M11x Distorted line Issues.

So I've had my M11x R2 for about a year, and just about 2 weeks ago my Laptop will randomly have these strange discolored lines in rows across the screen. I read somewhere that this is a sign the Graphics card is dying out... What should I do.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/604625-m11x-r2-screen-horizontal-lines-issue.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ion-after-going-into-standby-hibernation.html

 

I was gonna link those! But yeah, check those threads out, Mr. josh roberts and I are active on both threads.

 

Problem is, Laptop has been out of warranty for like 4 days now.. So AW Tech support wont even talk to me until I want to fork over $89 =.= So Most likley, I'll need to get a new Mobo..

 

My warranty expires in three days. D: Check if you can still renew your warranty for $200. I have that option, but do you have it once it's expired?

 

I have the same issue. Is this a widespread issue with the R2?

 

Same issue for me too. Had it since I received my R2 in March.

 

I got an email to renew it for $300 But that would probably be about how much It would cost me to replace it myself.

 

So now I have to decide either to try and re-open my warranty, then call and complain.. Or to just bring my M11x to the repair shop. >.<

 

Renew the warranty. That way, you can repair more than the motherboard.

What's your BIOS version, by the way?

 

How do I tell?

 

Press F2 when it starts up.

 

Bios Version: A03

 

Just had my Motherboard replaced due to this issue, I will let my computer idle a couple times and see if it is fixed. (repost)

 

Just had my LCD replaced due to this issue...first time it idled, it had the same lines on the display.

Josh, it will be interesting to get your report.

Cheers.

 

Hey guys,

I used AlienRespawn to reset my M11x to factory settings. My hard drive was acting all funny. Anyway, the screen lines issue is gone for me. Killed two birds with one stone.

 

Only problem is If i Re spawn my Laptop I lose all my game installs, which is just the time to re install I dislike. :/

 

In addition, It seems like the left hinge has popped out of place, as when I close my laptop I can manually push the screen back into place with a small pop. this makes me want to re-up my warranty and have the repair man fix this while he is fixing my screen. :|

 

Been getting those same lines over the last week or so. Seems worst when I turn the screen off (using nircmd) and on again.

Uninstalled the intel and nvidia driver making sure to check the delete driver box in device manager.
Then downloaded latest intel driver Intel® HD Graphics and an older nvidia driver which i know works from a while ago 258.96 WHQL
You'll also need the moded .inf from nvdm.zip

Reinstalled the above and all has been ok so far. Will update here if it fails again...

 

I isolated the problem to the Nvidia drivers. Using the stock drivers or the 257.30 (Dell official), I don't have the screen lines issue. With 266.58 and later, I get the screen lines. If you install 266.58 or a later driver, then downgrade to an older driver, you'll still have the screen lines issues, even if you clean the registry and all.

The only option to get rid of the lines is a clean install or to use AlienRespawn to return to factory settings.

Hope this solves the problem once and for all!

 

So you are sure this is NOT a problem with the graphics card or the mobo?

 

Not for me, at least. Do a clean install, upgrade the drivers to 257.30, and see if you still have the problem.

 

how might I clean install?

 

This is a issue with the Intel Graphics driver that was pushed out via Windows Update. I had the same issue a few months back. Go to Intel's site and get the latest driver and see if that fixes your issue.

Good Luck

 

As far as I'm concerned a clean install is certainly NOT required. I've had nvidia's 266.58 and 280.26 installed. Was getting corruption with both. So last night i uninstalled the intel and nvidia drivers and updated intel to the latest from intel website and an older version nvidia driver. Not had any prob since and I could pretty much get the fault to happen whenever I wanted before. I'm still testing but seems completely sorted now. See my earlier post for more details.

 

yes, great call, idlehand.

 

Guys, I had my mobo and screen replaced but the problem was actually with the Dell supplied intel hd graphics driver. There was nothing wrong with the Nvidia drivers at all.

As soon as I upgraded my Intel HD driver (from Intel, not Dell) the problem was fixed as has not reoccurred.