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    M14x keeps restarting, can't get into BIOS

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Salvare000, Nov 12, 2012.

  1. Salvare000

    Salvare000 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, I was in the process of restoring my laptop to factory settings and now my laptop keeps restarting after 2-3s, not even getting to the alien head screen.

    This all happened when I set USB as boot priority and plugged in my USB with the factory restore image.

    Is there any fix to this problem or am I SOL?
     
    Salvare000, Nov 12, 2012
    #1
  2. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

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    Did you switch on UEFI by accident? definitely not able to hold F2 whilst its boooting/restarting to see if you can catch the bios settings page.
     
    DDDenniZZZ, Nov 13, 2012
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  3. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Hello, Salvare.
    Try performing a full power drain:
    - unplug the charger
    - remove the system battery
    - disconnect the CMOS coincell battery
    - keep the power button pressed for ~30 seconds

    This will revert all BIOS settings to default.

    While you're at it, reseat the memory modules.

    Alternatively, try to power it on with the charger plugged in and the system battery disconnected.
     
    katalin_2003, Nov 13, 2012
    #3
  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Try that and let us know how it went. You can also try reseatting the HDD and RAM.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Nov 13, 2012
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  5. Salvare000

    Salvare000 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok I've tried this and now the laptop just turns on then suddenly turns off after about a second. This is while it is still disassembled with only the RAM, HDD reinstalled and power cable attached. Will try to fully assemble the laptop to see if it can get past this step but at least it's better than constantly restarting.

    *Spoke to soon, laptop continues to restart after a second or two.*
     
    Salvare000, Nov 13, 2012
    #5
  6. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    You can also try completely removing the HDD. Do you hear any beeps or anything? Do you have it plugged in?
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Nov 13, 2012
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  7. Salvare000

    Salvare000 Notebook Enthusiast

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    With no HDD it starts then immediately shuts down. I press the power button again and then it goes into the constant 2 seconds restart problem. There are no beeps and it is connected to the power supply from a wall outlet, no battery in the laptop.
     
    Salvare000, Nov 13, 2012
    #7
  8. Lava6000

    Lava6000 Notebook Consultant

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    Hello - unfortunately, I had this exact same problem with my R2 a few months after I purchased it. After much trouble shooting with tech support on the phone, a technician ended up coming out to replace the MoBo. This fixed the problem.

    Sorry and good luck.
     
    Lava6000, Nov 14, 2012
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  9. Salvare000

    Salvare000 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am currently doing the same thing as you have done although I have not heard from the tech so far (the tech was supposed to call but hasn't yet).
     
    Salvare000, Nov 14, 2012
    #9