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    M11x R1 suddenly No Post / No Boot / No Beeps/ Bios fail?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by tvtripper, Nov 6, 2011.

  1. tvtripper

    tvtripper Newbie

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    Hi,
    Grateful for any guidance I can get.

    My M11x suddenly will not boot at all.

    The symptoms are exactly as described here.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/529859-how-recover-m11x-bad-bios-flash.html
    "it will turn on and all the cool guy LEDs will breifly flash and the keyboard will remain lit and doing whatever you had it set to last... However, there will not be any video or HDD activity. The fans will operate if you leave it on for a long time, and the power button LEDs know if the computer is on AC, Battery, or charging. No boot, no POST, no beeps, nothing. "​


    But I have not updated the BIOS.
    Is it possible for Bios to suddenly fail, without attempting any update? I haven't tried to tweak anything. I was using the laptop one day, and the next it wouldn't boot. Open to any ideas. I've done the normal checks of reseating hardware, etc.
    Thanks!
    S
     
  2. Descalzo

    Descalzo Notebook Evangelist

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    First things first: is it under warranty?
     
  3. tvtripper

    tvtripper Newbie

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    No, this laptop is out of warranty. So nothing to lose. Please give me any suggestions. Thanks!
     
  4. deadboy90

    deadboy90 Notebook Evangelist

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    Huh. well give ajslay's BIOS recovery a try, ill try to find you the link
     
  5. ajslay

    ajslay Overclocker, PC Builder

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    its the link in my signature. hope it helps.
     
  6. deadboy90

    deadboy90 Notebook Evangelist

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  7. deadboy90

    deadboy90 Notebook Evangelist

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    oh damn you beat me to it! :)
     
  8. tvtripper

    tvtripper Newbie

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    Ok BIOS fix attempted with no result.
    I followed the steps, when the M11x AC power was plugged in it fired up as noted with the fan at high speed, but no beep, beeps or sounds otherwise.
    I let it run for several minutes and conditions didn't change, and the data light on the thumb drive never flashed.

    Please let me know any other options to try.
     
  9. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Sounds like you got a dead motherboard.

    Listen very very close to the bottom. You should heard very quiet beeps.
     
  10. some guy

    some guy Modding Addict

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    Have you tried draining all the power out of the board?

    Unplug the batt, AC adapter, ram.

    Hold the power button for 10sec

    Plug everything back in and power it up.
     
  11. tvtripper

    tvtripper Newbie

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    Yes, thanks. Had tried that initially as well. I really think it's the mobo being fockered. I remembered last night something that happened last week. Only did it once .....but indicative....
    I had just booted it up and was surfing the internet when the screen went all scrambled (like a bad tv signal) for about 3 seconds. Was concerned, but didn't think too much about it at the time as I was traveling. Tried to plug this into an external monitor, but also showed no signs of life.

    Anyway, I'm ready to write this POS off and close the chapter on what has been the single worst technology purchase of my life. This thing has been a total disappointment from the very beginning. Dell = Never Again.

    Anyone looking for an M11x for parts? All the components (minus suspect mobo) are like new. The monitor was replaced with the new R3 fixed version. Am I better to sell it as a brick, or part it out?? Sure would like to get back as much of the THOUSAND bucks :mad: I put into this turd as I can.

    Thanks all for the guidance.
     
  12. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    See my signature, I buy broken m11x computers
     
  13. tvtripper

    tvtripper Newbie

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    make me an offer I can't refuse...
    Includes original box and documentation.
     
  14. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Well, First I would need some info on it, I will PM you now about the computer.

    Edit, nevermind, you dont have enough posts yet to get private messages.

    Whats the overall condition of the outside.
    Any scratchs, scuffs, dents, cracks.
    How is the battery
    What cpu did it have in it su4300 or su7300
    bluetooth
    size of the hdd
    wwan card
    have the hinges been replaced
    are you the owner on dells system and can be transfered to me upon purchise
    does the screen have any marks, dead pixels or any flaws
    all the lights work
    what does the name tag on the bottom read
    where are you located
    how many gb of ram does it have



    Sorry, lots of questions, but they will define my offer.
     
  15. tvtripper

    tvtripper Newbie

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    You have a PM.
     
  16. tvtripper

    tvtripper Newbie

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    go figure.....
    After repeated attempts to test, reseat components and reboot I was convinced the mobo was dead. On a whim, one last try before breaking it down for parts sale, i thought of more thing. Removed 1 stick of RAM and it booted right up! Keep in mind I had reseated and swapped the RAM around already. For whatever reason, 1 stick did the trick. Shut down, reinstalled second stick and again it booted right up. All is working normally and all system checks came out clean.
    Any thoughts, is this a glitch or an indication of another issue?
     
  17. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    whoohoo! good deal
     
  18. leo6love

    leo6love Notebook Consultant

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    i had the same issue few weeks ago, but mine still powered up :D, just try to reseat RAMs in many way and it worked again :D
     
  19. wskyee

    wskyee Notebook Enthusiast

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    My alien sudden reboot and stop working and i heard 7 quiet beep on mobo.means that my mobo is brick right?
     
  20. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Sounds like it.