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Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference

1

Notice

The information in this user’s manual is subject to change without notice.

THE MANUFACTURER OR RESELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS 
CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL 
DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MANUAL.

The information in this user’s manual is protected by copyright laws. No part of 
this manual may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written 
authorization from the copyright owners.

Copyright January, 2006
All rights reserved.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. DOS, 
Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP/Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of 
their respective owners/companies.

The software described in this manual is delivered under a license agreement. The 
software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by 
U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection 
technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other 
limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse 
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

m5550-04-2007-techref.indd   1

4/6/2007   12:29:44 PM

Содержание Area-51 m5550

Страница 1: ...stered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation DOS Windows 95 98 ME 2000 NT XP Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and or registered trademarks o...

Страница 2: ...d Rear Views 15 Side Views 17 Bottom View 20 AC Adapter 23 LED Status Indicators 24 Keyboard Features 25 Function Quick Keys 25 Windows Keys 26 Embedded Numeric Keypad 26 Touch Pad 27 Graphics Subsyst...

Страница 3: ...Battery Technology 39 Battery Low Power Warning 39 Installing and Removing the Battery Pack 41 Charging the Battery and Charging Time 42 Checking the Battery Level 42 Prolonging the Battery s Life an...

Страница 4: ...e System 64 5 TROUBLESHOOTING First Step 67 Audio Problems 68 Hard Disk Problems 69 Optical Drive Problems 71 Display Problems 72 Keyboard and Mouse Problems 73 CMOS Battery Problems 74 Memory Problem...

Страница 5: ...and symbols are used For instance Start Settings Control Panel Display means clicking the Start icon first then the Settings then the Control Panel then the Display icon When you need to make a select...

Страница 6: ...of taking care of your AC adapter Do not connect the adapter to any devices other than your computer Do not let water get into the adapter Do not block the ventilation airway of the adapter Keep the...

Страница 7: ...any of the following occurs Computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged Liquid has been spilled into the computer The computer does not operate normally Cleaning the Ventilation Grills It i...

Страница 8: ...ovided by the BIOS Chapter 3 Battery Power Power Management In this chapter you will learn the fundamentals of power management and how to use them to achieve longer battery life Chapter 4 Upgrading Y...

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

Страница 10: ...so adds realism to PC games LCD Display The computer is equipped with a non wide 16 10 15 4 TFT display panel for the best cinematic viewing experience Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive Support on certain mo...

Страница 11: ...dth network connection Firewire IEEE1394 1394a and USB2 0 Ports In addition to a full array of built in I O ports the computer offers IEEE1394 for ultra high speed connection to high bandwidth digital...

Страница 12: ...0 Technical Reference 12 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 m5550 04 2007 techref indd 1...

Страница 13: ...ad cap lock scroll lock WLAN module enabling and disabling and also the ODD and HDD activities See the LED Status Indicator Section for details The LED Status indicators also reveal the status of the...

Страница 14: ...ts 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 Expr...

Страница 15: ...On Off Switch Use the switch to disable or enable the Wireless function 2 Power Jack DC in The DC out jack of the AC Adapter connects here and powers the computer 3 Modem Port This is where you plug...

Страница 16: ...Grill The fan grill is where air is exchanged to dissipate the internal heat Do not block this airway 6 Kensington Lock Key Hole A Kensington type security lock latches to this keyhole for anti theft...

Страница 17: ...ernatively you may connect the SPDIF output to an external DTS AC3 or PCM sound processor decoder in your home stereo system 3 Microphone Jack The microphone jack 3 5 mm diameter is where you connect...

Страница 18: ...ht protected when a DVD movie is played the output is scrambled to prevent analog recording 8 Ethernet LAN Port The port connects to a network hub via the RJ 45 cable and also conforms to 10 100 1000B...

Страница 19: ...essCard Slot The slot is where ExpressCard Type 54 is inserted ExpressCard Type 54 allows insertion of 54mm and 34mm cards ExpressCard integrates both the PCI Express bus technology and USB2 0 standar...

Страница 20: ...uilt 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 l...

Страница 21: ...Alienware Area 51 m5550 Technical Reference 21 m5550 04 2007 techref indd 21 4 6 2007 12 29 46 PM...

Страница 22: ...AN module and the system memory can be upgraded to a larger capacity See Chapter 4 for instructions on a memory upgrade 4 Ventilation Grill The fan grill is where air is exchanged to dissipate the int...

Страница 23: ...o the AC wall outlet Warning Make sure you are using a standard 3 prong AC wall socket with a ground pin If not you may feel a slight tingling sensation on any of the computer s metal parts such as th...

Страница 24: ...icates the notebook is in Suspend Mode Blue light indicates the Silent Mode is enabled Blinking orange light indicates the battery is being charged Blinking red light indicates the battery power is lo...

Страница 25: ...Turns Speaker Volume down Fn F7 Increases Display Brightness Fn F8 Decreases Display Brightness Fn Num Lk Enables the embedded keypad to work in numeric mode The keys act like numeric keypads in a cal...

Страница 26: ...ings up the popup menu for the application similar to a click of the right mouse button Embedded Numeric Keypad Press Fn NumLk to enable the embedded numeric keypad The numbers are printed in the uppe...

Страница 27: ...ed is timed If you double click too slowly your notebook responds as if you single clicked twice 2 Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touch pad Also keep the surface of the touch pad clean...

Страница 28: ...ess power Extending the Life of the TFT Display Device Observe the following guidelines to maximize the life of the backlight in the display 1 Set the brightness to the lowest comfortable setting Fn F...

Страница 29: ...rophone For example you may use Microsoft Sound Recorder 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 te...

Страница 30: ...the following 1 Go to Start Settings Control Panel and double click on the Modem Settings icon You will see a similar dialog box 2 Click on the pull down menu and select the country where it is appli...

Страница 31: ...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 f...

Страница 32: ...ndard operations However there are occasions when you may be required to modify the default settings in the BIOS For example you may need to configure the BIOS power management APM settings if you are...

Страница 33: ...s exit the BIOS It takes a few seconds to record changes in the CMOS BIOS Action Keys Function Key Command Description ESC Exit Leaves a sub menu to return to the previous menu OR exits the BIOS setup...

Страница 34: ...l display POST messages i e devices information Modifying the BIOS Settings The Phoenix BIOS setup main menu is subdivided into sub menus Each menu item is described in this section Main Setup Under t...

Страница 35: ...et the type of device for the 3rd drive BIOS attempts to boot from 4th Boot Device Set the type of device for the 4th drive BIOS attempts to boot from Note If you select Realtek Boot Agent the system...

Страница 36: ...it is powered on 2 The system asks for a password only when you attempt to enter the BIOS utility The passwords are encrypted and stored in NVRAM Make sure you write them down or memorize them If you...

Страница 37: ...s operating system In Windows ME 98SE 2000 XP Vista the Suspend Mode and settings are determined by settings in the Power Options Properties Start Control Panel Power Options Exit Setup Item Selection...

Страница 38: ...cal Reference 38 CHAPTER THREE BATTERY POWER POWER MANAGEMENT In this chapter you will learn the fundamentals of power management and how to use it to achieve longer battery life m5550 04 2007 techref...

Страница 39: ...ry 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...

Страница 40: ...t expose battery packs to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius 32 degrees F or above 60 degrees C 140 degrees F This may adversely affect the battery pack Note Press Fn F3 to turn off the battery warn...

Страница 41: ...lling 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 noteboo...

Страница 42: ...he battery charge indicator becomes green Note If the system runs at heavy loading or in a high temperature environment the battery may not be fully charged You need to continue to charge it with the...

Страница 43: ...space reserved for this function The life expectancy of the battery is approximately 300 recharges See the notices section in the beginning of the user manual on how to care for the battery pack Note...

Страница 44: ...to provide the user with an easy to use interface The Power Schemes tab can be found in the Power Options Properties panel that is accessible via the control panel window Schemes are easy to understa...

Страница 45: ...n 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...

Страница 46: ...o power or very little power is drawn from the battery module under this mode However depending on how much RAM has been installed in your computer the amount of time the system requires to restore al...

Страница 47: ...l down menu select how you wish the power button to work Note The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above Warning In the When I close the lid of my portable computer...

Страница 48: ...he 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...

Страница 49: ...right hand corner of the task bar If you do not see a battery or AC in icon go to the Power Options Properties box and click on the Advanced tab Check off Always show icon on the task bar Select Max B...

Страница 50: ...processor power usage but other system peripherals as well Go to Start Control Panel and click on the battery options under the mobile section High performance mode puts the processor into maximum pe...

Страница 51: ...Note Also consult the Windows user guide for more information on how to use Windows power management functions Note The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above m555...

Страница 52: ...all system state and contents are saved to the hard disk drive after a period of inactivity defined by the user No power or very little power is drawn from the battery module under this mode However...

Страница 53: ...ns do on the side bar In the pull down menu select how you wish the power button to work as Note The actual dialogue box may appear slightly different than the one shown above Warning In the When I cl...

Страница 54: ...an in the Power Options Properties box Next click on Change advance power settings and go the the battery section and expand it to change the battery notifications and alarms Note Consult the Windows...

Страница 55: ...icking 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 sh...

Страница 56: ...l Reference 56 CHAPTER FOUR UPGRADING YOUR COMPUTER In this chapter you will learn how to upgrade the DRAM and hard disk drive and how to install the optional wireless LAN mini PCI m5550 04 2007 techr...

Страница 57: ...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 techn...

Страница 58: ...urn 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 L...

Страница 59: ...Screw C s Note the green PC board of the hard disk drive is facing against the metal case 9 Re attach the HDD module to the HDD connector and re attach 1 Screw B 10 Put the HDD cover back and re atta...

Страница 60: ...and runs on 2 5V The SO DIMM should be PC2 3200 or PC2 4200 compliant Warning A memory upgrade is a delicate process Please observe the following instructions carefully or have a qualified technician...

Страница 61: ...evices 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 LC...

Страница 62: ...ocket Then press it firmly so that the contact edge is driven into the receiving socket 7 Pivot the DIMM until the latches on both sides of the socket snap into place Note Notice the notch on the DIMM...

Страница 63: ...lity of the mini PCI card Warning Installing a mini PCI card is a delicate process Please observe the following instructions carefully or have a qualified technician install it for you Damages due to...

Страница 64: ...n the module with the socket on the connector and insert the card at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the empty socket Then press it firmly so that the contact edge is driven into the receivi...

Страница 65: ...socket 4 Replace the System Device Cover and 9 Screw D s Congratulations You have now completed the mini PCI card installation The next time the system boots to Windows the system will prompt for the...

Страница 66: ...nware Area 51 m5550 Technical Reference 66 CHAPTER FIVE TROUBLESHOOTING In this chapter you will learn how to solve common hardware and software problems m5550 04 2007 techref indd 66 4 6 2007 12 29 5...

Страница 67: ...holding any key Check for any incorrect or loose cable connections Make sure the latches on the connectors latch securely on to the receptor end Be sure you have not performed an incorrect setting on...

Страница 68: ...Go to Start Settings Control Panel and double click the Sounds and Audio Devices icon In the Audio page make sure that Realtek HD Audio is the default playback device Sound cannot be recorded Double...

Страница 69: ...ive The hard drive is making abnormal whining noises You should back up your files as soon as possible Make sure the source of the noise is indeed from the hard drive and not the fan or other devices...

Страница 70: ...erform a diskdefragmentation This operation may take a while Interrupt requests or problems with other hardware devices may have occupied the CPU and therefore slow down the system performance The fil...

Страница 71: ...d onto the spindle The disk is damaged or not readable The disk cannot be ejected Normally it takes a few seconds to eject the disk If the disk cannot be ejected it may be mechanically jammed Straight...

Страница 72: ...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 Under the S...

Страница 73: ...If you are connecting an external keyboard to the system the built in keyboard may not work Try restarting the system The characters on the screen repeat when I type You may be holding the keys down t...

Страница 74: ...details Memory Problems The POST does not show an increased memory capacity when you have already installed additional memory Certain brands of memory module may not be compatible with your system You...

Страница 75: ...to handle such problems Make sure the phone line which the computer is connected to is working Connection difficulties Be sure to disable Call Waiting on the phone line Be sure to have the correct co...

Страница 76: ...pdate the device driver from the factory CD ROM disk or consult the Windows manual on how to solve the resource conflict problem Make sure the physical connections on both ends of the cable are good T...

Страница 77: ...d should be even with the edge of the computer Remove and insert the PC card again Make sure there is no IRQ conflict with the card See Windows online help for solving IRQ conflicts Reboot the compute...

Страница 78: ...ck to protect itself from thermal damage The program appears to have stopped or runs very slowly Press CTRL ALT DEL to see if an application is still responding Restart the computer This may be normal...

Страница 79: ...y which reads Texas Instrument OHCI Compliant IEEE 394 Host Controllers If it does not exist Windows has not detected the host controller or the device driver has not been installed properly If there...

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

Страница 81: ...bit bus Two 200 pin DIMM sockets Max 2 GB Display 15 4 inch 1280x800 WXGA TFT display with 24 bit colors or 15 4 inch 1920x1200 WUXGA TFT display with 24 bit colors PCI Express bus architecture graph...

Страница 82: ...Jam and auto negotiation for flow control Auto Negotiation and Parallel detection for automatic speed selection IEEE 802 3u High performance 32 bit PCI bus master architecture with integrated DMA con...

Страница 83: ...ack One Firewire IEEE1394 host connector Three USB2 0 compliant connectors One standard network Ethernet connector RJ 45 One modem phone connector RJ11 One S video TV out output connector One DC in co...

Страница 84: ...e Two Level Password Protections 32bit access Ultra DMA PIO5 Mode support Multi boot capability Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP MCE Home Edition Physical Specification 360 W x 269 D x 25 37 1 H m...

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

Страница 86: ...measures Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the r...

Страница 87: ...2001 EN50082 IEC801 2 IEC801 3 IEC801 4 Electro magnetic Immunity EN 300 328 2 EN 300 328 1 EN 301 489 1 EN 301 489 17 ETSI 300 328 ETSI 301 489 Electro magnetic Compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matt...

Страница 88: ...A Certified or C UL Listed The minimum specifications for the flexible cord are 1 No 18 AWG 2 Type SJ and 3 3 conductor The cord set must have a rated current capacity of at least 10 A The attachment...

Страница 89: ...ermany SASO Saudi Arabia The flexible cord must be of a HAR harmonized type HO5VV F 3 conductor cord with a minimum conductor size of 0 03 square inches The minimum specification for the flexible cord...

Страница 90: ...it contacts the eye flush the eye with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention Do not charge the battery pack if the ambient temperature exceeds 45o C 113o F To obtain a replacement battery c...

Страница 91: ...rmful to the eyes The use of optical instruments such as magnifying lenses with this product increase the potential hazard to your eyes For your safety have this equipment serviced only by an authoriz...

Страница 92: ...e computer This allows you to access and transmit data in the local area network Connecting to the Network Use Unshielded Twisted Pair UTP Ethernet cable only 1 Insert one end of the UTP cable into th...

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