audio has a mind of it's own

Huh. I would like to have it reinstalled - I like those nice icons showing what I'm doing with touch buttons, but in my case reinstallation doesn't helped. After that flickering returns - tried few times , that's why I left it uninstalled. Anyway, now I can listen some music

K.

 

Pardon my ignorance but what is CC?

 

How can you tell which version of OSD you have?

 

flash the BIOS to version X36, that should fix it.
it's an issue with the sensitivity of the touch sensitive board, this bios update should fix it.
if that doesnt fix it, it should be sent for repairs.

 

Command Center, I'm using .17 version from MyHive.

Latest, .20, from MyHive

I'm on x36.

Too late for me. Warranty just passed (two days ago). I'm one of the "early adopters", my m15 has over 1 year now. Thanks for help, seems I have to wait for new OSD, that's all. I can live without it, now touch control board is fully stable when loading battery.

cheers

K.

 

On my first m15x they did replace that part and it still had same symptons, hence why I finally had them rebuild me one.

 

Wow. did this topic just die or what?

 

Seems so. Right now I'm using my m15 without battery - that solved my two problems - LOL. Kidding.
Volume slider stopped those crazy things after reinstallation OSD ( I don't remember, I've done this 3-5 times, and after last attempt it worked). In fact I removed battery to prevent discharging (yea...I'm boring telling that so many times in different places - but this is ridiculous when notebook is taking power in off mode. Sorry.)

cheers

K.

 

I had the same experience as kitir. Right now my m15x runs with stable audio with the battery left ajar (not in all the way).

 

Yeah...

It would be nice if Alienware would acknowledge this issue and offer a fix.

I'm now back to square one... New Command Center, new battery, new Multimedia board and still have the crazy flashing.

If I remove and reseat the battery things work correctly for several days and then back to flashing.

Anyone else make any progress in tracking down the cause and a fix?

- Denver

 

In my case I'm playing Call of Duty 4 on my M17 and occasionally the audio will get massively choppy and the frame rate drops severely to match. I initially though it might have been the Windows indexing service (which I disabled), but it continues to happen. Plausibly it happens usually when my ping spikes, so perhaps I should ask if those that also play COD4 experience similar. Sounds as if the game is readjusting itself for the ping conditions, but if this is the case it's doing it in a very odd manner.

Both my ATI cards are active and do not seem to be overheating (I have the laptop raised on an inactive CryoLX cooler). Thinking it was a graphic driver issue, I updated to E-Wrecks newest modded driver, but the problem continues to happen.

Are there any tips anyone could recommend that will help me get to the root of the problem faster?

Thanks,

- F

 

In my case leaving the battery slightly pulled out solves my erratic volume problem. (No blinking of the slider)

 

I actually had this issue too but it ceased somehow after a while. Wish I could help more.

 

I think I solved my ugly stuttering audio and massive framerate slowdown issues.

I disabled the Windows Update, Restore Point and Windows Indexing services. Also since I have only 2GB RAM, I force my machine's swap space to roughly 3GB. Haven't had a problem since.

- F

 

I think you might be speaking about a different issue Flashback but I'm glad you managed to find a workaround for the issue you've been experiencing.

 

Oceanus.. Steps 1-3 were already done by tech support with me the other night. However he did not have me check disk so I performed 4 and 5 tonight with nothing positive to return to you. Also something new has occurred as my system has went into hibernation twice on its own while I was working on lt. This is sooooo disappointing! I've had system less than a week. I wish someone could explain to me how this was allowed to ship. I dont know... maybe they check strictly with ac hooked and not without. Im not certain but seems to be something related to batteries. I dont think its a software issue anymore but you guys would know more than me. I guess the return is gonna happen and hopefully they can fix. I dont want to give up yet. I like too much!!!
THANKS TO YOU AND RGAUCHEY for trying to steer me in right direction! I will continue to monitor and see how things go for you guys and will update my status.

 

It looks like this whole mess could be solved with an adjustment to the bios. Quanta ODM's several other notebooks with touch controls which do not exhibit this wackyness.

Does anyone happen to have access to the old MultiMedia Board Bios? Since they were able to turn-up the sensitivity with v41, surely they have a way to turn it back down?

I'm really suprised that more users aren't as concerned about this issue as we are.... It seems to be fairly common.

- Denver

 

It's not as common as you think it is. Only a handful of people have experienced this issue and even then, some of them have managed to resolve the issue. This issue in particular is peculiar, because even though I've managed to fix it for myself (several times, in fact), I was never able to pinpoint exactly where it was coming from (and so far, neither have others.)

Your idea is a possibility. From my own understanding, the X34 BIOS comes with the v41 Multimedia Board BIOS. If X36 came with a new Multimedia Board BIOS update, then that would explain why I haven't had it in awhile. The last time I've experienced the issue was in October-- which was around the same time the X36 came out. (If there is anyone who still experiences the issue and would like to try this out, please go ahead and update to BIOS X36 and see if that addresses the problem.)

In the meantime, the only information that seems consistent is that when it does happen, you can temporarily stop it from happening by either taking out the battery (and use the notebook off of pure AC power) or have the battery charged to 100% before using it on AC power. The volume slider seems to flicker only when the battery is charging while it's on AC power.

 

Oceanus,

Actually, in my case, I'm wondering if the changes to the MultiMedia Board with BIOS X34 and X36 are the cause.

My machine shipped out-of-the-box with X36 and MMB Bios v41. I've been plagued with the flashing since day one.

From what I've read, one of the purposes of the v41 update was to increase the sensitivity of the touch controls. From the appearance of things, now they're too sensitive.

Surely if they could turn it up, they can turn it down some?

From everything I've read, this problem was totally unheard of prior to the release of X34.

Since I didn't really follow Alienware much before around October I didn't know if they released any updates to that crazy board before then.

- Denver

 

The v41 MMB BIOS is fairly old, I would say. I'm not too sure if I know of any previous versions of the BIOS for the Multimedia Board.

 

If it's NOT an uncommon problem then I must be the unluckiest dude in the world to have gotten two in a row. Chances of that have got to be high, right?

 

It's a recurring issue, sure. Hell, even I had it at least 3 times, but I think you've had to have had it at least once before it starts occurring again. There might be something I'm missing here.

If it was a common issue, I think we'd hear a lot more frustrated users complaining about the issue. I mean, the issue in itself is really annoying, is it not?

 

I'm using x32 now and am having no problem. The problem started for me with x36.

 

Guys,

Made an interesting discovery this afternoon... One of our HP notebooks here at work was having issues and I took some time to pick the tech's brain...

Apparently HP is having exactly the same issue with one of their Quanta ODM'd notebooks (the new DV5 series).

He said that there is some speculation there that the cause of the problem is non-discharged static electricity accumulating above the slider causing it to go whacky. They also did a BIOS update of sorts to deal with low sensitivity and the issue became rampant after that.

I'm wondering if something as simple as cleaning the slider/touch control area with an antistatic cleaner could put this issue to rest once and for all. I mentioned that to the tech and he admitted that they never thought of that but it makes sense that it should work or at least help.

I'm planning on visiting our local Fry's after work to see what they have available for static control.

What do you think?

- Denver

 

I did polish mine with spray car wax. Might be about the time the problem went away.

 

grauchey,

Just out of curiosity, what spray wax did you use? (It might be worth seeing if anti-static ingredients are in the formula).... Interesting

 

Guys,

Interesting update...

Purchased DustOff Anti-Static Monitor Wipes and wiped down the entire palmrest area, touch controls, etc.

I then dried the area with a soft towel sprayed with Static Guard.

Let everything dry and fired up... absolutely no flickering, flashing, etc. Everything, at least for now, is working like it should.

I don't know how long this 'fix' will continue to work. I'm going to play around testing it this week and will follow up with my results. It would be awsome if this turns out to be a viable long-term fix.

If this does indeed prove out, my theory is that the plastic-on-plastic contact between the bottom of the screen and the touch controls coupled with the cloth sleeve Alienware provides causes the area to become slightly charged causing it to freak out.

However, only time will tell if I'm on the right track or not, but nevertheless this is just as good of theory as any. I'd imagine that most users probably are using the storage sleeve.

I'll let you know how it goes.

- Denver

 

Thanks Denver. Keep us updated.

 

I used "ICE" car wax because it leaves no powder residue.

 

rgauchey,

I've contacted Turtle Wax and requested a full MSDS from their chemicals department to see what's actually in this particular product.

I'll let you know what I find out.

So far, my 'anti-static' fix seems to be working... I'm crossing my fingers that this problem continues to remain gone. The weekend will be the real test... I plan on attending two LAN parties

That's normally when it drives me nuts and becomes a major 'buzz kill'.

I'll provide updates as this experiment progresses.

- Denver

 

An Update....

Just hear back from the folks at Turtle Wax and had a nice chat with one of their technical representatives.

ICE Spray Detailer does contain an antistatic polymer, in addition to silicone and wax components, to resist the static attraction of dust.

Therefore, I'm not even more encouraged that we're on the right track.

- Denver

 

I think you're on to something. I just read the lable and it says resists dust. Must be antistatic.

 

Guys,

I'm happy to report that we're definitely onto something...

For the first time in 3.5 months I've been able to actually enjoy a LAN party with my m15x! Just shortly after power on, the volume slider blinked once... The rest of the time it was 100% stable.

When I got back home, I again cleaned the touch control area again with the anti-static wipes. I also cleaned the screen frame (where the Alienware logo is) - I didn't wipe it down before. For the rest of the evening and now this morning everything is completely stable.

I'm going to see how this plays out for another week, but it looks like static is definitely the cause of the problem or this is some freaky coincidence.

rgauchey, just to confirm, the 'wax' you used was Turtle Wax ICE spray detailer... correct? If you could double-check the label that would be fantastic... (Just wanted to make absolutely sure which formula you used since they have several under the ICE name). I want to run out and pickup a bottle and see if that is more effective than the wipes.

- Denver

 

I just noticed today that my laptop has the same problem, I'm looking into buying some anti static wipes today.

 

Yes..........Turtle wax ICE spray detailer. The new 'puter maintainence tool.

 

way to go solveing computer problems with duct tape and turtle wax for years to come

 

Sounds crazy, I know, but it appears to be working... Another LAN party this weekend to see how it goes.

Hell, if standing on my head and waiving a dead chicken worked it would be worth a try.... Of all the computer problems I've ever dealt with this has to be one of the most annoying!


- Denver

 

I just bought the wipes, a generic brand from Staples.

And now, my m15x doesn't have this problem at all. The ONLY time it seems to act up now is for about 30 seconds after I disconnect the wall power and it switches to battery. Only then does it the volume mess up, after that thirty seconds then absolutely no problems at all.

Probably the wierdest computer fix I've ever done.

 

I will now wax mine on a weekly basis. I received the bottle of "ICE" at Christmas, used it on what was close by, and that's when my problem stopped.

 

EscapingJail,

Glad it appears to be working for you as well...

After a new board, new battery, new AC adapter, uninstalling/reinstalling I had hit my limit. It was just a total coincidence that the HP tech and I got into a conversation about 'quality' which led to my crazy idea.

For me, the wipes took two applications followed with drying by a static free cloth (sprayed with Static Guard) to totally kill the problem.

Thanks to rgauchey, I have a bottle of ICE detailer in my desk in case it ends up coming back to see if it provides more of a permanent fix.

I plan on another round of gaming this weekend and will update everyone.

- Denver

 

Guys,

After two entire weeks without the audio problem I've taken the extra step of 'waxing' my notebook with ICE as rgauchey did.

I'm happy to report the wierd flickering and randow volume changes appear to be completely gone and have stayed that way.

I'll continue to provide updates should the situation change, but I think we now have a confirmed solution for this strange and very annoying problem that's plagued several users - myself included.

- Denver

 

I bought the Dust-Off anti-static wipes, have applied a few times, but to no avail. It seems to have worked for you guys. Maybe I'm cleaning it wrong or have different cause of the problem. Should I be thinking about sending my system back? Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

parteej12,

Try this...

1) Make sure the AC Adapter and Battery are removed.
2) Press and hold down the power button for about 20 seconds. (This step is to help discharge any residual static or power in the internal electronics and force everything to reset.)
3) Wipe the touch controls (all of them) and the black strip just below the display that has the lighted Alienware logo.
4) Either allow to air dry or spray a soft cloth with Static Guard (available at the grocery story in the laundry isle) and dry it off.
5) After everything is dry reinstall your battery and AC adapter and give it a try.

- Denver

 

Thanks for responding. I tried what you said, but it came back the way it does every time. I have noticed though that dosen't occur when alienfx is in "go dark" mode. So this must mean its tied in with CC or Alienfx right?

 

parteej12,

Do you have the problem before Windows loads?

An easy test to try is to boot your notebook into the BIOS setup screen. Once there, keep on an eye on your volume slider for 5-10 minutes. Does it start blinking?

If so, the cause is either static electricity or you actually have a bad LED board.

However, if you don't have blinking unless you boot into Windows, you may have some corruption with your OSD driver or Command Center itself and need to reinstall them. (Oceanus has very detailed instructions located on the first few pages of this thread.)

In my case, I originally had a bad board. After it was replaced, the problem continued but wasn't as severe. That's when I began to research other options and discovered that static causes a similar issue. Getting a bad board replaced with another bad board seemed a little far fetched.

- Denver

 

I get the problem before Windows boots up. Thanks for the idea. Since I think if static was the only problem I would have fixed it by now, I'm going to get Alienware to replace my LED board. Thanks for the help.

 

Hello all, recently received my m15x with this problem, it normally only occurs when the AC is plugged in, and different color settings effect it. Yesterday i tried the anti-static wipes and the problem appeared to be gone but after 6/7 hours it returned. An example of color is if i set it to purple it will blink every couple of seconds and on blue/red every 10-30, this is really irritating for me because when i spend £1800 (about $2500) on a laptop i expect it to work.

i wonder how this kind of thing can go unnoticed through "200 tests"

 

I have found that when charging the volume slider moves on it's own. Plugged into AC everything is fine unless I set the color white. Any other color is fine.

 

ive done a little test and it seems that is exactly what happens with mine too. Unplugged volume is fine, plugged in when charging it changes, plugged in full charged stable again.

 

Guys,

This is a known issue...

The Roswell Crew (before they were disbanned) determined that it was motherboard issue. The only permanent fix is - unfortunately - motherboard replacement.

Roswell was replacing motherboards for individuals experiencing this issue.
I'd highly recommend you contact technical support to arrange for service.

Please review this thread... It explains the history of this problem and what those of us who were working with directly with Roswell discovered:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=363930

- Denver