Area-51 m15x Touch Panel Issue, Very frustrating

Hey again,

I have an annoying problem with my m15x touch panel (the one on top of the keyboard that controls Sound Volume, Bluetooth & Wireless ON/OFF, Command Center and Stealth Mode)

All the buttons are non-responsive, which means I can't turn wireless on (is there a way to turn it on some other way?). The Sound Volume control sort of works, but as soon as I take my finger off it, it starts turning itself down (it doesn't do that when I turn it up using the mouse).

I thought it could be a bit of dust stuck somewhere beneath the surface, but it feels more like a program error. Any ideas, help, troubleshooting would be greatly appreciated! I've attached my Tasks: looks messy...

Thanks very much guys, I know someone must have had the same problem. If I have to manually clean underneath the 'hood', can anyone point me out to a guide on how to do it safely?

 

There is a thread about the touch controls messing up I've seen it but I can't link it since I'm on my phone but try google because I know it's a known issue

 

try re-installing the OSD from the Dell download site and ensure it installs in your root directory
I find the controls to be imprecise and try to avoid touching them as much as possible
I have been unable to find a way to turn the wireless on or off other than the touch controls

 

Also make sure the .exe is enabled to run at startup. I was having the same type of issues, then found it was disabled in msconfig for some reason (probably me accidentally unchecking it).

 

For a non-responsive touchstrip - prior to reinstalling drivers, try the solution which has worked on the M17x -

1. Power off the laptop
2. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the rear of the laptop
3. Remove the Battery
4. Depress and hold the power button for a 20-count
5. Re-attach the battery, plug the AC Adapter back in and power up.

If its still dead, then go with the driver reinstall. If still dead, contact Dell Support.

 

Mike.Skull,

That was a VERY common issue with the Area51-m15x due to how the ribbon cable connects... Usually reseating the touch panel cable will fix it. Had it happen to mine a few times.

The instructions are here:

http://4help.alienware.com/cgi-bin/...mNoX3RleHQ9bTE1eCB0b3VjaA**&p_li=&p_topview=1

The connection is located under the keyboard. As long as you have a padded surface to work on, you should be fine. The process takes about 20-25 minutes.

 

Thanks for the tip, I'm gonna try to get inside the keyboard tomorrow and clean up a bit.

Wish me luck