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    Alienware M11x R1 No boot Issue

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by caldur, Nov 20, 2013.

  1. caldur

    caldur Newbie

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    Hi everyone,

    A couple of nights ago I replaced a memory module in my Alienware M11x R1, and I put everything back in place, went to turn it on and nothing happened. The power button has absolutely no function anymore. Everything was in place inside the laptop, so I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't start. I was searching around, figured it may be bricked from the new memory and tried flashing it according to this:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/572239-m...

    Recovering the bios worked only when I put my original memory back in place and it works just fine, other than the fact that my power button still has no function and my status lights do not work along with the grill lights and alienware lighting on the lcd screen. I turned it off, and couldn't turn it back on again, the only way I can turn it on is by removing the battery, holding down the end key, and then plugging it in. The power button has no function, tried everything with it, holding it down, doing without the battery, with the battery, nothing at all.

    I tore it down and got the palm rest off to check the connections for the power button and the other inputs that are not working and I reseated them, they are all fine and in good shape, I reassembled it and could still only turn it on through flashing the bios. The computer itself works fine, I can keep it on standby and use when I want, just no turning it off. I am wondering if it has something to do with the circuit board underneath the hinge cover (alienware calls it the status light board in their guide) since everything that connects through that isn't working (including the power button), maybe it's dead and I can replace it.

    Service manual for reference:
    ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/e...

    Could it be a motherboard issue even if the computer works fine? Any way to test that circuit board to see if it is working?

    The laptop is long out of warranty, would sending it to dell be worth it? Or would it be prohibitively expensive and not worth it for a 3.5 year old laptop? (which I was planning to keep merely for sentimental value, and portability of course).

    Thanks
     
    caldur, Nov 20, 2013
    #1
  2. bobthedespot

    bobthedespot Notebook Consultant

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    Okay.

    How do you know that everything works besides the power strip?

    Do not send it back to dell. You can replace the motherboard cheaply. if you have to at all. first, buy this part for the power button:

    Alienware M11x R2 Power Switch Board with Ribbon 09HH5G D1 10 23 | eBay

    Also try this replacement auxilary board.

    Dell Alienware M11x LED Auxilary Board w Cable LS 5812P | eBay


    This is a motherboard that WILL work, but the 335m is busted - only runs on integrated graphics: only 20 bucks free shipping!

    As Is Dell Alienware M11x Motherboard Intel 1 3GHz K1PWV Laptop La 5811P Parts | eBay


    These all have returns accepted. Worth a shot. It would cost you their combined costs together to ship to dell, and dell would just charge you a couple hundred for the repair.


    Hope this helps.
    Bob
     
    bobthedespot, Nov 20, 2013
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