Really annoying problems

I've had my m11x for a few weeks now and some problems have cropped up:

1. When Im playing a game off steam, if i change the brightness using the FN keys along the top, it minimizes the game, the UI appears notifiying me of the brightness change. But then, i can't get the game back up. I have to close the game by constanly clicking it to get it to crash and shut down itself.

2. When Ive had the laptop on, if i shut it and open it again, sometimes the lighting just switches off altogether. This is really annoying especially because I use this laptop at night a lot and I cant see the keys.

3. The part of the charger which lights up has started to pull out, revealing the thre wires inside the charger. I treat this charger like any other charger, i don't yank it or anything, it did that because of normal use.
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Am I just being fussy? Do other people get these problems? Its just that with my old packard bell, I never had these problems, it lasted me a few good years.
I did try to email dell, but their site won't let me. And I don't want to call them, im kind of self conscious about talking to random strangers :S

 

I don't have any of those problems with my R3.

But for the power adapter, I don't think that would bother me too much. I would either call and tell Dell to replace it, or just superglue it back together. I wouldn't be surprised if the adhesive was almost out when that adapter went through assembly.

 

Can you try changing your brightness/volume while playing a game and tell me what happens? Can you get back onto the game? Does it even minimize the game for you?
I thought its on every machine and an error when alienware coded the UI, if its just mine, maybe i should try and call them...

 

Nope, I don't have any of those issues. I can adust the brightness and volume as much as I want to.

 

What about while playing a game? Does the game minimise or does the overlay stay on top of the game?

 

IRRC if you disable the alienware command center, it no longer does this...

 

It doesn't overlay or minimize, it stays running the entire time with no issues at all. And I don't have to disable anything. And this is playing games off steam as well. Borderlands, Portal, Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress etc.. Also games that I have that are not on steam, like Starcraft, Starcraft 2, Warcraft 3, Rift, World of Warcraft, Eve

 

Whitrzac, I really shouldn't have to though should I?

Oakley1261, so this must mean its a problem with my computers software?
Before anyone says anything, Ive tried reinstalling windows, restarting command centre but it still does this. Do you think this will be an issue dell will address? Its a right pain trying to play games, change volume and have to purposely crash the game.

 

Ya know, I'm sorry but you might want to re-think this. you want this resolved and have active warranty coverage, I suggest you call NOW before you fry that system and possibly yourself.

As for the bightness item, download the current Alienware OSD app for your system (I have no idea if its a R1, R2 or R3 since you didn't specify). Current OSD should correct this.

 

I might, but is this a problem they will actually deal with? Thats the second thing im afraid of....
At the moment I just want to get as many people to see if they have this issue, at the moment it looks like a fault.

 

No, the power adapter item you mention is not common. At least I dont recall multiple folks posting about this (and I would since I'm here everyday). Will support replace the adapter under warranty - depends. You need to call them and discuss it. Not going to be resolved by chatting or email or posting here. Support may question if the damage to the cable is/was caused by improper use - I dont know. You need to call them.


As for the other 2 items you describe, I am almost positive there are steps you should be researching/doing first. Check the support site - make sure you have the current OSD, Command Center and BIOS installed. Might also want to confirm you are on the current video driver. In your case, might want to stick with the dell provided drivers...

 

I wasn't intending to get it resolved here, I wanted to see if they were actually problems. After I did the reinstallation and tested it, I went to the dell site and basically downloaded all the latest stuff of whatever I could find. But the problem(s) still persisted.

I could probably live with the keyboard sometimes malfunctioning, but minimising games and not letting me get them back? I can't stand that. im an avid gamer and if I want to hear the game better or see it easier, I should be able to without problems.

Just to clarify, I've tried rebooting system, reinstalling induvidual games, reinstalling windows, reinstalling drivers, command centre etc
Any other steps you suggest before I contact them?

EDIT: With the charger, I treated like any normal charger. It is never stretched or yanked or treated with disrespect. Over the last month is slowly became loose and then came out.

 

None.
Give them a call. You have coverage, you should use it.

 

Just tell them you are having issues playing games and using the laptop. Tell them you attempted to re-install all of your software, and it does the same thing. They may just send you a new one.

But I would try updating all of the software first and make sure everything is up to date.

What do you have anyway, R1, R2 or R3?

 

I have the R2.
By the state of this device, it would be nice to get money back instead of a new one. But I doubt they'll even think about dealing with the problem

 

I have a thing about talking to people on the phone too. Why don't you use the Dell IM tech support chat thingie? Ive used it several times for friends warranty jobs and for my Vostro. Had no probs with it at all. Not needed to use it for the alienware though (touch wood).
As for your OSD problem: I don't think dell will sort that. I'm guessing its a config error somewhere. As others have said, download the latest command centre and try that.

 

If you get over your phobia of calling, you'll get it addressed. It is very easy to get a replacement system from Dell if you demand one and are still under warranty. I have done it multiple times.

If you are very young, have a parent or other adult help you (no offense - you could be 11 for all I know).

Edit: satchmobob has a good point. Try Alienware Chat if you really don't want to call. I believe someone on here even got a replacement by just emailing them.

 

Ive tried their chat, but they ALWAYS say to call, they are no help at all
I can't email them either because it refuses to install the profile thing so they can get device details.
Im 15, and I still have this phobia of talkign to strangers. Even if im at a restaurant, I HATE going to the bar to get more drinks.

Do dell only do replacement systems? Or do they offer refund aswell?

EDIT: Well, if they did a replacement, you could just not open it and resell it?

 

Yeah you can sell it if you want. Imagine you'd get pretty good money for a brand new unopened R2 since they don't sell them new anymore. But hey they may even upgrade you to an R3 if they have no more R2s for replacement.

Refunds they will do too, but if you are not getting a new system at the same time, then they usually charge a restocking fee, something like 15% of total cost?

Returning Dell? Products | Dell

Yeah I understand; I used to feel the same way about people at your age. Then you get old and grumpy and don't care anymore

 

I guess I could get a new one and sell it on. And Im not sure if I want to take my chances with another alienware ANyway, I have experience, the alienware charger is horrendous If they do a restocking fee, just get a new device, maybe even the r3 and sell it in the original packaging and everything.
Anyway, it would be nice to sell it and get something with a cd drive. I've had combat evolved on my shelf for years, but my old lappy couldn't run it and the m11x has no disk drive. If im able to get the money back for it, im colnsidering getting the new ENVY 14 with beats audio.

 

you said Im 15, and I still have this phobia of talkign to strangers. Even if im at a restaurant, I HATE going to the bar to get more drinks.

If you can get drinks at a bar at 15 I have faith that you can get a new laptop... Go for it, give them hell

 

you need to configure alienfx. if you unplug your m11x there is a feature called "go dark" on battery. disable that. then, you want to completely end all the command center processes. you dont even need command center. iv never had it installed on mine.

 

Spydweb, when im eating out with my parents, they expect me to get anotehr lemonade myself, but i hate talking to the people behind the bar :S

Ajslay, I like having the command centre, but I wish it would work properly.

Anyway, my parents are discouraging me from trying to return it so im not sure if ill bother. Im not even sure if they'll count it as a proper fault.

 

Xeno, you have your answer and a path to resolve your issues.

You can either contact support via phone or look at any of the other suggestions posed here (revisit driver installs/system configuration or sell it).

At this point, I am closing this thread. Medical conditions and/or advice are not permitted topics on NBR.