M11xR1 Troubleshooting Thread

Mine is working great and has been totally stable and performs great, love it as well, but do have this same question. My right hinge "clicks" a bit as well occasionally when I move the screen a bit. Sounds kind of like two pieces of plastic slightly catching on each other and "clicking" as they rub. Movement and stability is fine, curious though who else has this issue and if it's just normal or might be an issue. Thanks

Once again, awesome machine!

 

It was Driver problem updated to DOX's
Thanks

 

mine doesnt make any sound while moving. thats pretty strange

 

close your lid and then look at the machine from behind. on both hinges, slightly push in the lower half of the hinge. They're 2 plastic pieces i think, so yeah, creaktown sometimes.

 

did alien fx have something to do with adjusting the brightness setting? my brighter and dimmer keys show up on the display but do not change the brightness.

 

abused - my alienFX is exited out but brightness still works fine. So not sure what the issue is there.

 

I only had it in OC mode for about half a day, but I would get reboots while web browsing downloading NZBs. Nothing super intensive, and it happened in both graphics modes.

 

I'm using DOX and love them, but I'm no longer able to switch via the Fn+F6, I gotta rightclick the green icon in the taskbar and go from power saver to high performance.

 

fn f6 is not working for me either. I just started to get to know mine this weekend, and although it worked at first it just decided to give my this increase power message with the toaster.exe. message.

So now I have to do this in order to switch graphics.

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19321436.aspxToaster.exe Causes Graphics Mode Switching to Be Non-Functional
There is an application called Toaster.exe that is part of DataSafe local that when running, will cause switching between discreet and integrated graphics to fail. The user will get an error message when trying to switch between graphics modes. The message will state that the process Toaster.exe needs to be closed before the graphics switch can occur. To solve this issue:
* Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del
* Click Start Task Manager
* Click the Processes Tab
* Scroll down and select Toaster.exe
* Click End Process
* Restart the computer

Realtek HD Audio Manager Default Not Set Correctly
Recording quality may be poor on an Alienware M11x. To resolve this, do the following:
* Open the Realtek HD Audio Manager
* Click on the Microphones tab
* Check the boxes for Noise Suppression and Acoustic Echo Cancellation

 

Yes, that is what is happening to me as well, the bluse screen is there, we just don't see it because of instant reboot.

Mine will sometimes go for 15 minutes, and sometimes will reboot immediately after Windows logs in. It is all random, and I have not found anything that is the express cause, nor a fix.

I am considering replacing it, seeing how I am used to very fast processors, and was counting on the oc to work flawlessly. Though I plan on buying the M11x refresh when it comes out, and selling this one, without the OC option, I wonder if I will be able to resale it as easy.

 

steve - I dunno man, I would get a replacement unless they know what specific part to replace. My OC has been flawless since day one, haven't turned it off since I got it. Also if you plan on selling down the line, the OC option will help potential buyers. Might as well... I think you can get a replacement sent w/o downtime either on a computer.

 

Hey everyone!
I have what appears to be a dead pixel on the bottom center/right part of my screen. I've never had a dead pixel before but it pretty much is white, BUT sometimes its the color it should be(not dead) and sometimes its like a little white star.
SO does this sound like a dead pixel problem or what?
Thanks!

 

if it has a color it could just be a stuck pixel. you can use a program to fix stuck pixels

 

I assume white is considered a color then? Never heard of "stuck" pixels before... what are they (besides the obviousdefinintion)
Yeah this thing is the correct color like 75% of the time, and then just is white the rest.
What kind of solutions are out there?
Thanks for the help!

 

So then, do I just call them and tell them that when I oc it crashes, and ask for a replacement?

I am not sure if they will just give me a replacement just for that. However I do feel that I am getting the short end of the stick for the price I paid.

Also, what do you mean by no down time? Will they send me a new one and then I send them back this one?

 

steve - from what I believe yes they'll have one built for you, sent and upon receipt you mail your current one back. At least that's what I've heard if you get a good rep etc. If homebrewer could get a refund without issue for the same problem, I don't see why you couldn't get a replacement since Dell will be keeping your money instead of a refund.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaTTjJncONI

try running that video a couple times. Dont watch the screen while its running...not responsible for seizure >>

just run the video a couple times over the stuck pixel to see if it will fix

 

Has anyone been successful in getting the wireless to work with a Linksys WRT54GL or comparable router? I've spent about 3 hours+ trying to get the wireless to work with no success.

Other devices work via wireless just fine, it's just my M11x w/DW1520 that's having problems. Starting to think I may have a flaky card.

Win7 Ult, btw.

 

By disabling AlienFX has anyone had success quieting the fan? Are there any drawbacks or issues caused by this?

 

Can you connect to other networks, or is this a problem limited to your own network?

 

Can connect to the wireless ap at my office. So far those are the only two networks I've attempted to connect to.

 

IMHO - disabling this application on startup has helped immensely, as it consistently pegged the CPU(s) for 8-10% utilization - no matter what (from monitoring via procmon - the application consistently was reading from the registry over and over again and getting a "BUFFER TOO SMALL" error). With that process alone - sitting on my desk - the machine constantly switched on/off the fan every few minutes.

However - I must also note that there appears to be a difference if you clean boot into the IGP and don't switch into discrete mode. In these instances, the fan rarely (if ever - especially if it's a cold boot) switches on except when the CPU is under a heavy load (or the system is set to "high performance"). When I've done this - I've actually heard the fan come on - but at a MUCH lower speed (as expected/should). When I've switched from IGP to NVIDIA and back - it's as though the unit still believes the system has the NVIDIA running and it's constantly running the fan to cool it down.

So - recap:

- Boot to IGP / Balanced Mode / Fan rarely comes on, if ever - noticed some lower RPM fan activity. For the most part - this is the mode I keep it in the majority of the time.
- Boot to IGP / Power Mode / Fan comes on occasionally - depending on airflow to the unit and/or applications/CPU activity.
- Boot to IGP / Power Mode / Swap to NVIDIA - play games, etc. Fan is ALWAYS on - when not playing games - Fan is consistently throttling on/off - fan doesn't "ramp up" like it does on my ATI 4850 in my Desktop.
- When swapping back to IGP (and balanced mode) from NVIDIA - given enough time (I've found also propping the rear-end of the unit up to allow more airflow helps) - it will eventually stop throttling the fan on/off. However, I've also noticed that by re-booting, most of the time, this will stop the fan from throttling as well.

I think everyone needs to remember - this unit packs a LOT of power in such a small form factor - that there IS going to be fan noise, especially depending on the type of activity you're running. The GT335M apparently heats up quite quickly as well (or the current BIOS is set extremely favorably to immediately begin cooling the system - which may be addressed in future revisions, not sure). You'll either need to get used to it - or ... return it/don't purchase the unit.

 

I'd have to agree, the fan noise issue is way over played in my opinion. I'm sitting here with my M11x and an HP TX2500 Tablet, and there's a night and day difference in fan/noise. The M11x is virtually silent compared to the HP, which is optimized and clean, and still runs the fan like a leaf blower half the time.

No complaints in my book, and if anybody sat down with these two machines, they would never complain about the m11x again...

Mine is virtually silent in windows at the desktop, and stays cool when gaming hard.... what more could we really want?

 

No they said that it wasn't a covered option as it worked fine when not overclocked so they wouldn't replace or repair so the only thing to do was a refund.

 

@h0M3bReW3r
that's really sad man!
But some1 here posted that its official mod tht dell provided... he even quoted the exact statement that unless u use any 3rd part program to OC it still is under warranty.

 

That's what the tec rep said to me so I don't know, they don't know what there even doing

 

Ok guys i need some help, laptop is great everything fine and i love it, but my front left speaker light is gone dull as if the led is broken or something anybody any tips on how to fix this?

 

Brian,

Open up the AlienFX editor via the Command Center. From the menu, choose 'Close Theme'. Open the menu again and pick a different theme and hit apply. Exit the AlienFX editor and reboot the system.

If you still have an issue with LED brightness, its time to call Dell Support and have them troubleshoot.

 

Thanks Batboy. Might have to call support that didnt work for me.

 

Give them a call, its not going to hurt or cost you anything. You can also contact them via online chat. It happens - they'll make it right.

 

I have 3 Linksys WRT54GL routers with all of them running Tomato firmware. My M11x connects to all of em.

 

I dont want to send my laptop away though, and i m fairly sure it is a failure of some sort as it was working when it arrived. I can't afford to lose the laptop really, so i'm not sure how they can help me?

 

The problem I have with the fan is that Dell took the lazy way out and spent 5 minutes programming the cooling fan speeds. There is absolutely no reason why the fan has to spool up to such a high speed initially. I have tried a few different fan apps and was able to get the fan to spin reliably at a lower speed with no problems. Low enough that the fan was inaudible and the system stayed ice cold (integrated video/overclocked CPU). Dell needs to fix the fan so it doesn't cycle from 0 to 3200 RPM...there are other speeds in between. I swear it's like Dell's engineers have no common sense.

 

Yeah your led is broken they can blow pretty easily

 

@Homebrewer can i fix this without sending it back i wonder?

 

Never had one fail on me... and thats after using this theme frequently (thanks to DSlade!)
BTW, for those interested in the below theme file, it is only for the M17x however DSlade might be able to give you pointers in creating one for the M11x.

<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/tkful1axRC0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/tkful1axRC0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='580' height="360"></embed></object>

---------------

Brian,

You have onsite warranty I'm guessing. Just call them up and report it. They'll do a bit of troubleshooting and more than likely dispatch a tech to your location and do a quick change out. The only time you have to send in the unit for warranty work is if you opt for the Repair Depot coverage - which is not standard any longer as far as I am aware. The initial warranty today includes on-site repair. When calling support, ask them to confirm your warranty coverage details.

 

If you're in the US you probably have onsite repair included in your warranty. Give Dell a call to see I they will send someone.

 

hey guys, lots of useful help here, some of which I wish i had read earlier. i was having a number of software issues and ended up reinstalling windows using the disk that came with my machine. This of course just installed a normal version of windows. I have gone downloaded all the drivers and CC and everything seems to be working fine now, my only issue is the alienware startup screen and wallpapers are gone, is there any way to recover those? I realize that this is kind of trivial compared to other problems but any help would be appreciated.

Matt

 

Function key + whatever drivers are absolute crap. Brightness would not work sometimes, disabling battery doesn't even work, I am not even bothering with anything else.

 

Sleey0 has a link a collection of wallpapers, fonts, and avatars. Here's a link to one of his posts. You might want to give him a rep.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5377079&postcount=10

 

Just google Alienware wallpaper under the images tab,not the exact ones that shipped with the m11x however there are some nice ones

 

•Windows version: 7 Ultimate 64-bit
•Processor: SU 7300
•Amount of memory: 8gb
•HDD: 500gb
•What power state (saver, balanced, or performance)?: balanced

No one mention this problem here, so I guess I better start it.
Sometimes my webcam will not work, and sometime it will work. The problem comes and go. I tried reinstalling all the driver, but no luck.
Talk with the Dell tech support for more than 4 more and they did a lot of diagnose, reinstall driver, etc. Still no luck in fixing it. They say is not the driver problem, instead it was the hardware problem.
Someone from Dell will come to my place (onsite warranty) to fix the problem.
Will update on what he did.

 

What exactly is the behavior you are seeing with the webcam? You mention sometimes it works while other times it does not. Can you describe it?

 

Sometimes windows detect the webcam and works normally, but sometimes it says the webcam is being used by other software, or no webcam detected. I have to restart the computer a couple times to get my webcam back.

Well, this is my first alienware, and always thought alienware is defect-free, but i guess after 2006 everything change..

 

another problem i just found out.. the screw at the bottom of my m11x is completely loose... i think the screw wear off after the first time i opened the back of the laptop. Anyone know what is the screw size so that i can go to any hardware store to get the exact same screw?

 

Make sure you are not killing the webcam with the FN+F9 (may be different on the M11x keyboard). The FN key option basically disables or enables your webcam. Think of it as 'unplugging it'.

Just a thought.

Since the webcam is using the default windows driver, its not going to be a driver issue - its either with the cam being disabled via the FN key combo, the cam app you are using or it could be a HW issue. I think if it were a HW issue though, you would see it in Dev Manager.

Have you checked your Windows Error Log? See if there is anything in there relating to the webcam.

Concerning the screw, you have to be very careful - laptop screws are easily stripped. Not sure on size - I am going to guess, it will be tough to match. If it is stripped out, well... that is a problem.

 

i check the error log. nothing in there related to the webcam. there is no FN key for the webcam in m11x. what i suspect is aliensense causing the problem, but the tech guy say it is not because of aliensense, and he insist of the hardware.
well, we will see tomorrow.

 

Very interesting. Well thanks for that - I would've figured it had the FN command. FWIW, I have had AlienSense disabled from day 1 on the M17x. Never cared for it personally. I have also never had an issue with using the webcam - so, I'm leaning with the tech, I doubt it is due to Sense being disabled.

Hopefully it is resolved with the tech visit. Will watch for your 'after visit' post.

 

This happened to me too. The screw was not stripped rather the plastic hole the screw went into. Mine is being delivered back to Dell this week. I am trying to convince myself the Sony (new vaio Z) is worth the money... It is not working out tho...

 

Well my unit is acting up. Last night I finally got around to really using it, and it is rebooting itself as I start a session of MW2, and Dirt2. It also has this same behavior if I was surfing the net.

I call AW tech, and as the tech guy logged in thru the pc-anywhere tool the system did the same just rebooted.

Not sure I really want to deal with the whole process of returning it I dealt with a similar issue with my M1330 not happy right now, and not sure I want to replace it I may just get a refund. Not blaming anyone AW, or Dell - things happen but I wanted to get a stable working system and this leaves me with some trepidation as to what my next move is.

Oh well……