Alienware M18X User Manual
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Alienware M18X User Manual

Alienware laptop user manual
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ALIENWARE
M18x
®
MOBILE MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Alienware M18X

  • Page 1 ALIENWARE M18x ® MOBILE MANUAL...
  • Page 2 Dell Inc. is strictly prohibited. Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware ® , AlienFX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Alienware Corporation; Dell™ is a trademark of Dell Inc.; Microsoft , Windows , and the Windows start button ®...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP ........
  • Page 4 Contacting Alienware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • Page 5 We invite you to share your experience with your new high‑performance computer with us, so 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.

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: Setting Up Your Laptop

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

  • Page 8: Before Setting Up Your Laptop

    CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Product Documentation and Media 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.

  • Page 9: Connect The Ac Adapter

    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. CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 10: Connect The Network Cable (Optional)

    Connect the Network Cable (Optional) CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Set Up Microsoft Windows Your computer is preconfigured with the Microsoft Windows operating system. To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete.

  • Page 11: Set Up Wirelesshd (Optional)

    NOTE: The wireless display adapter does not ship with your computer and must be purchased separately. NOTE: For information on setting up the wireless display, see the document on the desktop. that shipped with the wireless display adapter. CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 12: Connect To The Internet (Optional)

    To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 13. CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Setting Up a Wireless Connection NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router.
  • Page 13 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 to complete the setup. CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP...
  • Page 14 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 15: Chapter 2: Getting To Know Your Laptop

    CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 16: Left View Features

    This chapter provides information about your new laptop to familiarize you with its various features, and get you up and running quickly. Left View Features 7 8 9 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer.

  • Page 17: Right View Features

    DVD player, camcorder, or gaming device. NOTE: The HDMI-input connector works only when the computer is on. — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, — Connects to — Connects to the HDMI‑output connector on CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 18: Back View Features

    Back View Features AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery. CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP...
  • Page 19 — Your display can vary based on selections you made when purchasing your computer. — Combines with the right digital‑array — Indicates if the camera is on or off. A solid — Combines with the left digital‑array CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 20: Computer Base And Keyboard Features

    Macro keys — You can assign keystrokes, predefined functions, macros, or shortcuts for your games using the TactX Macro Key Controls option available in the Alienware Command Center. For more information, see “Alienware Command Center” on page 26. Backlit keyboard —...

  • Page 21: Status Lights

    Rewind or Play previous track (for more information, see “Using the Wireless Control” on page 28) Play or Pause Alienware Command Center (for more information, see “Alienware Command Center” on page 26) CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 22: Power Button

    “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 20. The color of the AlienHead rim indicates the power status. The color indicating the power status can be changed using the AlienFX software. CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP On AC adapter: Blue or custom AC‑color The battery is fully charged.

  • Page 23: Function Keys

    Function Keys NOTE: Depending on the configuration of the laptop you purchased, some of the function keys may have no associated tasks. The <Fn> key is located at the bottom-left corner of the keyboard, and is used together with other keys to activate certain functions. Hold down the <Fn> key along with the key described below: FI –...
  • Page 24 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 25: Chapter 3: Using Your Laptop

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 26: Alienware Command Center

    Alienware Command Center The Alienware Command Center gives you access to Alienware’ s exclusive software and is a continuously upgradable control panel. As Alienware releases new programs, they download directly into the Command Center allowing you to build a library of system management, optimization, and customization tools.

  • Page 27: Using Removable Media And Cards

    ExpressCard or Media Card slot, ensure that the blank cards that shipped with your laptop is inserted in the unused slot(s). The blank cards protect the unused slots from dust and other particles. When inserting a blank card, ensure that the correct side is on the top (indicated by an arrow mark on some blank cards).

  • Page 28: Using The Optical Drive

    Using the Optical Drive 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.

  • Page 29: Battery Pack

    Battery Pack Your laptop is equipped with a high‑energy rechargeable Lithium‑ion (Li‑ion) battery pack. Battery life varies depending on your laptop configuration, model, applications installed, power management settings, and features used. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery decreases with time and usage.

  • Page 30: Free Fall Sensor

    • Use the Go Dark option in the Alienware Command Center. CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP You can also create application profiles for any application on your computer. This may be required for newly released games or applications that do not have a default application profile.

  • Page 31: Configuring The Bios

    To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F2> in even intervals until the System Setup screen appears. While the laptop is booting, press <F2> immediately before the operating system logo appears to access the BIOS Setup Utility.
  • Page 32 Main Menu System Time Displays the system time. (hh:mm:ss) System Date Displays the system date. (mm/dd/yyyy) Alienware Displays the model number of your computer. Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer. BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version. EC Version Displays the EC firmware version.
  • Page 33 Enabled: The internal audio device is enabled. SD-Card Reader Allows you to enable or disable the internal SD card reader. CPU Turbo Mode Allows you to enable or disable the Intel CPU turbo mode performance option. CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP...
  • Page 34 Charger Allows you to enable or disable battery charging. Behavior Primary Display Allows you to choose a primary display. CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu – Performance Options Overclocking Allows you to enable or disable the global overclocking Feature feature.
  • Page 35 Allows you to choose which wireless devices are Switch/Hotkey controlled by the wireless switch/hotkey. Security Menu Supervisor Displays if the supervisor password is clear or set. Password User Password Displays if the user password is clear or set. CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP...
  • Page 36 • CD/DVD/BD • Removal Devices • Network • CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Exit Menu Exit Saving Allows you to exit System Setup and save your changes Changes to CMOS. Save Change Allows you remain in System Setup and save your Without Exit changes to CMOS.

  • Page 37: Chapter 4: Installing Additional Or Replacement Components

    CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS...

  • Page 38: Before You Begin

    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: • You have performed the steps in “Turning Off Your Computer” and “Before Working Inside Your Computer”...
  • Page 39 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you service the laptop. Remove the battery from the battery bay (see “Replacing the Battery Pack” on page 40).

  • Page 40: Replacing 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. To remove the battery pack: Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin”...

  • Page 41: Upgrading Or Replacing Memory

    Upgrading or Replacing Memory Your laptop is equipped with a configurable memory unit. The industry standard JEDEC PC3-12800 (DDR3-1600) SODIMM memory module connectors are available for memory upgrade. NOTE: If you purchased a dual‑core processor, your computer supports only memory module connectors DIMM A and DIMM B.
  • Page 42 screws (4) compartment door Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the memory-module connector’ s spring locks until the memory module pops up. Remove the memory module. CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS memory module notch spring locks (2) memory-module connector To replace the memory modules, perform the removal steps in reverse order.

  • Page 43: Upgrading Or Replacing The Hard Drive(S)

    Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive(s) Your laptop is equipped with two hard drives. Removing the Hard Drive(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack“ on page Remove the four screws that secure the compartment door to the computer base.
  • Page 44 Release the connector latch and disconnect the hard‑drive cable from the connector on the system board. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the hard‑drive assembly. Using the pull tab, lift the hard‑drive assembly out of the computer base. hard-drive assembly connector latch captive screws (4) hard-drive cable...
  • Page 45 Remove the four screws that secure the primary hard drive (HDD0) and lift the hard drive out of the hard‑drive bracket. Remove the four screws that secure the secondary hard drive (HDD1) and slide the hard drive out of the hard‑drive bracket. screws (8) secondary hard drive (HDD1) primary hard drive (HDD0)
  • Page 46 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS...

  • Page 47: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING...

  • Page 48: Basic Hints And Tips

    • Display Choice: Press the key combination <Fn><F6> to ensure that the computer is not set to “External Only” display. • Use only the AC adapter that shipped with your laptop. CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Backup and General Maintenance • Always back up your important data on a regular basis and keep copies of your operating system and software safe.

  • Page 49: Software Diagnostic Tools

    • If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact error message prior to calling Alienware Technical Support to aid in diagnosing and resolving your issue. • If an error occurs in a specific program, see the program’ s documentation.

  • Page 50: Answers To Common Problems

    If failures are detected during ePSA, write down the error code(s) and contact Alienware (for more information, see “Contacting Alienware“ on page 70). If the ePSA completes successfully, the following message appears “Do want to run the remaining memory tests? This will take about 30 minutes or more.

  • Page 51: Software Problems

    Software Problems A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly End the program: Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously. Click the Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding. Click End Task. Check the software documentation. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. A program is designed for an earlier version of Microsoft Windows Run the Program Compatibility Wizard: The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an...
  • Page 52 Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information: • Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer. • Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information.

  • Page 53: Memory Problems

    If the wall outlet is not working, contact an electrician or your power company for further assistance. • If the problem persists, contact Alienware support (see “Contacting Alienware” on page 70). CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING...
  • Page 54 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING...

  • Page 55: Chapter 6: System Recovery

    CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY...

  • Page 56: Alienrespawn

    NOTE: Do not disconnect the AC adapter cable. Turn on your computer. When the Alienware logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the Advanced Boot Options window. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop;...
  • Page 57 Upgrading to AlienRespawn Professional AlienRespawn 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 Professional: Double‑click the AlienRespawn icon in the notification area of your desktop.

  • Page 58: My Dell Downloads

    My Dell Downloads NOTE: My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions. Some of the software pre‑installed on your new Alienware computer do not include a backup media. 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.

  • Page 59: Chapter 7: Specifications

    CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS...
  • Page 60 Computer Model Alienware M18x Dimensions Height Front 53.0 mm (2.09 inches) Back 54.20 mm (2.13 inches) Width 436.0 mm (17.17 inches) Depth 322.0 mm (12.68 inches) Weight with 12‑cell 5.41 kg (11.93 lb) battery and optical drive NOTE: The weight of your laptop varies...
  • Page 61 Memory Connectors four internally accessible DDR3 using JEDEC SODIMM sockets Capacities 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB Memory type • up to 1600 MHz unbuffered non-ECC dual-channel DDR3 configuration • Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP) 1600 and 1866 Memory configurations 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB possible Ports and Connectors...
  • Page 62 Video Video memory Integrated 512 MB dedicated video memory (for total system memory greater than 4 GB) Discrete • 1.5 GB GDDR5 for NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M • 2.0 GB GDDR5 for AMD Radeon HD 6970M External display support HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, VGA, WiDi (optional), and WirelessHD (optional) Audio Type...
  • Page 63 82 (Korea, U.S., and Canada) • 83 (Europe) • 86 (Japan) Backlight color RGB; colors can be changed by invoking the AlienFX application in the Alienware Command Center. For more information, see “Alienware Command Center” on page 26 . CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS...
  • Page 64 Touch Pad X/Y position resolution 240 cpi (graphics table mode) Size Height 56.00 mm (2.20 inches) sensor-active area Width 99.5 mm (3.92 inches) rectangle Camera Camera resolution 3.0 megapixel Video resolution 2048 x 1536 Diagonal viewing angle 60° Battery 12-cell “smart” lithium ion (96 Whr) Height 30.2 mm (1.19 inches) Width...
  • Page 65 AC Adapter Output current 240 W 12.30 A (continuous) 330 W 16.92 A Output power 240 W 240 W 330 W 330 W Rated output voltage 19.50 VDC Temperature range Operating 240 W 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) 330 W 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F to 95 °F) Storage...
  • Page 66 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS...

  • Page 67: Appendix

    APPENDIX A APPENDIX APPENDIX...

  • Page 68: General And Electrical Safety Precautions

    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. •...
  • Page 69 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.

  • Page 70: Contacting Alienware

    Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you. APPENDIX Websites You can learn about Alienware products and services on the following websites: • dell.com • dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific countries only) •...
  • Page 71 Information for NOM, or Official Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) The following information is provided in the device(s) described in this document in accordance with the requirements of the Official Mexican Standard (NOM): Importer: Dell México S.A. de C.V. Paseo de la Reforma 2620 - Flat 11° Col.
  • Page 72 Printed in China. 0P38V4A00...

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