Download Preface - Alienware

Quick Start Guide
System Software
Your computer may already come with system software pre-installed. Where this is not the case, or where you
are re-configuring your computer for a different system, you will find this manual refers to the following operating systems:
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Microsoft Windows XP Home & Professional Editions
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
Drivers
If you are installing new system software, or are re-configuring your computer for a different system, you will need to install
the appropriate drivers. Drivers are programs which act as an interface between the computer and a hardware component
e.g. a wireless network module. It is very important that you install the drivers in the order listed in Table 4 - 2, on page 4
- 20. You will be unable to use most advanced controls until the necessary drivers and utilities are properly installed. If your
system hasn’t been properly configured (your service representative may have already done that for you), refer to “What
to Install” on page 4 - 15 for installation instructions.
Operating System Software Installation
You will need an external USB floppy drive attached when installing a Windows XP OS. Enable either RAID or ATA mode in
the BIOS (“RAID/ATA Mode Select: (Advanced Menu)” on page 5 - 10), then setup the system according to the instructions
in “System Software Installation” on page 4 - 1.
Overview 1 - 3
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