Basic Hints And Tips; Backup And General Maintenance - Dell Alienware Area-51 Manual

Basic Hints and Tips

• Computer does not turn on: Is your computer 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 make sure that there are no loose
connections anywhere.
• Power Savings: Make sure 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.

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 - for example
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.
When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines:
• Before touching any of the computer' s internal components, touch an
unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static
electricity, which could damage your computer.
• Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals.
• Disconnect any peripherals from your computer.
Things to check before troubleshooting
• Ensure that the power cable is properly connected to your computer and a
power outlet. Make sure that the power outlet is working.
• Make sure the UPS or power strip is turned on (if applicable).
• If your peripheral devices (such as keyboard, mouse, printer, and so on) are
not working, ensure that all connections are secure.
• If any computer components were added or removed before the problem
began, check to see if you performed the removal and installation procedure
properly.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact error
message prior to calling Alienware Technical Support to aid in diagnosing
and resolving your issue.
• If an error occurs in a specific program, see the program' s documentation.
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING
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