Table of Contents
- Alienware 17 Service Manual
- Before working inside your computer
- After working inside your tablet
- Removing the base panel
- Replacing the base panel
- Removing the memory modules
- Replacing the memory modules
- Removing the solid-state drives
- Replacing the solid-state drives
- Removing the hard drive
- Replacing the hard drive
- Removing the palm rest
- Replacing the palm rest
- Removing the power-button board
- Replacing the power-button board
- Removing the status-light board
- Replacing the status-light board
- Removing the keyboard
- Replacing the keyboard
- Removing the touch pad
- Replacing the touch pad
- Removing the display assembly
- Replacing the display assembly
- Removing the battery
- Replacing the battery
- Removing the I/O board
- Replacing the I/O board
- Removing the speakers
- Replacing the speakers
- Removing the front AlienFX LED boards
- Replacing the front AlienFX LED board
- Removing the processor fan
- Replacing the processor fan
- Removing the system board
- Replacing the system board
- Removing the wireless card
- Replacing the wireless card
- Removing the heat sink
- Replacing the heat sink
- Removing the coin-cell battery
- Replacing the coin-cell battery
- Removing the video-card fan
- Replacing the video-card fan
- Removing the power-adapter port
- Replacing the power-adapter port
- Removing the subwoofer
- Replacing the subwoofer
- Removing the display bezel
- Replacing the display bezel
- Removing the display panel
- Replacing the display panel
- Removing the display hinges
- Replacing the display hinges
- Removing the computer base
- Replacing the computer base
- Removing the logo board
- Replacing the logo board
- Removing the camera
- Replacing the camera
- Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs
- Replacing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs
- Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board
- Replacing the Alienware AlienHead LED board
- Removing the display back-cover
- Replacing the display back-cover
- BIOS setup program
- Flashing the BIOS
- Getting help and contacting Alienware
Alienware 17 R3 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 17 R3 by Alienware which is a product in the Notebooks category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Alienware 17
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P43F
Regulatory Type: P43F001
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.
Copyright © 2015 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and
international copyright and intellectual property laws. Dell™ and the Dell logo are trademarks
of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names
mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Updated - 2015 - 12
Rev. A01
Contents
1 Before working inside your computer........................... 11
Before you begin ........................................................11
Safety instructions...................................................... 12
Recommended tools.....................................................12
2 After working inside your tablet..................................14
3 Removing the base panel...........................................15
Procedure.................................................................15
4 Replacing the base panel...........................................18
Procedure.................................................................18
5 Removing the memory modules.................................. 19
Prerequisites............................................................. 19
Procedure.................................................................19
6 Replacing the memory modules.................................. 21
Procedure.................................................................21
Post-requisites........................................................... 22
7 Removing the solid-state drives.................................. 23
Prerequisites............................................................. 23
Procedure.................................................................23
8 Replacing the solid-state drives.................................. 25
Procedure.................................................................25
Post-requisites........................................................... 25
9 Removing the hard drive........................................... 26
Prerequisites............................................................. 26
Procedure.................................................................26
Service Manual 3
10 Replacing the hard drive......................................... 29
Procedure.................................................................29
Post-requisites........................................................... 29
11 Removing the palm rest...........................................30
Prerequisites............................................................. 30
Procedure.................................................................30
12 Replacing the palm rest...........................................37
Procedure.................................................................37
Post-requisites........................................................... 38
13 Removing the power-button board............................. 39
Prerequisites............................................................. 39
Procedure.................................................................39
14 Replacing the power-button board............................. 41
Procedure.................................................................41
Post-requisites........................................................... 41
15 Removing the status-light board................................ 42
Prerequisites............................................................. 42
Procedure.................................................................42
16 Replacing the status-light board................................ 44
Procedure.................................................................44
Post-requisites........................................................... 44
17 Removing the keyboard...........................................45
Prerequisites............................................................. 45
Procedure.................................................................45
18 Replacing the keyboard........................................... 49
Service Manual 4
Procedure.................................................................49
Post-requisites........................................................... 50
19 Removing the touch pad.......................................... 51
Prerequisites............................................................. 51
Procedure.................................................................51
20 Replacing the touch pad.......................................... 54
Procedure.................................................................54
Post-requisites........................................................... 54
21 Removing the display assembly................................. 55
Prerequisites............................................................. 55
Procedure.................................................................55
22 Replacing the display assembly................................. 59
Procedure.................................................................59
Post-requisites........................................................... 60
23 Removing the battery............................................. 61
Prerequisites............................................................. 61
Procedure.................................................................61
24 Replacing the battery............................................. 64
Procedure.................................................................64
Post-requisites........................................................... 64
25 Removing the I/O board...........................................65
Prerequisites............................................................. 65
Procedure.................................................................65
26 Replacing the I/O board...........................................67
Procedure.................................................................67
Post-requisites........................................................... 67
Service Manual 5
27 Removing the speakers........................................... 68
Prerequisites............................................................. 68
Procedure.................................................................68
28 Replacing the speakers........................................... 71
Procedure.................................................................71
Post-requisites........................................................... 71
29 Removing the front AlienFX LED boards.......................72
Prerequisites............................................................. 72
Procedure.................................................................72
30 Replacing the front AlienFX LED board........................ 74
Procedure.................................................................74
Post-requisites........................................................... 74
31 Removing the processor fan..................................... 75
Prerequisites............................................................. 75
Procedure.................................................................75
32 Replacing the processor fan..................................... 78
Procedure.................................................................78
Post-requisites........................................................... 78
33 Removing the system board......................................79
Prerequisites............................................................. 79
Procedure.................................................................79
34 Replacing the system board......................................83
Procedure.................................................................83
Post-requisites........................................................... 84
35 Removing the wireless card......................................85
Service Manual 6
Prerequisites............................................................. 85
Procedure.................................................................85
36 Replacing the wireless card...................................... 87
Procedure.................................................................87
Post-requisites........................................................... 88
37 Removing the heat sink........................................... 89
Prerequisites............................................................. 89
Procedure.................................................................89
38 Replacing the heat sink........................................... 91
Procedure.................................................................91
Post-requisites........................................................... 91
39 Removing the coin-cell battery................................. 93
Prerequisites............................................................. 93
Procedure.................................................................93
40 Replacing the coin-cell battery..................................95
Procedure.................................................................95
Post-requisites........................................................... 95
41 Removing the video-card fan.................................... 96
Prerequisites............................................................. 96
Procedure.................................................................96
42 Replacing the video-card fan.................................... 98
Procedure.................................................................98
Post-requisites........................................................... 98
43 Removing the power-adapter port..............................99
Prerequisites............................................................. 99
Procedure.................................................................99
Service Manual 7
44 Replacing the power-adapter port............................ 101
Procedure............................................................... 101
Post-requisites..........................................................101
45 Removing the subwoofer........................................102
Prerequisites............................................................102
Procedure............................................................... 102
46 Replacing the subwoofer........................................104
Procedure............................................................... 104
Post-requisites..........................................................104
47 Removing the display bezel.................................... 105
Prerequisites............................................................105
Procedure............................................................... 105
48 Replacing the display bezel.................................... 110
Procedure............................................................... 110
Post-requisites..........................................................110
49 Removing the display panel.................................... 111
Prerequisites............................................................111
Procedure............................................................... 111
50 Replacing the display panel.................................... 114
Procedure............................................................... 114
Post-requisites..........................................................114
51 Removing the display hinges................................... 115
Prerequisites............................................................115
Procedure............................................................... 115
52 Replacing the display hinges................................... 118
Service Manual 8
Procedure............................................................... 118
Post-requisites..........................................................118
53 Removing the computer base.................................. 119
Prerequisites............................................................119
Procedure............................................................... 119
54 Replacing the computer base.................................. 121
Procedure............................................................... 121
Post-requisites..........................................................121
55 Removing the logo board........................................122
Prerequisites............................................................122
Procedure............................................................... 122
56 Replacing the logo board........................................125
Procedure............................................................... 125
Post-requisites..........................................................125
57 Removing the camera............................................126
Prerequisites............................................................126
Procedure............................................................... 126
58 Replacing the camera............................................128
Procedure............................................................... 128
Post-requisites..........................................................128
59 Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs...................129
Prerequisites............................................................129
Procedure............................................................... 129
60 Replacing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs...................132
Procedure............................................................... 132
Post-requisites..........................................................132
Service Manual 9
61 Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board.............133
Prerequisites............................................................133
Procedure............................................................... 133
62 Replacing the Alienware AlienHead LED board.............136
Procedure............................................................... 136
Post-requisites..........................................................136
63 Removing the display back-cover............................. 137
Prerequisites............................................................137
Procedure............................................................... 137
64 Replacing the display back-cover............................. 140
Procedure............................................................... 140
Post-requisites..........................................................140
65 BIOS setup program.............................................. 142
Overview................................................................ 142
Entering BIOS setup program ........................................ 142
BIOS setup program options.......................................... 142
Boot sequence.......................................................... 148
Boot options........................................................148
Changing boot sequence for the current boot................ 149
Changing boot sequence for future boots..................... 149
66 Flashing the BIOS................................................. 151
67 Getting help and contacting Alienware...................... 152
Self-help resources.................................................... 152
Contacting Alienware..................................................153
Service Manual 10
Before working inside your
computer
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending
on the configuration you ordered.
Topics:
• Before you begin
• Safety instructions
• Recommended tools
Before you begin
1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer.
• Windows 10: Click or tap Start > Power > Shut down.
• Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon > Shut
down.
• Windows 7: Click or tap Start > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the
documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions.
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
4 Disconnect all cables such as telephone cables, network cables and so on, from
your computer.
5 Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse,
monitor, and so on, from your computer.
6 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
1
Before working inside your computer 11
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage
and ensure your personal safety.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the
Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover
or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers,
panels, and screws before connecting to the power source.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is
flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by
their edges and avoid touching pins and contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized
or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to servicing
that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety
instructions that shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by
touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the
computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate static electricity, which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull
tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs or
thumb-screws that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When
disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. When connecting cables, ensure that the ports and
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Before working inside your computer 12
• Phillips screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
Before working inside your computer 13
After working inside your tablet
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely
damage your computer.
1 Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your tablet.
2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, and cables you removed before
working on your tablet.
3 Replace any media cards, discs, and any other parts that you removed before
working on your tablet.
4 Connect your tablet and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5 Turn on your tablet.
2
After working inside your tablet 14
Removing the base panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
Procedure
1 Close the display and turn the computer over.
2 Loosen the captive screws that secure the base panel to the computer base.
3 Gently release the tabs that secure the base panel to the computer base.
4 Slide and remove the base panel from the computer base.
3
Removing the base panel 15
1 computer base 2 captive screws (2)
3 base panel
5 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
Removing the base panel 16
1 battery cable
6 Turn the computer over.
7 Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the system board.
Removing the base panel 17
Replacing the base panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
Procedure
1 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2 Slide the tabs on the base panel into the slots on the computer base and snap
the base panel into place.
3 Tighten the captive screws that secure the base panel to the computer base.
4
Replacing the base panel 18
Removing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
1 Using your fingertips, carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of
the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up.
2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
5
Removing the memory modules 19
1 securing clips (2) 2 memory modules (2)
3 memory-module slot
Removing the memory modules 20
Replacing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module
slot.
2 Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the memory
module down until it clicks into place.
NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and
reinstall it.
6
Replacing the memory modules 21
Removing the solid-state drives
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard
drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the
computer is in sleep or on state.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
NOTE: Your computer can accommodate either one 2.5-inch hard drive or two
solid-state drives.
1 Remove the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the computer base.
2 Slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
7
Removing the solid-state drives 23
1 solid-state drive slot 2 solid-state drive
3 screw
Removing the solid-state drives 24
Replacing the solid-state drives
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard
drive.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
2 Replace the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the computer base.
Post-requisites
Replace the base panel.
8
Replacing the solid-state drives 25
Removing the hard drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard
drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the
computer is in sleep or on state.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
NOTE: Your computer can accommodate either one 2.5-inch hard drive or four
solid-state drives.
1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.
2 Note the hard-drive cable routing and remove the cable from the routing
guides on the computer base.
3 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer base.
4 Lift the hard-drive assembly off the computer base.
9
Removing the hard drive 26
1 pull tab 2 hard-drive cable
3 screws (4) 4 hard-drive assembly
5 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
6 Lift the hard-drive bracket off the hard-drive assembly.
1 hard drive 2 hard-drive bracket
3 screws (4)
7 Disconnect the interposer from the hard drive.
Removing the hard drive 27
1 interposer 2 hard drive
Removing the hard drive 28
Replacing the hard drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard
drive.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Connect the interposer to the hard drive.
2 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on the
hard-drive assembly.
3 Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard-drive
assembly.
4 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly with the screw holes on the
computer base.
5 Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer base.
6 Route the hard-drive cable through the routing guides on the computer base.
7 Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
Replace the base panel.
10
Replacing the hard drive 29
Removing the palm rest
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
1 Lift the latches and disconnect the keyboard cable, keyboard-backlight cable,
macro-keys cable and macro-keys backlight cable from the system board.
11
Removing the palm rest 30
1 keyboard-backlight cable 2 keyboard cable
3 macro-keys cable 4 latches (4)
5 macro-keys backlight cable
2 Remove the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base.
Removing the palm rest 31
1 computer base 2 screws (16)
3 Lift the computer base slightly and push the palm-rest assembly through the
slot on the computer base to release the tabs on the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the palm rest 32
1 slot 2 palm-rest assembly
4 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.
5 Using a plastic scribe, pry up along the edges of the palm-rest assembly.
6 Gently lift the palm-rest assembly and turn it over.
Removing the palm rest 33
1 plastic scribe 2 palm-rest assembly
7 Peel the tape that secures the power-button board cable to the system board.
8 Disconnect the power-button board cable from the system board.
9 Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base.
Removing the palm rest 34
1 palm rest
Removing the palm rest 36
Replacing the palm rest
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Replace the touch pad.
2 Replace the keyboard.
3 Replace the status-light board.
4 Replace the power-button board.
5 Connect the power-button board cable to the system board.
6 Adhere the tape that secures the power-button board cable to the system
board.
7 Slide the keyboard cable, keyboard-backlight cable, macro-keys cable, and
macro-keys backlight cable through the slot on the computer base.
8 Align the palm-rest assembly on the computer base and snap it into place.
9 Close the display and turn the computer over.
10 Replace the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base.
11 Slide the keyboard cable, keyboard-backlight cable, macro-keys cable and
macro-keys backlight cable into their respective connectors and press down the
latches to secure the cables to the system board.
12
Replacing the palm rest 37
Removing the power-button
board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Lift the latches and disconnect the touch-pad cable and the status-light cable
from the power-button board.
2 Disconnect the power-button board cable from the power-button board.
3 Remove the screws that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest
assembly.
4 Lift the power-button board off the palm-rest assembly.
13
Removing the power-button board 39
1 power-button board cable 2 latches (2)
3 touch-pad cable 4 status-light cable
5 screws (2) 6 power-button board
Removing the power-button board 40
Replacing the power-button
board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the power-button board with the screw holes on the
palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the screws that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest
assembly.
3 Connect the power-button board cable to the power-button board.
4 Slide the touch-pad cable and the status-light cable into their respective
connectors on the power-button board and press down the latches to secure
the cables.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
14
Replacing the power-button board 41
Removing the status-light board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Lift the latch and disconnect the status-light board cable from the status-light
board.
2 Remove the screws that secure the status-light board to the palm-rest
assembly.
3 Lift the status-light board off the palm-rest assembly.
15
Removing the status-light board 42
1 screws (2) 2 latch
3 status-light board cable 4 status-light board
Removing the status-light board 43
Replacing the status-light board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the status-light board with the screw holes on the
palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the screws that secure the status-light board to the palm-rest
assembly.
3 Slide the status-light board cable into the connector on the status-light board
and press down the latch to secure the cable.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
16
Replacing the status-light board 44
Removing the keyboard
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Lift the latches and disconnect the touch-pad cable and the status-light cable
from the power-button board.
2 Note the touch-pad cable and status-light cable routing and peel off the cables
from the keyboard bracket.
17
Removing the keyboard 45
1 latches (2) 2 touch-pad cable
3 status-light cable
3 Remove the screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest
assembly.
4 Slide the keyboard cable, keyboard-backlight cable, macro-keys cable and
macro-keys backlight cable through the slot on the keyboard bracket.
5 Lift the keyboard bracket off the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the keyboard 46
1 screws (14) 2 keyboard bracket
3 palm-rest assembly
6 Remove the screws that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
7 Release the tabs that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
8 Slide and lift the keyboard along with the cables off the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the keyboard 47
1 tabs (5) 2 keyboard
3 screws (2)
Removing the keyboard 48
Replacing the keyboard
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Slide the keyboard under the tabs on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Align the screw holes on the keyboard with the screw holes on the palm-rest
assembly.
3 Replace the screws that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Route the keyboard cable, keyboard-backlight cable, macro-keys cable and
macro-keys backlight cable through the slots on the keyboard bracket.
5 Align the screw holes on the keyboard bracket with the screw holes on the
palm-rest assembly.
6 Replace the screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest
assembly.
7 Adhere the touch-pad cable and status-light cable to the keyboard bracket.
8 Slide the touch-pad cable and the status-light cable into their respective
connectors on the power-button board and press down the latches to secure
the cables.
18
Replacing the keyboard 49
Removing the touch pad
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Lift the latches and disconnect the touch-pad cable and touch-pad button
cable from the touch pad.
19
Removing the touch pad 51
1 touch-pad cable 2 latches (2)
3 touch-pad button cable
2 Remove the screws that secure the touch-pad button bracket to the palm-rest
assembly.
3 Lift the touch-pad button bracket off the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the touch pad 52
1 touch-pad button bracket 2 screws (5)
4 Lift the touch pad off the palm-rest assembly.
1 touch pad
Removing the touch pad 53
Replacing the touch pad
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Using the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly, place the touch pad on
the palm-rest assembly.
2 Slide the touch-pad button cable into the touch-pad button connector and
press down the latch to secure the cable.
3 Align the screw holes on the touch-pad button bracket with the screw holes on
the palm-rest assembly.
4 Replace the screws that secure the touch-pad button bracket to the palm-rest
assembly.
5 Slide the touch-pad cable into the touch-pad connector and press down the
latch to secure the cable.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
20
Replacing the touch pad 54
Removing the display assembly
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Close the display and turn the computer over.
2 Remove the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
3 Remove the screw that secures the wireless-card bracket and the wireless card
to the system board.
4 Lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card.
5 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
21
Removing the display assembly 55
1 wireless-card bracket 2 screws (3)
3 antenna cables
6 Turn the computer over and open the display.
7 Peel off the adhesive tape that secures the antenna cables to the system
board.
8 Carefully remove the antenna cables up from the computer base and remove it
from the routing guides on the display hinges.
9 Lift the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board.
10 Remove the display cable from the routing guide on the display hinge.
11 Disconnect the logo-board cable from the system board and remove it from the
routing guide on the display hinge.
Removing the display assembly 56
1 display cable 2 latch
3 connector 4 logo-board cable
5 antenna cables 6 tape
12 Remove the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
13 Lift the display assembly off the computer base.
Removing the display assembly 57
1 display assembly 2 screws (4)
3 computer base 4 display hinges (2)
Removing the display assembly 58
Replacing the display assembly
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the
computer base.
2 Replace the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
3 Route the logo-board cable through the routing guide on the display hinge and
connect the logo-board cable to the system board.
4 Route the display cable through the routing guide on the display hinge.
5 Slide the display cable into the connector on the system board and press down
on the latch to secure the cable.
6 Route the antenna cables through the routing guide on the display hinge and on
the computer base.
7 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless
card supported by your computer.
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color
Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black
22
Replacing the display assembly 59
8 Align the screw hole on the wireless-card bracket with the screw hole on the
wireless card.
9 Replace the screw that secures the wireless-card bracket with the wireless
card.
10 Close the display and turn the computer over.
11 Replace the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
Replacing the display assembly 60
Removing the battery
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the speaker cable and front AlienFX LED cable from the system
board.
2 Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the battery.
3 Note the front AlienFX LED cable routing and peel off the cable from the
battery.
23
Removing the battery 61
1 system board 2 speaker cable
3 front AlienFX LED cable
4 Remove the battery cable from the slot on the computer base.
5 Remove the screws that secure the battery to the computer base.
6 Lift the battery off the computer base.
Removing the battery 62
1 battery cable 2 battery
3 screws (6)
Removing the battery 63
Replacing the battery
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the computer
base.
2 Replace the screws that secure the battery to the computer base.
3 Slide the battery cable through the slot on the computer base.
4 Adhere the front AlienFX LED cable to the battery.
5 Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the battery.
6 Connect the speaker cable and front AlienFX LED cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
24
Replacing the battery 64
Removing the I/O board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the subwoofer cable from the I/O board.
2 Lift the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the I/O board.
3 Remove the screws that secure the I/O board to the computer base.
4 Gently tilt and lift to release the I/O ports from the computer base.
5 Lift the I/O board off the computer base.
25
Removing the I/O board 65
1 subwoofer cable 2 latch
3 I/O-board cable 4 screws (2)
5 I/O board
Removing the I/O board 66
Replacing the I/O board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the ports on the I/O board with the slots on the computer base.
2 Align the screw holes on the I/O board with the screw holes on the computer
base.
3 Replace the screws that secure the I/O board to the computer base.
4 Connect the I/O-board cable to the I/O board.
5 Connect the subwoofer cable to the I/O board.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
26
Replacing the I/O board 67
Removing the speakers
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the front AlienFX LED cable from the system board.
2 Note the front AlienFX LED cable routing and peel off the cable from the
battery.
27
Removing the speakers 68
1 connector 2 front AlienFX LED cable
3 Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
4 Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the battery and
computer base.
5 Lift the speakers along with its cable off the computer base.
Removing the speakers 69
1 speaker cable 2 system board
3 alignment posts (4) 4 computer base
5 speakers (2) 6 routing guides
Removing the speakers 70
Replacing the speakers
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Using the alignment posts, place the speakers on the computer base.
2 Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the computer base and
battery.
3 Route the front AlienFX LED cable through the routing guides on the battery.
4 Connect the speaker cable and front AlienFX LED cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
28
Replacing the speakers 71
Removing the front AlienFX LED
boards
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the front AlienFX LED board cables from the front AlienFX LED
boards.
2 Remove the screws that secure the front AlienFX LED boards to the computer
base.
3 Lift the front AlienFX LED boards off the computer base.
29
Removing the front AlienFX LED boards 72
1 front AlienFX LED boards (2) 2 front AlienFX LED board
cables (2)
3 screws (2)
Removing the front AlienFX LED boards 73
Replacing the front AlienFX LED
board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Using the alignment posts on the computer base, place the front AlienFX LED
boards on the computer base.
2 Align the screw holes on the front AlienFX LED boards with the screw holes on
the computer base.
3 Replace the screws that secure the front AlienFX LED boards to the computer
base.
4 Connect the front AlienFX LED board cables to the front AlienFX LED boards.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
30
Replacing the front AlienFX LED board 74
Removing the processor fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
Procedure
1 Close the display and turn the computer over.
2 Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board.
31
Removing the processor fan 75
1 processor-fan cable
3 Turn the computer over and open the display.
4 Remove the screws that secure the processor fan to the computer base.
5 Peel off the Mylar from the processor heat-sink and processor fan.
6 Slide and lift the processor fan off the computer base.
Removing the processor fan 76
1 mylar 2 processor fan
3 screws (2)
Removing the processor fan 77
Replacing the processor fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Using the alignment posts on the computer base, slide and place the processor
fan on the computer base.
2 Align the screw holes on the processor fan with the screw holes on the
computer base.
3 Adhere the Mylar on the processor fan and processor heat-sink.
4 Replace the screws that secure the processor fan to the computer base.
5 Close the display and turn the computer over.
6 Connect the processor-fan cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
2 Replace the base panel.
32
Replacing the processor fan 78
Removing the system board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must
enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system
board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the
BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the desired changes again
after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location
of the connectors so that you can reconnect the cables correctly after you
replace the system board.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
3 Remove the display assembly.
Procedure
1 Turn the computer over.
2 Disconnect the processor-fan cable, video-card fan cable, hard-drive cable and
power-adapter port cable from the system board.
33
Removing the system board 79
1 processor-fan cable 2 power-adapter port cable
3 video-card fan cable 4 system board
5 hard-drive cable
3 Turn the computer over.
4 Disconnect the speaker and front AlienFX LED cables from the system board.
5 Lift the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board.
Removing the system board 80
1 I/O-board cable 2 latch
3 system board 4 speaker cable
5 front AlienFX LED cable
6 Remove the screws that secure the system board to the computer base.
7 Lift the system board off the computer base.
Removing the system board 81
Replacing the system board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must
enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system
board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the
BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the desired changes again
after you replace the system board.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Replace the coin-cell battery.
2 Replace the heat sink.
3 Replace the wireless card.
4 Insert the ports on the system board into the slots on the computer base and
gently place the system board on the computer base.
5 Align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the
computer base.
6 Replace the screws that secure the system board to the computer base.
7 Slide the I/O-board cable into the connector on the I/O board and press down
the latch to secure the cable.
8 Connect the speaker and front AlienFX LED cables to the system board.
9 Turn the computer over.
34
Replacing the system board 83
10 Connect the processor-fan cable, video-card fan cable, hard-drive cable, and
power-adapter port cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display assembly.
2 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
3 Replace the base panel.
Replacing the system board 84
Removing the wireless card
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
3 Remove the display assembly.
4 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in “Removing the system board”.
Procedure
1 Peel the wireless card off the system board.
2 Lift and slide the wireless card from the wireless-card slot.
35
Removing the wireless card 85
1 wireless card 2 wireless-card slot
Removing the wireless card 86
Replacing the wireless card
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the wireless card, do not place any cables under
it.
1 Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot.
2 Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot and press down to
adhere the wireless card to the system board.
36
Replacing the wireless card 87
Removing the heat sink
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow
sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat
transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat
transfer capability of the thermal grease.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in “Removing the system board”.
Procedure
1 In sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), loosen the captive screws
that secure the heat sink to the system board.
2 Lift the heat sink off the system board.
37
Removing the heat sink 89
1 system board 2 captive screws (8)
3 heat sink
Removing the heat sink 90
Replacing the heat sink
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board
and processor.
NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original system board
and heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the system board or the heat
sink is replaced, use the thermal pad provided in the kit to ensure that thermal
conductivity is achieved.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system
board.
2 In sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), tighten the captive screws
that secure the heat sink to the system board.
3 Turn the system board over.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 10 in “Replacing the system board”.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
38
Replacing the heat sink 91
Removing the coin-cell battery
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program’s
settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup
program’s settings before removing the coin-cell battery.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in “Removing the system board”.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.
2 Peel the coin-cell battery off the system board.
39
Removing the coin-cell battery 93
1 coin-cell battery 2 coin-cell battery cable
Removing the coin-cell battery 94
Replacing the coin-cell battery
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Adhere the coin-cell battery to the system board.
2 Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the connector on the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 10 in “Replacing the system board”.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base panel.
40
Replacing the coin-cell battery 95
Removing the video-card fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in “Removing the system board”.
Procedure
1 Remove the screws that secure the video-card fan to the computer base.
2 Lift the video-card fan off the computer base.
41
Removing the video-card fan 96
1 screws (2) 2 video-card fan
Removing the video-card fan 97
Replacing the video-card fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the video-card fan with the screw holes on the
computer base.
2 Replace the screws that secure the video-card fan to the computer base.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 10 in “Replacing the system board”.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base panel.
42
Replacing the video-card fan 98
Removing the power-adapter
port
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in “Removing the system board”.
Procedure
1 Remove the screws that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the power-
adapter port.
2 Lift the power-adapter port bracket off the power-adapter port.
3 Note the power-adapter port cable routing and remove the cable from the
routing guides on the computer base.
4 Lift the power-adapter port along with its cable off the computer base.
43
Removing the power-adapter port 99
1 screws (2) 2 power-adapter port bracket
3 power-adapter port
Removing the power-adapter port 100
Replacing the power-adapter
port
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Slide the power-adapter port into the slot on the computer base.
2 Align the screw holes on the power-adapter port bracket with the screw holes
on the power-adapter port.
3 Replace the screws that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the power-
adapter port.
4 Route the power-adapter port cable through the routing guides on the
computer base.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 10 in “Replacing the system board”.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base panel.
44
Replacing the power-adapter port 101
Removing the subwoofer
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the I/O board.
5 Remove the display assembly.
6 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in “Removing the system board”.
Procedure
1 Remove the screws that secure the subwoofer to the computer base.
2 Lift the subwoofer off the computer base.
45
Removing the subwoofer 102
1 screws (2) 2 subwoofer
Removing the subwoofer 103
Replacing the subwoofer
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the subwoofer with the screw holes on the computer
base.
2 Replace the screws that secure the subwoofer to the computer base.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 10 in “Replacing the system board”.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Replace the I/O board.
4 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
5 Replace the wireless card.
6 Replace the base panel.
46
Replacing the subwoofer 104
Removing the display bezel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
Procedure
1 Using your fingertips, carefully pry up the inside edges of the display bezel.
2 Carefully lift the display bezel and turn it over.
47
Removing the display bezel 105
1 display bezel
3 Lift the latches and disconnect the display-board cables from the logo board.
4 Lift the display-bezel assembly away from the display assembly.
Removing the display bezel 106
1 display bezel 2 logo board
3 latches (3) 4 display-board cables (3)
5 Peel off the tape that secures the logo-board cable to the logo board and
disconnect the logo-board cable.
6 Peel off the logo board from the display bezel.
Removing the display bezel 107
1 display bezel 2 logo board
3 plastic scribe 4 logo-board cable
5 tape
7 After performing the above steps, we are left with the display bezel.
Removing the display bezel 108
1 display bezel
Removing the display bezel 109
Replacing the display bezel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Adhere the logo board on the display bezel.
2 Connect the logo-board cable to the logo board and adhere the adhesive tape.
3 Slide the display-board cables to their respective connectors on the logo board
and press down the latches to secure the cables.
4 Turn the display bezel over.
5 Align the display bezel with the display back-cover and gently snap the display
bezel into place.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display assembly.
2 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
3 Replace the wireless card.
4 Replace the base panel.
48
Replacing the display bezel 110
Removing the display panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Remove the display bezel.
Procedure
1 Remove the screws that secure the display panel to the display back-cover.
2 Gently lift the display panel and turn it over.
49
Removing the display panel 111
1 screws (4) 2 display panel
3 display back-cover
3 Lift the latch and disconnect the display cable from the display panel.
4 Lift the display panel off the display assembly.
Removing the display panel 112
1 display panel 2 latch
3 display cable
Removing the display panel 113
Replacing the display panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Connect the display cable to the display panel and press down on the latch to
secure the cable.
2 Turn the display panel over.
3 Align the screw holes on the display panel with the screw holes on the display
back-cover.
4 Replace the screws that secure the display panel to the display back-cover.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display bezel.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base panel.
50
Replacing the display panel 114
Removing the display hinges
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Remove the display bezel.
Procedure
1 Remove the screws that secure the hinge caps to the display hinges.
2 Lift the hinge caps off the display hinges.
51
Removing the display hinges 115
1 hinge caps (2) 2 screws (2)
3 Remove the screws that secure the display hinges to the display back-cover.
4 Lift the display hinges off the display back-cover.
Removing the display hinges 116
1 display hinges (2) 2 screws (6)
Removing the display hinges 117
Replacing the display hinges
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the display
back-cover.
2 Replace the screws that secure the display hinges to the display back-cover.
3 Align the screw holes on the hinge caps with the screw holes on the display
hinges.
4 Replace the screws that secure the hinge caps to the display hinges.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display bezel.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base panel.
52
Replacing the display hinges 118
Removing the computer base
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Remove the power-adapter port.
6 Remove the battery.
7 Remove the speakers.
8 Remove the I/O board.
9 Remove the subwoofer.
Procedure
After performing the prerequisites, we are left with the computer base.
53
Removing the computer base 119
1 computer base
Removing the computer base 120
Replacing the computer base
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
Place the computer base on a flat surface.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the subwoofer.
2 Replace the I/O board.
3 Replace the speakers.
4 Replace the battery.
5 Replace the power-adapter port.
6 Replace the display assembly.
7 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
8 Replace the wireless card.
9 Replace the base panel.
54
Replacing the computer base 121
Removing the logo board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 2 in removing the display bezel.
Procedure
1 Lift the latches and disconnect the display-board cables from the logo board.
55
Removing the logo board 122
1 display bezel 2 logo board
3 latches (3) 4 display-board cables (3)
2 Peel off the tape that secures the logo-board cable to the logo board and
disconnect the logo-board cable.
3 Peel off the logo board from the display bezel.
Removing the logo board 123
1 display bezel 2 logo board
3 plastic scribe 4 logo-board cable
5 tape
Removing the logo board 124
Replacing the logo board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Adhere the logo board on the display bezel.
2 Connect the logo-board cable to the logo board and adhere the adhesive tape.
3 Slide the display-board cables to their respective connectors on the logo board
and press down the latches to secure the cables.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display bezel.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base panel.
56
Replacing the logo board 125
Removing the camera
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Remove the display bezel.
Procedure
1 Place the display back-cover assembly on a flat surface.
2 Using a plastic scribe, pry the camera module off the display back-cover.
3 Disconnect the camera cable from the camera module.
57
Removing the camera 126
1 camera module 2 tape
3 plastic scribe 4 camera cable
5 connector
Removing the camera 127
Replacing the camera
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Using the alignment posts, adhere the camera module to the display back-
cover and snap it into place.
2 Connect the camera cable to the camera module.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display bezel.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base panel.
58
Replacing the camera 128
Removing the display-panel
AlienFX LEDs
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Remove the display bezel.
6 Remove the display panel.
Procedure
1 Peel off the mylar that secures the display-board cables and the display-panel
AlienFX LEDs to the display back-cover.
59
Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs 129
1 mylar
2 Lift the display-board cables and the display-panel AlienFX LEDs off the display
back-cover.
Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs 130
1 display back-cover 2 display-board cables (2)
3 display-panel AlienFX LEDs (2)
Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs 131
Replacing the display-panel
AlienFX LEDs
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Adhere the display-board cables and the display-panel AlienFX LEDs to the
display back-cover.
2 Adhere the mylar that secures the display-board cables and the display-panel
AlienFX LEDs to the display back-cover.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display panel.
2 Replace the display bezel.
3 Replace the display assembly.
4 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
5 Replace the wireless card.
6 Replace the base panel.
60
Replacing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs 132
Removing the Alienware
AlienHead LED board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Remove the display bezel.
6 Remove the display panel.
Procedure
1 Peel off the mylar that secures the display-board cables and the display-panel
AlienFX LEDs to the display back-cover.
2 Disconnect the camera cable from the camera module.
3 Peel off the mylar to access the Alienware AlienHead LED board.
61
Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board 133
1 mylar 2 display back-cover
3 camera cable 4 connector
5 camera module
4 Lift the display-board cable and Alienware AlienHead LED board off the display
back-cover.
Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board 134
1 display-board cable 2 Alienware AlienHead LED
board
3 display back-cover
Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board 135
Replacing the Alienware
AlienHead LED board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
1 Connect the camera cable to the camera module.
2 Adhere the Alienware AlienHead LED board and display-board cable to the
display back-cover.
3 Adhere the mylar to secure the Alienware AlienHead LED board and display-
board cable and to the display back-cover.
4 Adhere the mylar to secure the display-board cables and the display-panel
AlienFX LEDs to the display back-cover.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the display panel.
2 Replace the display bezel.
3 Replace the display assembly.
4 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”.
5 Replace the wireless card.
6 Replace the base panel.
62
Replacing the Alienware AlienHead LED board 136
Removing the display back-cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure
Prerequisites
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Remove the base panel.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 9 in “Removing the palm rest”.
4 Remove the display assembly.
5 Remove the display bezel.
6 Remove the display panel.
7 Remove the camera.
8 Remove the display-panel AlienFX LEDs.
9 Remove the Alienware AlienHead LED board.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the camera cable from the camera module.
2 Remove the display-board cable from the routing guides on the display back-
cover.
63
Removing the display back-cover 137
3 Peel the display-board and camera cable off the display back-cover.
1 camera cable 2 connector
3 camera module
4 Remove the AlienFX Display light.
5 Remove the AlienFX AlienHead board.
6 We are left with the display back-cover.
Removing the display back-cover 138
1 display back-cover
Removing the display back-cover 139
Replacing the display back-cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer,
follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites
Procedure
NOTE: This chapter is applicable only if you have purchased a laptop with non-
touchscreen display.
1 Replace the AlienFX AlienHead board.
2 Replace the AlienFX Display light.
3 Adhere the display-board and camera cable to the display back-cover.
4 Route the display-board cable through the routing guides on the display back-
cover.
5 Connect the camera cable to the camera module.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the Alienware AlienHead LED board.
2 Replace the display-panel AlienFX LEDs.
3 Replace the camera.
4 Replace the display panel.
5 Replace the display bezel.
6 Replace the display assembly.
64
Replacing the display back-cover 140
BIOS setup program
Overview
CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the
settings in the BIOS setup program. Certain changes can make your computer
work incorrectly.
NOTE: Before you change BIOS setup program, it is recommended that you write
down the BIOS setup program screen information for future reference.
Use BIOS setup program to:
• Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the
amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on.
• Change the system configuration information.
• Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard
drive installed, enabling or disabling base devices, and so on.
Entering BIOS setup program
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 During POST, when the Alienware logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to
appear and then press F2 immediately.
NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This
prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press
F2. If you press F2 before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait
too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you
see the operating system’s desktop. Then, restart your computer and try
again.
BIOS setup program options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items listed in
this section may or may not appear.
65
BIOS setup program 142
Main
System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss
format.
System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyyy
format.
BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version.
Product Name Displays the model number of your
computer.
Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer.
Asset Tag Displays the asset tag of your computer.
CPU Type Displays the processor type.
CPU Speed Displays the processor speed.
CPU ID Displays the processor identification code.
L1 Cache Displays the processor L1 cache size.
L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 cache size.
L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 cache size.
Integrated Graphics Displays the integrated graphics.
Discrete Graphics 1 Displays the first discrete graphics
installed on your computer.
Fixed HDD Displays the type of hard-drive installed.
Second HDD Displays the type of secondary hard-drive
installed.
Third HDD Displays the type of third hard-drive
installed.
Fourth HDD Displays the type of fourth hard-drive
installed.
Fifth HDD Displays the type of fifth hard-drive
installed.
AC Adapter Type Displays the type of AC adapter connected
to your computer.
System Memory Displays the system memory.
Extended Memory Displays the extended memory.
BIOS setup program 143
Main
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Advanced
Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Allows you to disable or enable Intel (R)
SpeedStep Technology.
NOTE: If enabled, the processor
clock speed and core voltage are
adjusted dynamically based on the
processor load.
Default: Enabled
Virtualization Allows you to disable or enable the Intel
Virtualization technology. Default: Enabled
VT for Direct I/O Allows you to disable or enable a Virtual
Machine Monitor (VMM) to use the
additional hardware capabilities provided
by Intel(R) Virtualization Technology for
Direct I/O. Default: Enabled
Integrated NIC Allows you to disable or enable the on-
board LAN controller. Default: Enabled
USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the USB
emulation feature. This feature defines
how the BIOS, in the absence of a USB-
aware operating system, handles USB
devices. USB emulation is always enabled
during POST. Default: Enabled
NOTE: You cannot boot any type of
USB device (floppy, hard drive, or
memory key) when this option is
disabled.
USB PowerShare Allows you to charge USB devices when the
computer is turned off or in standby mode.
Default: Enabled
USB Wake Support Allows you to enable USB devices to wake
the computer from standby or to disable
the USB wake support feature. Default:
Disabled
BIOS setup program 144
Advanced
NOTE: If USB PowerShare is enabled,
a device connected to the USB
PowerShare connector may not wake
the computer.
SATA Operation Allows you to configure the operating
mode of the integrated SATA hard-drive
controller. Default: AHCI
Adapter Warnings Allows you to choose if the computer
should display warning messages when you
use AC adapters that are not supported by
your computer. Default: Enabled
Function Key Behavior Allows you to set function key or
multimedia key as the default function key
behavior. Default: Function key
Express Charge Allows you to charge your computer
battery using Standard Charge or Express
Charge mode. Default: Express Charge
Touchpad Backlight Allows you to set the touch pad backlight
to be on or in auto mode.
Battery Health Displays the battery health.
Advanced-Miscellaneous Devices
External USB Ports Allows you to disable or enable the
external USB ports. Default: Enabled
USB debug Allows you to enable or disable USB port
for Windows debugging. Default:
Disabled
Advanced-Performance options with Alienware Graphics Amplifier
Overclocking Feature Allows you to enable or disable global
overclocking feature. Default: Disabled
BIOS setup program 145
Advanced-Performance options with Alienware Graphics Amplifier
NOTE: The following features are
available only when the
Overclocking Feature is enabled.
Non-Turbo Flex Support Allows you to enable or disable non-turbo
flex support. Default: Enabled
Flex Ratio Override Allows you to set the flex ratio override
value.
Override Turbo Settings Allows you to enable or disable the
override turbo settings. Default: Enabled
Long Duration PWR Limit Allows you to set the turbo mode long
duration power limit.
Long Duration Time Window Allows you to set the turbo mode time
value in seconds.
Short Duration PWR Limit Allows you to enable or disable short
duration power limit. Default: Enabled
Short Duration PWR Limit Options Allows you to set the turbo mode power
limit value in watts.
Bus Clock
Current Frequency Displays the current bus clock frequency.
New Frequency in 10KHz increments Allows you to set the bus clock frequency
in increments of 10 KHz.
Apply New Bus Clock Frequency Applies the new bus clock frequency
immediately, temporarily, or
permanently.
Intel Graphics Turbo Overclocking Allows you to disable or enable the Intel
Graphics Turbo Overclocking feature.
Memory Override Support Allows you to enable or disable the
memory override option support.
Default: Disabled
BIOS setup program 146
Security
Unlock Setup Status Displays if the setup status is unlocked.
Default: Unblocked.
Admin Password Status Displays if the administrator password is
clear or set. Default: Not set
System password Status Displays if the system password is clear
or set. Default: Not set
HDD password Status Displays if the HDD password is clear or
set. Default: Not set
NOTE: The password is set for all
the installed hard drives on your
computer.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer
when the Service Tag is present. Displays
a field to input the Service Tag manually
when the Service Tag is absent.
NOTE: The Service Tag option is
available only when the Service
Tag is not set.
Admin Password Allows you to set the administrator
password. The administrator password
controls access to the BIOS setup
program utility.
System Password Allows you to set the system password.
The system password controls access to
the computer at boot.
HDD password Allows you to set, change, or delete the
hard-drives password.
Password Change Allows you to permit or deny system
password or HDD password changes.
Default: Permitted
BIOS setup program 147
Exit
Save Changes and Reset Allows you to exit the BIOS setup
program and save your changes.
Discard Changes and Reset Allows you to exit the BIOS setup
program and load previous values for all
BIOS setup program options.
Restore Defaults Allows you to restore default values for
all BIOS setup program options.
Discard Changes Allows you to load previous values for all
BIOS setup program options.
Save Changes Allows you to save the changes for all
BIOS setup program options.
Boot sequence
This feature allows you to change the sequence of devices that your computer
attempts to boot from. If the computer cannot boot from the device you select, it
attempts to boot from the next bootable device. You can use this feature to change
the:
• Current Boot Sequence — change the boot sequence for the current boot, for
example, to boot from the optical drive to run Alienware Diagnostics from the
Drivers and Utilities disc or to reinstall your operating system using an external
media. The previous boot sequence is restored at the next boot.
• Future Boot Sequence — change the boot sequence for all future boots, for
example, to boot from the primary hard drive.
Boot options
NOTE: The following boot options are available only when the Boot List Option is
set to Legacy.
Floppy (Diskette Drive) — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy disk
drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error
message.
Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no
operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.
BIOS setup program 148
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the optical drive. If no
disc is in the drive, or if the disc is not bootable, the computer generates an error
message.
USB Storage Device — Insert the memory device into a USB connector and restart
the computer. When F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the
screen, press F12. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the
boot menu.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that
your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
Network — The computer attempts to boot from the network. If no operating system
is found on the network, the computer generates an error message.
Changing boot sequence for the current boot
1 If you are booting from a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB port.
2 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3 When F2 Setup, F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the
screen, press F12.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears,
continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then, shut
down your computer and try again.
The Boot Options appears, listing all available boot devices.
4 On the Boot Options, select the device you want to boot from and press Enter.
For example, if you are booting to a USB hard drive, highlight USB Hard Disk
and press Enter.
Changing boot sequence for future boots
1 Enter BIOS setup program.
See “Entering BIOS setup program”.
2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press Enter to access
the menu.
NOTE: Note your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
3 Navigate to Set Boot Priority to configure the boot priority.
BIOS setup program 149
4 Use the arrow keys to highlight the boot priority and press Enter to display the
different devices.
5 Select the device and press Enter to set the boot priority.
BIOS setup program 150
Flashing the BIOS
You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you
replace the system board. To flash the BIOS:
1 Turn on the computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product Support, enter the Service Tag of your computer and click
Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or
manually browse for your computer model.
4 Click Drivers & downloads.
5 Select the operating system installed on your computer.
6 Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.
7 Click Download File to download the latest version of the BIOS for your
computer.
8 Save the file and, once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where
you saved the BIOS update file.
9 Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the
screen.
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Getting help and contacting
Alienware
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these
online self-help resources:
Information about Alienware products
and services
www.alienware.com
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 Dell Help & Support app
Windows 10 Get started app
Windows 8.1 Help + Tips app
Accessing help in Windows 8, Windows
8.1, and Windows 10
In Windows search, type Help and
Support, and press Enter.
Accessing help in Windows 7 Click Start > Help and Support.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux
Troubleshooting information, user
manuals, setup instructions, product
www.alienware.com/gamingservices
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Getting help and contacting Alienware 152
Information about Alienware products
and services
www.alienware.com
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 Dell Help & Support app
Windows 10 Get started app
Windows 8.1 Help + Tips app
Accessing help in Windows 8, Windows
8.1, and Windows 10
In Windows search, type Help and
Support, and press Enter.
Accessing help in Windows 7 Click Start > Help and Support.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux
specifications, technical help blogs,
drivers, software updates, and so on
Videos providing step-by-step
instructions to service your computer
www.youtube.com/alienwareservices
Contacting Alienware
To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see
www.alienware.com.
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.
Getting help and contacting Alienware 153