The top right buttons in my Alienware M17x R4 don't work.

Hey. I recently got my Alienware M17x R4 and I found out even from the very beginning that the top right buttons don't work at all. I've never used them and just thought that it would suck not to be able to use those buttons like the volume and stuff. It really sucks because I had it hand carried here to the Philippines and I cannot bring it back to Dell in the US. I was hoping some of you have had some luck fixing this on your own and that you could help me. Thanks and it is much appreciated.

 

Can't help specifically but if they are not working at all then you may have some hardware issue (even if it's as simple as a single connector). How do you eject dvd's? Try putting one in and restarting the machine. You should be able to eject it by spamming the eject key during boot. If this does not work then it can't be software.

FYI, You can change your warranty to your local country. Dell allow this, just search for international warranty transfer @ dell. Don't know how good the support there is but at least it's worth a try

 

Download and install the OSD program from Dell Support, pretty sure that's your issue. Had the same problem with my R3 until I did that and it resolved it.

 

Yeah that's what I thought at first. I just right click on the drive and click eject. I'll try to do that. Thanks for the help!

The OSD program? I'll try that then. I'll update you if it works!

 

Yep, specifically I could not eject CD's from my drive using the buttons across the top right until I downloaded and installed that program.

 

Dang it still doesn't work. This sucks. I mean, it really is a hassle to have it fixed and for it not to work. Anyone have other things that helped?

I already tried the power drain thing and still didn't work. I haven't tried the uninstalling the OSD, updating the BIOS and reinstalling the latest OSD. What do you guys think?

 

I don't think doing anything with the BIOS is going to help you here. One other option would be to take the computer apart and make sure the cable is connected properly. If you look for any post by Mr. Fox he has a link in his signature that will lead you to a long list of posts. You can find a video there showing you how to take your laptop apart and put it back together. It's much easier than it sounds and shouldn't take all that long to do. That's probably the next item I'd check on.

 

If your talking about the touch sensitive keys on the indicator hinge then uninstalling command centre and doing a power drain fixes them, simply reinstall the LATEST version of command centre

 

Hmm it's weird to me because when I reinstalled Windows on my M17x, the eject button works without the OSD program. I don't remember if I already have the Command center at that time but probably no The OSD program is just supposed to show you the status? Whether the button works or not probably depends on the hardware. I think you should double check the cable. Or if you don't feel comfortable taking your M17x apart, try to call for a rep. GL !

 

I had a similar problem with those function keys on my new R4. Except for the wifi and Alien FX buttons they were basically without function. I had to press the other buttons really hard (like in feeling like breaking my new laptop hard) to get any function out of them.

Taking apart the keyboard cover, disassembling these keys and putting them back together fixed this for me. They are working like a charm now.

Like SlimShady mentioned there's a post here with many links on how to take apart your machine, there also are a few vids on YouTube and you could just look into your manual - since you are supposed to work your way under the keyboard if you want to upgrade your laptop this does not void warranty.