Returning from HDMI to normal LCD

Just noticed an odd issue with my R2. I put it on my desk and ran it through my Samsung 24" LCD for a bit and then turned the R2 off. Upon turning it back on with the HDMI unplugged, it just sits there. The LCD on the laptop initializes as I can see the backlight turn on, but nothing else.

I figured it might be because it is looking for the HDMI still, so I turned the laptop off (it went off with a quick push of the power button, not a long one), and attached the HDMI to it. Made sure the LCD was on and on the right input source and turned the laptop back on. Same issue.

I figure it is stuck between modes. I can use Fn+F1 and get the display to turn on and off or flicker (both the HDMI and the LCD on the laptop) but I get no video. The laptop continues to turn off qith a quick press of the power button which means to me it is not going beyond POST and handing off to the OS.

I searched for the better part of an hour but found nothing completely the same, so if its here, it buried. Anyone run into this before? I am sure if I fiddle with it long enough I will fix it, but figure dI would ask here since there are owners that undoubtedly know the subtle nuiances that this wonderful piece of hardware has.

Thanks

 

Ok, so I played with it for a while longer and still could not get it to show video again. Ended up calling Alienware. After getting hung up on three times and having to explain my story 4 times, I got a relatively knowledgable young lady that was at least helpful in the respect that she knew of the issue.

Seems every so often the R2 can get stuck if you power it off before switching it back to internal video, after having used an external source. The only fix she knew of was pull the CMOS battery for 5 minutes. If nothing else, it sounded logical to me.

I proceeded to take my laptop apart (not all that difficult for someone who has pulled apart the old IBM thinkpads and their 30 different sizes of 300 screws). While pulling it apart, the conversation was pleasant if a bit flirty (not complaining, her accent though slight, was pleasing enough) I noticed all of the captured screws which I have to say is a very nice change.

So I get to the CMOS battery after a few minutes of pulling on the palmrest. Now, keep in mind, I've done this same procedure on hundreds of other systems. The battery will not pull out of the connector. I pulled on it firmly and told the tech that it seems to be stuck/glued into place. She asks me to get some needle nose pliers and pull directly on the connector. I do so and the connector falls apart inside the pliers.

I SLOWLY open the pliers and the wires have pulled themselves away from the white connector that plugs into the one soldered onto the MB. I know I did not squeeze more than normal, I know I did not pull directly on the wires. So I look at the system board, now that there are no wires connected and I notice a tiny pool of what looks like glue underneath the white connector for the CMOS battery.

I told the tech what happened and about the glue and she chuckled and said that sucks but she would send me out a new motherboard and CMOS battery because it should not have been glued down. Ya think? haha

Anyway, I asked about trying to get a couple more rubber standoffs so that I could make sure my screen would not touch my keyboard, and I guess those are the magic words cause she immediately ordered me a screen as well.

So, thus if anyone finds themselves in this predicament, where you cannot get your screen to come up after having used an external monitor, clearing your CMOS will likely help, but better hope your battery connector isn't glued to the motherboard.

 

Well, since no one has replied, I am guessing this was an isolated incident. After having installed the new motherboard, there was no change in the system not showing video. Of course, this meant it was the LCD. I cannot fathom what would have caused this issue, but perhaps someone can do some testing for me while I await my new M11x to arrive.

Connected laptop to external monitor (24" Samsung) at 1920x1200 resolution and played a few games for about 2 hours. Laptop was configured to only have external display on, not mirrored or desktop extended.

Then powered off the laptop and let it sit for about an hour, doing other things around the house.

Unplugged everything and brought it downstairs to use for a while and that is when the problem showed up.

If anyone else can duplicate this and verify for me that it was my M11x, and not a bug in the firmware (which I am sure I would have found it somewhere if so) I would appreciate it.