M17x R2: Far left keyboard panel does not display blue

Hey Guys and Girls,

I thought I would create a thread to get some input on my M17xR2 keyboard backlight issue.

A while ago (months) I worked on my laptop (nothing unusual) and put it all back together. When I turned on the laptop I noticed that the far left section of my keyboard was no longer showing any backlight (usually set to dark blue).

After some investigation it appears that it is only blue that is affected on that one section. Therefore, this is affecting all colours that rely on blue (light blue etc) however, all other colours work fine (red, yellow, green etc).

Troubleshooting wise, the first step that I performed was to reseat the keyboard and make sure that there was no damage to either the cables or the connectors. There was none and this did not make a difference. Also, considering how often I have ripped apart the laptop since the issue appeared, I don't believe it is a seating issue.

I have also created different colour schemes in Command Centre and reset the settings to default. Plus my computer has had Windows reinstalled countless times since the incident and I am always sure to install the latest Command Centre.

The next step for me was to assume that the keyboard itself was faulty. So I called Dell and they promptly sent out a replacement the next day(love the support ). Excited, I installed the keyboard and to my dismay the exact same issue is there.

My next conclusion was that it must the connector on the motherboard, however I have had a very good look with a torch and could not see any bent pins or anything out of the norm.
I have also reflashed my BIOS multiple times since and this has had no impact (don't know if it would?!?) and I have performed a power drain.

Is it possible that this could be related to the firmware for the Command Centre? Is there a way to reflash or restore this firmware?
Also, which cable on the back of the keyboard is responsible for the lights? The thick one or the thin one?

Clearly I have left it for a long time since it has occured and been content with changing my keyboard colour to red, however I thought I would have another crack at it and get some input from my fellow enthusiests

 

I'm no expert, but if you are under warranty (assuming, since they sent you a new keyboard), have them come look at it. Actually, didn't think about it, but do they do home repairs in the UK? That way you'd have a guy there that can inspect the whole system for it and other problems.

 

I have thought about that, but my system is but a shadow of it's former self so I would rather keep all Dell technicians away until i reaaaallllyyy need them to come out.

In that case I would revert everything

 

Ah, now that I look at your sig, I see that, lol. That technician would open it up and be like "WHAT ARE YOU?!"

 

hahahaha yeah, and the laptop is like "Kiiiilllllll Meeeeeeee"

 

Seems like I have done all that is logical. lack of response imply the worse. something faulty in the mobo....what can you do other then turn your keyboard to <== red and just be comfortable with that

 

this happened to me about a week ago when I re pasted the cpu, I have no idea what caused it, mine is the middle-left light ( no blue) and the far left ( no blue) I can tell you however its the small cable that controls the lights as I opened mine and fiddled around with power on.

I was just about to buy a new keyboard until I read this thread......damn it now I am unsure about it again.

Douse you have stated you have already done a complete reinstall of command center right? as that was the next thing I was going to try.

 

Yeah I have done so, along side with a format of Windows.

 

If parts of the keyboards is not lighting up, the problem is usually one of the connectors that connect the keyboard to your system.
Check both cables, make sure they're sitting properly in their connectors. (Personal experience.. )

Secondly, check that all sections of your keyboard is actually told to light up through your Alienware software.


Thirdly, - If its still not working, try to uninstall the Alienware software (This will make your keyboard light up all the time, without the abillity to be shut off)


Still not working? Oh well, then its probably an hardware-related problem.. (Damaged keyboard? (Water-damage??), damaged connectors?)

- Scott.

 

Cheers Scott,

I have tried reseating numerous times but no luck

There hasn't been any water damage and the keyboard has already been replaced. Must be a damaged connector on the mobo itself.