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Bluetooth SIG, Inc. ® 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.
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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.
Report any missing components or damaged items to customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Anything reported missing or damaged after the first 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored. Some of the most common items to check for include: •...
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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.
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.
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.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) You can set up wireless display using the following optional wireless display technologies: • Intel Wireless Display — Designed for watching DVDs and streaming videos. • WirelessHD — Designed for graphic intensive applications such as high definition gaming.
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The WirelessHD feature allows you to share high-definition video from your computer display to a TV without the use of cables. To set up WirelessHD, use a WirelessHD receiver kit. For instructions on setting up WirelessHD, see the document that shipped with your WirelessHD receiver kit.
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Set Up Intel Wireless Display (Optional) NOTE: It is recommended to use WirelessHD instead of Intel Wireless display for graphic‑intensive applications as there may be a slight delay between the user input and on‑screen display. To set up wireless display: Turn on your computer.
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. •...
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.
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.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 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...
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The USB Powershare feature allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is powered on/off or in sleep state. NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is powered off or in sleep state. In such cases, turn on the computer to charge the device.
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Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone or inputs signal for use with audio programs. NOTE: You can set up 5.1 channel speakers by using the three audio connectors available on your computer. Headphone connectors (2) — Connect to a pair of headphones or to a powered speaker or sound system.
— Connects your computer to a network or broadband device. 4 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer. NOTE: Before you buy a security cable, ensure that it fits into the security cable slot on your computer.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Back View Features AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Display Features 2 3 4...
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2 Camera — Built‑in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. 3 Camera activity indicator — Indicates if the camera is on or off. A solid white light indicates camera activity. 4 Right digital-array microphone — Combines with the left digital‑array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Computer Base and Keyboard Features...
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4 Backlit Keyboard — Illuminates to provide visibility in low lit or dark environments. You can customize the colors and effects using the AlienFX software available in the Alienware Command Center. For more information, see “Alienware Command Center” on page 40.
For details on how to program this button, see Power Options in the control panel of Microsoft Windows operating system. The power button is located in the center of the hinge cover. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 32.
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The computer is in standby mode. into black Blinking Amber or custom battery‑ The battery charge is low. color For more details on standby and hibernate mode, see Power Options in the control panel of your Microsoft Windows operating system.
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 near 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: F1 —...
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F5 — Decrease display brightness Press <Fn><F5> to decrease the brightness of the display. F6 — Eject Press <Fn><F6> to eject the disc from the optical drive. F7 — Mute sound playback Press <Fn><F7> to mute or unmute the sound.
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PRT SCRN — AlienFX Press <Fn><PRT SCRN> to enable or disable the AlienFX illumination. INSERT — Touch Pad control Press <Fn><INSERT> to enable or disable the touch pad. NOTE: The illuminated lighting will remain on even when the touch pad is disabled.
<Fn><PAUSE> on the function keys. For more information, see “Function Keys” on page 36. Connecting External Displays If you want to enjoy your computing environment on a bigger scale visually, or extend your desktop area, you can connect an external display such as a standalone monitor, an LCD TV, or a projector.
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Turn off your laptop. Turn off the display and disconnect it from the power supply. Connect one end of the display cable to the VGA, mini-DisplayPort, or HDMI connector on your Alienware laptop. Connect the other end of the cable to the same connector on your display.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Extending the Desktop With the external display connected, right‑click on the desktop and select Screen resolution or press the <Fn><F1> keys. Customize the following options: Display — Select the display you would like to manage.
The wireless control allows you to quickly manage all of your wireless radio(s) (Bluetooth, WLAN, WWAN, and WirelessHD). To enable/disable wireless: Turn on your computer. Press the <Fn><F3> keys. In the pop‑up window that appears, select the option(s) to enable wireless or clear the option(s) to disable wireless. Click...
Each of the five lights represent approximately 20% of the total battery charge. For example, if four lights turn on, there is approximately 60 to 80% of battery charge remaining and if no lights turn on, there is no charge remaining in the battery.
Power Management Understanding Power Consumption In order to fully utilize the power of your battery, it would be a good idea for you to spend some time acquiring a basic understanding of the power management concept from your operating system.
Although your laptop (together with the operating system) is capable of power conservation, there are measures you can take to reduce the power consumption: • Lower the intensity of the display backlight. A very bright screen translates to higher power usage. •...
The Optimus technology is enabled through an application profile. When an application is launched, the video drivers check to see if the application has a profile associated with it. •...
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Program Settings tab, click Add and browse to select the application’ s executable file (.exe). Once added, you can change the settings for that application. To change the settings for a specific application, locate the application in the Select a program to customize: list and make the desired changes.
When a free fall state is detected, the hard drive is placed in a safe state to protect against damage to the read/write head and possible data loss. Your hard drive returns to normal operation, when the free fall state is no longer detected.
• View the installed amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed. Before you use System Setup, it is recommended that you write down the current System Setup information for future reference. CAUTION: Do not change the settings in System Setup unless you are an expert...
While the laptop is booting, press <F2> immediately before the operating system logo appears to access the BIOS Setup Utility. If an error occurs during Power On Self Test (POST), you may also enter the BIOS Setup Utility by pressing <F2> when prompted.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. NOTE: For the updated system setup information, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals.
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Displays the integrated graphics. Graphics Discrete Graphics Displays the discrete graphics. Total Memory Displays the total memory available in your computer. Memory Bank 0 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM 0. Memory Bank 1 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM 1.
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BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware operating system, handles USB devices. USB emulation is always enabled during POST. NOTE: You cannot boot any type of USB device (hard drive, or memory key) when this option is off. USB Wake Support Allows you to enable USB devices to wake the computer from standby or to disable the USB wake support feature.
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• Disabled: Disables USB PowerShare. Integrated Network Allows you to enable or disable the on‑board LAN controller. • Disabled: Internal LAN is disabled and is not visible to the operating system.
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Displays the installed SATA hard drive model. Adapter Warnings Allows you to choose if the computer should display warning messages when you use AC adapters that are not supported by your computer. • Disabled: BIOS will not detect unsupported A/C adapters and will not display any message to screen.
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Allows you to override CPU turbo mode settings. settings Long Duration Allows you to set the turbo mode power limit 1 value in watts. Power Limit Long Duration Allows you to set the turbo mode time 1 value in seconds.
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CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced — Performance Options Menu New Frequency in Allows you to enter a new bus clock frequency in 10 Khz 10KHz increments increments. Apply New Bus Allows you to apply the new bus clock frequency Clock Frequency •...
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CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Wireless Menu Bluetooth Allows you to enable or disable the internal Bluetooth device. • Disabled: The internal Bluetooth device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system. • Enabled: The internal Bluetooth device is enabled.
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User Password Displays if the user password is clear or set. Set Service Tag Displays the service tag of the computer when the service tag is present. Displays a field to input the service tag manually when the service tag is absent.
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Boot Menu Use the up or down arrow keys to change the boot device priority. You can choose from: • Hard Drive • USB Storage • CD/DVD • Removal Devices • Network...
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CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Exit Menu Exit Saving Allows you to exit System Setup and save your changes to Changes CMOS. Save Change Allows you remain in System Setup and save your changes to Without Exit CMOS. Exit Discarding...
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” in this section. •...
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off.
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
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CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched. Turn off your computer (for more information, see “Turning Off Your Computer” on page 67).
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS Replacing the Battery Pack The battery pack can easily be removed and replaced. Ensure that the laptop is properly shut down before changing the battery pack. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the laptop, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware laptop.
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CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS captive screws (2) 3 tabs (6) 2 base cover...
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CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS Loosen the two captive screws that secure the battery pack to the computer base. Disconnect the battery pack cable from the connector on the system board. Lift the battery pack off the computer base.
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To replace the battery pack: Follow the the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Place the battery pack in the battery bay and tighten the two captive screws that secure the battery pack to the computer base. Connect the battery pack cable to the connector on the system board.
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. The table below illustrates all the possible ways system memory can be configured. Memory connector #1...
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Shut down the laptop and turn it over. Loosen the two captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base. Slide and lift the base cover off the computer base.
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CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS memory-module cover 2 captive screws (2) Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the memory module connector’ s spring-locks until the module pops up. Remove the memory module.
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3 tab To replace the memory modules, perform the removal steps in reverse order. While inserting the memory module into the connector align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory module connector. NOTE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper connector.
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CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS...
Power Savings: Ensure that your computer is not in hibernate or standby mode by pressing the power button for less than 4 seconds. The power status light will fade from blue to black while in standby mode; in hibernate mode it will be off.
Run maintenance programs as often as you can. You may schedule these programs to run at times when you are not using your computer. You can use those provided with your operating system, or buy more powerful, dedicated programs to do so.
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• 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. •...
Turn on (or restart) your computer. When the Alienware logo appears, press <F12> immediately. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.
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During the assessment, answer any questions that appear. • If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that failed, press <r>. •...
CAUTION: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 6 seconds until the computer turns off, then restart your computer.
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 environment similar to an earlier version of Microsoft Windows operating system environments.
Other software problems Back up your files immediately Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, or CDs Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu Scan the computer for spyware: If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop‑up...
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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.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Hard Drive Problems Allow the computer to cool before turning it on A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on. Run Check Disk →...
The computer may be in a power saving mode: Press a key on the keyboard or press the power button to resume normal operation. Switch the video image: If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press <Fn><F1> to switch the video image to the display.
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When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on • If the AC adapter cable is connected to a surge protector or UPS, ensure that the surge protector or UPS is securely connected to an electrical outlet, is switched on and is working correctly.
AlienRespawn. You can use AlienRespawn to restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer, while preserving the data files.
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When the Alienware logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the Options window. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.
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CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 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...
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NOTE: A broadband connection is recommended for fast upload or download speeds. Dell DataSafe Online is an automated backup and recovery service that helps protect your data and other important files from catastrophic incidents like theft, fire, or natural disasters.
Some of the software pre‑installed on your new Dell or Alienware computer do not include a backup CD or DVD. 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.
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Width 337.00 mm (13.27 inches) Depth 258.34 mm (10.17 inches) Weight with 8-cell battery and 2.88 kg (6.35 lb) optical drive (starting at) NOTE: The weight of your laptop will vary depending on the configuration ordered and the manufacturing variability.
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8 MB Bus clock 100 MHz System chipset Mobile Intel HM67 Express Chipset SDRAM bus width one or two 64-bit channels of DDR3 memory up to 1600 MHz Processor address bus width 32 bits Processor data width 64 bits...
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1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB Memory type up to 1600 MHz unbuffered non-ECC dual-channel DDR3 configuration Memory configurations 2 GB, 3 GB, 4 GB, 6 GB, and 8 GB possible Ports and Connectors Network adapter one RJ45 connector •...
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CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Ports and Connectors Audio two stereo headphones/speaker connectors one microphone‑in connector NOTE: You can also use the connectors to set up 5.1 channel speakers. Media Card Reader one 9-in-1 slot SIM Card Reader one SIM card slot...
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Video Video controller Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 Discrete NVIDIA GeForce GT555M Video memory Integrated 512 MB dedicated video memory (for total system memory greater than 4 GB) • Discrete 1.5 GB • 3.0 GB External display support HDMI 1.4, Mini DisplayPort, VGA, Intel Wireless Display...
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Speaker dual 8-ohms speakers in both the left and right speaker assembly Internal speaker amplifier up to 2 W average per channel; up to 4 W average total power 1 subwoofer up to 3 W average Internal microphone support dual digital microphone‑in camera assembly...
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MultiMedia Card (MMC) • MultiMedia Card plus (MMC+) • Memory Stick • Memory Stick PRO • xD-Picture Card (type - M and type - H) • Hi Density‑SD (SDHD) • Hi Capacity‑SD (SDHC) Display • Type 14.0 inch HD WLED with TrueLife •...
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Keyboard (Backlit) Number of keys 82 (Korea, U.S., and Canada); 83 (Europe); 86 (Japan) Backlight color RGB; colors can be changed by invoking the AlienFX software in the Alienware Command Center. For information, see “Alienware Command Center” on...
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CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Touch Pad X/Y position resolution 953 cpi (graphics table mode) Size Height 42.0 mm (1.65 inches) sensor-active area Width 81.0 mm (3.19 inches) rectangle Camera Camera resolution 2.0 megapixel HD Video resolution 1600 x 1200 Diagonal viewing angle 70°...
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CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Battery Weight 0.43 kg (0.94 lb) Voltage 14.8 V Operating time battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power‑intensive conditions. Life span (approximate) 300 discharge/charge cycles Temperature range Operating 0°...
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7.70 A (continuous) Output power 150 W Rated output voltage 19.50 V Temperature range Operating 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 70°C (–40° to 158°F) Connector types DC connector 3-pin, 7.4 mm plug AC connector 3-pin – C13...
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0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F) Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F) Relative humidity (maximum) Operating 10% to 90% (non-condensing) Storage 10% to 95% (non-condensing) Maximum vibration (Using a random vibration spectrum that simulates user environment) Operating 0.66 GRMS Storage 1.3 GRMS...
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CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Computer Environment Maximum shock (Measured with hard drive in operating status and a 2-ms half-sine pulse for operating. Also measured with hard drive in head-parked position and a 2-ms half-sine pulse for storage) Operating 110 G Storage...
• Only operate the computer using the power source type indicated on the rating label. • Never block or cover any openings or fans in the computer case. These are required for ventilation. • Never insert objects of any kind into the ventilation openings.
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Touch only those items which must be replaced. • If you have to remove peripheral cards for any reason, place them on the portion of the computer’ s case that was removed. Do not touch the edge connectors at the bottom of...
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Careless handling of your computer may cause damage. Mechanical shock is not covered by the warranty. • 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 •...
Contacting Alienware For customers in the United States/Canada, call 1-800-ALIENWARE. NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone‑based support and service options. Because availability varies by country and product, some services may not be available in your area.
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APPENDIX Websites You can learn about Alienware products and services on the following websites: • dell.com • dell.com/ap (Asian/Pacific countries only) • dell.com/jp (Japan only) • euro.dell.com (Europe only) • dell.com/la (Latin American and Caribbean countries) • dell.ca (Canada only) You can access Alienware Support through the following websites: •...
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APPENDIX 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.