Dell Alienware M18x Service Manual

Dell Alienware M18x Manual

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  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 1
    Alienware M18x Service Manual Before You Begin Battery Pack Base Cover Wireless Mini-Card Coin-Cell Battery Hard Drive(s) Center Control Cover Power-Button Board Keyboard Macro Keyboard Memory Module(s) Display Assembly Palm Rest Status-Light Board Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 2
    Back to Contents Page Base Cover Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Base Cover Replacing the Base Cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 3
    Back to Contents Page Battery Pack Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Battery Pack Replacing the Battery Pack WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 4
    Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Alienware M18x Service Manual Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer This manual provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 5
    damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Removing the Battery Pack) before working inside the computer. 7. Remove the battery pack (see Removing the Battery Pack). 8. Turn the computer top-side up, open the display, and press the power button to ground the system board. Back to
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 6
    Alienware M18x Service Manual Configuring the System Setup Configuring the System Setup The System Setup options allow you to: l Change the system configuration information after you add, change or remove any hardware in your laptop. l Set or change a user-selectable option. l View the installed
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 7
    display warning messages when you use AC adapters that are not supported by your computer. l Enabled: BIOS will detect unsupported AC adapters and display an error on the screen. Charger Behavior Primary Display Allows you to enable or disable battery charging. Allows you to choose a primary
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 8
    Displays if the user password is clear or set. Displays the service tag of the computer when the service tag is present. Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Computrace Displays a field to input the service tag manually when the service tag is absent. Allows you to set the supervisor password
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 9
    Back to Contents Page
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 10
    Back to Contents Page Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Bluetooth Card Replacing the Bluetooth Card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 11
    Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 9. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 10. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 11. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 12
    Back to Contents Page Coin-Cell Battery Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Coin-Cell Battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 13
    CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Back to Contents Page
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 14
    Back to Contents Page Processor Module Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Processor Module Replacing the Processor Module WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 15
    Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 9. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 10. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 11. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 16
    Back to Contents Page Processor Heat-Sink Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 17
    the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 7. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 8. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 9. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 18
    Back to Contents Page Processor Heat-Sink Fan Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 19
    6. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Back to Contents Page
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 20
    Back to Contents Page Display Assembly Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Display Assembly Replacing the Display Assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 21
    cable routing 2 Mini-Card 12. Note the routing of the antenna cables, and then remove the cables from the routing guides on the computer base. 13. Remove the four screws that secure the display assembly on the computer base. 14. Turn the computer over and open the display. 15. Note the routing
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 22
    keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 12. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 13. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 14. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 23
    the BIOS Alienware M18x Service Manual The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3. Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service Tag
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 24
    Page Hard Drive(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Hard Drive(s) Replacing the Hard Drive(s) WARNING: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 25
    , store it in protective antistatic packaging (see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions that shipped with your computer). Replacing the Hard Drive(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the new drive(s) from its packaging. Save the original
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 26
    pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 13. Install the operating system for your computer, if needed. 14. Install the drivers
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 27
    Back to Contents Page Center Control Cover Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Center Control Cover Replacing the Center Control Cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information,
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 28
    and turn the computer over. 5. Replace the five screws that secure the center control cover to the computer base. 6. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 7. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 29
    Back to Contents Page
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 30
    Back to Contents Page Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 31
    guides on the computer base. 6. Connect the primary video-card heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the system board. 7. Connect the secondary video-card heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the system board. 8. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 9. Replace the battery pack
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 32
    Alienware M18x Service Manual Before You Begin 9 Battery Pack 13 Base Cover 15 Wireless Mini-Card 17 Coin-Cell Battery 21 Hard Drive(s) 25 Center Control Cover 31 Power-Button Board 37 Keyboard 41 Macro Keyboard 45 Memory Module(s) 49 Display Assembly 53 Palm Rest 59 Status-Light Board 65 Internal
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 33
    Back to Contents Page I/O Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the I/O Board Replacing the I/O Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 34
    (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 10. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 11. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). 12. Replace any cards or blank that you removed from the Media-Card Reader. CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 35
    Back to Contents Page Keyboard Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Keyboard Replacing the Keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 36
    the keyboard to the computer base. 5. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 6. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 7. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 37
    Back to Contents Page Status-Light Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Status-Light Board Replacing the Status-Light Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 38
    Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 9. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 10. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 11. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 39
    Back to Contents Page Macro Keyboard Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Macro Keyboard Replacing the Macro Keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 40
    macro keyboard to the computer base. 5. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 6. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 7. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 41
    Back to Contents Page Memory Module(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Memory Module(s) Replacing the Memory Module(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 42
    Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). b. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 6. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 7. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 43
    Back to Contents Page Wireless Mini-Card Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Mini-Card Replacing the Mini-Card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 44
    see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 8. Install the drivers and utilities, if required. NOTE: If you are installing a Mini-Card
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 45
    Back to Contents Page Optical Drive Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Optical Drive Replacing the Optical Drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 46
    the instructions from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the Palm Rest. 9. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 10. Replace the macro keyboard (see Replacing the Macro Keyboard). 11. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 12. Replace the center control cover
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 47
    base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 14. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Back to Contents
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 48
    Back to Contents Page Palm Rest Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Palm Rest Replacing the Palm Rest WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 49
    computer base. 17. Remove the power-button board (see Removing the Power-Button Board). 18. Remove the status-light board (see Removing the Status-Light Board). Replacing the Palm Rest 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Replace the power-button board (see Replacing the Power-Button
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 50
    Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 12. Follow the instructions from step 8 to step 10 in Replacing the Hard Drive(s) 13. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 14. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). 15. Replace any cards
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 51
    Back to Contents Page Power-Button Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Power-Button Board Replacing the Power-Button Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 52
    cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 6. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 7. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 53
    Back to Contents Page Speakers Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Speakers Replacing the Speakers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 54
    Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 8. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 9. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 10. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 55
    Back to Contents Page Subwoofer Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Subwoofer Replacing the Subwoofer WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 56
    to the respective connectors on the system board. 8. Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 23 in Replacing the System Board. CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 57
    Back to Contents Page System Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the System Board Replacing the System Board Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 58
    with the slots on the computer base and place it on the computer base. 3. Replace the 11 screws that secure the system board to the computer base. 4. Replace the Mini-Card (see Replacing the Mini-Card). 5. Replace the memory module(s) (see Replacing the Memory Module(s)). 6. Slide the optical drive
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 59
    board, enter the computer Service Tag into the BIOS of the replacement system board. 26. Enter the service tag (see Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS). Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 1. Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged in and that the main battery is installed properly. 2. Turn on
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 60
    Back to Contents Page Alienware M18x Service Manual NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 61
    Back to Contents Page Video Card(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Video Card(s) Replacing the Video Card(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 62
    Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 9. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 10. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 11. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 63
    Back to Contents Page Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices
  • Dell Alienware M18x | Service Manual - Page 64
    (s). If you are installing a replacement video-card heat-sink, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved. 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw holes on the video-card heat-sink(s) with the screw holes on the computer base
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Alienware M18x Service Manual
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell™ and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Alienware
®
is a registered trademark of Alienware Corporation; Bluetooth
®
is a registered
trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license; Microsoft
®
, Windows
®
, and the Windows start button logo
are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
2011-04 Rev. A00
Regulatory model: P12E
Regulatory type: P12E001
Before You Begin
Battery Pack
Base Cover
Wireless Mini
-
Card
Coin
-
Cell Battery
Hard Drive(s)
Center Control Cover
Power
-
Button Board
Keyboard
Macro Keyboard
Memory Module(s)
Display Assembly
Palm Rest
Status
-
Light Board
Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Speakers
I/O Board
Optical Drive
Video
-
Card Heat
-
Sink Fan(s)
Video
-
Card Heat
-
Sink(s)
Video Card(s)
Processor Heat
-
Sink Fan
Processor Heat
-
Sink
Processor Module
System Board
Subwoofer
System Setup
Flashing the BIOS
NOTE:
A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.
WARNING:
A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.