HDMI port stopped working. What to do?

So I've had my M14X for almost a year now. My HDMI port has always occasionally acted up but now has completely stopped working. It hasn't been a year yet so it should still be under warrantee right? I bought it online (can't remember if from alienware.ca or dell.ca) so I can't bring it back to a store or anything. What should I do?

 

You probably should have reported this sooner. Depending on the kind of problem you're seeing with your HDMI, it could be that your HDMI driver is malfunctioning, the port itself is wonky, or that you have a bad HDMI cable.

To elaborate on the last one, I have a low quality cable here that works just fine, until you move or twist it the wrong way in which case the signal cuts out completely. Could you explain your issue with more detail so we could see if we can ascertain the exact nature of the problem a bit more accurately?

 

Yeah I've tried different HDMI cables (up to 3 or 4) and the same thing happens so it must be an issue with either the port or a software issue. I connect it and then my TV struggles to pick up the signal. The screen will flicker and flash indefinitely (as if it's starting to make the connection and then it drops). It continues like this for as long as I've left it and a solid signal never gets picked up. I used to fiddle with it until it works (unplug/replug back in, switch one end to another or change cables completely) but one day it just wouldn't work no matter what I did.

 

Have you tried a different TV or input device? Make sure your laptop is outputting a signal the TV can accept as well in display properties. Usually all the new 1080p flat panels don't have a problem tho.

 

That's the only HDMI input device I have. And yeah all the settings should be the same. As I said, it worked pretty consistently for months. Is there a support line or something I can call to see if it's still under warantee?

 

Hi, you can try regular troubleshooting steps for the HDMI port like checking the cables, different inputs, test with another TV or monitor, or try to connect another device that requires HDMI connection, like a gaming console. However, if you have actively tried that already. You can update the Video Card driver to the latest one. If you have an R1, you can try this driver instead. You can send us an email to [email protected] to check your system's info. Include the service tag and permalink to this thread.