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    Unusual possible issue.

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by RichardRoma, Apr 7, 2011.

  1. RichardRoma

    RichardRoma Notebook Enthusiast

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    Laptop has been running fine for a while, but had to install a huge windows update. The problem seems to be the laptop either cannot install the update...or something. When the update is installing, the computer will get from 20-30k/140000 operations?, and then it will suddenly enter sleep mode. I close/open the lid to wake it from sleep, and it will just be a black screen, and the pc will be dead quiet.

    Also...anyone get a issue turning the computer off using the power button, instead of turning it off it sends the pc to sleep mode...

    After system restore, the problem seems to have been that windows update batch. I could install a separate update normally without issues, but that particular update would not install properly.
     
    RichardRoma, Apr 7, 2011
    #1
  2. Descalzo

    Descalzo Notebook Evangelist

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    Which update? I had issues with Service Pack 1, but I finally just left it overnight and rebooted a couple of times the next day, but it turned out okay.
     
    Descalzo, Apr 8, 2011
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  3. JTOverath

    JTOverath Notebook Evangelist

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    Have you tried setting the laptop not to go to sleep and let the update finish? Or does it go to sleep no matter how you have the power setting set with that particular update?
     
    JTOverath, Apr 8, 2011
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  4. NiteSkie

    NiteSkie Notebook Enthusiast

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    With any windows updates you should turn off sleep and hibernate. If it is SP1, it could take a long time to update all the windows components. Best to just leave it sit overnight with sleep mode turned off.
     
    NiteSkie, Apr 8, 2011
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  5. RichardRoma

    RichardRoma Notebook Enthusiast

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    Tried various things, kept the laptop plugged in so sleep does not enable, did not work. Pressed space bar every 1/2 minute so it does not sleep, did not work. The computer would go to sleep automatically in the middle of the update no matter what i do. I think it might be SP1, i ended up having to system restore in order to enter the pc. It managed to make a much smaller update work perfectly though.
     
    RichardRoma, Apr 11, 2011
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  6. Descalzo

    Descalzo Notebook Evangelist

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    Rather than press space bar to keep it awake, actually go into Power settings in the Control Panel and turn it off.

    You could also try to download the standalone version.
    Edit: leaving it plugged in doesn't necessarily turn off sleep. And it's possible that you've had some program fiddle with Sleep settings without your knowing it. Go back in and make sure sleep is deactivated.
     
    Descalzo, Apr 11, 2011
    #6
  7. RichardRoma

    RichardRoma Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'll try it again, earlier i could not change sleep settings because i was unable to get past the updating into the Power Settings.
     
    RichardRoma, Apr 11, 2011
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  8. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    yes, it's a good idea to just disable it and save yourself the hassle.
     
    thegh0sts, Apr 12, 2011
    #8