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    Randomly switching off 48 hrs after screen replacement

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by wnxcabal, Jul 9, 2011.

  1. wnxcabal

    wnxcabal Newbie

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    Hi all,

    My M11x R1 keeps switching itself off! I can be browsing the web 1 minute and the next, the power just completely cuts out! My backlit keyboard transitions between two colours, but before the power goes the light tend to dim momentarily (more than normal).

    Could be bad timing, but this has also happened when I've been on video call with skype using the inbuilt webcam.

    It is worth mentioning that on Thursday I had the screen replaced by a Dell engineer because of the common hinge fault. Related or Co-oinsidence?

    Just wondering if this is also a common fault or whether anybody else has had this? If so, what solutions can you suggest?

    Many Thanks,

    Andy
     
    wnxcabal, Jul 9, 2011
    #1
  2. Steven

    Steven God Amongst Mere Mortals

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    I can't see how the new LCD can have something to do with the problems your experiencing. However, has it only happened when you used the webcam during your skype session or has it been happening on and off when your just using it for normal tasks?
     
    Steven, Jul 9, 2011
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  3. wnxcabal

    wnxcabal Newbie

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    hmmm... just did a small experiment by placing a placemat underneath the laptop for a couple of hours and was working fine. I then removed it and it wasn't long before I started to see the keyboard backlight symptoms and eventually the power cut off.

    It seems though that when I switch it on after that, as soon as startup items begin to load in windows, it powers off again. Switching it on a 2nd time makes it work normally again.

    It's also worth mentioning that the webcam wasn't in use.

    This is really weird...
     
    wnxcabal, Jul 9, 2011
    #3
  4. ACHlLLES

    ACHlLLES Notebook Virtuoso

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    May be something wasn't plugged in.

    I would just call dell and explain the situation.
     
    ACHlLLES, Jul 9, 2011
    #4
  5. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    Agreed. Pretty much every cable on the system is unplugged in order to replace the LCD assembly. Call support back and tell them somethings wrong.
     
    slickie88, Jul 10, 2011
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  6. wnxcabal

    wnxcabal Newbie

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    Cheers guys, I will call Dell & explain (if it continues).

    One thing I have noticed since yesterday is that temperature is not an issue because it started doing when I switched it on from cold.

    I've opened up the back cover and unplugged and replugged the battery. Saw some thread on here which had issues with the system switching off and doing that (I think) fixed it for them. So far actually, it hasn't switched off, so fingers crossed with that!!

    Here's a pic of whats underneath the hud:
    http://bit.ly/nvjpYh

    I have noticed that the WWAN card is missing, interestingly must have been an optional extra and the two cables hovering over it are unplugged. I can only guess these plug into a WWAN card so nothing to worry about with that.

    Other than a missing screw at the corner near the fan I can't see anything wrong...

    Hmm.. will keep you posted
     
    wnxcabal, Jul 10, 2011
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  7. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    Had an issue the other day that when I unplugged the system from power it shut off immediately and would not turn on. Removed battery for a short while and been fine since. This only happened once.

    I mention it because I am not the first to get past an issue by disconnecting the battery. Unusual but possible. Maybe this is the case for you. If any further instances though I would chase dell for service.
     
    GNandGS, Jul 10, 2011
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  8. wnxcabal

    wnxcabal Newbie

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    Well its been on for more than 6 hours using the nvidia gfx card and no issues as of yet!
    Hey presto I reckon!
     
    wnxcabal, Jul 10, 2011
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  9. wnxcabal

    wnxcabal Newbie

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    Reporting in... It's fixed my problem! No fault found anymore.

    woop woop!
     
    wnxcabal, Jul 11, 2011
    #9