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Related Manuals for Dell Alienware Series
Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware Series
- Page 1 Me and My Dell For Inspiron, XPS, and Alienware computers...
- Page 2 A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2011-2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents 1 Setting up your computer..........................7 Connecting to the internet..............................7 Connecting to the internet using LAN........................7 Connecting to the internet using WLAN........................7 Connecting to the internet using WWAN......................... 8 Setting up audio................................. 9 Configuring 5.1 and 7.1 audio............................9 Connecting 5.1 speakers............................ - Page 4 Removable storage devices............................21 Memory module................................23 System board..................................24 Chipset....................................24 Processor..................................24 Computer fan..................................24 Heat sink................................... 25 Thermal grease.................................25 Video card..................................25 TV tuners..................................25 Internal..................................25 External..................................26 Speakers....................................26 2.1 Audio..................................27 5.1 Audio..................................27 7.1 Audio..................................27 Webcam.....................................27 Network.....................................27 Local Area Network..............................27 Wireless Local Area Network............................
- Page 5 6 Restoring your operating system......................... 50 System recovery options..............................50 Dell Backup and Recovery.............................. 50 Dell Backup and Recovery Basic..........................51 Dell Backup and Recovery premium........................52 Dell Factory Image Restore.............................52 Accessing Dell Factory Image Restore........................53 Starting Dell Factory Image Restore........................53 System Restore................................53...
- Page 6 Remove the CMOS battery............................60 Use system‑board jumper............................61 Changing the boot sequence............................61 Using boot menu.................................61 Using BIOS setup program............................61 9 Getting help and contacting Dell........................62 Getting help..................................62 Self-help resources..............................62 Contacting Dell.................................63 10 References..............................64 Computer maintenance..............................64 Power management................................
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Page 7: Setting Up Your Computer
NOTE: Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your computer. For more information on enabling wireless on your computer, see the Start Guide shipped with your computer or see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Windows 10 Click or tap the wireless icon in the notification menu. -
Page 8: Connecting To The Internet Using Wwan
NOTE: Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your computer. For more information on enabling wireless on your computer, see the Start Guide shipped with your computer or see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Windows 10 Click or tap the wireless icon in the notification menu. -
Page 9: Setting Up Audio
3.5 mm headphone port or the audio port. Dell desktops may support 5.1 or 7.1 audio. If you are setting up 5.1 or 7.1 audio, you must connect the speakers to the appropriate ports for best audio output. -
Page 10: Connecting 5.1 Speakers
Connecting 5.1 speakers Figure 1. Connecting 5.1 speakers Rear audio connector on the computer Center/LFE surround out on the computer Front audio connector on the computer 5.1 channel audio cable Center/LFE surround out on the speaker Front audio connector on the speaker Rear audio connector on the speaker Setting up your computer... -
Page 11: Connecting 7.1 Speakers
Connecting 7.1 speakers Figure 2. Connecting 7.1 speakers Rear audio connector on the computer Center/LFE surround out on the computer Side audio connector on the computer Front audio connector on the computer 7.1 channel audio cable Center/LFE surround out on the speaker Front audio connector on the speaker Rear audio connector on the speaker Side audio connector on the speaker... -
Page 12: Windows 7
To find out if your computer or tablet has an internal Bluetooth card, see the computer or see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Connecting multiple monitors Most desktop PC graphics or video cards can support two or more monitors, depending on the graphics card and PC specifications. -
Page 13: Windows 10
Windows 10 Once the cables are connected securely, your computer should automatically detect and display the desktop screen on the connected monitors. You can now select the display style that best suits your needs. Microsoft Windows provides multiple display style options on how the desktop screen is displayed across multiple monitors that are connected to your PC. - Page 14 • Duplicate—Duplicate your laptop screen image on both monitors based on the monitor with the lower resolution. • Extend—Move a window from one monitor to the other by clicking the Title Bar of the window and dragging the window to a new location.
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Page 15: About Your Computer
Power adapter Power adapters are used to supply power to portable computers, tablets, and certain desktop computers. The Dell power-adapter kit consists of the power adapter and the power cable. The power‑adapter rating (90 W, 65 W, and so on) depends on the device it is designed for, and the power cable varies based on the country where the power adapter is shipped. -
Page 16: Battery
After the battery life-cycle reaches its end of life, you must replace the battery. Depending on the computer model, the battery on your computer may be user-replaceable or may require a Dell service technician to replace. NOTE: High-capacity batteries generally have a longer life-cycle, since you need to charge high-capacity batteries less often compared to low capacity batteries. -
Page 17: Touchpad
Touchpad A touchpad is available on most laptops and provides the functionality of a mouse. It has a touch-sensitive surface that senses the motion and position of your fingers. You can use the touchpad to move the cursor, drag or move selected items, and click by tapping the surface. Gesture‑enabled touchpads support gestures such as zoom, pinch, rotate, scroll, and so on. -
Page 18: 3D Camera
Keyboards allow you to type characters and perform special functions using shortcut keys. The number of keys and the characters available may differ based on the country where the keyboard is shipped. Laptops have built-in keyboards. Tablets generally have on-screen keyboards and some tablets also support external keyboards. Dell desktops have an external keyboard connected using USB or wireless signals. - Page 19 The backlit keyboards on Dell laptops have different lighting states. Press the Fn and the right-arrow key to switch between the various lighting states.
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Page 20: On-Screen Keyboard
• SupportAssist tile on your computer. For more information, see Dell SupportAssist. • Dell support website at www.dell.com/support. • BIOS setup program Locating the label on your computer Laptops—Bottom of the laptop under system badge, or in battery bay Desktops—Back or top of the computer chassis Tablets—Back or bottom of the tablet... -
Page 21: Storage Device
BIOS setup program Turn on or restart your computer. When the DELL logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear and then press F2 immediately to enter BIOS setup program. NOTE: The F2 prompt stays active only for a short time. If you miss the prompt, wait for your computer to boot up to the desktop, then turn off your computer and try again. - Page 22 Table 1. Examples of common types of memory cards Secure Digital (SD)/Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) [card with Ultra High Speed (UHS)] Secure Digital miniSD Multimedia Card (MMC) MultiMedia Card plus (MMC+) MultiMedia Card (MMC) Mobile RS MMC Extreme Digital (xD) About your computer...
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Page 23: Memory Module
Memory Stick XC (MSXC) Compact Flash I, II/Compact Flash MD Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick Pro Duo Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo Memory Stick (MS)/Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro) Smart Media/Smart Media XD Memory module A memory module stores temporary data that your computer needs to perform tasks. Any file or application loads in the memory modules before you can open or use them. -
Page 24: System Board
System board A system board forms the central part of computers. All other devices connect to the system board to be able to interact with each other. The system board holds various controllers and connectors that help in exchange of data among various components of the computer. A system board may also have integrated graphics, sound, and network capabilities. -
Page 25: Heat Sink
Heat sink Heat sinks are used to dissipate heat generated by the processor, some high-end graphics cards, and on-board chipsets. Heat sinks generally have a fan mounted above or beside them to increase airflow. A heat sink is made up of fins or blades instead of a single block of metal. -
Page 26: External
External • • PC Card • ExpressCard TV tuners are mostly standalone, however some video cards also have built-in TV tuners. For more information on using TV tuners, see the documentation for the TV tuner. Speakers Laptops and tablets have built-in speakers for audio output. Desktops also have a built-in speaker. However, they are used only to produce beeps to indicate errors or failures. -
Page 27: 7.1 Audio
2.1 Audio 2.1 refers to a system with two speakers (left and right channel) and one subwoofer. 5.1 Audio 5.1 refers to the number of audio channels in most surround-sound configurations. A 5.1 audio system uses five main audio channels (front left, front right, center, left surround, and right surround) and one low-frequency audio channel. -
Page 28: Wireless Personal Area Network
Wireless Personal Area Network Devices are generally connected wirelessly using Bluetooth, RF, Near-Field Communication (NFC), and so on. This type of network generally operates within a few feet of the devices. To connect your computer or tablet to the internet, see Connecting to the internet. -
Page 29: Bluetooth
You can use NFC-enabled devices to read NFC-tags, make payments, share files between compatible devices, and so on. On Dell laptops and tablets that support NFC, it is enabled by default when wireless in turned on. NOTE: For connecting your NFC-enabled device to your computer or tablet, see the documentation for your device. -
Page 30: Using Your Computer
Using your computer Topics: • Charging the battery • Using your keyboard • Using your touchpad • Using your touch screen • Using Bluetooth • Using the webcam Charging the battery Connect the power adapter to your computer or tablet to charge the battery. The battery gets charged when the computer or tablet is in use or turned off. - Page 31 Windows and L key Lock the system. Fn and Esc Activate a power management mode. You can reprogram this keyboard shortcut to activate a different power management mode using the Advanced tab in the Power Options Properties window. Rename the selected item. Search for a file or folder.
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Page 32: Keyboard Shortcuts For Windows 8.1 And Windows Rt
Cycle through open apps. Quick Start Guide shipped with your computer or see the NOTE: For special shortcut keys available on your computer, see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Customizing your keyboard You can customize your keyboard as follows: Using your computer... -
Page 33: Using Numeric Keypad On A Laptop
• Change the time before keyboard characters repeat when you press and hold a key • Change the speed at which keyboard characters repeat • Change the cursor blink rate • Customize key sequences for input languages To customize your keyboard: Windows 10 and 8.1 Type Control Panel in the search box. -
Page 34: Using Your Touchpad
Using your touchpad Use the touchpad to move the cursor or select objects on the screen. • To move the cursor, gently slide your finger over the touchpad. • To left-click or select an object, press the left touchpad button or tap the touchpad once. •... -
Page 35: Using Your Touch Screen
Move a finger down in the zoom zone to zoom‑out. Two‑finger zoom—Zoom-in or zoom-out using two fingers. Place two fingers on the touchpad and then move them apart to zoom‑in. Place two fingers on the touchpad and then bring them closer to zoom‑out. - Page 36 Table 5. List of touch screen gestures Zoom Place two fingers on the touch screen and then move them apart to zoom‑in. Place two fingers on the touch screen and then bring them closer to zoom‑out. Dwell Touch and hold the item on the screen to open the context menu. Move a finger quickly in the desired direction to flip through content Flick in the active window like pages in a book.
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Page 37: Using Bluetooth
Scroll Pan–Move the focus on the selected object when the entire object is not visible. Move two fingers in the desired direction to pan the selected object. Scroll Vertical–Scroll up or scroll down on the active window. Move a finger up or down to start vertical scrolling. Scroll Horizontal–Scroll right or left on the active window. -
Page 38: Pairing A Bluetooth Device With Your Computer Or Tablet
Pairing a Bluetooth device with your computer or tablet Windows 10 Enable Bluetooth on your computer or tablet and the device you are pairing. On a Dell laptop, turn on wireless to enable Bluetooth. NOTE: For information to turn on Bluetooth on your device, see the documentation shipped with your device. -
Page 39: Capturing A Still Image
Selecting the camera and microphone If your computer has multiple webcams or microphones (integrated or external), you can select the webcam and microphone you want to use with Dell Webcam Central. Open Dell Webcam Central. Click or tap the drop‑down arrow next to the camera icon at the bottom‑left corner of the window. -
Page 40: Ports And Connectors
Your computer may not support all the audio ports. For information on the ports available on your computer or tablet, see Quick Start Guide shipped with your computer or see the Setup and Specifications at www.dell.com/support. Types of audio ports Table 6. -
Page 41: Usb
Rear‑surround out port—Connect multi‑channel capable speakers. Center/LFE surround out —Connect a single subwoofer. NOTE: The Low Frequency Effects (LFE) audio channel, found in digital surround sound audio schemes, carries only frequency information (80 Hz and below). The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely low bass extension. -
Page 42: Usb Standards
Micro‑USB A micro-USB port is smaller than mini-USB port and is used in phones, tablets, wireless headphones, and other small electronic devices. Powered USB A powered USB port uses a more complex connector than a standard USB. It essentially has two connectors in a single cable, one for standard USB plug and the other for power, thus allowing higher- power devices to be connected without the use of an independent power supply. -
Page 43: Digital Visual Interface
Digital Visual Interface Digital Visual Interface (DVI) enables you to connect your computer to displays such as flat-panel monitors, projectors, and so on. There are three types of DVI connections: • DVI-D (DVI-Digital)—DVI-D transmits digital video‑signals between the video card and the digital display. This provides fast and high- quality video output. -
Page 44: Spdif
Mini High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) provides digital connection between your computer and portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, and so on. Micro HDMI Micro High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) provides digital connection between your computer and portable devices such as smart phones, laptops, and so on. -
Page 45: Software And Applications
My Dell Downloads My Dell Downloads is a software repository that enables you to download and install software that was pre-installed on your computer but did not receive the media for. NOTE: My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions. -
Page 46: Dell Supportassist
Support—provides Product Support information's such as: contact options, manuals, forums and more. The following links and Dell Resources are available in the Support section Downloading Dell SupportAssist SupportAssist is already installed on all new Dell computers and tablets. To reinstall SupportAssist, download the application and run the installation program. Accessing SupportAssist •... -
Page 47: Quickset
NOTE: Quickset may not be supported on all computers. Installing Quickset Quickset is preinstalled on a new Dell computer. If you need to reinstall Quickset, download it from the Dell support website at www.dell.com/support NOTE: If you restore your computer using PC Restore or a similar application, Quickset is restored as well. -
Page 48: Nvidia 3D Applications
DellConnect DellConnect is an online tool that enables a Dell agent to access your computer (under your supervision) to remotely diagnose and resolve issues on your computer. It enables a technical support representative to interact with your computer with your permission. - Page 49 NOTE: To access DellConnect and terms of usage, see www.dell.com/DellConnect. Software and Applications...
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Page 50: Restoring Your Operating System
System recovery options CAUTION: Using Dell Factory Image Restore or the operating system disc permanently deletes all files on your computer. If possible, back up your data files before using these options. You can restore the operating system on your computer using one of the following options: Table 11. -
Page 51: Dell Backup And Recovery Basic
Click the Dell Backup and Recovery icon. Windows 8 Access the search charm. Click or tap Apps and type Dell Backup and Recovery in the search box. Click or tap Dell Backup and Recovery in the search result list. Creating system reinstall discs Launch Dell Backup and Recovery. -
Page 52: Dell Backup And Recovery Premium
NOTE: If you ordered Dell Backup and Recovery Premium with your computer through Digital Delivery application, you need to download the Dell Backup and Recovery Basic first to get the Dell Backup and Recovery Premium option. -
Page 53: Accessing Dell Factory Image Restore
Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on certain computers. Use Dell Factory Image Restore only as the last method to restore your operating system. This option restores the software on your hard drive to the state is was initially shipped. Any programs or files added after you received your computer—including data files such as pictures, music, and videos—are permanently deleted. -
Page 54: Windows 10
NOTE: If newly installed hardware may be a cause, remove or disconnect the hardware and try a system restore. NOTE: System restore does not backup your personal files and hence it cannot recover your personal files that are deleted or damaged Windows 10 Using system restore... -
Page 55: Operating System Disc
System reinstall media The system reinstall media created using Dell Backup and Recovery enables you to return your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer while preserving the data files on your computer. Use Dell Backup and Recovery to create the system reinstall media. - Page 56 NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until your computer loads the operating system; then, restart your computer and try again. Highlight the media you are using to restore, and press Enter. If prompted, quickly press any key to boot from the boot device.
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Page 57: Troubleshooting
For audio issues, make sure that the volume button is not on mute or connect an external speaker and check for sound. NOTE: For more information on troubleshooting, solutions to common problems, and FAQs, see www.dell.com/support. To contact Dell for technical support, see Contacting Dell. -
Page 58: Enhanced Psa
Starting LCD BIST Turn on or restart your computer. Press F12 at the Dell logo to access the BIOS setup program. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop, then restart your computer and try again. -
Page 59: Beep Codes
Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start-up if there are errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. If this occurs, note the beep code and contact Dell for assistance. NOTE: Some of the beep codes mentioned in the table below may not apply to your computer. -
Page 60: Bios
Entering BIOS setup program Turn on or restart your computer. Press F2 at the Dell logo to enter BIOS setup program. NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop, then restart your computer and try again. -
Page 61: Use System-Board Jumper
Look for the jumpers near the CMOS battery, usually labeled as CLR, CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, and so on. For procedure on clearing passwords and clearing CMOS settings, see your computer Service Manual at www.dell.com/support. Changing the boot sequence You may need to change the boot sequence to boot from a device other than your default device, for example when reinstalling the operating system or, using a recovery disc or USB drive. -
Page 62: Getting Help And Contacting Dell
Getting help • Contacting Dell Getting help Self-help resources You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources: Table 14. Self-help resources Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com Dell Help & Support app... -
Page 63: Contacting Dell
Contacting Dell To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your country. NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. -
Page 64: References
Improving battery life • Migration tips • Ergonomic instructions • Dell and the environment • Regulatory compliance policy Computer maintenance It is recommended that you perform the following tasks to avoid general computer problems: • Provide direct access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer. -
Page 65: Configuring Power Settings
Configuring power settings Windows 10 and 8.1 Click or tap Start > All apps. Under Windows System, click or tap Control Panel. NOTE: For Windows 8.1/Windows RT click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar and click or tap Control panel. If your Control Panel is displayed by category, click or tap the View by: drop down and select Small icons or Large icons. -
Page 66: Dell Power Manager
NOTE: This software is only supported on computers running on Windows 10 operating systems. Dell Power Manager is a software that enables you to efficiently manage the power settings for Dell notebooks and tablets. The software offers these key features: •... -
Page 67: Dell Desktop Mode
If you primarily use your computer with the power adapter connected, you can enable the desktop mode to moderate the extent to which your battery is charged. This reduces the number of charge/discharge cycles and improves battery life. Your Dell laptop automatically monitors the charging and discharging behavior of your battery, and if applicable, displays a message to enable desktop mode. -
Page 68: Dell And The Environment
Feet flat on the floor Arms at desk level Wrists relaxed and flat NOTE: For the latest ergonomic instructions, see www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Dell and the environment Green is not about limitation, it is about possibility. It is about finding a better way. References... -
Page 69: Regulatory Compliance Policy
Every day, you have the opportunity to make greener choices, but when choosing technology, you do not want to compromise on cost, performance, or reliability. At Dell, we believe you should not have to, which is why we strive to ensure that people and companies do not have to make trade-offs to be green.