Alienware m17x lights are not working

Hello, today my m17x turn the lights were not working. I formatted and reinstalled the drivers again but it did not work. Try several fix like this:

but not works.. Screen:

http://i34.tinypic.com/smt4lc.jpg

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=398081

 

Thanks.. but i have the problem with all lights

 

Does any app from command center work?

 

1. Uninstall Command Center via the Programs & Features Control Panel.
2. Reboot
3. Install the current version of Command Center (v2.0.10)
4. After install, shutdown the system - do not reboot
5. Power on the system

If AlienFX is still no go and the lights are all out after powering up the system from the previous shutdown, create a new Theme in AlienFX (open Command Center -> enter AlienFX -> close the current theme -> create a new theme).

If you are still dead in the water, its time to call Dell and have them troubleshoot/dispatch a tech.

 

Sounds like the FX controller on the board is shot.
When you install the new command centre it should flash the firmware of the FX board. If that doesn't work, then contact Dell

 

Try powering off, unplugging AC/Power. Then hold down power button for 5-10 seconds then plug the two back in and start up. That's what did it for me.

 

Tri making a nother user and see what happins that's. What worked for me

 

When I open the Command Center, tells me "The theme could not be opened", And I can not edit the lights.

I can not enable Alienware AlienFX events.. "There was an error while AlienFX Controller was communicating with the computer. This might have been caused due to a problem with the hardware or the software."

Before having this problem, I had installed the "Command Center Lite" but I installed the "Command Center full" having installed the Lite

Not works, thanks.


Sorry for my english. thanks

 

Hi franfk,
I would suggest restoring you computer again and giving it another try (keeping in mind that the full version of command center includes fusion and sense). Although it isn't entirely impossible that the fx controller could have misflashed (or gotten damaged), it is highly unlikely. If all else fails, please call Dell/Alienware support. I haven't located the fx controller personally, but I'm thinking that it's most likely located on the keyboard.

Edit: Does you keyboard operate ok? If not, you might want to try reseating the cable.

Thanks,
Gabe

 

The keyboard works perfect. Now I'm going to reformat and install the latest command center.

Thanks.

 

Hi franfk, I have the same problem as you (after updating the Command Center), let me know if you manage to fix it somehow.

Thanks,
Ido.

 

The FXController is on-board the motherboard. It is not on the keyboard and if it fails it will require a motherboard swap.

I understand you cannot enable AlienFX, but did you try the process I posted? I was in the same exact situation as you are reporting here and it worked for me. I was at the end of the rope and almost ready to call dell to have them replace the motherboard - so I know what you are saying... its quite frustrating.

Give it another try.

 

Hi BatBoy,
Thanks for the info regarding the FX Controller. I have official access to all documentation regarding the M17X. However, none of it actually states the location of the FX Controller. I figured it had to be in one of two places... the keyboard or the motherboard.

Thanks,
Gabe

 

Well, I'm still at a loss.

I made a factory restore with AlienRespawn (note that I have the latest BIOS version). Got the same error message "cannot connect etc.".

I removed CC, and decided to also remove Nero as per BatBoy's blog post about the COM SURROGATE problem, which I haven't done yet, but decided to give it a try since CC's uninstall program complained the "COM SURROGATE" was running and needed to be closed in order to complete the uninstall.

After uninstalling both CC and Nero and rebooting, I used CCleaner to fix registry issues, and also the Nero cleaner BatBoy linked in his blog.

I rebooted, and installed the new CC. Note that I did not bother updating any of the other drivers.

There was one thing different with the install of CC this time, as it asked me which model my computer is, something that did not happen any of the million times I did that before.

Anyway I installed, shut down the computer, powered it back on - no lights.

This time, however, at least if I'm not mistaken, I didn't get the "cannot connect" error, but when I open AlienFX Editor, I get a "cannot open theme" error message. I enter basic mode, and click on New Theme, but the program doesn't show me anything! No zones, no colors, no nothing.

Don't know what to do, this is really annoying. Is suicide an option?

 

Yeah Gabe, I'm aware of that. I cannot seem to locate it and will continue searching, however when I had run into this issue and initially figured I had axed the BIOS update for the FXController I found an online source which stated it was not on a 'card' but part of the motherboard. I will continue to search and if I can find it will post the source here...

 

same thing happens to me. A disgrace.

 

I'm thinking of trying to following route but not sure if I should:

1. Revert from BIOS version A02 to A01.
2. Reinstall Vista from the DVD instead of using AlienRespawn.
3. Install drivers from the drivers CD.
4. Start updating drivers in the order recommended by Dell.

Any thoughts? Is reverting the BIOS version safe?

 

Did you try making a new basic theme after installing the updated CC?

 

I tried everything. And I mean everything, except the stuff I didn't try.

Anyway, I decided to call Dell. They set a remote connection to my computer, tried removing, reinstalling, etc., didn't work. After an hour and a half the rep said she'd try to find out with the lab if there are any other options, but it took too long and I had to go so I had no choice but to hang up. I wonder how much this call's gonna cost me (I live in Israel).

Well, I'm at a dead end right now, seems like I'm gonna have to go on without the lights 'cause I sure as hell can't send this thing to any lab.

 

It's on the mainboard. I just had my mainboard exchanged on the M17X and the keyboard lights were all factory default red and Command Center had problems displaying the theme correctly until I reinstalled it which flashed the FX controller with the latest firmware (I had them set to a light blue previously).

 

Any solution? i cant call dell (in Argentina Dell does not respond.)

 

It requires a new part, so you've no other choice but to get in contact with Dell

 

Same problem here.
Apparently the command center setup program failed the alienfx bios update.
It's really boring because I received the m17x as a replamecemt for my faulty xps1730, and after 10 days it stopped to work properly.

 

Actually i think the FX control board is located in the screen assembly, probally with the alien head. When i disassembled my system to upgrade to a BD-RE drive i didnt fully reattach the video ribbon and the FX lights no longer worked. Of course my screen was black too which is not the problem you are describing.

 

Hi guys, I bought an alienware m17x and today it arrived in Italy. There is a problem with alienfx since I booted it up the first time, I tried to update drivers, the osd and command center but still It doesnt work.It seems as if alienfx is dead. Please Im in depserate need of help and you guys are the only that can help me.

 

I have.. a solution for you... i have the same problem.. and my solution was.. call alienware support team... they connect via internet to my m17x.. and they do they their test... and was the ALIEN FX board.... have and error... the system dont reconized it... and when the system its starting it shows and usb error... well.. after 4 hour talking with they on the phone they admin that was the motherboard.... so they will send me the motherboard the keyboard and the touchpad... to change the bad parts... im from venezuela.... the will send me the parts and a tech to install it... so... rigth now.. im waiting the parts.... something i have to admit.. they are very fast with the support..... so... call alienware... and they will send the parts and some person to install it... only if they admit that was a hardware problem that happens when u install a bad drivers or anything else.. sorry for my bad english.... im learning.. so.. i will post a reply when they install my parts.. and i will let u know if it works...

 

yeapppppppp that was my solution... they have to put other system board.. and the lights are ON now.. =)... and they send all the parts to venezuela... just call alienware support... and talk with they...

 

Hmmm i have another solution.... Format Ur PC... Erase Al OS.... Install the original VISTA CD that came with ur m17x... then isntal the os... and install all the drivers that came with the m17x and the last program u will install its the command center... but install the comand center that came with de m17x in the cd... then u can upgrade with the new one on the dell support.... the resource cd... that works for me too.. with other m17x of a friend.. without system board replacement... try it and tell what happend....

 

As a last resort, you may want to try this program to set the lights:

http://3d.benjamin-thaut.de/Files/fi...nfx-setter.zip

made by Ingrater.

 

Question are you getting the command center from Alienware or Dell? There is one for a m17x that will not work with the M17x. Check the dell site

 

The CC of the M17x... i choose alienware laptop... the new M17x.. =)... but my problem was solved when they replace the system board..

 

link was cut - full link?

 

http://stuff.benjamin-thaut.de/alienfx-leds-tester.zip

hope it works now...

 

I just spent 2 hours on the phone with tech support. Found out it must be the controller on the motherboard. Someone is supposed to come out and replace the entire motherboard in next day or two.

 

My motherboard is being replaced too...but to fix a graphics flickering issue in crossfire mode.

 

Well, the guy came today. He says he replaced the motherboard. But it still doesn't work. I called Dell Support again; they say they will have someone "research this" and call back next week.

Overall, have now spent 8 hours... uggghhh...

Anyway, a couple observations. This all started after installing Command Center (I had done a clean install) and I notice at least one other poster saying something similar. I had no doubt in my mind that what happened is that something flashed wrong. This is reinforced by that before, when updating I would see a pop-up that says something like: "Updating from version 1.xxx to 1.yyy" and now it just says "Updating from version 0 to version 0" which I find odd.

However, I am now really confused since I would expect this to fix when they replaced the board if the above idea is on the right track.

So, my other thought is that some hardware is conflicting. But this is something that I don't know how to investigate or fix.

 

I got the same dark times before....

Installed cc again and again called tech service lot of time bec. problem with shuttering ..., left GPU fan..., last Alien FX gone....they could not help me because my 4 months old m17x is "not under warranty" ???? than i get angryand and told i would have send that laptop back for refund took me a week and lot of manager to get them my system board replaced "by myself" because the engeneer i get had no idea how to take it apart funy