)
  • Page 3 Power Button Action (47) Low Battery Warning (48) Power Menu Quick Access (49) Windows’ Power Plans (50) Suspend Modes (52) Power Button Action (53) Low Battery Warning (54) Power Menu Quick Access (55) m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 3 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:44 PM...
  • Page 4 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference . UPGRADING YOUR COMPUTER Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive (57) Upgrading the System Memory (60) Installing a memory module (DIMM) into the system (61) Adding a Mini-PCI Type Wireless LAN Card (Optional Device) (63) Installing a Mini PCI Card to the System (64) 5.

  • Page 5: Using This Manual

    Warning: Text in this format and symbol indicates that failure to comply with the given instructions or information could result in damage to your computer or could cause bodily harm or loss of life. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 5 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:45 PM...

  • Page 6: Protecting Your Computer - Avoid Abusive Handling And Adverse

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Protecting Your Computer - Avoid Abusive Handling and Adverse Environments Following the advice below will help ensure that you get the most out of your investment. Your computer will serve you well if you take good care of it.
  • Page 7 To do this, you may use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner (with appropriate head adapter) to remove the dust buildup on the ventilation grills. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 7 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:45 PM...

  • Page 8: Chapter Summaries

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Chapter Summaries The following is a summary of the available chapters and appendices in this manual. Chapter 1: Getting to Know the Basics In this chapter, you will learn the basic operations and features of your computer. It gives you a general understanding of the components of your computer.

  • Page 9: Getting To Know The Basics

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER ONE GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS This chapter introduces the features and components of the computer. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 9 4/6/2007 12:29:45 PM...

  • Page 10: Performance Features

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Performance Features High Performance Processor with Calistoga Chipset The notebook PC is equipped with a powerful Mobile Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Together with the latest Calistoga chipset and technologies, the system offers advanced PC performance.

  • Page 11: Ethernet Port

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference The built-in 4-in-1 card reader lets you access many of the portable media formats (SD Card, MMC Card, MS Card, and MS Pro Card). Ethernet Port The system provides a built-in 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet network adapter for high bandwidth network connection.

  • Page 12: System At A Glance

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference System At A Glance Top View 1. LCD Latch The LCD latches lock / unlock the LCD panel. . LCD Display The panel is where the system content is displayed. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 12 4/6/2007 12:29:45 PM...

  • Page 13: Built-In Microphone

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference . Keyboard The keyboard is used to enter data. It has an embedded numeric keypad and cursor control keys. (See Keyboard Section for details.) . Touch Pad The touch pad is a built-in pointing device with functions similar to a mouse.

  • Page 14: Silent Mode Button

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Note: When the system power is initially turned on, the Scroll-lock, Cap-lock, and Numeric keypad LED indicators will light up momentarily to indicate the start of the Power-On sequence. 10. Silent Mode Button Pressing the key enables the system to lower its power usage; therefore the fan speed is reduced to achieve the lowest operating noise.

  • Page 15: Front And Rear Views

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Front and Rear View Warning: Do not place any heavy objects on the top of the notebook. This may damage the display 1. Wireless On/Off Switch Use the switch to disable or enable the Wireless function.

  • Page 16: Ventilation Grill

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 5. Ventilation Grill The fan grill is where air is exchanged to dissipate the internal heat. Do not block this airway. . Kensington Lock Key Hole A Kensington-type security lock latches to this keyhole for anti-theft purposes.

  • Page 17: Side Views

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Side Views Warning: Do not place any heavy objects on the top of your notebook. This may damage the display 1. Audio Volume Dial Use the volume dial to control the loudness of the speakers.
  • Page 18 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 5. USB.0 Port (x) The Universal Serial Bus (USB2.0-compliant) port allows you to connect a wide variety of devices to your computer at a rate of up to 480 Mbps. This port conforms to the latest USB2.0 plug-and-play standards.
  • Page 19 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 1. ExpressCard Slot The slot is where ExpressCard (Type 54) is inserted. ExpressCard Type 54 allows insertion of 54mm and 34mm cards. ExpressCard integrates both the PCI-Express bus technology and USB2.0 standards. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 19 4/6/2007 12:29:46 PM...

  • Page 20: Bottom View

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Bottom View 1. Battery Pack and Battery Latch The battery pack is a built-in power source for the notebook. Slide the battery latch to release the battery pack. . Hard Disk Drive Cover The system’s hard disk drive is located under the cover. The HDD can be upgraded to a larger capacity.
  • Page 21 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 21 4/6/2007 12:29:46 PM...
  • Page 22 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference . System Device Cover The system’s processor with cooler assembly, wireless LAN module, and DDR memory module are located under the case cover. You may install the WLAN module and the system memory can be upgraded to a larger capacity. (See Chapter 4 for instructions on a memory upgrade.)

  • Page 23: Ac Adapter

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference AC Adapter 1. DC-out Connector The DC-out connector docks to the power jack (DC-in) on the computer. . Adapter The adapter converts alternating current into constant DC voltage for the computer. . AC Plug The AC plug plugs into the AC wall outlet.

  • Page 24: Led Status Indicators

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference LED Status Indicator The LED Status Indicator displays the operating status of your notebook. When a certain function is enabled, an LED will light up. The following section describes its indication. System & Power Status Indicators...

  • Page 25: Keyboard Features

    Fn + F6 Fn + F7 Fn + F8 Fn+Num Lk Fn + Scr Lk m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 25 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference System Control Enters Suspend Mode. Audio Mute on or off. Changes Display Mode: LCD-only, CRT-only and LCD&CRT. Turns Speaker Volume up.

  • Page 26: Windows Keys

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Windows Keys Your keyboard also has two Windows keys: 1. Start Key This key allows you to pull up the Windows Start Menu at the bottom of the taskbar. . Application Menu Key This key brings up the popup menu for the application, similar to a click of the right mouse button.

  • Page 27: Touch Pad

    3. The touch pad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence,the lighter the touch, the better the response. A heavy touch does not produce a better response. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 27 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Right Button Click once Equivalent Tapping Action...

  • Page 28: Graphics Subsystem

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Graphics Subsystem Your computer uses a high-performance 15.4-inch (non-wide) active matrix TFT panel with high resolution and multi-million colors for comfortable viewing. The ATI Mobility M54-P video graphics accelerator, which is Microsoft DirectX 9 compatible, performs graphics rendering at a lighting-fast speed.

  • Page 29: Connecting The Modem

    Depending on where your computer is used, you may need to change settings in the modem. The correct setting will allow you to maintain a stable connection in a country where its telecommunication system may be different to others. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 29 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:47 PM...
  • Page 30 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference To change the modem setting, do the following: 1. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click on the Modem Settings icon. You will see a similar dialog box. 2. Click on the pull-down menu and select the country where it is applicable.

  • Page 31: Bios Setup And Security Feature

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER TWO BIOS SETUP AND SECURITY FEATURE In this chapter, you will learn how to enter the BIOS Setup Menu and manipulate various hardware control settings. You will also learn how to use the built-in security features.
  • Page 32 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference The Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). It runs and maintains a variety of hardware functions. It is a menu-driven software, which allows you to easily configure and change the settings.

  • Page 33: Entering The Bios Setup Screen

    CMOS. BIOS Action Keys Function Key Enter <Tab> ↑ ↓ m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 33 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Command Exit Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit Select a field Select an item...

  • Page 34: Modifying The Bios Settings

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Modifying the BIOS Settings The Phoenix BIOS setup main menu is subdivided into sub-menus. Each menu item is described in this section. Main Setup Under this menu, you may change the time/date and view basic processor and system memory information.
  • Page 35 If you have already connected a USB Floppy Disk Drive before powering up, it will appear as a Removable Device in the Boot Device selection menu. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 35 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Selections / Sub-menu Removable Dev. CD/DVD...

  • Page 36: Security Setup

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Security Setup Boot Settings Configuration Item Change Supervisor Password Change User Password Using Password Protection Two levels of password protection are available. The BIOS provides both a Supervisor and a User password. If you decide to activate both passwords, the Supervisor password must be set first.

  • Page 37: Power Setup

    Power Options Properties (Start > Control Panel > Power Options). Exit Setup Item Saves Changes and Exit N/A Discard Changes Load Optimal Defaults m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 37 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Selections / Description Sub-menu When Enabled, maximum battery Enabled life can be achieved. The processor performance is lowered.

  • Page 38: Battery Power & Power Management

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER THREE BATTERY POWER & POWER MANAGEMENT In this chapter, you will learn the fundamentals of power management and how to use it to achieve longer battery life. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 38 4/6/2007 12:29:48 PM...

  • Page 39: The Battery Pack

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference In this chapter, you will learn how to operate your notebook on battery power, how to handle and maintain the battery pack, and learn about the system’s power saving features. The TFT display, central processor, and hard disk drive are the major hardware subsystems that consume the most power.
  • Page 40 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees F) or above 60 degrees C (140 degrees F). This may adversely affect the battery pack. Note: Press Fn+F3 to turn off the battery warning beep.

  • Page 41: Installing And Removing The Battery Pack

    To Remove the Battery Pack: 1. Place the notebook bottom-side up on a flat and secured surface. 2. Push the latch and pull the battery’s hard case away from the notebook. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 41 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:48 PM...

  • Page 42: Charging The Battery And Charging Time

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference To Install the Battery Pack: 1. Place the notebook bottom-side up on a flat and secured surface. 2. Carefully insert the battery pack into the battery compartment of the notebook. Charging the Battery and Charging Time To charge the battery while the battery pack is in the notebook, plug the AC adapter into the notebook and an electrical outlet.

  • Page 43: Prolonging The Battery's Life And Usage Cycles

    2. Then discharge the battery by entering the BIOS setup screen. (Press the F2 key as soon as you turn on the computer and let it remain at the setup screen until the battery runs out. 3. Fully charge the battery again. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 43 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:48 PM...

  • Page 44: Using Windows Power Options

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Using Windows Power Options Windows Power Management provides basic power saving features. In the Windows Power Options Properties [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options] dialogue box, you may enter time-out values for the display and hard disk drive. Windows Power Manager saves power by turning off the hard drive after 1 minute of inactivity, for example.
  • Page 45 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference In this dialog box, you can manually set the LCD and hard drive’s time-out values in the Plugged In column and in the Running On Batteries column. Lower time-out values will save more battery power.

  • Page 46: Suspend Mode

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Suspend Mode Standby Suspend The system automatically enters this mode after a period of inactivity, which is set in the Power Schemes dialog box. In Standby mode, hardware devices, such as the display panel and hard disk, are turned off to conserve energy.

  • Page 47: Power Button Action

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Button Action The notebook PC’s power button can be set to turn off the system or activate the suspend mode. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options] and click on the Advanced tab.

  • Page 48: Low Battery Warning

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Low Battery Warning You can define when and how the system warns you of its low-battery condition. Go to the Alarms tab in the Power Options Properties box. If you wish to hear audible beeps, click on the Alarm Action button and put a check on Sound Alarm.

  • Page 49: Power Menu Quick Access

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Menu Quick Access Instead of making specific selections in the Power Options Properties box, you can quickly and easily specify which pre-set power saving function you desire by clicking on the Battery icon at the lower right-hand corner of the task bar. (If you do not see a battery or AC-in icon, go to the Power Options Properties box and click on the Advanced tab.

  • Page 50: Windows' Power Plans

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Windows’ Power Plans Windows Vista The power management control panel in Windows Vista, known as Power Plans, is designed to provide the user with an easy-to-use interface. The Power Plans tab can be found in the Power Options Properties panel that is accessible via the Control Panel window.
  • Page 51 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Note: Also consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions. Note: The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 51 4/6/2007 12:29:50 PM...

  • Page 52: Suspend Modes

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Suspend Mode Windows Vista Standby Suspend The system automatically enters this mode after a period of inactivity, which is set in the Power Schemes dialog box. In Standby mode, hardware devices, such as the display panel and hard disk, are turned off to conserve energy.

  • Page 53: Power Button Action

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Button Action The notebook PC’s power button can be set to turn off the system or activate the suspend mode. Go to [Start > Control Panel] and click on the battery options under the mobile section and click on “Choose what the power buttons do”...

  • Page 54: Low Battery Warning

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Low Battery Warning You can define when and how the system warns you of its low-battery condition. Click the “Change plan settings” underneath the currently active Power Plan in the Power Options Properties box. Next, click on “Change advance power settings” and go the the battery section and expand it to change the battery notifications and alarms.

  • Page 55: Power Menu Quick Access

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Menu Quick Access Instead of making specific selections in the Power Options Properties box, you can quickly and easily specify which pre-set power saving function you desire by clicking on the Battery icon at the lower right-hand corner of the task bar. (If you do not see a battery or AC-in icon, go to Power Options Properties box and click on the Advanced tab.

  • Page 56: Upgrading Your Computer

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER FOUR UPGRADING YOUR COMPUTER In this chapter, you will learn how to upgrade the DRAM and hard disk drive, and how to install the optional wireless LAN mini PCI. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 56 4/6/2007 12:29:51 PM...

  • Page 57: Upgrading The Hard Disk Drive

    Note: Certain models that come with the IBM-brand hard drive emit a clattering sound when it is being rattled. This is a normal condition. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 57 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:51 PM...
  • Page 58 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive To replace the hard disk drive, do the following: 1. Turn OFF the computer. Unhook the AC cord and all cables/devices attached to the notebook. Remove the battery. 2. Place your hand on a large metal object momentarily to discharge any static electricity.
  • Page 59 Congratulations! You have now completed the hard drive upgrade. When you boot up the PC, you may need to create a primary HDD partition, reformat the new drive and re-install the O/S, drivers, and all the necessary applications. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 59 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:51 PM...

  • Page 60: Upgrading The System Memory

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Upgrading the System Memory Many applications will generally run faster when the computer’s dynamic memory capacity is increased. The computer provides two DDR2 memory sockets, located underneath the System Device Cover. You can increase the amount of memory by replacing the existing one with a dual inline memory module (commonly known as SO- DIMM) of a higher capacity.

  • Page 61: Installing A Memory Module (Dimm) Into The System

    Place the notebook on a flat surface and fully close the LCD lid. 3. Locate and remove 9 Screw D’s on the System Device Cover. 4. Remove the System Device Cover. The DIMM socket is now seen as shown below. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 61 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:52 PM...
  • Page 62 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 5. If you need to remove an old DIMM from the socket, press out on the latches located on both edges of the socket at the same time. The DIMM should pop up to an angle of 30 degrees (see diagram below). Pull the DIMM module out of the memory socket.

  • Page 63: Adding A Mini-Pci Type Wireless Lan Card (Optional Device)

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Adding a Mini-PCI Type Wireless LAN Card (Optional Device) Your computer comes with a unique Mini PCI Card socket, which is located next to the DRAM socket and underneath the WLAN Module Cover. The socket allows the computer to add unique features such as wireless LAN (IEEE802.11x).

  • Page 64: Installing A Mini Pci Card To The System

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Installing a Mini PCI Card into the System To install a new Mini PCI card, do the following: 1. Follow the steps in the previous section, Installing a memory module (DIMM) into the system, to access the Mini PCI Socket.
  • Page 65 Factory CD-ROM and point to the directory where the Wireless LAN driver can be found. In addition to installing the driver, you may also need to run a Setup.exe program to install the card’s utility applications before it is fully operational. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 65 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:52 PM...

  • Page 66: Troubleshooting

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CHAPTER FIVE TROUBLESHOOTING In this chapter, you will learn how to solve common hardware and software problems. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 66 4/6/2007 12:29:52 PM...

  • Page 67: First Step

    • Be sure to go to BIOS SETUP and load DEFAULT SETTING after BIOS re-flash. • Be sure the Quick Key Lockout Switch on the bottom of the computer is not engaged; otherwise the quick keys will not work. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 67 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:52 PM...

  • Page 68: Audio Problems

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Audio Problems No speaker output • Turn up the volume dial located at the left edge of the computer. See Chapter 1 for its location. • Software volume control is turned down in Microsoft Sound System or is muted.

  • Page 69: Hard Disk Problems

    Internet files. • Empty the Recycle Bin to create more disk space. When you delete files, Windows saves them to the Recycle Bin. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 69 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...
  • Page 70 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference The hard disk takes longer to read a file • If you have been using the drive for a period, the files may be fragmented. Go to [Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter] to perform a diskdefragmentation.

  • Page 71: Optical Drive Problems

    The Combo or DVD-RW drive (optional device) cannot record - • You need to purchase and install a burner utility program to record files to a blank media. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 71 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...

  • Page 72: Display Problems

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Display Problems The display panel is blank when the system is turned on • Make sure the computer is not in the Standby or Hibernate suspend modes. The display is turned off to conserve energy in these modes.

  • Page 73: Keyboard And Mouse Problems

    • Configure the keyboard to wait longer before the auto repeat feature starts. To adjust this feature, go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click the Keyboard icon. A dialogue box shows up with the adjustable settings for the keyboard. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 73 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...

  • Page 74: Cmos Battery Problem

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference CMOS Battery Problem A message “CMOS Checksum Failure” displays during the booting process or the time (clock) resets when booting - • Try to reboot the system. • If the message “CMOS Checksum Failure” appears during the booting procedure even after rebooting, it may indicate failure of the CMOS battery.

  • Page 75: Modem Problems

    • Make sure the cable connection is firm. • Try a different receiver number and see if the problem persists. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 75 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...

  • Page 76: Network Adapter / Ethernet Problems

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Network Adapter / Ethernet Problems The Ethernet adapter does not work • Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager]. Double-click on Network Adapters and check if Realtek RTL8510EX Family Fast Ethernet NIC appears as one of the adapters.

  • Page 77: Pc Card / Pcmcia Problems

    Safely Remove Hardware icon at the lower right corner of the task bar and select the card you wish to stop. When you click <Close>, Windows will prompt you to remove the card a few seconds later. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 77 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...

  • Page 78: Performance Problems

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Performance Problems The computer becomes hot • In a 35 C environment, certain areas of the computer’s back case are expected to reach 50 degrees. • Make sure the air vents are not blocked. • If the fan does not seem to be working at high temperature (50 degrees Celsius and up), contact the service center.

  • Page 79: Firewire (Ieee1394) And Usb2.0 Problems

    ROM disk or consult the Windows manual on how to solve the resource conflict problem. • Make sure the cable is fully connected. • Make sure you have installed the necessary device drivers. • Contact the device vendor for additional support. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 79 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...

  • Page 80: Product Specifications

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference APPENDIX A PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 80 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...

  • Page 81: System Memory

    DirectSound 3D, EAX 1.0 & 2.0 compatible • A3D, I3DL2 compatible • AC97 V2.3 compatible • 7.1 Multi-channel compatible (through S/PDIF) • Supports Azalia standard • 2 Stereo Speakers with 1 Subwoofer m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 81 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:53 PM...
  • Page 82 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Modem • Intel (ICH7M) integrated Modem Controller with MDC card, AC97 V2.2 Modem support • V.92 / V.90 / K56flex for download data speed up to 56Kbps. • V.34, V.17, V.29 protocol supported Wireless LAN •...

  • Page 83: Ports And Connectors

    Low battery state with low battery warning beep • Uniwill SmartPower II Power Management • Smart Battery Compliant; low battery warning beep • Long Battery Life Mode and Silent Mode • Autosensing AC-in 100~240V, DC-out 20V, 90W m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 83 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:54 PM...

  • Page 84: Physical Specification

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference BIOS • Phoenix PnP BIOS • Power On Self Test • DRAM auto-detection, auto-sizing • L2 Cache auto-detection • Hard disk type auto-detection • APM 1.2 (Advanced Power Management) & • ACPI 2.0 (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) •...

  • Page 85: Appendix B Agency Regulatory Notices

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference APPENDIX B AGENCY REGULATORY NOTICES m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 85 4/6/2007 12:29:54 PM...

  • Page 86: Federal Communications Commission Notice

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Federal Communications Commission Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 87: European Notice

    Le present appareil numerique nemet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le Ministere des Communications du Canada. m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 87 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:54 PM...

  • Page 88: Power Cord Requirement

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Power Cord Requirement The power cord supplied with the AC adapter should match the plug and voltage requirements for your local area. Regulatory approval for the AC adapter has been obtained using the power cord for the local area. However, if you travel to a different area and need to connect to a different outlet or voltage, you should use one of the power cords listed below.

  • Page 89: Other Countries

    125 / 250 VAC. CAUTION: MODEL P53IAx IS DESIGNED TO USE WITH THE FLLOWING AC ADAPTER MODEL ONLY Manufacture: Li-Shin INC, LITE-ON ELECTRONICS, INC. Model: LSE0202C2090 (90W), LSE0202D2090 (90W), PA-1900-05 (90W), PA-1900-06 (90W) m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 89 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:54 PM...
  • Page 90 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference Telephone Lines Requirement The appropriate utilization of a 26AWG telephone line cord on the unit. CAUTION: Always disconnect all telephone lines from the wall outlet before servicing or disassembling this equipment. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, use only a No. 26AWG or larger telecommunication line cord.

  • Page 91: Laser Safety

    Mettre au rebut les batteries usagees conformement aux instructions du fabricant. VORSICHT! Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemBen Austausch der Batterie Ersatz nur durch denselben oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ahnlichen Typ. Entsorgung m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 91 Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference 4/6/2007 12:29:54 PM...

  • Page 92: Connecting To The Network

    Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers. Der Arbeitsplatzbezogene Schalldruckpegel nach DIN 45 635 betragt 70dB (A) oder weniger. Zum Netzanschlua dieses Gerates ist eine geprufte Leitung zu verwenden. Fur einen Nennstrom bis 6A und einem Gerategewicht groBer 3kg ist eine Leitung nicht leichter als (1)H05VV-F, 3G, 0.75mm2 (2)2X0.75 mm2 conductors einzusetzen.

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