M17x Caps lock flashing, Scroll & Num lock stay on - BIOS post code

Hello, I tried to search the forum & google, but can't seem to find the answer.

Recently, when i turn on M17x, on the upper left corner, the caps lock indicator keeps flashing, while the scroll lock & num lock are both on (but stay still). Once i restart the machine, the issue disappears.

I believe this is one of BIOS post code error? but i can't find the document anywhere.

I wonder what's the problem with my machine?

 

Try re-seating the memory. If that doesn't work, pull 1 module and boot. May have a bad module but I'm guessing a re-seat will take care of it. If still no dice, contact support.

http://support.dell.com/support/top...6A84A558B15480BFE040AE0AB6E16C8F&doclang=en#3

 

Along with Batboy's post you can also go into diagnostics, F12 at Bios screen and see if those tests will return any errors.

I had the video post code which is different from yours and the diagnostics returned an error.

 

Thanks for the website & the tip!

 

Excellent suggestion Gadget! Arsenal, if you download this diagnostic package and install it to a USB Flash drive, you can boot from it and run a whole suite of memory tests to confirm or rule out memory being the cause. This is a very handy tool to have on a USB flash drive when problems arise. I have a 1GB set aside for this purpose and it sits in my Orion Messenger Bag.

 

um, i have a 64-bit OS, does it matter?

 

Nope - does not matter. You boot from the USB drive - its not a tool you run in windows.

 

It can also happen sometimes if your CPU is OC'ed. If you revert to the stock clocks it will be ok.

 

Don't remember if it is the same code I got or not. Have you recently disassembled your laptop? If so you may need to reseat the monitor cable, Is it possible that you may have also forgotten to turn the lock screw on the CPU? Maybe it wasn't locked completely and somehow managed to pop unlocked.

 

Oh, yes, i DID OVERLOCK my CPU!

Are you sure it's exactly the caps lock flashing while num lock & scroll lock stay still?

 

No, I never disassemble my M17x before

By the way, I did perform the Diagnostis from USB stick as Gadget & BatBoy suggested. Surprisingly, it passed ALL the memory test without any problem!

However, I manage to re-produce the problem

When I go to BIOS and DISABLE Quick Boot, and ENABLE BootSummary at start up, the system will perform an extended RAM test when computer is turned on. Whenenever the number counts to 700, the caps lock will flash

I opened M17x, re-seat 2 rams, indeed i even swapped them but the problem persists. I am confused.

 

Can anyone with M17x-R1 go to BIOS, disable QuickBoot, enable Summary Boot and see if it gets past the Extended Memory Check please

 

I remember the num lock stay still and the caps lock flashing, but I'm not sure about the scroll lock (maybe it was flashing too).
Anyway, in my case bringing the FSB back to 1066 was the solution.
You can try it.

 

Yes, i DID, but no chance, the caps lock will flash when extended memory checking is running

 

Did you try removing the touch panel and re-seating back the connector? It probably won't help but worth a try anyway.

 

Can anyone perform an extended RAM test at startup (disable Quick Boot in BIOS) and see if it can get past 670M please

 

Although we have different memory, I'll try it now. Be back in a bit with results.

EDIT: disabled QuickBoot. I always have the summary option enabled. I don't like seeing the OEM boot logo and prefer the old school look

Anyway, with QuickBoot disabled I also see the behavior you mentioned. There is nothing wrong. Just leave quickboot enabled.

 

OH, THANKS A LOT BATBOY!

I actually just got off the phone with an Alienware tech, and he confirms that their M17x machine has exactly the same problem as mine.
Whenever QuickBoot is disabled, Caps lock will flash.
And now you confirm it too!

OMG, it's a HUGE relief I nearly smash my M17x yesterday after countless time trying to swap RAMs, etc...

Perhaprs they should fix it in the next BIOS release?

 

Well, let's allow them to focus on the main issues first but yes, you are right. This is something which should be looked at by their BIOS team.

Glad all is fine now. Don't worry... Be Happy! hahaha

 

you can't imagine how desperate i was yesterday. As you probably know Caps lock flashing while Num & Scroll are ON is an indicator of MEMORY FAILURE.

And no-one in this forum had this issue before!

At least now I know every M17x-R1 has exactly the same problem as mine

Happy now + rep to you as the only person helps me to run the test

 

I had the same failure with lights flashing. When I called for support and told them my caps & scroll was flashing ( 2 on the thop left), I was told it was the GPU's. Was told a tech was going to come but argued till they offered me a replacement system. Hope this helps!

 

I just finshed a fresh OS install, and mine does the same thing.

 

Nevermind...found another post on this problem.

 

hi,
i recently bought an alienware 17x q2c 9000q.my battery wouldnt charge since the day i bought the system and so i contacted the alienware tech support service and the 1st tech person told me to upgrade my bios to A05 and that my problem would be solved.I did as he asked,only to my despair the battery still wouldnt charge.
The error in specific was at boot up saying " the type of wattage and adapter not identified.Please insert a compatible adapter" and press f1 to resume or f2 to enter bios setup...there in the bios setup the bios wouldnt show the adapter type.
Then i called back again only to revise the problem with another tech support person and he adviced to DOWN GRADE the bios to A02 and i asked specifically will this damage my computer and he assured me that it was written specifically for alienware 17x system.
I did as he asked ...burnt the new "A02" iso on to a dvd and was sure that the dvd wasnt corrupt but when i rebooted my system with primary boot from dvd well it started Flashing my bios to A02 and almost towared its end the system seemed to have hanged.i waited patiently for 1 hr but to my horror the system had completely hanged and i didnt know what to do next.
I did the UNFORGIVABLE ....i pulled out the power cord (as the power button wasnt responding either) and placed it back in and since THEN CAPSLOCK KEEPS FLASHING with the numblock and scoll lock switched on.
Only the FN+F12 respond to the mouse pad light.
I then inserted the bootable A05 dvd (which i had previously used for flashing my bios from A04) and it didnt do anything and i cant even eject it since the touch buttons at the left top corner aren't responding.
The screen doesn't display ANYTHING AT ALL.
I tried the usb flash with unetbootin and A05 didnt work.
Tried exposing the cpu fan and right next to it (the coin cell battery) i took the plug out for it and placed it back in after doing the 30sec power drain with the battery pack out but still no response,i thaught the cmos (coin cell battery) if unplugged would reset the bios or something (coz when i was flashing the system ,it had backedup the previous version for the bios i.e. A05).
Can anyone help me (dont point to the tech support) also my warrenty is valid for 296 days.
Can anyone tell me is it possible to bargain/quarrel with the tech support for a new upgraded system (meaning an alienware 17xR2 or any other sort of upgarde).As it was a moron tech support guy who actaully adviced me to DOWN GRADE the bios in the 1st place...(in short how much can i bargain for ...as it a new system and its probably fried up now .....)
Please respond to this at [email protected] .Awaiting your sincere advice regarding the solution and upgrade bargain.thankyou