Weird Alienware Bios Issue

Hi. I just recently received a refurbished Alienware m15x laptop from Dell as a replacement and I've been running into a strange problem.

Whenever I start up my computer I notice the boot screen that lets you enter the bios isn't displaying, and the only thing that loads up is Windows. But before that the whole screen is black.

I've called about it and they were thinking it could be the video card. I got it replaced and I saw the Alien head once more, but then after rebooting it was gone again. I then called again and ended up getting my motherboard replaced and the head appeared just once yet again and never came back. I've even tried flashing the bios before and it had the same result.

I am really dumbfounded by this issue and have no clue why this is happening. If it would be possible I hope that someone can help me out.

Thanks.

 

Are you running windows 7-64bit???

 

Yup, I am.

 

What key do you use to get to the bios on the M15x? Have you tried pressing it while the screen is black to see if anything happens? I know sometimes you can disable the startup/load screen through the bios. IDK I'm just thinking out loud.

 

Well before when I pressed F2 while it was black I heard a beep. I'm going to assume that it entered the bios, although I still couldn't see anything, it was still all black.

To throw it out there also, I have never messed with the bios settings ever.

 

That's very strange. Well keep bugging Dell about it and eventually they'll just offer you a brand new replacement.

 

I've already tried talking to them and I've wasted too much of my time already. The supervisor said according to their policy they wouldn't be able to give me a replacement. He said I could send it in for testing but then I'd be stuck without a computer and that's just too inconvenient.

I hate Dell with passion, I seriously do. This is not even close to being the first problem I've experienced because of their defective products. They are a very bad company.

Normally I stick to customs but I wanted to try out a laptop and so this is what I get.

I'm hoping that someone in the forums will know more about this issue, but thanks to everyone who has helped me so far.

 

Nah, don't listen to what they have to say. If you are really at the end of your patience, escalate the problem to [email protected]. It's not his email but it gets the attention of higher ups who actually want to help.

 

Ok, thank you, I will try that.

 

Yeah never be afraid or frustrated with a company, they will cave eventually. You are the customer and you are always right.

 

Yup do call the dell service rep. But what I suggest is ensure that the laptop is on the laptop display and is not on "multi-display" mode FN F6 or something similar, then try out.

Honestly it should not have these types of problems but no harm.

 

Well, I have seen a similar issue so it might help you.

When I used linux hibernate function, I would get exactly the same thing when I started up the pc. I get a blank screen until linux starts booting. So maybe something is wrong with shutting down the machine? (especially since it always disappears after a replacement)

Did you try to reinstall W7? or Try to get a Ubuntu live cd and perform a shutdown from there. Its a really long shot, but maybe that'll help

 

No reply yet from Michael@Dell.

To throw it out there again, everything is basically all black until Windows Login appears suddenly. I cannot see anything boot, nor windows loading.

 

Might be wrong but it could be the video refresh rate during post is out of the range the LCD can display. I have seen bios release note for a few machines that have mentioned this symptom. Try booting with an external monitor connected, press the screen adjustment controls and if your lucky the monitor will display refresh rate and resolution info.