ALIENWARE Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference

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. No part of this
manual may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written authorization
from the copyright owners.

Copyright 4/2006
All rights reserved.

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

Rev 1.0

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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. GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS

Performance Features (1-2,3)
System at a Glance (1-4)
Top View (1-4,5,6)
Front and Rear Views (1-7,8)
Side Views (1-9,10,11)
Bottom View (1-12,13)
AC Adapter (1-14)
LED Status Indicators (1-15)
Keyboard Features (1-16)
Function (Quick) Keys (1-16)
Windows Keys (1-17)
Numeric Keypad (1-17)
IR Remote Control (1-18)
18-key Remote Control (1-18,19)
26-key MCE Remote Control (Optional) (1-20,21)
Touch Pad (1-22)
Graphic Subsystem (1-23)
Adjusting the Display Brightness (1-23)
Extending the Life of the TFT Display Panel (1-23)
Opening and Closing the Display Panel (1-24)
Audio Subsystem (1-25)
Adjusting the Volume Manually (1-25)
Adjusting the Volume in Windows (1-25)
Voice Recording (1-25)
Modem and Modem Setting (1-26,17)
Ethernet Adapter (1-28)

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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. BATTERY POWER & POWER MANAGEMENT

The Battery Pack (3-2)
Lithium-Ion Battery Technology (3-2)
Battery Low-Power Warning (3-3)
Installing and Removing the Battery Pack (3-4,5)
Charging the Battery and Charging Time (3-5)
Checking the Battery Level (3-6)
Prolonging the Battery’s Life and Usage Cycles (3-6)
Using Windows Power Options (3-7)
Windows’ Power Schemes (3-7,8)
Suspend Modes (3-9,10)
Power Button Action (3-11)
Low Battery Warning (3-12)
Power Manual Quick Access (3-13)

4. UPGRADING YOUR COMPUTER

Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive (4-2,3,4,5)
Upgrading the System Memory (4-6,7,8,9)
Installing the Wireless Mini-Card to the System (4-10,11,12)

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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 USB2.0 Problems (5-15)

APPENDIX A Product Specification

APPENDIX B Agency Regulatory Notices

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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.

When a series of clicking actions is needed in Windows O/S, [ ] 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 selection with the touch pad (or mouse), you will be asked to
’select’, ‘click’, ‘double-click’, or ‘right-click’ the item.

Note: Text in this format and symbol means specific instructions, commentary, sidelights,
or any additional information or notes that you should be aware of.

Warning: Text in this format and symbol means that failure to comply with the given
instructions or information could result in damage to your computer or could cause bodily
harm or loss of life.

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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.

• Do not expose your computer to moisture or rain.

• Do not spill water or liquid on your computer.

• Do not subject your computer to adverse shock and vibration.

• Do not expose your computer to dust and dirt.

• Do not place objects on top of your computer.

• Do not place your computer on rocky surfaces.

Here are some ways 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 adapter in a cool and ventilated place.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.

• Carefully tuck away the power cord and any cables away from pedestrian traffic.

• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on
the plug.

• Keep the adapter away from children.

• If using an extension cord, the total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged
in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using.

• The total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet
should not exceed the fuse rating.

• Do not connect an AC adapter that did not come with your notebook. This
notebook uses the following AC adapter exclusively: Liteon PA-1121-22
(120W) or Li-shin 0227A20120 (120W)

When cleaning the computer, observe these steps:

1. Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

3. Use a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

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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. To do this, you may use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner
(with appropriate head adapter) to remove the dust buildup on the ventilation grills.

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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. Also, you will learn how to take advantage of the built-in security
feature provided 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 Your Computer

In this chapter, you will learn how to upgrade your system memory and the hard disk
drive, and how to to install the wireless mini-card.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

In this chapter, you will learn how to solve common hardware and software problems.

Appendix A: Product Specification

In this section, you will find a list of your computer’s system specifications.

Appendix B: Agency Regulatory Notices

In this section, you will find the general electro-magnetic and safety regulatory information.

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CHAPTER ONE
GETTING TO KNOW THE BASICS

This chapter introduces the features and components of the computer.

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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.

Advanced Graphic Engine

The PCI-Express high-end graphic engine offers excellent graphic performance for
the most demanding professionals or gamers. The advanced graphic chip also
incorporates a hardware-based motion-compensation engine, which gives you smooth
MPEG video playback. DirectX 9 graphics capability also adds realism to PC games.

Wide-Screen LCD Display

Your computer is equipped with a wide-screen 17-inch TFT high-resolution display
panel providing you with the best cinematic viewing experience.

RAID Storage System (Optional)

Previously only available on a high-end server system, RAID now comes as an optional
performance feature on your notebook PC. The system supports two SATA hard drives
for RAID Level 0/1. The RAID system safeguards your data from a catastrophic hard
disk failure.

(Please refer to VIA VT6420 S-ATA RAID User Manual in the Factory CD for proper setup
and configuration.)

Bluetooth Communication

Your system has a built-in Bluetooth module that allows you to connect to a Bluetooth
headset, mobile phone, or other Bluetooth radio devices.

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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.

Expandability

Your system offers an upgradeable hard disk drive and 2 DDRII SDRAM sockets for
expansion, allowing you to easily increase the storage and system capacities as your
needs evolve.

Built-in Multiple Card Reader

There is a built-in 4-in-1 card reader to access a wide range of portable media formats (SD
Card, MS Card, MMC Card, and MS-Pro Card).

Gigabit Ethernet Port

Your system provides built-in 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet network adapter for high
bandwidth network connection.

Firewire (IEEE1394 / 1394a) and USB2.0 ports

In addition to a full array of built-in I/O ports, your computer offers IEEE1394 for ultra
high-speed connection to high bandwidth digital video devices and USB2.0 ports to
connect to any USB-based peripheral devices.

Wireless LAN

The internal Wireless LAN module allows your notebook to connect wirelessly to other

802.11-enabled systems, devices, or network.

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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.

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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. Built-in Microphone

The built-in microphone records sound.

8. Built-in Stereo Speakers

The built-in speakers output the sound in stereo.

9. Power / Suspend Button

The power/suspend button turns your notebook on and off and it also acts as a system
suspend key. Press momentarily to turn on the system. Press and hold for at least 4
seconds to turn off the system. How this key behaves can be defined in the [Start >
Settings > Control Panel > Power Options > Advanced] menu. Press the power / suspend
button again to return from the suspend mode. (See Chapter 3 for more details on the
system suspend function.)

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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. Power Cinema Multimedia Player Launch Key

When the system is powered off, pressing the key launches a Linux-based multimedia
application called Power Cinema that allows you to watch movies files, listen to
music, or view photos in the optical drive or hard disk drive without having to boot to
Windows.
When the system is in Windows, pressing the key launches the Power DVD or Power
Cinema multimedia application.

14. LED Status Indicator

The LED Status indicators reveal the status of these functions: Numeric keypad, 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 system power state and battery­charging state. See the LED Status Indicator Section for details.

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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. Battery Pack

The battery pack is a built-in power source for the notebook.

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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. This TV Port is copyright protected; when DVD movie is
played, the output is scrambled to prevent analog recording.

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Side Views

Alienware Area-51 m5750 Technical Reference

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. Alternatively, you may connect the SPDIF output to an external DTS,
AC3, or PCM sound processor / decoder in your home stereo system.

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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. USB2.0 Port (x1)

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.

7. Power Jack (DC-in)

The DC-out jack of the AC Adapter connects here and powers the computer.

8. Kensington Lock Key Hole

A Kensington-type security lock latches to this keyhole for anti-theft purpose.

9. Ethernet / LAN Port

The port connects to a network hub via the RJ-45 cable and also conforms to
10/100Base-TX transmission protocol.

10. 4-in-1 Card Reader

The 4-in-1 Card Reader supports SD Card, MS Card, MMC Card, and MS-Pro Card.

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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. ExpressCard Type 54 allows insertion
of either 54mm or 34mm cards. ExpressCard integrates both the PCI-Express bus
technology and USB2.0 interface.

If your notebook comes with the IR remote control, the ExpressCard Slot is where the
remote control is kept when not in use.

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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.)

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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. Do not block this
airway completely.

Warning: Do not block the Fan Grill outlet. Place the machine on a hard surface only. The
bottom of the case may get very hot.

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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. If
not, you may feel a slight tingling sensation when you touch the computer’s metal parts
such as the I/O ports. This is caused by a leakage current when the AC adapter is not
properly grounded via the ground pin. However, the amount of leakage current is within
the safety regulation and is not harmful to the human body.

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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.

Blinking orange light indicates the battery is being charged.
Blinking red light indicates the battery level is low.

Green light indicates the hard drive and/or optical drive is being
accessed.

Blue light indicates the numeric keypad is activated and the
cursor keys are disabled.

Blue light indicates the cap-lock is activated.

Blue light indicates the scroll-lock is activated.

Blue light indicates the Silent Mode is enabled.

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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. Use this mode when you
need to do a lot of numeric data entry. Press
Num again and the keys will work as scroll/
cursor (direction) keys.

For various system controls, press the Fn (Function) key and the Fx key simultaneously.

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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. This keypad is complete
with arithmetic operators (+, -, x, /).

Press Num again and the keys will work as scroll/cursor (navigation) keys.

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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.

When not in use, you may keep the remote control in the ExpressCard Slot.

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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.

Fast Forward Plays forward at a higher speed.

Fast Backward Plays backward at a higher speed.

Previous Chapter Goes back to a previous song/selection.

Next Chapter Goes forward to a next song/selection.

Sub Title Chooses the subtitle of a DVD movie.

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