Alienware Area-51 m5750 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.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE Symbols and Conventions Protecting Your Computer - Avoid Abusive Handling and Adverse Environments Chapter Summaries 1.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 2. BIOS SETUP AND SECURITY Entering the BIOS Setup Screen (2-3) Leaving the BIOS Setup Screen (2-3) BIOS Action Keys (2-3) Modifying the BIOS Settings (2-4) Main Setup (2-4) Advanced Setup (2-4) Security Setup (2-5) Power Setup (2-6) Boot Setup (2-7) Exit Setup (2-8) 3.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 5. TROUBLESHOOTING First Step (5-2,3) Audio Problems (5-4) Hard Disk Problems (5-5,6) Optical Drive Problems (5-7) Display Problems (5-8) Keyboard and Mouse Problems (5-9) CMOS Battery Problems (5-10) Memory Problems (5-11) Modem Problems (5-12) Network Adapter / Ethernet Problems (5-13) Performance Problems (5-14) Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB2.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Preface Using This Manual This User’s Manual contains general information about the hardware and software setup, troubleshooting, and technical specifications of your notebook computer. Symbols and Conventions The following conventions and symbols are used in this manual: When keys are to be pressed at the same time, a plus (+) symbol is used. For instance, Fn+F7 means holding Fn and F7 keys at the same time.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Protecting Your Computer - Avoid Abusive Handling and Adverse Environment 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. • Do not expose your computer to direct sunlight or place it near sources of heat. • Do not subject it to temperatures below 0oC (32oF) or above 35oC (95oF). • Do not expose your computer to magnetic fields.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Contact your dealer or see your service technician if any of the following occurs: • The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. • Liquid has been spilled into the product. • The computer does not operate normally. Cleaning the Ventilation Grills It is suggested that you clean the ventilation grills regularly to maintain optimal thermal regulation of the notebook.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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 notebook. Chapter 2: BIOS Setup / Security In this chapter, you will learn how to change various firmware settings and what the settings mean.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference CHAPTER ONE GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS This chapter introduces the features and components of the computer.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Performance Features High Performance Processor with Napa Chipset Your notebook PC is equipped with a powerful Mobile Intel Pentium M dual-core (Core Duo) or Mobile Intel Pentium M single-core (Core Solo) processor. Together with the latest Napa chipset and technologies, the system offers very advanced PC performance.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference ExpressCard Technology ExpressCard is the next generation of the PC Card standard. The bus interface is based on the two standards: PCI Express for high-performance I/O and USB2.0 for a variety of devices. Standalone Numeric Keypad Your system features a dedicated numeric keypad section that allows the user to enter numeric data easily and quickly.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Your System At A Glance Top View 1. LCD Latch The LCD latches lock / unlock the LCD panel. 2. LCD Display The panel is where the system content is displayed.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 3. Numeric Keypad The dedicated numeric keypad section allows you to enter numeric data easily and quickly. (See Keyboard Section for details.) 4. Keyboard The keyboard is used to enter data. (See Keyboard Section for details.) 5. Touch Pad The touch pad is a built-in pointing device with functions similar to a mouse. 6. Touch Pad Disable / Enable Button The button enables or disables Touch Pad function. 7.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 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. You may need to go to BIOS Setup to enable Silent Mode for this button. See Chapter 2 for details. 11. Outlook Express Quick Key Pressing the button launches Outlook Express in Windows. 12. Internet Explorer Quick Key Pressing the button launches Internet Explorer in Windows. 13.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Front and Rear Views 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. 2. Consumer IR Receiver This is where the input from the 18-key Remote Control is received. 3. Modem Port This is where you plug the phone jack (RJ-11) for fax/modem functions. 4.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 5. Ventilation Grill The fan grill is where air is exchanged to dissipate the internal heat. Do not block this airway completely. 6. DVI-I Port The DVI-I video output port is for connecting the external LCD monitor or projector. 7. TV (S-Video) Port The S-Video port permits you to redirect the screen output to a television set or any analog video playback device.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Side Views Warning: Do not place any heavy objects on the top of the notebook. This may damage the display 1. Audio Volume Dial Use the volume dial to control the loudness of the speakers. 2. Microphone Jack The microphone jack (3.5-mm diameter) is where you connect a microphone. 3. Stereo Headphone / SPDIF-out Jack The stereo headphone jack (3.5-mm diameter) is where you connect the headphones or external speakers.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 4. Audio Line-in Jack The Audio Line-in jack (3.5-mm diameter) is where you connect an external audio input source such as a CD Player. 5. Optical Drive and Disk Eject Button and Manual Eject Key Hole If your computer comes with the Combo drive, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, or DVD-Dual drive, you may save data onto a CD-R / CD-RW or DVD RW disc. Press the eject button to eject the disk tray. The manual eject keyhole allows you to manually eject a jammed disk. 6. USB2.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 11. Firewire / IEEE1394 / 1394a Port This is a high-speed serial data port. You may connect any Firewire-ready device to this port. 12. USB2.0 Port (x3) 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. 13. ExpressCard Slot The slot is where ExpressCard (Type 54) is inserted.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. 2. Hard Disk Drive Cover The system’s hard disk drive is located under the cover. The HDD can be upgraded to a larger capacity. (See Chapter 4 for instructions on a HDD upgrade.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 3. Audio Subwoofer The built-in audio subwoofer gives you enhanced bass response. 4. System Device Cover The system’s processor with cooler assembly, Wireless LAN module, the second optional RAID-SATA HDD, and DDR memory module are located under the case cover. The system memory can be upgraded to a larger capacity. (See Chapter 4 for instructions on a memory upgrade.) 5. Ventilation Grill The fan grill is where air is exchanged to dissipate the internal heat.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference AC Adapter 1. DC-out Connector The DC-out connector docks to the power jack (DC-in) on the computer. 2. LED Lamp The LED lamp appears green when the unit is plugged into a valid AC source. 3. Adapter The adapter converts alternating current into constant DC voltage for the computer. 4. AC Plug The AC plug plugs to the AC wall outlet. Warning: Make sure that you are using a standard 3-prong AC plug with a ground pin.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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 LED Graphic Symbol Indication Blue light indicates the system is ON. Blue light indicates the WLAN module is active. Blinking blue light indicates the notebook is in suspend mode.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Keyboard Features Function Keys (Quick Keys) Graphic Symbol Action System Control Fn + F1 Enters Suspend Mode. Fn + F3 Turns the battery warning beep off or on. Fn + F4 Changes Display Mode: LCD-only, CRT+DVI and LCD+CRT Fn + F5 Turns Speaker Volume up. Fn + F6 Turns Speaker Volume down. Fn + F7 Increases Display Brightness. Fn + F8 Decreases Display Brightness. Num Enables the numeric keypad to work in numeric mode.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. 2. Application Menu Key This key brings up the popup menu for the application, similar to a click of the right mouse button. Numeric Keypad Press Num to enable the keypad to work in numeric mode. The LED indicator will light up. The numbers are printed in the upper left corner of a key.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference IR Remote Control 18-Key Remote Control The 18-key infrared remote control allows you to turn on the system. You may use the remote control to maneuver Windows’ multimedia player keys. The remote control launches the Power Cinema Multimedia player and controls the various media playback functions such as play, pause, fast forward, next chapter, etc. You need to aim directly toward the IR receiver lens on the left side of the notebook.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Keys Description (PowerCinema) Power DVD Launch Launches Power Cinema Multimedia Player when the system is Off. Power On Turns on the notebook. Volume Up/Down Turns volume up or down. Audio Mute Turns off the audio. Cursor Keys Moves the cursor up, down, left and right. Enter Selects or enables a function. Play/Pause Plays or pauses a song/selection. Repeat Repeats a song/selection. Stop Repeats a song/selection.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 26-Key MCE Remote Control (Optional) If your computer comes with Windows MCE (Media Center Edition) O/S, you have the optional 26-Key MCE-certified Remote Control. The remote control’s keys allow you to fully navigate in Windows Media Center. The remote control launches Windows Media Center and controls the various media playback functions such as play, pause, fast forward, next chapter, etc. You need to plug the Remote Control Receiver into a USB port.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference The following is a quick guide to the keys’ functions.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Touch Pad The built-in touch pad, which is a PS/2-compatible pointing device, senses movement on its surface. As you move your fingertip on the surface of the pad, the cursor responds accordingly. The following items teach you how to use the touch pad: 1. Move your finger across the touch pad to move the cursor. 2. Press buttons to select or execute functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Graphic Subsystem Your computer uses a high performance 17-inch active matrix TFT panel with high resolution and multi-million colors for comfortable viewing. Adjusting the Display Brightness The notebook uses special key combinations, called hot keys, to control brightness. Press Fn+F7 to increase the brightness. Press Fn+F8 to decrease the brightness.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Audio Subsystem Your computer’s audio subsystem is Sound Blaster Pro-compatible. Adjusting the Volume Manually To increase the volume, press Fn+F5. To decrease the volume, press Fn+F6. Adjusting the Audio Volume in Windows 1. Click the speaker symbol in the task tray in Windows. 2. Drag the volume control bar up or down to adjust the volume. 3. To temporarily silence the speaker without changing the volume setting, click Mute.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Modem Your computer comes with a 56K V.92 internal fax/modem and a phone jack (RJ-11), which is located on the left side of your computer. Use a telephone cable to connect the computer to the telephone wall outlet. Connecting the Modem 1. Plug one end of the phone line into the modem port located on the rear side of the computer. (For EMI compliance, you need to clip the included EMI CORE to the phone line.) 2.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Ethernet Your computer is equipped with a 10/100/1000Base-TX Fast Ethernet network adapter. Connect the active LAN cable to the RJ-45 LAN port located on the left side of the computer. This allows you to access and transmit data in the local area network. Connecting to the Network Use an Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet cable only. 1. Insert one end of the UTP cable into the network connector until the connector snaps securely into the receptacle. 2.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. The BIOS contains the manufacturer’s default settings for the computer’s standard operations. However, there are occasions when you may be required to modify the default settings in the BIOS.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Entering the BIOS Setup Screen First turn on the power. When the BIOS performs the POST (Power-On Self Test), press F2 key quickly to activate the Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility. Note: You may need to press the F2 key fairly quickly. Once the system begins to load Windows, you may have to retry by cycle-power on again Leaving the BIOS Setup Screen When you have finished modifying the BIOS settings, exit the BIOS. It takes a few seconds to record changes in the CMOS.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Modifying the BIOS Settings The AMIBIOS 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. Item Selections / Sub-menu Description SystemTime N/A Type in the current date, in HH:MM:SS format. SystemDate N/A Type in the current date, in MM/DD/YY format.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Security Setup Boot Settings Configuration Item Selections / Sub-menu Description Set Supervisor Password N/A Install or Change the Password. Set User Password N/A Install or Change the Password. Password on Boot Disabled Enabled When enabled, the system will always ask for the User Password on boot. Using Password Protection Two levels of password protection are available. The BIOS provides both a Supervisor and a User password.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Power Setup Item Selections / Sub-menu Description Long Battery Life Mode Enable Disable When Enabled, maximum battery life can be achieved. The processor performance is lowered. LCD Panel Power Saving Enable Disable When Enabled (system is powered by battery), the system will automatically adjust the LCD brightness to save power. Note: The Suspend Mode selection in BIOS only applies to older Windows versions (such as Windows 3.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Boot Setup Boot Settings Configuration Item Selections / Sub-menu Description LAN Remote Boot Disabled Enabled When enabled, the system can support remote wake-up or boot on LAN. Selections / Sub-menu Description USB Key USB FDC USB CDROM USB HDD IDE CD IDE HDD PCI BEV RAID Sets the priority of bootable devices from which the BIOS will attempt to boot.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Item Selections / Sub-menu Description Saves Changes and Exit N/A After you have completed the BIOS settings, select this item to save all settings, exit BIOS Setup utility, and reboot. New system settings will take effect on the next power-up. The F10 key can be used for this operation. Discard Changes and Exit N/A Discards changes made to any of the setup questions during current BIOS Setup session and exit.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. 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 and consume the most power.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference The Battery Pack Lithium-Ion Battery Your notebook uses an eight-cell Lithium-Ion battery pack that provides power when you don’t have access to an AC outlet. Note: It is necessary that you charge the battery pack for at least 6 hours before using it for the first time. Note: In the Standby Suspend mode, a fully charged battery loses its power in roughly 1/2 day or less. When not being used, the battery’s power will deplete in 1-2 months.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 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 at the same time. 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.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 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. The charging time is approximately 4-6 hours when the notebook is turned off and approximately 6-10 hours when the notebook is turned on. When the battery is fully charged, the battery charge indicator becomes green.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles There are things you can do to prolong the use of the battery. • Use the AC adapter wherever an AC wall outlet is available. This will ensure uninterrupted computing. • Purchase an additional battery pack. • Store the battery pack at room temperature. A higher temperature tends to deplete the battery’s power faster. • Make good use of the power management function.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. Note: Also consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions. Note: Actual dialogue box shown above may appear slightly different.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. Hibernate Suspend In this mode, all system data is saved in the hard disk before powering down.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Power Button Action Your 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. In the pull-down menu, select how you wish the power button to work. Note: Actual dialogue box shown above may appear slightly different.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Low Battery Warning You can define when and how the system warns you of its battery-low 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. Note: Consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions. Note: Actual dialogue box shown above may appear slightly different.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 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. Check off ``Always show icon on the task bar``.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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 wireless LAN mini-Card. Warning: We strongly recommend that you return the notebook to the dealer or the shop for the hardware upgrade. Before you perform the hardware upgrade, please turn off the system, unplug the AC adapter, remove the battery pack and also disconnect the LAN and Modem cables first for your safety.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive Replacing your original drive with a larger capacity one can increase the hard drive storage available your use. Your computer uses a 9.5 mm (height), 2.5-inch Serial-ATA type hard disk. Be sure to make a backup copy of all your data before attempting this operation. Warning: A hard drive upgrade is a delicate process. Please observe the following instructions carefully or have a qualified technician install it for you.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. 3. Locate and remove 2 Screw A’s. 4. Remove the HDD Cove 5. Locate and remove 1 Screw B.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 6. Push the HDD module to the right and separate it from the connector. Lift the module away from the bay. 7. Locate and remove 4 Screw C’s from the HDD module. Remove the metal case. 8. Re-attach the metal cover to the new hard drive and tighten 4 Screw C’s. 9. Re-attach the HDD module to the HDD connector. And re-attach 1 Screw B. 10. Put the HDD Cover back and re-attach 2 Screw A’s. Congratulations! You have now completed the hard drive upgrade.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Upgrading the System Memory Many applications will run faster when the computer’s dynamic memory capacity is increased. Your computer provides two DDR 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 higher capacity. The SO-DIMM can be 512MB or 1024MB in capacity.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Installing a Memory Module (DIMM) into Your System To install the DIMM under the System Device Cover, do the following: 1. Power OFF the notebook. Unplug 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. 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.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. Store away the DIMM for future use. 6. Install the new DIMM module into the memory socket. The DIMM will only fit in one orientation.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Adding a Mini-Card Type Wireless LAN Card (Optional Device) Your computer comes with a unique Mini-Card socket, which is located underneath the System Device Cover. The socket allows the computer to add unique features such as wireless LAN (IEEE802.11x). Ask your dealer about the availability of the mini-card. Warning: Installing a mini-card is a delicate process.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Installing a Mini-Card into Your System To install a new Mini-card, do the following: 1. Follow steps in the previous section, Installing a memory module (DIMM) into the system, to access the Mini-Card Socket. 2. The mini-card will only fit in one direction. Align the small notch in the module with the socket on the connector and insert the card at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the empty socket.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 3. Locate the 2 antenna cables with connectors. Snap the cable onto the golden connector on the wireless mini-card. (Note: The connectors are fairly small! This may take some maneuvering. You may want to connect the antenna cables before inserting the wireless card into the socket.) 4. Replace the System Device Cover and 9 Screw D’s. Congratulations! You have now completed the wireless mini-card installation.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference CHAPTER FIVE TROUBLESHOOTING In this chapter, you will learn how to solve common hardware and software problems.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Your computer has been fully tested and complies with the system specifications before shipping. However, incorrect operations and/or mishandling may cause problems. This chapter provides a reference for identifying and correcting common hardware and software problems that you may encounter. When you encounter a problem, you should first try to go through the recommendations in this chapter.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Audio Problems No speaker output • Is the software volume control turned down or muted in the Microsoft Sound System?. Double-click the speaker icon on the lower right corner of the taskbar to see if the speaker has been muted or turned down all the way. • Most audio problems are software-related. If your computer worked before the problem appeared, chances are software may have been set incorrectly.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Hard Disk Problems A new hard disk drive does not work or is not recognizable • If you have just performed a hard disk upgrade, make sure the hard drive connector is not loose and the hard disk drive is also correctly seated. Remove it and reinsert it firmly, and restart your PC. (Refer to Chapter 4 for details.) • The new HDD may need to be partitioned and reformatted. The O/S and drivers will need to be re-installed as well.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference The hard disk takes longer to read a file • Hard drives need to be defragmented regularly to maintain optimum functioning. The more you use your computer, the more likely it is that your files have become fragmented.To use the Windows defragmenter utility go to [Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter] to perform a disk defragmentation. This operation may take a while.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Optical Drive Problems The optical drive does not work • Try rebooting the system. • The disk is damaged or files are not readable. • After you have inserted a CD-ROM disk, it may take a moment before you can access its content. The drive does not read any disks • The CD may not be properly seated in the tray. Make sure the disk is firmly seated onto the spindle. • The disk is damaged or not readable.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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. The screen is difficult to read • The display resolution should be set to at least 1024x768 for optimal viewing. 1. Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel] and double-click the Display icon. 2.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference CMOS Battery Problem The message “CMOS Checksum Failure” appears 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. If so, you need to replace the battery. This battery normally lasts two to five years. The battery is type CR2032 (3V). You may replace it by yourself.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Modem Problems The built-in modem does not respond • Make sure the modem driver is loaded properly. • Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > Phone and Modem Options] and go to Modems tab. Make sure Motorola SM56 Data Fax Modem is listed. Otherwise, click the Add button to add the modem drive, which is located in the factory CD-ROM (or floppy diskette).
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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 RTL8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC appears as one of the adapters. If it does not exist, Windows has not detected the Realtek RTL8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC or the device driver has not been installed properly.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Performance Problems The computer becomes hot • In a 35oC 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 temperatures (50 degrees Celsius and up), contact the service center.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB2.0 Problems The USB device does not work • • • • Windows NT 4.0 does not support USB protocols.. Check the settings in the Windows Control Panel. Make sure you have installed the necessary device drivers. Contact the device vendor for additional support. The IEEE1394 port does not work • Go to [Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager].
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference APPENDIX A PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 76
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Processor and Core Logic • Intel® Core™ Duo Processor – Dual-Core Processor, up to 2.33GHz, 2 MB L2 cache or • Intel® Core™ Solo Processors – Single-Core Processor , up to 1.83GHz, 2MB L2 cache • Intel Calistoga 945PM + ICH7-M chipset with audio, modem, and USB2.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Modem • Intel (ICH7M) integrated Modem Controller with Castlenet MA820 MDC, support 56K MDC Modem Card with Azalia standard • V.92 / V.90 / K56flex for download data speed up to 56Kbps. • V.34, V.17, V.29 protocol supported Wireless LAN • Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Card • Mini-Card Interface IEEE802.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference RAID/Storage • • • • • • VIA VT6421A Supports hardware RAID Level 0/1 SATA, 2.5-inch format hard disk drive Dual-SATA-capable 5.25-inch format (12.7mm height) fixed module (Optional Purchase) 5.25-inch format (12.7mm height) fixed module (Optional Purchase) Keyboard & Touch pad • 103-key QWERTY keyboard with numeric keypad and Windows keys, 19.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Ports and Connectors • • • • • • • • • • • • • • One Microphone-in jack One Headphone / SPDIF jack One Line-in jack One Firewire (IEEE1394) host connector Four USB2.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Operating System Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP / MCE Home Edition Compatible with Linux Knoppix Physical Specification 408 (W) x 289 (D) x 31~42 (H) mm 4.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference APPENDIX B AGENCY REGULATORY NOTICES 82
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference European Notice Products with the CE Marking comply with both the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) and R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC) issued by the Commission of the European Community.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 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.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Other Countries The cord set fittings must bear the certification mark of the agency responsible for evaluation in a specific country.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Telephone lines requirement The appropriate utilization of 26AWG telephone line cord on 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 No. 26AWG or larger telecommunication line cord. Battery Pack Safety • The battery pack is intended to use only with this notebook. • Do not disassemble the pack.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference Laser Safety The optical drive used with this computer is certified as a Class 1 laser device according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance Standard and International Standards IEC 825 / IEC 825-1 (EN60825 / EN60825-1). The device is not considered harmful, but the following precautions are recommended: • • • • • Do not open the unit. Avoid direct exposure to the laser beam.
Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference 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. Die Steckdose muB nahe dem Gerat angebracht und leicht zuganglich sein. When you see this symbol, be careful as this spot may be very hot.
