Power problem

So far I've been checking my m17x to see if there are any problems. Well, I noticed that even though the laptop is plugged in I randomly get the notification in the middle of my screen "Battery" then after 1 sec it changes back to "AC Power" This happens randomly and for about maybe 4-7times now after receiving it from dell yesterday. Also happens even though the computer is on idle because when I come back to the computer I see the msg "for optimal battery life, press fn+f7 to switch to integrated graphics" that means at some point the computer has been unplugged but it wasnt at all... Anybody have an idea why this is happening?

 

Did you tweak your cable? Do you wrap it in a bundle around your power brick? or jam it in a bag? Does it get pulled on while it's plugged it? I had this happen with another computer due to wear and tear from not giving the cable enough slack. My personal issue or does that help? Could just be a loose wire inside the cable.

 

Maybe a loose cord or motherboard port connection.
Try changing power outlet too.
See if the blue light around the cord stays on all the time.

 

Yeah my fear is you tweaked the MOBO port. I didn't want to plant the seed but that will happen with too much stress on the cord while it's plugged in. Take the other advice first, the machines can take some damage so check the cords and the brick before entering the dark reality of of a broken port connection. Quick fix under warranty either way

 

I will try your suggestions, I will report back and see if I solve the problem. Also I dont think its a loose mobo port because if I move it around a little bit while plugged the laptop is still charging, and cable isnt wrapped and blue light stays on all the time.

 

I am having this EXACT problem on my current M17x R3 and this is even after the mobo and screen were replaced by a tech. This is the same computer I received an 18x replacement for. Before the mobo and screen were replaced I had this problem as frequently as you. Now it doesn't happen as often but it still does.

Are you noticing that when you run on battery power your screen has slight dimming and brightening? I'm talking about small fluctuations not big ones, almost like something is drawing power from the screen and in turn its slightly dimming or brightening.

I'm wondering if its software related or potentially a bad batch of hardware?

 

WOW it happened 2 times now thats in 2 hours... I tired the suggestions posted still non worked. Is there a possibility that a ram upgrade caused this?

And Riftwire I havent tried my laptop on battery yet, I will maybe later and ill keep you posted.

This is what exactly my problem: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/603050-annoying-ac-battery-problem.html

I will contact dell and see if a replacement ac adapter can be sent, because according to the thread above it fixed the issue.

 

Before I sent my original 17x R3 back I tested its power adapter with the one that is having this issue and it never solved the problem for me =/. The first computer had a host of other issue however this wasn't one so the power adapter should have been perfectly normal.

 

With alienware support atm... after getting transfered allover the place lol, anyways they asked me for my bios and I said A09! What I know is the latest is A08 and the tech support person didnt even know there is a a09 but now he is asking their engineering dept if there is indeed a a09 because he is doubting me and hes saying that that might be the problem with my power issues soo yea ill post back on whats going to happen.



OK they said to reflash bios to A08 because the engenerring dept said its not even released yet. And the tech said that might be causing the problem. Anyways Ill reflash later and see what happens...

 

mp5,
keep us updated, very interesting. Hope it works out once you go to a08. I am receiving my m17x tomorrow, hoping I dont have to go through the same thing.... good to know though

-Tim

 

I'm on A08 and have the problem, so I doubt that's your problem, just more evidence of Dells fantastic compartmentalizing.

 

Same as me ,,
and it give a lot of lags in game...

 

I flashed a08 I haven't experienced my issue YET! lol Hopefully not.

Sadly after replying to this thread it happened again!!! Its pissing me off. AlienwareFreakz, your problem is the same exact thing thats happening to me, the battery then ac power etc...?

EDIT: I placed a camera behind my laptop and guess what i saw!? I saw that the blue light on the ac port fades out when the OSD "battery" msg pops out then fades back in when the "ac power" msg pops out SO Im pretty sure it is my adapter now. Thank god it was only that.

 

yes exactly the same with me..

but it's been fixed,i bought a new charger

 

Nice, hopefully mine will get fixed once the replacement adapter comes. Why did you buy one? You could've just called dell and they will replace it.

 

My replacement came in today so far its good, no power loss and etc.

 

That's great, hopefully it will cause you no more problems.

 

mp5,
Glad you got a new power supply. I will keep an eye on mine. Also, glad it wasnt traced back to the new a09 bios.

-Tim