Issues with my M17x: Screen brightness, BIOS Power issues, and GFX issues. Please help!

Hey guys! New guy here. Anyways, I just got an m17x , and other than three major issues, I'm loving it. Here's what's going on. I would REALLY appreciate any help!

Issue 1: Major issue. Even when the power cord is plugged in, the system says "System is operating on battery power. Discrete graphics will be disabled ... " and so I can't use the GTX 260 that's in the machine. This happens every time I start up the PC, even with the power cable plugged in and showing that it is charging. In Windows, Win7 shows that the battery is indeed charging and plugged into a power source. This is ridiculously frustrating for two reasons: 1, I can't use my graphics card, and 2, when it gives that message, the computer lets out two obnoxiously loud speaker-beeps, which makes it annoying to have my laptop in class with me. I really want to do some gaming dang it!

Also, whether I have Hybrid Graphics / Integrated Graphics enabled or disabled in the BIOS it matters not. Both options do the same thing.

Issue 2: The screen brightness on this PC is beyond horrible. At max brightness, it's still darker than the lowest brightness setting on my Qosmio x505. At the darkest brightness setting, I'm essentially looking at a turned-off screen. Also, depending on what I pull up on my computer, the screen automatically brightens/darkens itself, which is extremely frustrating because if I look at a dark picture, then the screen dims so much that I can barely even see the picture. I have the 1920x1200 screen.

Issue 3: I have no idea whether I have an m17x R1 or R2. From what I can tell on the internet, they look the exact same. On the Dell support site (with my service tag detected), it shows up as Alienware m17x, but doesn't say whether it's an R1 or R2. I have a Q9000 Quad Core, GTX 260, GeForce 9400, and 4GB of RAM in the system.

I would really love some help.. thank you guys in advance!

 

You have an R1.

The first problem you describe is very likely a faulty PSU, and all your other problems are the result.
Do you also get a 'non Dell adapter' message when you boot it up, right after the bios?

If you do, stop looking and buy another PSU.

 

Thank you for the quick response.. You rock. Anyways, no, I don't get a non Dell adapter message, it only says that I'm on battery power, even though I'm not. My battery charges up and drains just fine, so at least FUNCTIONALLY the charger seems to be doing just fine, but the system isn't recognizing that it is plugged in until I get to Windows. This is the charger I have: Dell Original GA240PE1-00 240 Watt 3-Prong AC Adapter With Cord

which seems to be the original charger for the PC. The previous owner reported having no problems with the system, so I'm not sure what exactly is wrong. I did flash a new BIOS (A07), but the computer has been having these issues from before that.

 

Look in your bios, there's an option there of which i cant recall the exact name, but which should be something like 'Show psu warning' or show 'non dell adapter warning'.
Enable it if it isn't enabled, then it will show the message.

Either way, i'm still pretty sure it's your PSU. Buy a cheap one (if you know someone else with an R1, try to test with that) on ebay.

Your PSU has a chip in it which has some ID. At boot up the system checks the ID, overtime the soldering of the chip starts to loose some contact and its very possible it cant negotiate the ID. This is where you would get the message I mention and cause the symptoms you mention. This could also give you the 'but its charging the battery, thing you wonder. Been there, done that

Its also possible your PSU is just worn out and doesn't deliver the power it should anymore, not giving you the message but also not working as intended.

 

If the warning is enabled, nothing happens, if it's disabled, nothing still happens. Anyways I'll try and find another PSU.. hopefully that's the issue. Thanks. Do you have any idea about the brightness issue though? The brightness changing depending on what I'm looking at isn't a problem with the PSU, apparently it's a "feature" from what I've read, but I can't find a way to get rid of it.

 

Tried changing it via Power Options (right click battery icon in the tray, power options, adjust plan settings you currently are using which i suggest should be Performance if on power cord) and pull it all the way to the right (for both on power as on battery, as currently its unclear what windows think you are running)?

Other thing you can try for your power problem:
- make sure the message i mentioned is Enabled
- remove power cord
- remove battery
- hold power button (still without power cord or battery) for at least 30 seconds
- leave out the battery, put in the cord, boot it up

 

I have it set to the absolute max brightness in every possible application: Alienware Fusion, Windows, etc. and yet the max brightness is still ridiculously dim. The power issue also is still prevalent after doing the 30 second reset.. looks like I'm gonna try and get a new PSU..

 

Keep us updated so we can provide you with more community support where needed

 

Will do. Thanks for the quick responses!

 

It still seems to me like a faulty PSU, have you tried flashing the computer's BIOS to the latest version?
Also a power drain could help.

 

Already mentioned I flashed a new bios The bios I flashed is the one straight from the Dell Alienware support site. I also tried flashing A02 back to it, but that didn't solve the issue either. I'll do a full power drain and post back with results