8 Beeps when powering M17x R3

So today i was trying to install backtrack linux onto my m17x r3 and the disc always locks up on me. I was pretty sure it was the GTX 580 that was causing the issue so i went into my bios and tried to disable it and just use the onboard intel graphics. Im not sure if i selected the wrong graphics card in the bios but now when trying to boot its a black screen with 8 beeps.

I know im going to have to re-flash the bios blindly but im not to sure on the steps, if someone could help me out that would be fantastic.
Thank You in advance!

 

First, check out the Alienware Beep Code table - 8 beeps is supposedly a LCD failure (Seen here: Alienware Beep Codes Table)

And it is quite possible that a blind flash will help, see this guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/601701-bios-recovery-case-you-brick-your-m17x-r3.html

I am sorry for your issues, and good luck! (This is when that warranty comes in handy)

 

Thanks for the reply, i have spent about an hour from the guide doing everything it says. I used the Phoenix tool to rename the bios to the correct format, put it on a flash drive, plugged the flash drive into the esata port and held in "end" button while plugging it in. It gets to the point where it does around 20 beeps then turns off and powers back on but with the normal 8 beep code again. Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Thank You
... If it does have to go through warranty i will be very happy

 

At this point, there really isn't much you can do. There's a possibility that the monitor cable became disconnected somehow, but that's a 1/10,000 event.

If you are still under warranty, call them. They will fix it - even if it means replacing half of your laptop.

 

I called dell and they were very good and quick, gave me both my options straight up and they are sending me a box tomorrow to ship it to them. So far so good considering some of the horror stories i've heard about them and the depot center. Hopefully i get it back the way in the physical condition im sending it in!
Thanks Dusk Star!

 

I have only witnessed the 8 beeps when I took apart my whole M17X R4 to replace the lower case that was cracked. When I reassembled the thing I accidentally plugged the monitor cable into the wrong slot. Fixed it and the laptop was good after that.

When you turn it on does anything display on the screen? Mine would display just random colors.

 

You can check the status of the repair here.

Let us know how it looks/works when you get it back!

 

Nope i see nothing on the screen, i dont really want to take the laptop apart myself to see if their is a connection issue just because its under the warranty.

 

The alienware warranty allows you to take it apart, just be super careful

Your warrantied under user maintenance/ tear downs if you want to do them, there are no stickers etc. to stop you.

 

I don't have any horror stories and can only say that I have only had good experiences. However, if it were me having to send my machine back in. I would take pictures of how everything is now. That way, when it's returned and if there is any issues, it's an easy verification that it wasn't like that when you sent it in.

Good luck

 

Ya i am planning on taking pictures before it goes off, only problem is they said they would have a box to me by thursday (yesterday) and they would receive my laptop today and start the repairs. I never received the box or the shipping information the guy said he would be sending out to me. Looks like i get to give dell another call today.

 

i accidentally posted the same post twice so i had to edit the last ^^^^^^^^^^^