M17x-R2 AC Adapter Problem

I've brought this up in a few different threads, but never really asked the question as to what may be the problem. Alienware Support is obviously not open 24/7 as it's always undergoing maintenence when I get out of work.

The problem is that when I use my battery and plug the Comp back in it will either say "Plugged in not charging", or "please connect a supported AC adapter, the computer will continue running on battery power." I have to unplug it then plug it in roughly around 3 times before t will take a charge.

The other issue I have is that the alienhead will act like it is charging when the battery is on full charge.

I did get a chance to talk to Alienware support once and they sent me a new adapter, but the problem still exists. Just curious if anyone else has had this problem.

Also I have tried the whole unplug, remove battery, and hold down power button, as well as FN+F2 til it cycles to battery charging enabled. The comp is only about 3 weeks old so at least it's under warranty.

I have the 240V Charger
Part #:J938H

 

I hate those intermittent problems, they are so hard to pin down.

If you have a spare AC, try using it. Otherwise, call Dell about this problem, I'm thinking the AC adapter is on the fritz.

Mine burnt out within a month. Being where I am, it took almost another month for a replacement to get to me. Vowing to never let this happen again, I ordered 4 extras. Naturally, not a single AC adapter burnt out again. But either way, my purpose was accomplished

 

Dell did send me another one but the problem still exists...only took 1 day to get it...they did overnight it to me, but like I said neither one fixes this issue.

 

hello. I had this problem on my brand new R2 too. I just disabled Power Adapter Warnings in the BIOS, and I havent seen the problem since. You could also try updating to bios A05, as that is the one i'm using now and I still dont see this problem.

I dont need to be warned about using a wrong adapter, since i would never do that. Thats why i had no concern disabling the warning in the bios.

 

I've done both those things prior, to no avail. It's alienware's OSD that is informing about the wrong the adapter. Originally I didn't care that it was telling me that, but the whole issue with not charging the battery has me concerned.

 

In that case, I second Carewolf's solution. It's sounding more and more like a BIOS issue.

 

Hey guys, this problem cannot be fixed by a new AC adapter and cannot be fixed by a new motherboard. This was a massive problem with the Dell XPS M1730 and since dell cannot fix this problem they are now giving people replacement laptops- an Alienware M17x. Good to see Dell bringing their problem to Alienware. Best bet is to ask for a replacement computer. You will find your laptop running at a reduced speed when the AC adapter problem has happened on the computer as its Dells way of stopping people from being cheap and buying non Dell products.

You guys should look at http://getsatisfaction.com/dell/topics/xps_m1730_invalid_ac_adapter_cannot_be_determined