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    Alienware M17x not shutting down or restarting properly...

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by minivirus, Jan 27, 2011.

  1. minivirus

    minivirus Newbie

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    When I try to restart the computer or shut the computer down, the screen goes black after it says logging off. The alienfx lights are still on and so is the fan, but the laptop will not restart or shut down properly. I need to hold the power button to turn it off fully or restart it. I do not get an error when I turn the laptop back on. Any ideas what driver may need to be reinstalled or what kind or program could be doing this?


    Thank you for your help.
     
  2. e-MAD

    e-MAD Newbie

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    I have got the exact same problem
    but some times it does shut down on its own as this problem has been occurring much less frequently since I made my windows7 up to date
    In addition, whenever I unplug and then replug the adapter cord, the whole thing freezes and I am forced to hold the power button till it shuts down.
    If any body has any idea how to fix this issue or at least what possibly could be causing it please help us and you'd be much appreciated.
    Thanks in advance.
     
  3. minivirus

    minivirus Newbie

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    e-MAD , I found out how to fix the problem. In my case, I followed the post by BatBoy. I installed the first to driver updates then had to save a msdos file to my usb card which can only be 2gb large. Flashed my drive and it works. Follow BatBoy's steps from the topic : http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...5870-gpus-5870-vbios-discussion-non-beta.html Just make sure you have the correct model in the third download.
     
  4. Ravenwjf

    Ravenwjf Notebook Geek

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    I had the exact same problem to when I got mine. As stated in the previous post, follow the instructions for updating your Video driver and your Video Card Bios and you will be good to go. Enjoy the new laptop!!!
     
  5. e-MAD

    e-MAD Newbie

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    Ummm I already thought about this method but Im not sure about taking the risk of flashing the bios since I have just recovered from a bad experience of flashing the mobo bios
    So, do you think it is necessary to flash the video cards bios?? I mean is it necessary to avoid the freezing issue and the improper shutdown thing because I can manage to get around with them, unless if they mean a serious risk, if it means avoiding the risk of a bad flash which you dont wanna get through trust me.
     
  6. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yes, since the VBIOS release includes a fix for the behavior you are talking about. Either flash it or don't - the choice is yours. Contact support if you need someone to walk you through the process.

    As long as you have a 5870 GPU and its still on the original VBIOS (be sure, check versions and compare with the info in the linked thread), then you should apply this update.

    Again, contact support if you need guidance.

    Also, a note to the OP, when posting in the future with an issue - please do include more info (system specs, related driver vers., etc.).