Dell P08G001, 039YVGA00, 39YVG, M15x, P08G User Manual
ALIENWARE® M15x MOBILE MANUAL
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or
loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
e contents herein are subject to change without notice.
© 2009 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, AlienRespawn, AlienFX, and the
AlienHead logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Alienware Corporation.
Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and Windows
Vista start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Intel is a registered
trademark and Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other
countries. Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association. Bluetooth
is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Computrace and Absolute
are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this manual to refer to either
the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims
any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model: P08G Type: P08G001 P/N: 39YVG Rev. A00 October 2009
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................5
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP .................................... 7
Before Setting Up Your Laptop .......................................8
Connect the AC Adapter ..............................................9
Press the Power Button ..............................................9
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)................................10
Set Up Microsoft Windows...........................................10
Connect to the Internet (Optional) ...................................10
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP ............................ 13
Front View Features .................................................14
Left View Features ..................................................15
Right View Features .................................................16
Display Features .................................................... 17
Computer Base and Keyboard Features ..............................18
Status Lights .......................................................19
Touch Controls......................................................19
Power Button ...................................................... 20
Function Keys ......................................................21
Battery Pack ........................................................22
Power Management.................................................23
CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES........................................25
Connecting External Displays ........................................26
Connecting Printers ................................................ 28
Connecting USB Devices.............................................29
Connecting FireWire (IEEE 1394) Devices .............................29
CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR LAPTOP.........................................31
Alienware Command Center .........................................32
Stealth Mode .......................................................32
Using Removable Media and Cards...................................32
Using the Optical Drive ............................................. 33
Using the Integrated Camera ....................................... 33
Using the Wireless Control.......................................... 33
Conguring the BIOS ............................................... 34
CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS .... 41
Before You Begin....................................................42
Replacing the Battery Pack ......................................... 44
Upgrading or Replacing Memory .................................... 45
Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive ...............................47
CONTENTS
3
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING .........................................49
Basic Hints and Tips................................................ 50
Backup and General Maintenance................................... 50
Software Diagnostic Tools ...........................................51
Answers to Common Problems ..................................... 53
CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY .......................................... 61
AlienRespawn v2.0..................................................62
Recovery Options ...................................................62
Password Protection ............................................... 63
AlienRespawn v2.0 Disc ............................................ 64
Dell DataSafe Local Backup ......................................... 65
CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS.......................................67
APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.............71
APPENDIX B: CONTACTING ALIENWARE ...................................73
APPENDIX C: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ..................................74
4
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
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.
e Alienware technicians who have crafted your computer have made certain
that your high-performance computer is properly optimized and performs to its
fullest potential. We build computers with a single unwavering purpose: Build
It As If It Were Your Own. e technicians will not rest until your new computer
meets or exceeds our very demanding criteria!
We have tested your computer extensively in order to ensure that you enjoy
the highest levels of performance. In addition to a standard burn-in period,
your computer has been evaluated using real-world tools such as synthetic
performance benchmarks.
We invite you to share your experience with your new high-performance computer
with us, so do not hesitate to either e-mail or call Alienware with any questions
or concerns. e entire sta shares your enthusiasm for new technology and we
hope that you enjoy using your new computer as much as Alienware enjoyed
building it for you.
Sincerely,
Alienware Sta
INTRODUCTION
5
INTRODUCTION
6
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
7
Before Setting Up Your Laptop
Product Documentation and Media
Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware® M15x!
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, be sure to inspect all items
for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipment. Be sure to
report any damaged items to customer service immediately upon receiving your
shipment. You must report shipping damage within the rst 5 days of receiving
the shipment or your damage report will not be honored.
Before setting up your laptop or components, see the included invoice to verify
that all items ordered are present. Report any missing components to customer
service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Anything reported missing after
the rst 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored. Some of the most
common items to check for include:
Laptop and AC adapter with power cable•
Microsoft CD-key located at the bottom of the laptop•
Monitor with power cable and video cable (if ordered)•
Keyboard (if ordered)•
Mouse (if ordered)•
Multimedia speakers and sub-woofer (if ordered)•
Joystick controllers (if ordered)•
You may also need a small athead and/or a Phillips head screwdriver for
connecting peripheral cables to the laptop.
e 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 nding answers and
solutions. e media included with your laptop is referenced in some sections of
the documentation and may be needed to complete certain tasks. As always, our
technical support sta is available to assist you.
Placing Your Laptop
WARNING: Do not place the laptop near or over a radiator or heating vent.
If your laptop is placed in a cabinet, ensure that adequate ventilation
is provided. Do not place the laptop in a humid location or in any area
where the laptop may be exposed to rain or water. Be careful not to spill
liquid of any kind on or into the laptop.
When placing your laptop, ensure that:
It is placed on a surface that is both level and stable. •
e power and other cable connectors are not jammed between the laptop •
and a wall – or any other object.
Nothing obstructs airow in front of, behind, or below the laptop.•
e laptop has enough room so that optical drives and other external •
storage drives can be easily accessed.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
8
Press the Power ButtonConnect the AC Adapter
WARNING: e 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 re or equipment damage.
NOTE: e 150 W AC adapter must be connected to the laptop for maximum
gaming performance.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
9
Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
Set Up Microsoft Windows
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing
so may render your computer unusable.
Your computer is precongured with the operating system you requested
while ordering your computer. To congure the remaining settings, follow the
instructions on the screen.
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.
If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP •
or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.
To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in
“Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 11.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
10
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.
To set up your connection to a wireless router:
Windows Vista
®
Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer.1.
Save and close any open les, and exit any open programs.2.
Click 3. Start → Connect To.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.4.
Windows® 7
Ensure that wireless is enabled on your computer.1.
Save and close any open les, and exit any open programs.2.
Click 3. Start → Control Panel→ Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to
a network.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.4.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
ISPs and ISP oerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for oerings 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. Contact your ISP
to check the service status, or try connecting again later.
Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the
Internet wizard can help you get one.
Windows Vista
®
NOTE: e following instructions are applicable to the Windows default
view, so they may not apply if you set your computer to the Windows
classic view.
Save and close any open les, and exit any open programs.1.
Click 2. Start → Control Panel.
Click 3. Network and Internet→ Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a
connection or Network→ Connect to the Internet.
e Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me
choose or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by
your ISP to complete the setup.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
11
Windows® 7
Click 1. Start → Control Panel.
Click 2. Network and Internet→ Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a
connection or Network→ Connect to the Internet.
e Connect to the Internet window appears.
NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me
choose or contact your ISP.
Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by
your ISP to complete the setup.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
12
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW
is chapter provides information about your new laptop to familiarize you with
its various features, and get you up and running quickly.
YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
13
Front View Features
2 31
1 Left speaker — Combines with the right speaker to provide high quality
stereo sound.
2 Infrared port — Connects to devices using infrared.
3 Right speaker — Combines with the left speaker to provide high quality
stereo sound.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
14
Left View Features
21
3
4 5
6
7
8
1
Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available antitheft
device to the computer.
NOTE: Before you buy a lock, ensure that it works with the security lock slot
on your computer.
2
computer and charge the battery.
3
projector.
4
broadband device.
5
monitors and projectors with DisplayPort.
6
keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
7
devices such as digital video cameras.
8
view and share digital photos, music, videos, and documents.
AC adapter connector — Connects to an AC adapter to power the
VGA connector — Connects to video devices, such as a monitor or
Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or
DisplayPort connector — Connects your computer to external
USB connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse,
IEEE 1394 A connector — Connects to high-speed serial multimedia
8-in-1 Media Card Reader — Provides a fast and convenient way to
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
15
Right View Features
3
1
2
4
5
3 Optical drive — Plays or records only standard-size (12 cm) CDs, DVDs, and
Blu-ray Discs (optional). Ensure that the side with print or writing is facing
upward when inserting discs. For more information, see “Using the Optical
Drive “ on page 33.
1
2 Audio connectors (3) — Connects to speakers, headphones, and
16
ExpressCard slot — Provides support for additional memory, wired
and wireless communications, multimedia, and security features. e slot
supports 54 mm Express cards.
NOTE: e ExpressCard slot is designed only for ExpressCards. e slot
does NOT support PC Cards.
microphone.
NOTE: For information on audio connectors, see “Connecting External
Speakers” on page 27.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
4
5
USB/eSATA combo connector with USB PowerShare — Connects to
eSATA compatible storage devices (such as external hard drives or optical
drives) or USB devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive,
or MP3 player).
e USB Powershare feature allows you to charge USB devices when the
computer is turned o or in standby mode. If you turn o your computer
while charging a USB device, the device will stop charging. To continue
charging, disconnect the USB device and connect it again.
NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is turned
o or in standby mode. In such cases turn on the computer to charge the
device.
USB connector — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse,
keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.
Display Features
1
2 3 4
1 Left digital array microphone — Combines with the right digital array
microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice
recording.
2 Camera activity indicator — Indicates if the camera is on or o.
3 Camera — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat.
4 Right digital array microphone — Combines with the left digital array
microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice
recording.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
17
Computer Base and Keyboard Features
6
5
4
1
3
2
1 Status lights (3) — Indicates if the Scroll Lock, Caps Lock, or Number Lock
lights are turned on or o.
2 Keyboard — e backlit keyboard provides visibility in dark environments
by illuminating all symbols on the keys.
3 Touch pad — Provides the functionality of a mouse to move the cursor,
drag or move selected items, and left-click by tapping the surface.
4 Touch pad buttons (2) — Provide left- and right-click functions like those
on a mouse.
5 Touch controls (9) — Touching the touch controls perform the associated
action. For more information, see “Touch Controls” on page 19.
6 Power button — Turns the computer on or o when pressed. For more
information, see “Power Button” on page 20.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
18
Status Lights
Touch Controls
e three status lights are located at the top-left side of the keyboard. For the
exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 18.
Scroll Lock Light
Turns on when the scroll lock option is on.
Caps Lock Light
Turns on when the keyboard is in Caps Lock mode.
In this mode, all characters you type are in uppercase.
Number Lock Light
Turns on when the keyboard is in Num Lock mode.
In this mode, the embedded numeric keypads can be used.
e touch controls are located at the top of the keyboard. For the exact location,
see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 18. To activate, gently
touch the desired control. e control will illuminate temporarily to conrm your
selection.
Eject Increase volume
Rewind or Play previous
track
Play or Pause Alienware Command Center
Fast Forward or Play
next track
Decrease volume
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
Wireless Control - Switch
wireless communications on/o
(for more information, see “Using
the Wireless Control” on page 33)
(for more information, see
“Alienware Command Center” on
page 32)
Stealth Mode - Switch computer
to low power state
(for more information, see
“Stealth Mode” on page 32)
19
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.
e power button is located in the center of the hinge cover. For the exact location,
see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 18.
e color of the AlienHead rim indicates the power status. e color indicating
the power status can be changed through the AlienFX® software.
On AC adapter:
Blue or custom AC-color e battery is fully charged.
Blue or custom AC-color fading
into white or custom batterycolor
Blue or custom AC-color fading
into black
On battery:
Amber or custom battery-color e battery is fully charged.
Amber or custom battery-color
fading into black
Blinking Amber or custom
battery-color
For more details on standby and hibernate mode, see the Power Options in the
Control Panel of your Microsoft Windows operating system.
e computer is turned o or on
and the battery is charging.
e computer is in standby
mode.
e computer is in standby
mode.
e battery charge is low.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
20
Function Keys
NOTE: Depending on the conguration of the laptop you purchased, some
of the function keys may have no associated tasks.
e <Fn> key is located near the bottom-left corner of the keyboard, and is used
together with other keys to activate certain functions. Hold down the <Fn> key
along with the key described below:
FI – Suspend Mode
Press <Fn><F1> to enable suspend mode. In the suspend mode,
the display and selected devices will switch o for less energy
consumption.
F2 – Check Battery Status and Battery Charge Disable/Enable
Press <Fn><F2> to toggle between the Battery Status Meter,
Battery Charge Disable feature, and Battery Charge Enable
feature.
F5 – Decrease Display Brightness
Press <Fn><F5> to decrease the brightness of the display.
F6 – Extend Desktop
Press <Fn><F6> to switch between the various external display
options available either simultaneously or separately.
F9 – Camera on/o
Press <Fn><F9> to switch o or switch on the camera.
F10 – Microsoft Mobility Center on/o
Press <Fn><F10> to launch or close the Microsoft Mobility Center
application.
F11 – AlienFX® on/o
Press <Fn><F11> to disable or enable the AlienFX illumination.
F3 – Mute on/o
Press <Fn><F3> to enable or disable the mute function.
F4 – Increase Display Brightness
Press <Fn><F4> to increase the brightness of the display.
F12 –Touch Pad on/o
Press <Fn><F12> to enable or disable the touch pad function
and the illumination around the touch pad. When the touch pad
function is switched o, the touch pad can still work temporarily
for three to ve seconds while the computer reboots into
the Windows® operating system, or resumes from standby or
hibernate mode.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
21
Battery Pack
Battery Maintenance
Your laptop is equipped with a high-energy rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion)
battery pack. Battery life will vary depending on your laptop conguration, 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.
e battery meter lights on the battery pack indicate the charge level of the
battery. When you press the battery meter once, the charge level lights illuminate.
Each of the ve lights represent approximately 20% of the total battery charge.
For example, if four lights turn on, there is 80% of battery charge remaining and if
no lights turn on, there is no charge remaining in the battery.
Recharging the Battery Pack
Your laptop supports both on-line and o-line recharge. Follow the procedure
below to recharge battery:
Ensure the battery pack is installed in the laptop.•
Connect the AC adapter to the laptop and to an electrical outlet.•
e power button light indicates the power and battery status. For details on
the power button light, see “Power Button” on page 20. When the laptop is OFF, a
depleted Li-ion battery will take three hours to recharge.
To maintain the battery pack’s maximum capacity, you should occasionally let the
laptop deplete its battery power completely before recharging.
To carry out a complete depletion of the battery, disconnect the AC adapter and
let your laptop consume the remaining battery power. To speed up the depletion,
use the hard drive as much as possible and set the display as bright as possible.
When the battery is depleted or fully discharged, wait for the laptop to cool down
(especially the battery). e temperature should be within 15°-25°C (59°-77°F).
en connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I can feel a mild heat next to the battery pack. Is this normal?
A: e battery will generate heat during recharging and discharging. ere is a
protection circuit inside the laptop to prevent overheating. You do not need to
worry.
Q: My battery operation time is not as long as it should be. Why?
A: e battery is heat sensitive and can only be charged to its maximum if the
battery and its environmental temperature remain within 15°-25°C (59°-77°F).
e more the temperature deviates from this range during recharging, the less
chance there is for the battery to be fully charged. In order to recharge the pack to
its full capacity, allow the battery to cool down by disconnecting the AC adapter.
en connect the AC adapter to start recharging again.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
22
Q: I did not use my spare battery for a few days. Even though it was fully
recharged, there wasn’t as much power left as a newly charged one. Why?
Power Management
A: e batteries will self-discharge (1% per day for Li-ion) when they are not being
recharged. To ensure a battery is fully charged, recharge before use. Always keep
the battery inside the laptop and have the AC adapter connected whenever
possible.
Q: I did not use my spare battery for months. I am having a problem
recharging it.
A: If you happen to leave your battery to go through an extended period of selfdischarge, say more than three months, the battery voltage level will become too
low. e battery then needs to be pre-charged (to bring the battery voltage level
high enough) before it automatically (for Li-ion only) resumes its normal fast
charge. Pre-charge may take 30 minutes. Fast charge usually takes 2-3 hours.
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.
You can use the power options in your operating system to congure the power
settings on your computer. e Microsoft® Windows® operating system installed
on your computer provides three default options:
Balanced — Oers full performance when you need it and saves power •
during periods of inactivity.
Power Saver — Saves power on your computer by reducing system •
performance to maximize the life of the computer and by reducing the
amount of energy consumed by your computer over its lifetime.
High Performance — Provides the highest level of system performance •
on your computer by adapting processor speed to your activity and by
maximizing system performance.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
23
Loading...