WARNING: M15x owners do not install CC from resouce disk.

I've tried it but unfortunately it did not work. Well, I've found another solution to it, but it is in French. If anyone would be able to translate, I would be very grateful!

P4G / [TUTO] Solutionner le problème/bug des lumières du M15X

The solution is known to work according to a thread in this very forum, but unfortunately the links and tutorials are all dead as time passes by:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/239682-m15x-alien-fx-big-problem.html

 

Ok, thanks, I'll take a look at the tutorial and post a translation today or tomorrow, as long as I find time. Thanks for posting this.

EDIT: The tutorial you linked to is for the m15x, the older, non-Dell system. This won't work with our system as far as I see this.
I didn't look for the AlienFX chip when I took a look at the mobo, so I have no idea what kind of chip it is, but it could probably be desoldered and flashed manually if anyone is desperate for a fix and the procedure I posted earlier didn't work.

 

oh bummer!
But I do realize that the problems are similar where most probably the eeprom was corrupted and needed to be reprogrammed...
I do notice that under device manager that there are two "Unknown Devices". One under Other Devices (connected via PCI) and another under USB. I suspect the one under USB to be the wrongly programmed address as one of my USB slot is not working either (the right upper most slot - not sure if this is related).

And I do notice whenever I reinstall command center that it skips the firmware upgrade no matter which version I tried to install first...

 

Yeah, if you have time to take a look at the mobo you can probably identify the chip that stores the AlienFX firmware.

About your USB port, did you try uninstalling the chipset driver, resetting the BIOS (by removing the CMOS battery) and then reinstalling the chipset driver?

 

yup, did a clean install of windows (the main problem leading to no lights as I installed the old CC) and reset bios by removing CMOS....
Other USB port seems to be working fine...

Any possible way to identify where the firmware is flashed to and reflash it?

 

You might check to see whether Legacy USB is enabled in the BIOS after the reset.

 

Unless you have access to the technical documents of the M15x there's only one way... disassembling the machine, taking a look at the mobo and search for a flash chip that suits the requirements of AlienFX.

 

maybe i'll take a look at the log changes for the firmware versions if i can find it, maybe that would give a clue on where the problem lies before resorting to hardware breakdown

 

issue!!!
hello there i know that this discussion has been talked about here in this thread but i would like to know if there is at least a slim chance that i can still repair the alienware fx command center because the owner reformatted it and used the resource disk to fresh install in and then suddenly lights just wont turn on and every start up and error pops out. long story short i have read about this on certain threads that the only possible way to do this is to replace the motherboard but unfortunately the warranty just expired last august 2011 and haven't got it renewed. I would like to know if there is a certain cure for this

here are a few pictures for reference

 

if anyone can help i really need it badly

 

Exact same error as Sandino28 on my m15x..

is the mobo replacement the only way?
How much is one if your warranty is out?

 

I purchased the M15x second hand and it was reformatted with the new disk, Lights dont work... I know that dell has been involved in Class action cases for less... Im trying to get the owners info to transfer ownership, but you guys have a voice....

I started using twitter to mention this issue... We should not have to pay 300 dollars for an issue caused by Dell's recovery DVDs... Untill or if I get the owner info transferred I have a tougher issue, but most of you guys dont...

Dell cares more about image than anything... You just need to get their attention... Here are my PM's after @DellCares with #Dell comments about this known issue..



Sentios
But if I pay 300 dollars for the warranty I dont have to worry about transferring? You dont see whats wrong with that?
11 hours ago Delete

DellCares
If don't have info for all required fields, likely that unable to complete transfer to your name. Is to protect original owner's info. SV
11 hours ago

DellCares
2/2 Express Service Code, just Service Tag. Let us know if you have any additional questions regarding transfer process. Thanks, SV
11 hours ago

DellCares
LM is back in office tmw morning. Pls rephrase question, unsure what you're asking. Ownership Transfer form doesn't require both Tag & 1/2
11 hours ago

Sentios
Cant complete it, guess I will just have to keep going on the pages... You have the service code and the information.
12 hours ago

Sentios
Its not asking for the Service code, so how will you know its on my account?
12 hours ago

DellCares
Hi James, Sorry for the delay. Please complete the transfer of ownership t.co/MPtkTtu for assistance. Thanks, LM
12 hours ago

Sentios
DELL-Chris M reinstall Command Center system board may become corrupted necessitating a system board or MIO board exchange.
21 Nov at 02:06

DellCares
Notes have been updated.LM will get back to you in Mon.Thanks in advance for your patience.SS
18 Nov at 19:37

Sentios
david ***** .not wear/tear, but this is a known issue of the command center & AlienFX using recovery dvds.
18 Nov at 19:35

DellCares
Please verify account owner's name.Thanks,SS
18 Nov at 19:33

Sentios
Third party... Ill just keep using Twitter and Facebook to communicate
18 Nov at 19:25

DellCares
Hi James, Please verify Service Tag # again. Acct info not reflecting you as owner. Was this a third party purchase? Thanks again. LM
18 Nov at 17:38

DellCares
Thank you. Forwarding your concerns to our Alienware Technicians for support. Thanks for your patience. LM
18 Nov at 17:23

Sentios
J*****@gmail.com Service Tag:6*******
18 Nov at 17:16

Sentios
Im past tracking down help.. I should be contacted.. i need to buy a 300 dollar warranty because I used YOUR recovery DVDs?
18 Nov at 17:03

DellCares
Hi James, Sorry for any frustration, Please visit Alienware Forum dell.to/vJVAAg and direct your concerns to Chris M. Thanks, LM

Follow up...

Nov 22 (3 days ago)
to me
The request to transfer the ownership of Service Tag 6D***** has been submitted. Allow up to 15 business days for processing. Once the requesthas been reviewed, you will be notified at the email address you provided.



Once this is done, I will submit a request to allow a one time only motherboard exchange. Since this system does not have any warranty, you will have to find someone locally to change out the motherboard. The instructions can be found in the Service Manual:

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/M15x/en/index.html

 

@jatilq

can you help me regarding this problem??? maybe you cna leave me your e-mail, skype or ym

 

issue!!!
hello there i know that this discussion has been talked about here in this thread but i would like to know if there is at least a slim chance that i can still repair the alienware fx command center because the owner reformatted it and used the resource disk to fresh install in and then suddenly lights just wont turn on and every start up and error pops out. long story short i have read about this on certain threads that the only possible way to do this is to replace the motherboard but unfortunately the warranty just expired last august 2011 and haven't got it renewed. I would like to know if there is a certain cure for this

here are a few pictures for reference



[/QUOTE]

 

@jatilq

can you help me regarding this problem??? maybe you cna leave me your e-mail, skype or ym[/QUOTE]

 

I need to reformat my M15x and all I have is the windows disk and the drivewr disk that came with it. So are you saying I should not use the driver disk to do this. What is the best way to reformat if you don't have the respawn disk?

 

you just need the windows disk and everything else is on support.dell.com

here is a page that will help you with the install order http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...er-install-order-guide-alienware-systems.html (very general, not everything apply to the m15x so pay attention to what your trying to install)

 

Hi sandino28,
If you go to this post....
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...problems-questions-thread-27.html#post8402874
I've been trying to work this out for a while, and have now found a solution. Unfortunately, to fix this I will need the laptop as the solution requires specialist hardware and software. So unless you are in the uk, it makes the shipping costs prohibitive.
I can now probably get not only the M17x and M15x leds working, but also with a bit more disassembly the M14 and M11's.

 

Old post, but now in 2014. When your alienfx chipset in the motherboard is dead, who is the responsable?
Me, because I change the operating System myself, or Dell because it's manufacturing defect?

 

by dead what do you mean ? you flashed a older version of CC and it has corrupted the alienFX chipset ? if by that then there is NO manufacturing defect. its just unfortunate. (and fully documented not to flash to a older version) if you have its your fault. sorry but true.

besides there is a cheap fix for it now. (go check some of my topics)
or go here Forums - Alienware Club - Dell Community
simple process I did it myself and can confirm it works.

 

I fixed mine just a simple thing that needs done reprogram the chip........and it works again

 

I got an Alienware M15x from an online seller. It was running on Windows 7 Ultimate. When I got home, I used the recovery CD to do a clean install of the OS and it used the other CD to install the pre requisites. Now, I don't have any lights on my M15x. How do I fix the issue?

 

You cant fix it. New motherboard for lights. Sorry you didn't know of this issue before doing it.

Reprograming the fx controller chip is possible but requires specific hardware to interface with the chip.

 

If someone can identify which chip is the fx chip, I have my old motherboard that I can pull one out of and you'd have to solder it in.

 

If I will replace my motherboard, what would you recommend?

 

I bought a new motherboard recently when my original one died. Bought from this seller using paypal invoice and not from AliExpress. Motherboard was brand new and is working perfectly. Highly recommend this seller. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Warr...2334939825.html?spm=2114.01020208.3.18.8dHB8L

 

FX chip reprogram is pretty easy just need to read a lot....smile.

 

If anyone needs it I have the reprogrammer for the alienfx chip and can confirm it works as I have done it personally on 5 alienware m15xr2 myself inc my own system.
I no longer have the m15xr2 so if anyone requires the programmer let me know and I will post it on.