Dell Alienware Aurora R3 Users Guide

							49CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 
Beep CodePossible Problem
OnePossible motherboard failure — BIOS ROM checksum failure
TwoNo RAM detected
NOTE: If you installed or replaced the memory module, ensure that the memory module is seated properly.
ThreePossible motherboard failure — Chipset error
FourRAM read/write failure
FiveReal Time Clock failure
SixVideo card or chip failure
SevenProcessor failure
Computer Problems
The computer fails the POST
The Power On Self Test (POST) ensures that all hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST, the computer  continues  to  start  normally.  However,  if  the  computer  fails  the  POST, the computer emits a series of beeps during start-up. The following repetitive beep codes help you troubleshoot problems with your computer. For assistance, contact Alienware (see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 65).
NOTE: To replace parts, see the Service Manual at  support.dell.com/manuals.  
						

							50CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 
A program is designed for an earlier version of Microsoft Windows 
Run the Program Compatibility Wizard:
The Program  Compatibility  Wizard  configures  a  program  so  that  it  runs  in  an environment similar to non-Windows operating system environment.
Click 1. Start → Control Panel→ Programs→ Run programs made for 
previous versions of Windows . 
In the welcome screen, click 2. Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
The computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears
CAUTION: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your  mouse,  press  and  hold  the  power  button  for  at  least  6  seconds  until  the computer turns off, then restart your computer.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
End the program:
Press  simultaneously. 1. 
Click the 2. Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding. 
Click 3. End Task. 
Check the software documentation.
If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. 
						

							51CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 
Other software problems
Back up your files immediately
Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, or CDs
Save  and  close  any  open  files  or  programs  and  shut  down  your  computer through the Start menu.
Scan the computer for spyware:
If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive pop-up  advertisements,  or  you  are  having  problems  connecting  to  the  Internet, your  computer  might  be  infected  with  spyware.  Use  an  anti-virus  program  that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware.
Check  the  software  documentation  or  contact  the  software  manufacturer  for troubleshooting information:
Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed • on your computer.
Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements • needed to run the software. For more information see the software documentation.
Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.• 
Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.• 
If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.• 
Run the PSA Diagnostics:
If  all  the  tests  run  successfully,  the  error  condition  is  related  to  a  software problem. 
						

							52CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 
Hard Drive Problems
NOTE: For  maximum  performance  of  hard  drive(s),  connect  the  SATA  3.0 (6Gb/s)  compatible  hard  drive(s)  to  the  SATA  3.0  (6Gb/s)  port(s)  on  the system board.
Allow the computer to cool before turning it on
A  hot  hard  drive  may  prevent  the  operating  system  from  starting.  Try  allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on.
Run Check Disk
Click 1. Start → Computer.
Right-click 2. Local Disk C:.
Click 3. Properties→ Tools→ Check Now. If the User Account Control window appears, click Continue. 
Follow the instructions on the screen.4. 
Memory
Memory errors detected on start up
Check memory modules for correct seating and orientation. Reseat the • memory modules if applicable (for more information, see “Removing and Replacing Memory Module(s)” on page 37).
Computers using a dual-channel memory configuration require that • memory modules be installed in pairs. If you require assistance, contact Alienware Technical Support (see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 65).
Display
If the display is blank
The computer maybe in a power saving mode. Press a key on the keyboard • or press the power button to resume normal operation.
Test the electrical outlet. Ensure that the electrical outlet is working \
by • testing it with another device, such as a lamp. 
						

							53CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 
Power
When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on
If the computer is connected into a surge protector or UPS, ensure that • the surge protector or UPS is securely connected to an electrical outlet, is switched on and is working correctly. 
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working properly by testing another • device such as a radio or lamp that is known to be working. If the elect\
rical outlet is not working, contact an electrician or your power company for further assistance. 
Ensure all devices on the computer are properly connected to your computer • and that the computer is properly connected to the surge protector or UPS. 
When the computer is connected into an electric outlet, press the diagnostic • button and observe the diagnostic light (to locate the diagnostic button and diagnostic light, see “Back View Features” on page 17) .
If the diagnostic light turns ON, the power supply is functioning as • designed. 
If the diagnostic light does not turn ON, there may be a problem with • the computer.
For further assistance, contact Alienware support (see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 65).
USB Devices
NOTE: For  maximum  performance  of  USB  device(s), connect  USB  3.0 compatible USB device(s) to the USB 3.0 port(s) on your computer.
USB keyboard or mouse is not responding when connected to USB 3.0 
connector
Ensure  that  the  USB  keyboard  and  mouse  are  properly  connected  to  your computer and then restart your computer.  
						

							54CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING  
						

							55CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY
CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY
Your computer has the following system recovery options: 
Operating System Reinstallation DVD•  — Contains operating system installation media.
AlienRespawn•  — Your computer is pre-installed with AlienRespawn (see “AlienRespawn” on page 56).
Dell DataSafe Online • — Dell DataSafe Online is an online data backup service (see “Dell DataSafe Online Backup” on page 57).
System Drivers•  — You can download the latest drivers for your computer from support.dell.com.
Resource DVD•  — Contains drivers for your computer. You can also download the latest system drivers from support.dell.com.
System Applications•  — Some of the software that is pre-installed on your computer does not include a backup CD/DVD. This software is available at My Dell Downloads (DownloadStore.dell.com/media).
NOTE: My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions. 
						

							56CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 
AlienRespawn
CAUTION:  Using  AlienRespawn  permanently  removes  any  programs or  drivers  installed  after  you  received  your  computer.  Create  backup media of applications you need to install on your computer before using AlienRespawn. Use AlienRespawn only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
CAUTION: Although AlienRespawn is designed to preserve the data files on  your  computer,  it  is  recommended  that  you  backup  your  data  files before using AlienRespawn.
You can use AlienRespawn to restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer, while preserving the data files.
AlienRespawn  allows  you  to  backup  and  restore  your  computer  to  an  earlier operating state.
AlienRespawn Basic
To restore the factory image while preserving the data files:
Turn off your computer.1. 
Disconnect all the devices connected to the computer (such as USB drive, 2. printer, and so on) and remove any recently added internal hardware.
NOTE: Do  not  disconnect  the  monitor,  keyboard,  mouse,  and  the  power cable.
Turn on your computer.3. 
When the Alienware logo appears, press  several times to access the 4. Advanced Boot Options window.
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.
Select 5. Repair Your Computer.
Select 6. AlienRespawn and Emergency Backup from the System Recovery Options menu and follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: The  restoration  process  may  take  an  hour  or  more  depending  on the size of the data to be restored.
NOTE: For more information on AlienRespawn, see knowledge base article 353560 at support.dell.com. 
						

							57CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 
Dell DataSafe Online Backup (Optional)
NOTE:  Dell  DataSafe  Online  Backup  may  not  be  available  in  all  regions. 
NOTE: A broadband connection is recommended for fast upload/download speeds.
Dell  DataSafe  Online  is  an  automated  backup  and  recovery  service  that  helps protect your data and other important files from catastrophic incidents like theft, fire,  or  natural  disasters.  You  can  access  the  service  on  your  computer  using  a password-protected account.
For more information, go to delldatasafe.com.
To schedule backups:
Double-click the Dell DataSafe Online icon 1.  on the taskbar.
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.2. 
Upgrading to AlienRespawn Professional
AlienRespawn provides additional features that allow you to:
Backup and restore your computer based on file types• 
Backup files to a local storage device• 
Schedule automated backups• 
To upgrade to AlienRespawn Professional:
Double-click the AlienRespawn icon 1.  in the notification area of your desktop.
Click 2. Upgrade Now!
Follow the instructions on the screen.3.  
						

							58CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY