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    M17x won't boot and can't enter BIOS

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by MalteBlom, Mar 6, 2016.

  1. MalteBlom

    MalteBlom Newbie

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    Hey guys

    I'm in a real pickle at the moment and would really appreciate some assistance if you can help me out.

    About a year ago I replaced my GPU in my M17x, which was a difficult task requiring a lot of research and help from you guys. I got it done and had to install an unlocked vBIOS, and turn off my built-in audio for it to work.
    It all worked out, and I was happy for about 10 months until I had to buy a new charger because the old one broke. That worked, but now 2 months later there is trouble again.
    Only a couple of hours ago my laptop started popping up messages saying that the AC was connected, and then a second after that it was running on battery. After a few minutes it wouldn't even charge.
    So on the limited battery time I had, I frantically tried to:
    - Restart and power down.
    - Go into the BIOS and reset everything. (Huge mistake I think)
    - Then the laptop wouldn't boot so I tried removing the CMOS, holding down the power button for 30 seconds, and turning it on again by pressing the power button for 20 seconds.
    None of this have worked so far, and my laptop keeps running out of power while stuck on the boot screen.

    What do I do?
    I suspect that the problem is that when I replaced my GPU and changed the BIOS to an unlocked one, insydeH20 or something, I made sure to turn off the audio and such.
    Now that I reset it, I fear I ****ed up the already ****ed BIOS up even more.

    Here's the link to the 1-year old thread that I used to replace my GPU.
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/gtx-780m-for-m17x-r3.770052/

    Really hope you guys can help me out!!

    Best
    Malte
     
    MalteBlom, Mar 6, 2016
    #1
  2. Izen

    Izen Notebook Guru

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    It sounds like a poor soldering job on the power jack on the motherboard of the laptop. It's fairly common on the m17x r2. I'm not too sure about the m17x r3. But I've fixed a few m17x r2 motherboards with cold solder joint on the power jack.

    I understand from what you said that you're not too technical when it comes to taking it apart but what can do to check the power jack is to take the laptop apart, then locate the power jack and see if it wiggles at all. A properly soldered power jack shouldn't have any "play"/movement to it.

    Edit: Also maybe try booting it from the iGPU with the video card removed?
     
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2016
    Izen, Mar 6, 2016
    #2