Backlit keyboard doesn't work? Help?

I can't get this keyboard to turn on to save my life. Pretty sure it's dead. Anything that I'm not doing correctly here? It worked before the first reinstall, back when it was still from the factory, but when I received it from that guy it didn't work. Since then, I had to reinstall 7 again and I can't seem to manage it.

Help?

 

Might be that one of the cables is lose or somthing

 

I'm a little confused here. Your keyboard didn't work straight from factory until you reinstalled windows? Then it worked without incident until you sent it to a guy to have something repaired/upgraded, yes? If so, what did you have repaired/upgraded?

 

I worded that a little oddly.

Apparently, it worked fine when it was new, but it hasn't worked since the re-installation of Windows 7 a few months ago.

Part of me is thinking it's going out, but I see this backlit issue happening a LOT with the OS restalling. o_o As a safety precaution, I bought a B-grade keyboard replacement from a distributor site, but if I can, I'd like to get this one working. That's $45 I'd rather not kept spent if you catch my meaning.

 

Howdy Imglidinhere,

This is just a thought, but back in 2010, Alienware released an updated Command Center that upgraded the AlienFX firmware version to a a non-reversable version. This is not a big deal, except that if someone who tried to use their resource DVD to install Command Center instead of downloadign the most recent version, it would attempt to update the firmware again, effectivly bricking the AlienFX lighting. This issue required a motherboard replacement. Here is the link to the sticky posting about this:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...not-use-command-center-your-resource-dvd.html The link specifically mentions the M15x, but the M17x is a similar vintinge.

I wonder if the original owner has done this, and not told you? Just a thought.... Good luck!

Rich S.

 

Good idea with the B-grade keyboard purchase ahead of time. It does seem that the motherboard CAN be the problem, but the keyboard itself seems the more likely culprit. I know the way that AlienFX works is once you install it, and set custom colors for the different LED zones, it will save those settings to the BIOS so they occur on startup. One thing to also check is if the cable is properly seated and there is no dirt/dust on the contacts...just for good measure. I'm glad Dell put the LED controls on that small ribbon cable to the left cause it makes it easier to check if the cable itself has been damaged in some way.

 

Not sure about the command center thing... I always go to the main site to download the newest stuff, however I've sent off a PM to the previous owner who I bought it from and asked him.

But if this IS the case, I'll be one or two notes passed LIVID about this. Not gonna lie. If that's the level of BS that Dell expects their customers to put up with, I'm done with Alienware and was right to stay away.

 

I'm having trouble understanding the situation, did you purchase the laptop used or from Dell?

 

first time i heard about this problem. most ppl clean install their windows when they got their new laptop and have np whatsoever with the keyboard backlighting.

 

Well... a few of the function keys are going out along with the right arrow on the middle right and the '8' on the numpad. Keyboard is going out it seems.

Oh well... if the problem persists after the new one is in, I'll be a bit angry, but we have to wait until Friday for that to happen.

 

New keyboard is in and lights are on.

It was the keyboard after all... Good to know it's something simple. Usually is too.

 

Excellent. Glad to hear it.