M17x R4 - USB issue shutting laptop off

I have a new M17x R4.

When I try to put a USB into one of the left ports, if I try to put it in upside down and put just a little pressure on it (not very much), it will immediately shut the laptop off.

I've repeated this several times only having the laptop a couple of days.

Has anyone else encountered this? Any thoughts? I'm hoping it's something I can fix.

 

Not quite sure why you are trying to insert a USB device into a port "upside down" - any problems when trying to insert it the right way?.....it sounds like maybe the USB board could be loose and causing some kind of short.....

 

Yeah, you know just how when you put a USB plug in and sometimes you just have to flip it over because it's upside down? Haven't encountered an issue putting it in the right orientation but I've been really easy with it.

Just the pressure of pushing it into the slot the wrong way shuts the laptop down.

I'm thinking it is a likely short too, need to open up the case and see if anything shows up that looks obvious, like a loose cord or board. Not sure how they are access though, a lot easier if I don't have to go through the keyboard.

 

Exactly my thought, it's probably causing some sort of shortage.

Try connecting the USB the right way and if it gives you any trouble send me a PM and I'll take care of it.

 

I had a similar issue with mine only i did not have to put them in upside down to make that happen.

The problem i see with the OP and tons of other people is you cannot always tell which way you are inserting the plug so you really have to know which side is which just by the feel of it before plugging it in.

 

No solution Quadzilla? Looking online it looks like the board with the USBs holds much more in it. I'm hoping I can just tighten it down.

 

I went through all the trouble shooting on my own time and explained all that again to Alienware customer service which ultimately lead to 2 choices. 1. Get the motherboard replaced 2. have the whole system replaced .

Since i had just received the machine i really did not want to start swapping motherboards out but i was having the issue just plugging in things the correct way and also i am not saying your issue is not as severe in its own way because we have all plugged things in upside down numerous times in our lives and will continue to do so whether we want to or not.

 

Have a look at these teardown videos - courtesy of Brother Quagmire, and also HIDevolutions teardown - should help out with trying to fix yourself. If you don't fancy it, let Brother Luis take good care of you! :thumbsup:

 

There is only a handful of screws holding down the motherboard having taking apart a few R3's and R4's and nothing leading me to believe one screw not being there or secured is going to cause the issue.

He is not the first person to have this issue there was another exact thread a couple weeks ago with the same problem i had from the left side USB ports shutting down the machine and he was plugging them in the correct way as well.

 

Just an update to everyone - I tightened three screws on the motherboard and that seems to have fixed the issue for me.

Just the three that you can easily access with taking the bottom panel off. One was definitely loose and the other two (or one?) needed a bit of tigenting also.

Thanks for all of your advice.

EDIT: Hmmm I was played with the port and USB fairly gingerly, I should give it a bit further testing tonight...

 

i have the exact same issue, a little pressure and it shuts off.

 

This is what I did, and it seems to have fixed the issue.

I was already in there installing an SSD - I noticed there were a few deeper holes for screws in the black plastic case over the motherboard (if the system is sitting where the battery slot is the 'top', it's the left side. I tightened them up (they were definitely loose) and the issue seems better.

 

will give this a shot, thanks

 

Great news that you seem to have resolved it. I thought that maybe it was that the USB board wasn't quite tightened down enough. See how she goes, be a bit rough even to test it out fully......fingers crossed, problem solved.