M17x r4 Multiple Issues. Some keys not working, wifi keeps on disconnecting, and battery is loose.

Hello, up until a couple of months ago I've been a very happy r4 owner.

I recently started to use wifi - before I just used Ethernet, I've found that my wifi card appears to be faulty. The connection drops often. I've tried older drivers, the latest and even removed the drivers completely. The same happened when I had Windows 7,I did a fresh install of windows 8, and currently when reverted back to a fresh copy of windows 7.
So nothing seems to work in that respect wifi wise...


Also recently I've transported my r4. When it's running on battery power, if I push the battery underneath, or hold it in that position the laptop just turns off. Seems like a loose connection, but haven't actually transported before at all so was unaware that this issue existed.

Yesterday my d key stopped working, along with several keys on my numpad, delete, enter...
I did a system restore, still no luck. It's not a software issue since I tried a bluetooth keyboard.
I've found that when I put the laptop on the stand, when the back cover is pressed against the laptop itself, the keys work fine. But once I lift it up, those keys do not respond.
My back panel is loose and can be removed entirely without any unscrewing. I have opened it two times in total since ownership and didn't damage the thead on the screws but it seems to have gone.

My laptop has not been involved in any accidents, pretty much just staying on a desk. No drops, falls of any sort.

Please see the pictures attached.

I purchased a 3 year warranty / accidental damage so I can call Dell, but I'm really not sure why this has happened and I need to get this sorted asap! Would the whole laptop have to be replaced? Since it's pretty much the whole casing, and I guess I'd get my wifi card swapped out.

Any help?

 

Firstly i am sorry to hear this, but the good part is you have 3 years accidental damage. This should be really easy and should get sorted ASAP.

Coming to your problems - it appears to me that you have a Killer wireless 1103 card. It has been notorious to cause WIFI issues there is a big thread on the main alienware forum where people have discussed the various solutions. It might help to look there. I have personally posted the solution that works for me best with Windows 8.

Did you drop any form of liquid on your keys ? The symptoms you describe seems like something fell on your keys. Well anyways don't worry that can be fixed easily. Needs a new keyboard.
About the battery not fitting i've read that before i am not sure how the Support will deal with it, but i am sure they will sort this out.

They might just give you a replacement. I can't vouch for it though. Your best bet is to reach out to them and tell them what suits you best and work out a solution with them.

hope that helps.

 

Yes, specs are in my signature.
So the killer wireless is a crappy card? Can't believe I paid more to upgrade...

Also I haven't dropped any form of liquid on it, I do take good care of the laptop so not sure how it happened.

I've spent lots of time talking to dell support before for hardware issues with previous laptops. Plenty of hours sadly. Will give them a call, cue plenty of :cry:

 

Here's the link to the Killer wireless discussion link
Well its a crappy card or not is debatable. i would not get into that.

If your saying you din't drop anything, it seems weird the keys don't work. If your brave enough try to remove the keys and see if they don't have physical contact with the pad below. try this at your own risk. If i were you i would wait for the technician to show up.

The customer service for Alienware has been really good for me, i had a tech come in the next day to fix a small problem for me, it went really smooth. hope it works out well for you. The support structure is strongest if you are located in the US.

 

The Ribbon cable for the keyboard could be loose, have you tried to reseat it? Either way use the warranty you paid for.

 

Don't want to take it apart at this stage. I'll give them a call and see what they will do.
Unsure why the screw holes are completely worn out. I rarely use my touchpad, and the left key has seemed to dip quite a bit - is this a common thing with r3/r4's?

 

You may send us an e-mail with your issue to [email protected]. We'll review it and help you as much as we can.

 

Hi, just an update. My keyboard + touchpad were replaced, along with the back casing. So the keyboard issue is resolved.

The wifi issue is partly fixed by changing settings to what was suggested in another thread. It works much better now, and hasn't really disconnected.

 

Good to know it has been fixed