Beeping sound upon switching on.

I have an alienware m17xr4 (3d model). I spilled some liquid on the keyboard.
I wiped it clean but I suspect it seeped into the keyboard.
Now when I switch on my laptop, the keys behave weirdly. Pressing one key displays many letters.
Sometimes the laptop doesn't boot, I just get a beeping sound when I switch it on.

I want to know the reason for the beeping. Please let me know if changing the keyboard will fix the issue.

 

Yeah the keyboard is a goner, regarding the beeping, sometimes it detects you are pressing a button (because of the broken keyboard) and it starts beeping as a warning to release it, wich you actually cant do.

The keyboard change should fix the issue.

 

You could dissemble the entire laptop and clean it by hand. That should eliminate any sticky keys. Unless you saw sparks or something, it is probably just "sticking."

If you have accidental damage service (warranty), just give Alienware Technical Support a ring.

 

Thanks for your prompt reply. I tried dissembling, but the plastic part surrounding the keyboard isn't coming out. I broke the left lock and the top part isn't budging. It's out of warranty.
Is there any way to take it off. Is it possible to disable the integrated keyboard, so that I can use my laptop with an external keyboard till I get it replaced?

 

Well because OP said 1 key types multiple character i think we can rule out sticky keys... this happens when liquid shorts the multi-layer keyboard circuitry.

I dont know about R4, but R2 wont start wihout internal keyboard plugged in.

 

As Max said, I don't believe it will boot without a keyboard connected. You'll just have to live with it until you replace it.

Here's a replacement keyboard assembly on eBay: Genuine Dell Original Alienware M17x R4 Laptop Keyboard PW56N 0PW56N | eBay

Disassembling the keyboard is pretty straight forward: Alienware m17x R4 quad-channel RAM replacement - YouTube. To pry up the bezle around the keyboard, you put a pry-tool or flat head at the bottom of the NUMPAD ENTER key and pry up from there to pop it out while at the same time gently bending the bezle toward the screen. Do not go from outside the bezle because you may damage the soft touch material. The bezle needs to be pushed in toward the keyboard itself when being removed to avoid breaking clamps.

 

Its been 1 day since the spill, all of a sudden all the keys work fine.
The only issue is that I still get a beeping sound when I switch on the laptop (It does boot up after a while- maybe that's because I keep tapping F2)
What could be the reason for this? Should I still replace my keyboard?

Please help.

 

You need to take it apart, clean it, let it dry for a few hours, then put it back together.

There's probably liquid or moisture around the connections causing shorts, etc.

 

I think its dry by now.
I already left the laptop open, with the keyboard exposed (still connected) for a day.
Could you be more specific as to what I should do?

 

It may not be sopping wet but there could still be moisture build-up inside. Or maybe something is sticky (sticking) depending on what type of drink you spilt. I'm suggesting you open it up and clean it with some alcohol-free cleaner and some q-tips.

The link I provided above is for a new keyboard assembly that costs like $30. If you don't want to go through the hassle of cleaning it, just replace it.

 

Thanks I'll try that.
Could you provide me a link to the plastic surrounding the keyboard? Or just tell me its (keyboard surrounding) approximate cost.

 

Thanks I'll try that.
Could you provide me a link to the plastic surrounding the keyboard? Or just tell me its (keyboard surrounding) approximate cost.

 

It looks like that plastic piece around the keyboard is about $30 as well. So, you're looking at a $60-$70 fix.

Dell Alienware M17x R3 R4 Replacement Center Control Hinge Cover GDKVM | eBay

You should refer to the Owner's Manual or YouTube disassembly videos for instructions on how to replace it.

 

Sorry, I should have mentioned this earlier. Some of the liquid (though very little) also crept into the touchpad.Is there any chance of the touchpad causing the beeping sound ( though the touchpad never acted strangely since the spill) .
Is it possible to isolate the cause?

 

You're just going to have to start taking it apart. You'll find out what's wrong by trial and error.

 

Very slim chance, all of the cases with beeping and no post in my experience relate to the keyboard issue.

Laptop will start wihout the touchpad, so you can disconnect it to be sure

 

You have a lot of patience

 

Thanks a lot. Cleaning with cotton buds worked like a charm.

 

That's good to hear. I figured that's all it needed. :thumbsup: