Dell Alienware M17x R2 (Early 2010) - Manual (Page 44)

44 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
Backup and General Maintenance
• Always backup your important data on a regular basis and keep copies of
your operating system and software safe. Do not forget to note the serial
numbers if you are storing them outside of their original cases - e.g., in a CD
wallet.
• Run maintenance programs as often as you can. You may schedule these
programs to run at times when you are not using your computer. You can
use those provided with your operating system, or buy more powerful,
dedicated programs to do so.
• Write down your passwords and keep them safe (away from your computer).
This is especially important if you choose to password-protect your
computer’s BIOS and operating system.
• Document vital settings such as network, dialup, mail and Internet settings.
Basic Hints and Tips
• Computer does not power on: Is your AC adapter cable securely connected
to a working electrical outlet? If connected to a power strip, ensure that the
strip is actually working.
• Connections: Check all the cables to ensure that there are no loose
connections anywhere.
• Power Savings: Ensure that your computer is not in hibernate or standby
mode by pressing the power button for less than 4 seconds. The power
status light will fade from blue to black while in standby mode; in hibernate
mode it will be off.
• Brightness: Check and adjust the brightness of the display by pressing the
key combinations <Fn><F4> or <Fn><F5>.
• Display Choice: Press the key combination <Fn><F6> to ensure that the
computer is not set to “External Only” display.
• Use only the AC adapter that shipped with your laptop.