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Dell Alienware M14x MOBILE Manual

Alienware m14x mobile
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  • Page 3 ALIENWARE M14x MOBILE MANUAL...
  • Page 4 The contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2010–2013 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly prohibited. Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP ..........9 Before Setting Up Your Laptop .
  • Page 6 CONTENTS CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP........... . 39 Alienware Command Center .
  • Page 7 My Dell Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • Page 9 Dear Valued Alienware Customer, Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high‑performance computer users. The Alienware technicians who have crafted your machine have made certain that your high‑performance system is properly optimized and performs to its fullest potential. We build machines with one single unwavering purpose: Build It As If It Were Your Own.

  • Page 11: Chapter 1: Setting Up Your Laptop

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

  • Page 12: Before Setting Up Your Laptop

    CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Before Setting Up Your Laptop Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware M14x! Read all safety and setup instructions before connecting your new laptop. Begin by carefully opening the box and removing all components that were shipped to you. Before setting up your laptop or components, see the included invoice to verify that all items ordered are present and be sure to inspect all items for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipment.
  • Page 13 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 14: Connect The Ac Adapter

    CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 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.

  • Page 15: Press The Power Button

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

  • Page 16: Connect The Network Cable (Optional)

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

  • Page 17: Set Up Microsoft Windows

    NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com. NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see support.dell.com/MyNewDell.

  • Page 18: Set Up Wireless Display (Optional)

    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.
  • Page 19 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Set Up WirelessHD (Optional) 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.
  • Page 20 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 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: 1.

  • Page 21: Connect To The Internet (Optional)

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

  • Page 22: Setting Up A Wireless Connection

    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. Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, you need to connect to your wireless router.

  • Page 23: Setting Up Your Internet Connection

    CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP Setting Up Your Internet Connection ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) might have a service outage.
  • Page 24 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 25: Chapter 2: Getting To Know Your Laptop

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

  • Page 26: Left View Features

    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...
  • Page 27 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP connector — Connects your computer to a monitor or projector. HDMI connector — Connects to a TV for both multi‑channel digital audio and video signals. NOTE: For a monitor without built‑in speakers, only the video signal will be read. Mini-DisplayPort connector —...
  • Page 28 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP...
  • Page 29 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 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) —...

  • Page 30: Right View Features

    CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Right View Features Optical drive — Plays or records only standard-size (12 cm) CDs and DVDs. Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing upward when inserting discs. NOTE: Do not use non‑standard‑size or shape discs (including mini‑CDs and mini‑DVDs) as you will damage the drive.

  • Page 31: Back View Features

    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.

  • Page 32: Display Features

    CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Display Features 2 3 4...
  • Page 33 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Left digital-array microphone — Combines with the right digital‑array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording. 2 Camera — Built‑in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat. 3 Camera activity indicator —...

  • Page 34: Computer Base And Keyboard Features

    CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Computer Base and Keyboard Features...
  • Page 35 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Wireless status light — Turns on if wireless radios are enabled. For more information, see “Using the Wireless Control” on page 44. Caps lock status light — Turns on when the keyboard is in Caps Lock mode. In this mode, all characters you type appear in uppercase on the screen.

  • Page 36: Power Button

    CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP Power Button You can program this button to perform actions like shutting down the operating system or entering the standby mode. For details on how to program this button, see Power Options in the control panel of Microsoft Windows operating system.
  • Page 37 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP On AC adapter: Blue or custom AC‑color The battery is fully charged. Blue or custom AC‑color fading into The computer is turned off or on and amber or custom battery‑color the battery is charging. Blue or custom AC‑color fading into The computer is in standby mode.

  • Page 38: Function Keys

    CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 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 near the bottom-left corner of the keyboard, and is used together with other keys to activate certain functions.
  • Page 39 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 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. F8 —...
  • Page 40 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP F12 — Fast Forward or Play next track Press <Fn><F12> to fast forward or play the next track. PAUSE — Alienware Command Center Press <Fn><PAUSE> to access Alienware Command Center (for more information, see “Alienware Command Center”...

  • Page 41: Chapter 3: Using Your Laptop

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

  • Page 42: Alienware Command Center

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 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 43 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Connection Type Computer Cable Display VGA‑to‑VGA (VGA cable) HDMI‑to‑HDMI (HDMI cable) Mini-DisplayPort- to-DisplayPort (Mini-DisplayPort- to-DisplayPort adapter + DisplayPort Cable) Mini-DisplayPort- to‑DVI (Mini‑ DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter + DVI cable)
  • Page 44 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP NOTE: You can purchase the mini-DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort and mini-DisplayPort-to-DVI adapters at dell.com. 1. Turn off your laptop. 2. Turn off the display and disconnect it from the power supply. 3. Connect one end of the display cable to the VGA, mini-DisplayPort, or HDMI connector on your Alienware laptop.

  • Page 45: Extending The Desktop

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Extending the Desktop 1. With the external display connected, right‑click on the desktop and select Screen resolution or press the <Fn><F1> keys. 2. Customize the following options: Display — Select the display you would like to manage. Resolution —...

  • Page 46: Using The Wireless Control

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Using the Wireless Control The wireless control allows you to quickly manage all of your wireless radio(s) (Bluetooth, WLAN, WWAN, and WirelessHD). To enable/disable wireless: 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Press the <Fn><F3> keys. 3.

  • Page 47: Battery Pack

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Battery Pack Your laptop is equipped with a high‑energy rechargeable lithium polymer battery pack. Battery life will vary depending on your laptop configuration, model, applications installed, power management settings, and features used. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time and usage.

  • Page 48: Power Management

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 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.

  • Page 49: Reducing Power Consumption

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Customizing Your Power Settings → Control Panel. 1. Click Start 2. Click All Control Panel Items. 3. Double‑click the Power Options icon. 4. Select a power plan from the options shown. To customize specific settings, click Change plan settings next to the selected power plan.

  • Page 50: Nvidia Optimus Technology

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP nVidia Optimus Technology Your Alienware M14x laptop is equipped with nVidia Optimus technology. The Optimus technology is designed to maximize performance and user experience on your computer, while minimizing the impact on battery life. It enables you to combine the graphic processing capability of the integrated Intel graphic processing unit (GPU) with the discrete nVidia GPU while running graphic-intensive applications such as 3-D games.
  • Page 51 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Changing the Application Profile Settings 1. Right‑click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel. 2. In the NVIDIA Control Panel window, click 3D Settings to expand the selection (if not already expanded) and then click Manage 3D Settings. 3.

  • Page 52: Free Fall Sensor

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Free Fall Sensor Free fall sensor protects your computer hard drive from possible damage, by detecting a free fall state caused by accidentally dropping the computer. 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.

  • Page 53: Configuring The Bios

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Configuring the BIOS System Setup The System Setup options allow you to: • Change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your laptop. • Set or change a user‑selectable option. •...

  • Page 54: Entering System Setup

    CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Entering System Setup 1. Turn on (or restart) your laptop. NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F2> in even intervals until the System Setup screen appears.

  • Page 55: 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. Main Menu System Time Displays the system time.
  • Page 56 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Main Menu CPU L3 Cache Displays the processor cache size. CPUID Displays the ID of the processor. Integrated 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.
  • Page 57 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu Intel SpeedStep Allows you to enable or disable the Intel SpeedStep technology. Disabling this feature may improve performance, but will greatly reduce battery life. Virtualization Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization technology.
  • Page 58 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu USB Power Share Allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is turned off or in standby mode. • AC Only: Charge USB devices when connected to AC adapter only. • AC and Battery: Charge USB devices when connected to AC adapter and when the computer is running on battery.
  • Page 59 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced Menu Performance Allows you to configure fields in the Performance Options sub- Options menu (for more information, see “Advanced — Performance Options Menu“ on page 58). SATA Operation Allows you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
  • Page 60 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Advanced — Performance Options Menu CPU Turbo Mode Allows you to enable or disable the Intel CPU turbo mode performance option. Overclocking Allows you to enable or disable the global overclocking feature. Features • Disabled: The overclocking feature is disabled. •...
  • Page 61 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 •...
  • Page 62 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. Wireless Network Allows you to enable or disable the internal wireless device.
  • Page 63 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP Security Menu Supervisor Displays if the supervisor password is clear or set. Password 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.

  • Page 64: Hard Drive

    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...
  • Page 65 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 Allows you to exit System Setup and load previous values from Changes CMOS for all Setup items.
  • Page 66 CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP...

  • Page 67: Chapter 4: Installing And Replacing Components

    CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS...

  • Page 68: Before You Begin

    CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS This chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing power by upgrading equipment. You can purchase components for your computer at dell.com or alienware.com. NOTE: See the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals for installation instructions of all serviceable components.

  • Page 69: Turning Off Your Computer

    CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS Turning Off Your Computer CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your laptop. 1. Save and close all open files and exit all open programs. →...

  • Page 70: Before Working Inside Your Computer

    CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
  • Page 71 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer. 1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

  • Page 72: 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. Do not use batteries designed for other Alienware or Dell laptops. To remove the battery pack: 1.
  • Page 73 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS captive screws (2) 3 tabs (6) 2 base cover...
  • Page 74 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 5. Loosen the two captive screws that secure the battery pack to the computer base. 6. Disconnect the battery pack cable from the connector on the system board. 7. Lift the battery pack off the computer base. battery pack cable 3 captive screws (2) 2 battery pack...
  • Page 75 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS To replace the battery pack: 1. Follow the the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 66. 2. Place the battery pack in the battery bay and tighten the two captive screws that secure the battery pack to the computer base.

  • Page 76: Upgrading Or Replacing Memory

    CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS 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. The table below illustrates all the possible ways system memory can be configured. Memory connector #1 Memory connector #2 Total memory...

  • Page 77: Removing The Memory Module(S)

    CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS Removing the Memory Module(s) 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 66. 2. Shut down the laptop and turn it over. 3. Loosen the two captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base. 4.
  • Page 78 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS memory-module cover 2 captive screws (2) 8. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the memory module connector’ s spring-locks until the module pops up. 9. Remove the memory module.
  • Page 79 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS memory module 4 notch 2 spring locks (2) 5 memory module connector 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.
  • Page 80 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING AND REPLACING COMPONENTS...

  • Page 81: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING...

  • Page 82: Basic Hints And Tips

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Basic Hints and Tips • Computer does not power on: Is your AC adapter cable securely connected to a working electrical outlet? If connected to a power strip, ensure that the strip is actually working. • Connections: Check all the cables to ensure that there are no loose connections anywhere.

  • Page 83: Backup And General Maintenance

    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. Do not forget to note the serial numbers if you are storing them outside of their original cases ‑...
  • Page 84 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines: • Before touching any of the computer’ s internal components, touch an unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static electricity, which could damage your computer.

  • Page 85: Software Diagnostic Tools

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Software Diagnostic Tools Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) The computer runs the Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc. To invoke ePSA: 1. Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2.
  • Page 86 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 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>.

  • Page 87: Answers To Common Problems

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Answers to Common Problems Computer Startup Problems The computer fails the POST The Power On Self Test (POST) ensures that the computer meets all the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process.

  • Page 88: Software Problems

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Software Problems A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly End the program: 1. Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously. 2. Click the Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding. 3. Click End Task. Check the software documentation. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

  • Page 89: Other Software Problems

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 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 advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware.
  • Page 90 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 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.

  • Page 91: Hard Drive Problems

    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 →...

  • Page 92: If The Display Is Blank

    CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Memory Problem Memory errors detected on startup Check memory modules for correct seating and orientation. Reseat the memory modules if applicable (see “Upgrading or Replacing Memory” on page 74). Display Problem If the display is blank NOTE: If you are using a program that requires a higher resolution than your computer supports, it is recommended that you attach an external monitor to your computer.
  • Page 93 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING Power Problem 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.
  • Page 94 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING...

  • Page 95: Chapter 6: System Recovery

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

  • Page 96: Alienrespawn

    CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY AlienRespawn CAUTION: Using AlienRespawn permanently removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. Create backup media of applications you need to install on your computer before using AlienRespawn. Use AlienRespawn only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
  • Page 97 NOTE: The restoration process may take an hour or more depending on the size of the data to be restored. NOTE: For more information on AlienRespawn, see the knowledge base article 353560 at support.dell.com.
  • Page 98 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: 1.
  • Page 99 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.

  • Page 100: My Dell Downloads

    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.

  • Page 101: Chapter 7: Specifications

    CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS...
  • Page 102 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Computer Model Alienware M14x Dimensions Height Front 37.80 mm (1.49 inches) Back 37.80 mm (1.49 inches) 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.
  • Page 103 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Processor and System Chipset Processor Second Generation Intel Core i5 Second Generation Intel Core i7 L2 cache 256 KB L3 cache up to 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...
  • Page 104 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Memory Connectors two internally-accessible DDR3 using JEDEC SODIMM sockets Capacities 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...
  • Page 105 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 Communications Network adapter 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN on system board...
  • Page 106 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS 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) • 1.5 GB Discrete • 3.0 GB External display support HDMI 1.4, Mini DisplayPort, VGA, Intel Wireless Display (optional), and SiBeam WirelessHD (optional) Audio...
  • Page 107 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Audio 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 Volume controls...
  • Page 108 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Media Card Reader • Secure Digital (SD) memory card Cards supported • Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) card • Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) card • MultiMedia Card (MMC) • MultiMedia Card plus (MMC+) • Memory Stick • Memory Stick PRO •...
  • Page 109 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Display Dimensions (active area) Height 173.95 mm (6.85 inches) Width 309.40 mm (12.18 inches) Diagonal 355.60 mm (14.00 inches) Refresh rate 60 Hz Operating angle 0° (closed) to 140° Pixel pitch 0.1933 mm Controls brightness can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts Keyboard (Backlit) Number of keys...
  • Page 110 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°...
  • Page 111 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°...
  • Page 112 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS AC Adapter Type 150 W Input voltage 100 - 240 VAC Input current (maximum) 2.50 A Input frequency 50‑60 Hz Output current 7.70 A (continuous) Output power 150 W Rated output voltage 19.50 V Temperature range Operating 0°...
  • Page 113 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS Computer Environment Temperature range Operating 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...
  • Page 114 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 160 G Altitude (maximum) Operating...

  • Page 115: Appendix

    APPENDIX APPENDIX...

  • Page 116: General And Electrical Safety Precautions

    APPENDIX 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 117 APPENDIX Computer Use • Route the power cable and all cables away from where people might walk or trip over them. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cable. • Do not spill anything on or into your computer. •...
  • Page 118 APPENDIX General Safety Precautions • Mechanical Shock: Your computer should never be subjected to severe mechanical shocks. 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.

  • Page 119: Contacting Alienware

    To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Visit dell.com/contactdell. 2. Select your country or region. 3. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need. 4. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.
  • Page 120 • 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: • support.dell.com • support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) •...
  • Page 121 Electricity Output Output Model Number Voltage Frequency Consumption Voltage Intensity P18G 100-240 VAC 50‑60 Hz 2.50 A 19.50 V 7.70 A For details, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

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