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1. What should I do if get a "Source is not selected" error while installing Half-Life 2?
 
2. What should I do if my Half-Life 2 installation has a Product Authentication Delay?
 
3. How can I remove the W32.Sasser.Worgm, W32.Sasser.B.Worm, or W32.Sasser.C.Worm?
 
4. What are the minimum system requirements to play DOOM3?
 
5. What can I do if my computer repeatedly restarts after I installed Windows XP Service Pack 2?
 
6. What do I do if my computer stops responding when it restarts to complete the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2?
 
7. What can I do if Windows XP (Service Pack 2) freezes or crashes during automatic updates?
 
8. What is the procedure for getting a part replaced?
 
9. Where can I get support and download patches for Interplay games?
 
10. How do I request for my system to be repaired at the Service Center?
 
11. How do I contact Technical Support?
 
12. What are the features and benefits of Windows XP Service Pack 2?
 
13. Where can I get support and download patches for Konami games?
 
14. Where can I get support and download patches for Adventure Company games?
 
15. Where can I get support and download patches for Electronic Arts (EA) Games?
 
16. Does the M-Audio Delta 44 audio adapter support S/PDIF?
 
17. What are the different power saving modes available?
 
18. When will Microsoft release new updates for Windows XP?
 
19. What can I do if my DVD-RW drive will not write DVDs?
 
20. How do I replace the CMOS battery of my computer?
 
1. What should I do if get a "Source is not selected" error while installing Half-Life 2?
  This is a known issue with Half-Life 2 Standard Edition, however, is does not affect the Collector's or European DVD editions.
During the initial installation process, the option to install "Counter-Strike: Source" is NOT selected by default, and it can be easily overlooked.

If the installation continues without checking this option, an error may occur.

The follwing is the error displayed: cabinet file error, fatal disk error.
NOTE: The error message may have slight variations.

To solve this problem, all you need to do is:

- Cancel the current installation process.
- Start the installation process again, starting with Disc #1.
To avoid repeating the issue, make certain to select the option to install both Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike: Source.
If you prefer not to retain the Counter-Strike: Source program on your system, you can remove it later using the following procedure:

1. Complete the Half-Life 2 installation.
2. Open the Steam client.
3. Select the Play Games list.
4. Right click on Counter-Strike: Source.
5. Select the 'Properties' option.
6. Select "Delete Local Content."
 
2. What should I do if my Half-Life 2 installation has a Product Authentication Delay?
  You may experience a delay in authenticating Half-Life 2 during the installation process. The cause of this delay is the high volume of consumers who have purchased Half-Life 2 and are installing the game, causing high traffic on the Steam authentication servers. If you encounter this situation, please keep trying, as this is a temporary delay.
 
3. How can I remove the W32.Sasser.Worgm, W32.Sasser.B.Worm, or W32.Sasser.C.Worm?
  Symantec has developed a removal tool that helps you get rid of these worms. This tool will terminate the viral processes, delete their files and delete the registry values that the worms add. Please follow these steps to remove the worms:

1. Click here to download Symantec¡¯s Removal Tool called Fxsasser.exe

2. Close all running programs, and unplug your Internet connection.

3. Disable the System Restore, please do not skip this step or the fix may not work properly. Click here to learn how to disable System Restore.

4. Double click the Fxsasser.exe file to start the removal tool. Then, click ¡°Start¡± to begin the process and let it run.

5. Once it is done, please restart the computer and run the removal tool again, just to ensure that the system is clean.

6. Re-enable System Restore.

7. Install the Windows XP Security Update for the Sasser Worm. Click here to download it.

If you had any problems downloading the file, click here to visit the Microsoft's download page for this Security Update.

8. Install any antivirus software, update it and do a full scan of your system for other viruses.

 
4. What are the minimum system requirements to play DOOM3?
  The Minimum system requirements to play DOOM3 according to Activision are:

* English version of Windows 2000/XP. Please note that this game does not support Windows 95/98/ME or NT.
? Pentium? 4 1.5 GHz or Athlon(tm) XP 1500+ processor.
? 384MB RAM.
? 8x Speed CD-ROM drive (1200KB/sec sustained transfer rate) and latest validated drivers.
? 2.2GB of uncompressed free hard disk space (plus 400MB for Windows swap file).
? 100% DirectX 9.0b compatible 16-bit sound card and latest validated drivers.
? 100% Windows 2000/XP compatible mouse, keyboard and latest validated drivers.
? DirectX 9.0b (included).
? 3D hardware Accelerator Card Required - 100% DirectX 9.0b compatible 64MB Hardware Accelerated video card and the latest validated driver.

Besides that, keep in mind that the video card should use any of the following supported chipsets:
- ATI Radeon 8500
- ATI Radeon 9000
- ATI Radeon 9200
- ATI Radeon 9500
- ATI Radeon 9600
- ATI Radeon 9700
- ATI Radeon 9800
- All Nvidia GeForce 3/Ti series
- All Nvidia GeForce 4MX series
- All Nvidia GeForce 4/Ti series
- All Nvidia GeForce FX series
- Nvidia GeForce 6800 series
 
5. What can I do if my computer repeatedly restarts after I installed Windows XP Service Pack 2?
  If your computer repeatedly restarts after you installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 and you do not get error messages, you might be experiencing a problem that Microsoft has already identified.

Please review Microsoft¡¯s Knowledge Base article #878474 - Your computer repeatedly restarts after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2

 
6. What do I do if my computer stops responding when it restarts to complete the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2?
  This issue occurs on a limited number of systems that use Intel Pentium 4 processors based on the Prescott C-0 stepping (478 pin), and the motherboard BIOS version installed does not support them properly.

The following are Stepping C-0 processors.
? 3.40E GHz, 800 MHz FSB 90 nm
? 3.20E GHz, 800 MHz FSB 90 nm
? 3.0E GHz, 800 MHz FSB 90 nm
? 2.80E GHz, 800 MHz FSB 90 nm
? 2.80A GHz, 533 MHz FSB 90 nm
? 2.40A GHz, 533 MHz FSB 90 nm

If you experience this problem please contact Alienware Technical Support to receive assistance to update the computer's BIOS a version that supports Prescott Stepping C-0 processors.

Do not update your computer's BIOS unless you are following the instructions of a technical support agent.

Microsoft Knowledge base article 885626 provides in-depth information about this issue.

Alienware is responsible for all support issues pertaining to Microsoft products on Alienware systems. If the article you have been directed to does not fully answer your question, please contact Alienware Technical Support for further assistance.

 
7. What can I do if Windows XP (Service Pack 2) freezes or crashes during automatic updates?
  If Windows installer freezes during the installation of Windows XP updates, do the following:

1. Follow this link to the Microsoft Download Center:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=36dd19df-bc5e-44b7-a339-6794d97994a2&DisplayLang=en

2. Click on the 'Download' button on the right side of the screen.

3. Save the file to your desktop.

4. Run the file.

The update will check your system, and determine if Service Pack is installed. If your systems does not have Service Pack 2 this update will notify you that you need to install Service Pack 2 first.

 

 
8. What is the procedure for getting a part replaced?
  After troubleshooting, Alienware Technical Support may determine that one or more parts will need to be replaced. If your system is still under warranty, these will be the steps for the replacement process:

1. The Customer Service / Technical Support Agent will create the part replacement order in accordance with the procedure established for that particular component, choosing the best option depending on the circumstance. Please keep in mind, that credit card pre-authorization may be required in certain cases.


2. Once the order has been created, the Agent will provide an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number for future reference, along with an estimated time of arrival for that order and any other shipping instructions that may be needed.


3. When you receive the replacement component and if the procedure requires it, the package may include a FedEx return label so that the defective part can be sent back to Alienware.

If this is the case, then please use the same box in which the new component arrived to ship the defective one back. However, make sure to include all materials that originally came with the part and that they are properly packed. If manuals, disks, cables, etc., are found to be missing or damaged due to improper packaging, it may result in an incomplete refund or credit. Besides that, make sure that you write down and keep the tracking number of the package, just in case of any future claims.

 
9. Where can I get support and download patches for Interplay games?
  As the Interplay web-site is not accessible anymore, support for the following games will be found on independent websites such as www.vugames.com, www.gamespot.com, www.bioware.com, or simply by entering the game title in any web search engine such as www.google.com.
 
10. How do I request for my system to be repaired at the Service Center?
  Your Warranty with Alienware? includes the option to send your system to be repaired at our Service Center if required.

The first step would be for you to contact our regular Technical Support line. Our agents are well trained to diagnose a problem over the telephone. They will troubleshoot your system and determine if it can be fixed right there, or if the system needs to be shipped back to our Service Center to be repaired.

If this is the case, M.E. will provide a pre-paid shipping label. Please remember that you are responsible for the packaging and you should use the original shipping material.

 
11. How do I contact Technical Support?
  If you have browsed the M.E. Support Area, Knowledge Base, and Customer Forums, but still cannot find a solution to your problem, feel free to contact M.E. either by phone or online.

North America's Information:

North America's Toll-Free Support and Service: (800) 287-8899
Technical Support Hours: Open mon-sat. 9am ¨C 5:30 pm.
Customer Service Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 7:00pm (PCT)
 
12. What are the features and benefits of Windows XP Service Pack 2?
  Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker
Makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by enabling you to reduce unwanted ads and content.

Internet Explorer download monitoring
Warns you about potentially harmful downloads and gives you the option to block files that could be malicious.

Internet Explorer Information Bar
Provides better information about events that are happening as your browse the Web, so it is easier to know what is going on and address potential security issues.

Internet Explorer Add-on Manager
Enhances security and reduces the potential for crashes by allowing you to easily manage Internet Explorer add-ons (programs which have been added to the Web browser).

Outlook Express privacy update
Helps reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.

Attachment Manager
Monitors and disables potentially unsafe attachments, which could contain viruses that might spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger.

Windows Security Center
Allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place.

Windows Firewall update
Automatically turned on by default, this improved firewall helps protect Windows XP from viruses, worms, and other security threats that can spread over the Internet.

Windows Firewall simple compatibility setup
Lets you set up Windows Firewall to co-exist with your favorite Internet applications and home network.

Windows Firewall startup and shutdown support
Extends Windows Firewall protection to Windows startup and shutdown time, ensuring enhanced protection from the moment you turn your PC on to the moment you turn it off.

Automatic Updates enhancements
Helps you automatically stay up-to-date with the latest updates for Windows XP. Also includes new technology to help dial-up customers download updates more efficiently.

Improved wireless support
Dramatically improves and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks.

Bluetooth technologies
Enables you to easily connect to the latest Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices such as keyboards, cell phones, and PDAs.

Windows Media Player 9 Series
Makes it easy to enjoy music, video, and broadband content with enhanced security.

DirectX update
Helps you enjoy advanced graphics and gaming with the latest DirectX technology from Microsoft.

 
13. Where can I get support and download patches for Konami games?
 

For help on any game published by Konami, please view the links below:

Main
Support Area
This is a list of their games:
Apocalyptica
Bomberman Collection
Casino Inc.
Dance Dance Revolution
Frogger's Adv.: The Rescue
Frogger Beyond
Frogger: The Great Quest
KCS: Castlevania & Contra
Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance
Shadow of Destiny
Silent Hill 2
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Whiteout
Yu-Gi-Oh! Power of Chaos - Yugi

 
14. Where can I get support and download patches for Adventure Company games?
 

If you need help on any game published by the Adventure Company, please visit the following sites:

http://www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/

http://www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/support/index.html

The following is a list of their games:

Amerzone
Ancient Conquest
Arabian Nights
Arthurs Knights: Tales of Chivalry
Arthurs Knights: 2 The Secret of Merlin
Atlantis The Lost Tales
Auryn Quest
Beyond Atlantis
Beyond Atlantis 2
Beyond Time
Black Mirror
Broken Sword The Sleeping Dragon
The Cameron Files: Secret at Loch Ness
The Cameron Files 2: The Pharaohs Curse
The Crystal Key
Curse of Atlantis
Dark Fall
Dracula Resurrection
Dracula The Last Sanctuary
Egypt: The Tomb of the Pharaoh
Egypt 2: The Heliopolis Prophecy
The Forgotten
Frank Herberts Dune
In Cold Blood
Jekyll & Hyde
Jewels of the Oracle
Jewels 2: The Ultimate Challenge
The Legend of Lotus Spring
The Legend of the Prophet and the Assassin
Lightbringer
The Messenger
Mysterious Journey-Schizm (SCHIZM)
Mysterious Journey II
The Mystery of the Nautilus
Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion
Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill
Nancy Drew: Stay Tuned for Danger
Nancy Drew: The Final Scene
Nancy Drew: Treasue in the Royal Tower
Necronomicon
The New Adventures of the Time Machine
Nightlong Union City Conspiracy
Odyssey The Search for Ulysses
The Omega Stone
Post Mortem
The Quest for Karma
Riddle of the Sphinx
The Sacred Amulet
Safecracker
Salammbo
SCHIZM- Mysterious Journey
Seven Games of the Soul
Sherlock Holmes Mystery of the Mummy
Syberia
Timescape Journey to Pompeii
Traitors Gate
Traitors Gate 2

 
15. Where can I get support and download patches for Electronic Arts (EA) Games?
 

Troubleshooting for Windows XP

This is a list of their games:

1503 A.D. The New World
688i
Alien Crossfire
Alpha Centauri
American McGee's Alice
Battlefield 1942
Battlefield 1942: Road to Rome
Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII
Black & White
Black & White: Creature Isle
Black & White: Deluxe
Championship Bass
Civil War Collection
Clive Barker's Undying
Command & Conquer
Deer Hunt Challenge
Dungeon Keeper 2
EA.com Free Games
Earth and Beyond Emperor: Battle for Dune
F/A-18
F-1 (Formula One)
F-15
FIFA
Fighters Anthology
Final Fantasy VIII
Fleet Command
Freedom Fighters
Freedom Force
Gettysburg
Global Operations
Harry Potter
Israeli Air Force
James Bond 007: Nightfire
LEGO Games
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Madden NFL
Medal of Honor
Motor City Online
Motoracer MVP Baseball
NASCAR
NBA Live
Need For Speed
NHL
NOX
Rugby
Shogun: Total War
Sid Meier's Sim Golf
Sim City
Sim Coaster
Sim Theme Park
Sub Command
Superbike World Championship
The Sims and Expansions
The Sims Online
Tiger Woods
Triple Play
Ultima
Ultima: Online
USAF

 
16. Does the M-Audio Delta 44 audio adapter support S/PDIF?
 

No, the Delta 44 card does not support S/PDIF digital input or output.

 
17. What are the different power saving modes available?
 

- What is the ¡®Stand by Mode?¡¯

It is a power-saving mode that is activated in order to conserve the battery. For example, depending on user settings, the hard disk may be turned off, the display may be turned down or off and the CPU may be throttled down to a lower-power mode. Nothing in memory is saved to the disk, and restoring full operation is faster than turning the computer off or going into hibernation mode.

- What is ¡®Hibernation mode?¡¯

It is a power-saving mode that conserves battery, but allows for a quicker resumption of operation than by fully turning the computer off and then back on. When hibernation mode is activated, all current applications running in memory are saved to disk and the computer is turned off. When resuming full operation, by pressing a button or clicking the mouse, the applications are read from the disk and appear in the same state as before.

 
18. When will Microsoft release new updates for Windows XP?
 

Microsoft releases one or more updates for its Windows and Office software each month. However, if a major problem is detected and a security or critical update is required, it will usually be developed and released as soon as possible.

 
19. What can I do if my DVD-RW drive will not write DVDs?
 

If you are experiencing problems writing or formatting DVD recordable or rewritable media, keep in mind, that there might be several factors causing this problem, so please follow these recommendations:
? Ensure that you are using the proper media type (DVD+R, DVD-R, etc) for your specific DVD-RW drive, and that it is in good condition.
? Download the latest version, patches or updates for your burning software.
? Make sure that the burning software you have installed supports the current DVD-RW drive that you are using.
? Test your drive by burning a CD-R, in order to isolate the problem.

? Make sure that 'CD recording' is disabled for that drive. The DVD format supports writing to regular CD-R or CD-RW media, so this option might interfere with the drive's capabilities. To check, please follow the procedure below:
1. Open 'My Computer.'
2. Right-click on the 'DVD-RW' drive.
3. Click on the 'Recording' tab.
4. On the 'Desktop CD recording' subwindow, make sure that the checkbox that reads 'Enable CD recording on this drive' is unchecked.
? Verify that you have installed the latest validated firmware for your drive, if available.

If you keep experiencing problems with your DVD-RW drive, please contact our Technical Support Department at 800-619-8899 for further instructions.

 
20. How do I replace the CMOS battery of my computer?
 

If you are attempting to replace a CMOS battery for an M.E. mobile system, please contact our Technical Support Department for further instructions. The procedure on this article applies only to desktop systems.
All M.E. full-tower desktop computers use the CR-2032 battery. This is a 3 volt lithium battery also used on wrist watches and other small electronic devices. The flat side of the battery is always positive.

The CR-2032 designation refers to the size, shape and voltage of the battery rather than the manufacturer, so you can find equivalent batteries from several manufacturers. Always replace the battery with a brand-new CR-2032 battery.

The CMOS battery keeps the time and date even if the computer is off and unplugged. A CMOS battery usually lasts two to three years.

Note: Always make sure you are properly grounded before attempting to work with internal components.

There are two ways to replace the CMOS battery, which depends on the way it is positioned on the motherboard:

Method 1

1. Open the computer case.

2. On most motherboards, the battery holder lays flat on the board itself and has a small metal tab. Push this tab away from the center of the battery so it can pop up.

3. To install the battery, press it on the battery holder keeping the positive (flat) side facing you.
Method 2

1. Open the computer case.

2. Some motherboards may have an angle-mounted battery holder, in order to save space on the motherboard's surface. In this case, you will need to hold the tab and pull the battery out and away from the motherboard.

3. To install the battery, place it in the battery holder with the positive (flat) side facing up.


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