Alienware R4 Command Centre/ALX issues.

Recent error message:

"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.Try these solutions to correct the issue, in the following order:

- Try to enable AlienFX Controller again. Right-click on the AlienFX icon in the Windows notification area and select 'Enable Alienware AlienFX'.

- Shut down your computer and power it back on.

If neither of these solutions works, please contact Alienware technical support.

This error may also be caused if Alienware AlienFX software is installed on a computer without the proper hardware support for Alienware AlienFX."

1. I have run Dell Diagnostics (I believe its ePSA) on the BIOS (A07 i believe) and it shows no problems and all the tests are passed. 2. However on the list of devices I cannot see MIO board listed, is that normal?

1. If the MIO-Board is not detected (and therefore not tested) then NO ... all tests are not passed because some are missing.

2. No

Call phone support. Tell them about the above tests and results. Also, about other strange MIO-Board problems in Windows. I would think they will come replace your MIO-Board and then clean install Command Center.

http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/p/19454040/20128296.aspx#20128296

I don't think I would include this one:

4) On a full shutdown some of the AlienFX lighting remains on when they shouldn't.

I think all the Aurora R4s do that. Has something to do with how the R4s are wired to detect their power state.

I will run another diagnostic later and take a photo of the results. I find it odd how its so sporadic, surely something is broken or it is not...?

I didn't want to spend hours on the phone to phone support but looks like I will have to now. Don't expect problems from a new build so not very impressed.

I find it odd how its so sporadic, surely something is broken or it is not...?

Yes, I think so. Either the MIO-Board is flakey or something is intermittently preventing communication between MIO and motherboard.

It should detect (and allow to be tested) outside of Windows (in Dell Diags) 100% of the time. At that point, Windows (and Command Center and drivers) are completely removed from equation, so it almost has to be a hardware problem.

Just got off the phone with tech support, explained the problems as outlined above, explained that I believed it was a hardware problem. I was then made to do all the test which i'd already done to then be told that I was right in the first place and that it probably was an issue with the MIO board and that an engineer would be spent to replace it. Interestingly they said that the MIO board would NOT show up in Dell Diagnostics as a device...

1. an issue with the MIO board and that an engineer would be spent to replace it.   2. Interestingly they said that the MIO board would NOT show up in Dell Diagnostics as a device...

1. Good

2. I can tell you this:

The downloaded (AW1382A0.EXE) used to create a bootable CD is: "Hardware Diagnostics v 1382.1"

"System Test/Custom Test" tests everything (all normal PC parts) including MIO-Board, Lights, Fans, etc. on my Alienware Aurora R1.

---

Now, if you are running different Diagnostic software, or the Aurora R4 is different in some major way (which I doubt) then you will get different results.

Maybe a Power-User with a working Aurora R4 can verify.

MIO board replaced, was fine for a day, booted up this afternoon and old issues seemed to have returned...!

I will do, it will have to wait until Monday/Tuesday now though as I believe they don't operate phone support over the weekend? Im slightly concerned the problem could be made worse if they come and pull out more bits though.

I have tried the "power dissipation fix" more times than I care to remember, it temporarily fixes the problem but as I explained to phone support the problem returns after another boot or two. If it only happened a few times a year I would probably not be bothered at all.

Is this command centre issue, whatever it is, going to harm my PC, or is it simply not showing the correct information?

MIO board replaced, was fine for a day, booted up this afternoon and old issues seemed to have returned...!

I've just noticed my media card reader was missing, checking alienautopsy revealed that the hardware "removed" the day the engineer came to "fix" my PC, so he's obviously disconnected something, things just keep getting better and better...

I've just noticed my media card reader was missing, checking alienautopsy revealed that the hardware "removed" the day the engineer came to "fix" my PC, so he's obviously disconnected something, things just keep getting better and better...

Found the loose connection so I've sorted that problem.

I also have this same problem and cannot contact Dell via phone (our hours collide and cannot be worked out so far). First the horrible 680 SLI drama, now I have a 104C processor while gaming. No working lights, thermal sensors, etc. Nothing has solved it. I clean installed just to be sure and have tested every version of AWCC and I am sure it was caused from a bad AWCC update. Wonderful. Do I have to just install a new refurbished Dell Part because that is unacceptable. I paid 3500USD for this Top of the Line Computer and I expect my warranty to be honored with a whole new unit now that this was has severely overheated.

JD Sanders,

Our apologies for the issues you are facing. However, a "whole new unit" is out of the question. The purchased warranty specifies that you are entitled to at most a like for like refurbished system exchange. But first, we must troubleshoot with you and replace parts to try to correct the issues before a refurbished system is even considered. You should contact Alienware support at this email address: AWCC-Resolution_experts@Dell.com

Provide to them the following information -
Email Address:
Name:
Shipping Address:
Phone number:
Computer Service Tag Number:
Issues in detail: