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    USB Issue

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Prasad, Jun 27, 2012.

  1. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    Guys, I'm having a major problem with my new M17x. It just started today, as I began to notice it, but the USB ports are failing (?) as far as I can tell, only the last one on the right, the hybrid e-SATA/USB port towards the screen, with the charge symbol seems to power any USB device. Neither my mouse nor my hard drive (which stops spinning up after a few seconds) work on any of the other 4 USB ports. Any advise? Also, what is that power charge symbol on the hybrid port supposed to mean?
     
    Prasad, Jun 27, 2012
    #1
  2. GaryBray

    GaryBray Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've not got an Alienware laptop, I intend to buy one soon. But are the USB ports USB 3.0? I know that on my desktop PC you need to install drivers to get these to work. You don't happen to have uninstalled these drivers do you? If not then you may have a driver conflict issue. Have you installed or updated any other drivers recently? Try and install the drivers from the cd again, if you have it handy, as they may be corrupted.
     
    GaryBray, Jun 27, 2012
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  3. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    Yes, they're USB 3.0. And as for my issue, I installed the drivers again and all is well!
     
    Prasad, Jun 27, 2012
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  4. Support.4@XOTIC PC

    Support.4@XOTIC PC Company Representative

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    The power charge port is a USB power source, that you can power items when the computer is off or in sleep mode. This an AC powered USB source.
     
    Support.4@XOTIC PC, Jun 27, 2012
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  5. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    Thanks! :) +rep.
     
    Prasad, Jun 27, 2012
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  6. Andycinoz

    Andycinoz Notebook Consultant

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    I seem to be getting an issue when I have more than 2 USB devices attached - it disconnects one of the devices (usually my mouse)

    Would reinstalling the drivers fix it?
     
    Andycinoz, Jun 28, 2012
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  7. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Prasad, you should be able to change how your USB ports work/charge by entering bios and changing the option to whatever suits you best. Without checking, I think you can elect to turn charging on/off for either a/c & battery etc.

    I am not sure if its the same for the 17x (I imagine it would be) but my 18x is a little fussy....if I have things connceted and I power off whilst plugged in, the devices stop charging/working. If I flick the power off and then back on at the wall, they start charging/working without booting the machine.

    I know this is working for me using the USB 2.0 ports where I have my cooler plugged in because the cooler comes on before I boot the machine when I simply turn off and back on at the wall.
     
    steviejones133, Jun 29, 2012
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