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Alienware Aurora R12 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D23M Regulatory Type: D23M003 April 2021 Rev. A01...
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Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. 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.
Contents Chapter 1: Working inside your computer....................6 Safety instructions.................................6 Before working inside your computer..........................6 Before you begin ................................6 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection..........................7 ESD field service kit ................................7 Transporting sensitive components............................8 After working inside your computer............................8 Chapter 2: Removing and installing components..................9 Inside view of your computer...............................9 System-board components..............................
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Installing the 1000 W power-supply unit........................36 Coin-cell battery.................................37 Removing the coin-cell battery............................ 37 Installing the coin-cell battery............................39 Memory modules................................40 Removing the memory modules...........................40 Installing the memory modules............................. 42 Single-graphics card................................44 Removing the single-graphics card..........................44 Installing the single-graphics card..........................46 Solid-state drive.................................
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Removing the power-button board..........................84 Installing the power-button board..........................85 System board..................................86 Removing the system board............................86 Installing the system board............................88 Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program....................90 Chapter 3: Device drivers........................92 Operating system................................92 Downloading the audio driver............................92 Downloading the graphics driver............................92 Downloading the USB driver.............................93 Downloading the WiFi driver............................
Working inside your computer Safety instructions Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards, processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span.
● Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are typically installed in a rack within a data center;...
Removing and installing components NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Inside view of your computer 1. power-supply unit 2. 2.5-inch hard drive 3. 2.5-inch hard-drive cage 4. graphics card 5.
● Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is restored when the component is replaced.
Table 1. Screw list Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Front I/O-panel Front bezel M3x4 System board Chassis #6-32 Left-side cover Removing the left-side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. About this task The following images indicate the location of the left-side cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the left-side cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Locate the tabs on the left-side cover and slots on the chassis. 2. Rotate the left-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. 3.
Steps Starting from the rear, pull up on the top cover to release it from the chassis. NOTE: Top cover is tightly secured to the chassis by clips and may requires force to remove it off the chassis. Installing the top cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps Align the tabs on the top cover with the slots on the chassis and snap the top cover into place. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Right-side cover Removing the right-side cover Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Starting from the top-front tab, pull the right-side cover away from the chassis. 2. Remove the right-side cover from the chassis. Installing the right-side cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the right-side cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the tabs on the right-side cover with the slots on the chassis 2. Rotate the right-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. Next steps 1. Install the cover. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Disconnect the tron-light cable. 2. Remove the four screws (#6-32) that secure the right tron-light board to the chassis. 3. Remove the right tron-light board off the chassis. Installing the right tron-light board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the right tron-light board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
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Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the right tron-light board with the screw holes on the chassis. 2. Replace the four screws (#6-32) that secure the right tron-light board to the chassis. 3. Connect the tron-light cable. Next steps 1.
2.5-inch hard drive Removing the 2.5-inch hard drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
NOTE: Repeat the steps to remove any additional 2.5-inch hard drive from your computer. Installing the 2.5-inch hard drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
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NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly. Steps 1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier. 2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side. 3.
Identifying the storage device in system setup (BIOS) Steps 1. Turn on or restart your computer. 2. Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup program. A list of hard drives are displayed under the System Information in the General group. Identifying the storage device in Device Manager Steps 1.
Steps 1. Disconnect the data and power cables from the hard drive. 2. Press the release tabs on the hard-drive carrier and slide the hard-drive carrier out of the hard-drive cage. 3. Pry the hard-drive carrier to release the tabs on the carrier from the slots on the hard drive. 4.
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NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly.
Steps 1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier. 2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side. 3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until it snaps into place. 4.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage to the chassis. 2. Slide and remove the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage off the chassis. NOTE: Repeat the procedure from step 1 to step 2 to remove the other 2.5-inch hard-drive cage. Installing the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
3.5-inch hard-drive cage Removing the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 2 in removing the 3.5-inch hard drive, if installed. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Insert the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage into its slot on the chassis. 2. Align the tabs on the cage with the tabs on the chassis. 3. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage to the chassis. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit cage. 2. Lift the power-supply unit bracket off the power-supply unit cage. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4.
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WARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power-supply unit are color-coded to indicate the different power wattage. Ensure that you plug in the cable to the correct port. Failure to do so may result in damaging the power-supply unit and/or system components.
Steps 1. Place the power supply on the chassis. 2. Align the screw holes on the power-supply unit with the screw holes on the chassis. 3. Replace the four screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis. 4. Lift and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis 5.
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NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the power- supply unit. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
Installing the 1000 W power-supply unit Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. WARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power-supply unit are color-coded to indicate the different power wattage.
6. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit cage. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1.
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Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5.
Steps 1. Insert a new coin-cell battery (CR2032) into the battery socket with the positive side facing up, and snap the battery into place. 2. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis. 3. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 4.
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Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5.
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Steps 1. Ensure that the securing clips are extended away from the memory-module slot. 2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 3. Insert the memory module into the memory-module slot and press the memory module down until it snaps into position and the securing clips lock in place.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5.
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NOTE: Install AMD Vega 20 only into the PCIe slot 1 of your computer. If installed on PCIe slot 4, the power-supply unit cannot be closed. NOTE: If you are using any other graphics card other than AMD Vega 20, it can be installed into the appropriate PCIe slot i.e. X4, X8 or X16 on your computer.
Solid-state drive Removing the solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive. NOTE: To avoid data loss, do not remove the drive while the computer is in sleep or on state. 2.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot. 2. Insert the solid-state drive at a 45-degree angle into the system board. 3. Press the other end of the solid-state drive down and replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secure the solid-state drive to the system board.
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About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Place the computer in an upright position. 2. Disconnect the USB cables, LED controller cable and audio cable from the system board and remove the cables from the routing guides on the inside of the chassis. 3. Rotate and pull the front bezel away from the front of the chassis to release the tabs on the front bezel from the slots on the front panel.
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About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
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Steps 1. Route the cables through the slot on the front panel and align and clip the front bezel into place. 2. Connect the USB cables, LED controller cable and audio cable to the system board and route the cables through the routing guides on the inside of the chassis.
Top bezel Removing the top bezel Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the cover. 4. Remove the right-side cover. 5. Remove the wireless card. 6. Remove the front bezel.
Installing the top bezel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the top bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.
5. Install the left-side cover. 6. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Bottom cover Removing the bottom cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the cover.
Installing the bottom cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the bottom cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.
Processor fan and heat-sink assembly Removing the processor fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5.
Steps 1. Place the processor fan and heat-sink assembly on the processor. 2. Align the captive screws on the processor fan heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board. 3. In sequential order, tighten the four captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. 4.
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WARNING: Despite having a plastic shield, the processor liquid-cooling assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor liquid-cooling assembly.
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Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage. 5.
Installing the processor liquid-cooling assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor liquid-cooling assembly can damage the system board and processor. About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor liquid-cooling assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
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Steps 1. Slide the radiator and fan assembly into the radiator and fan cage. NOTE: Ensure that the hoses are facing the front of the system 2. Align the screw holes on the processor cooler with the screw holes on the system board. 3.
Processor Removing the processor Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the processor liquid-cooling assembly processor fan and heat-sink assembly, as applicable. About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
Steps 1. Ensure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended and the processor cover is fully open. CAUTION: Position the processor correctly in the processor socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor. 2. Align the pin-1 corner on the processor with the pin-1 corner on the processor socket, and then place the processor in the processor socket.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the wireless card to the system board. 2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
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Steps 1. 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. Table 3. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black...
Antennas Removing the antennas Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the top-cover. 4. Remove the right-side cover. 5. Remove the wireless card. 6. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the antennas and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Adhere the antenna to the chassis. 2. Replace the four screws (M3x4t) that secures the antennas to the chassis. 3. Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the top bezel. Next steps 1. Install the front bezel.
Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M3x4) that secures the front I/O-panel to the front bezel. 2. Remove the cable from the routing guides on the front I/O-panel. 3. Press the two clips and lift the front I/O-panel off the front bezel. Installing the front I/O-panel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the front I/O-panel with the screw holes on the front bezel and snap it into place. 2. Route the cables through the routing guides on the front I/O-panel. 3. Replace the four screws (M3x4) that secures the front I/O-panel to the front bezel. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Disconnect the front-chassis fan cable from the system board. 2. Push the tab to release the front-chassis fan from the chassis. 3. Slide and lift the front-chassis fan off the chassis. Installing the front-chassis fan Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front-chassis fan and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the tabs on the front-chassis fan with the slots on the chassis and slide the fan until it snaps into position. 2. Connect the front-chassis fan cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the single-graphics card.
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Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5.
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Steps 1. Align the holes on the top-chassis fan with the holes on the top-chassis fan bracket. 2. Insert the ends of the rubber grommets through the holes at each corner of the fan. 3. Align the grommets in the fan with the holes at each corner of the top-chassis fan bracket and pull through until they snap into place.
Front AlienFX LED boards Removing the front AlienFX LED board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the right-side cover. 4. Remove the top-cover. 5. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front AlienFX LED board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw hole of the AlienFX LED board to the screw hole on the front bezel. 2. Replace the four screws (M3x4) that secure the AlienFX LED board to the front bezel. 3. Connect the AlienFX LED board cable from a Y-cable. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the power-button module to the front bezel. 2. Lift the power-button module off the front bezel. 3. Disconnect the cables from the power-button module. Installing the power-button board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-button board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the power-button module with the screw holes on the front bezel. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the power-button module to the front bezel. 3. Connect the cables to the power-button module. Next steps 1.
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7. Remove the single-graphics card. 8. Remove the processor. About this task The following images indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Disconnect all the cables connected to the system board. NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the system board. For information on system-board connectors, see "system-board components".
Steps 1. Align the ports on the system-board assembly with the slots on the chassis and align the system-board assembly in place. 2. Slide the system-board assembly to engage the latches that secure it to the chassis. 3. Replace the eight screws (#6-32) that secure the system-board assembly to the chassis. 4.
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3. Navigate to the Main tab and enter the Service Tag in the Service Tag Input field. Next steps NOTE: Service tag is the alphanumeric identifier located at the back side of your computer.
Device drivers Operating system ● Windows 10 Home (64-bit) ● Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) Downloading the audio driver Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist. NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions. 8. Click View Drivers for My System. 9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer. 10.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then 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.
17. Double-click the media-card reader driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver. Downloading the chipset driver Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.
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NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary. 13. For manual download and installation, click Category. 14. Click Network in the drop-down list. 15. Click Download to download the network driver for your computer. 16.
System setup NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. System setup 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.
BIOS Information BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number. Product Information Product Name Displays the product name. Default: Alienware Aurora R11 Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer. Asset Tag Displays the asset tag of your computer. CPU Information...
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Table 5. System setup options—Advanced menu Advanced USB PowerShare Wake Support (S4/S5) Allows you to enable front the USB devices to wake the system from S4/S5. Auto Power On Auto Power On Mode Allows you to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected date.
Table 7. System setup options—Boot menu Boot File Browser Del Boot Option Allows you to delete the boot path in the boot option list. Enable USB Boot Support Allows you to enable or disable the USB Boot control. Boot Option Priorities Displays the available boot devices.
Steps 1. Disconnect the system-board power cable from the system board. 2. Remove the jumper plug from pins 217 and replace it on pins 216 (P216). 3. Wait for 5 seconds. 4. Remove the jumper plug from pins 216 and replace it on pins 217. 5.
Troubleshooting SupportAssist diagnostics About this task The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups.
You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures. For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at www.dell.com/ support.
5. Turn on the wireless router. 6. Turn on the modem. 7. Turn on your computer. Flea power release About this task Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains on the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery has been removed.